When is the best time to visit Zambia?
Read our advice on the best time to visit Zambia for a family safari holiday
Seasonal Family Safaris in Zambia
June to October is the prime time for Zambia safari holidays, with dry, sunny days perfect for game-viewing. Wildlife gathers around waterholes, offering spectacular sightings of elephants, lions, and leopards, while Kafue National Park opens for exceptional experiences as floodwaters recede. April, May, and November serve as the Shoulder Season, providing value-packed safaris as landscapes transition, with opportunities for walking safaris and increasing wildlife interactions. December to March sees sharp afternoon showers which clear the heat, offering budget-friendly options for family safaris. Camps focus on boat safaris and incredible bird watching experiences at this time of year.
June - October
Zambia at its best
The dry winter months herald the ideal time for Zambia safari holidays, with warm, sunny days and clear skies making for optimal game-viewing.
With minimal rainfall, wildlife congregates around waterholes, creating spectacular opportunities for viewing elephants, lions, and leopards in their natural habitats.
As the floodwaters recede in the Busanga Plains, Kafue National Park opens its doors, welcoming families to enjoy unmatched game-viewing experiences as predators take advantage of the concentrated herds.
By late August, the low water levels at Victoria Falls means that the full range of thrilling activities are on offer, with white-water rafting being particularly good at this time of year.
April, May and November
Visiting during the Shoulder Season offers families a chance to experience Zambia’s landscapes as they transition between wet and dry seasons and families can benefit from some of the best value safaris to be found anywhere in Africa.
After a long rainy season, the drier months of April and May thin out the bush, bringing out large herds of elephants and big cats looking for increasingly scarce water sources. Walking safaris also become possible in the South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi.
November brings heavy rain and high temperatures, but experienced safari-goers can still enjoy boat safaris down the Luangwa River and Victoria Falls continues to offer an amazing array of activities.
December - March
The green season offers budget-conscious families fantastic value, with lower lodge rates and the chance to experience the parks with fewer visitors.
Heavy rain showers in the afternoon help to clear the heat and the flooded plains dotted with islands of high ground are a spectacular contrast to the landscapes found during the dry season.
The main camps in the South Luangwa stay open and focus their activities on boat safaris along the swollen Luangwa channels. And those who do make the effort to travel at this time of year are rewarded by the incredible birding on offer, with 400 or more species present in the park at any one time.
Water levels at Victoria Falls peak in March, making a particularly spectacular sight for flights arriving into Livingstone. However, activities that rely on lower water levels such as white-water rafting will not be available.
Experiences
Unforgettable Zambia family safari experiences
Add some magic to your Zambia family safari holiday by including some of our favourite experiences.
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Why travel with Coral Tree?
We are the specialists in luxury Africa family safari holidays
We are Africa experts and also parents. We understand what makes a memorable family adventure.
Our knowledge and connections are unsurpassed
We have been living and working in African tourism for over two decades.
Every journey is tailored with your specific wishes in mind
No off-the-shelf packages or cookie-cutter itineraries. Unique family safaris.
Each trip funds grassroots conservation and girls education projects
You pay no more for the privilege, we support causes close to our hearts.
