Zambia
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Gerard, Virginia, Lauren, Oliver & Natalie from Australia travelled to South Africa and Zambia
Hi Rob, just writing to say thank you for once again organising a fantastic African adventure for our family. At Kakuli Bush camp we were met by the very happy and friendly manager and staff. The camp was great. We loved the remoteness, the family tent/chalet, the peacefulness, the walking and the interaction with staff. The fun really began on our first night drive and didn’t stop for our entire stay – leopard vs baboon, the noise of the baboons was deafening and watching them chase the leopard was incredible. The leopard won eventually. We saw two different packs of wild dog (one lot happily munching away on their kill), leopards galore, lions, a huge buffalo herd, giraffe, zebra, hyena, elephant and the list goes on. We all absolutely loved this camp, the staff, the food and especially Julius and Kamisa who were not only great guides but wonderful company. Although sad to leave Kakuli we were looking forward to different adventures at Chongwe River Camp in the Lower Zambezi NP. You were right about the flight in – the sight of the massive Zambezi River was breathtaking. The Albida suite was roomy, private and had a great outlook onto the Zambezi River. The sunset cruise was lovely and started with a sighting of several young male lions lying in the sun on the high river bank. The canoe trip was another outstanding highlight – so peaceful despite the large crocs on the banks and hippos in the water. We enjoyed our stay here very much but found it a bit more “business like” than the more relaxed Kakuli. Thanks again for all your help and advice. I don’t think I’m done with Africa yet so look forward to organising another great trip in the future.
Zambia
When to Travel & Seasons
Zambia Seasons, Climate And Weather – When To Safari In Zambia
Zambia has very obvious wet and dry seasons which have a huge influence on game-viewing. The dry season is from April to October, with the rains falling from November through to March.
Game-viewing conditions from April to early June can be challenging, with the grasses still long and the trees in leaf (neither of which are ideal for walking). The conditions are better from late June through to October, when grasses and foliage have withered, dropped or been eaten, and animals are reliant on permanent water sources. From August onwards (the height of the dry season) the landscape can look very harsh, but game-viewing is superb. Migrant birds tend to start arriving in August. Late October/November brings the onset of the rainy season, often with heavy storms, and whilst game-viewing can still be good, conditions can deteriorate very quickly.
During the rains (December to March), most safari areas are either closed, or offer significantly reduced game-viewing experiences. However, birding is exceptionally good at this time of year and boating safaris are available once the Luangwa is in full flood. If you travel at this time, you are likely to enjoy a very exclusive safari and some fantastic birding, as well as a bit of rain!
There are various regional considerations to be aware of. In the South Luangwa Valley, game-viewing roads are unlikely to be ‘graded’ until early June, making driving less comfortable and more restricted earlier in the season.
In Kafue National Park, the Busanga Plains (arguably the best area of Kafue to visit) are usually only accessible by vehicle from mid July onwards, when water levels have dropped enough, whilst the Lower Zambezi has a slightly longer season and can comfortably be visited from April though to November (though June to October is still best).
The Bangwuelu Swamps flood after the rains, from March through to June, allowing much better access to view the rare shoebill.
November and December also offer more specialist wildlife viewing opportunities with the fruit bat migration taking place in Kasanka each November and Africa’s second greatest wildebeest migration taking place on the Luiwa Plains through November and December.
Victoria Falls can be seen in full flood during and after the rains, usually from March through to June. Viewing the raging torrent on foot at this time of year can be a rather ‘wet’ affair, and access to Livingstone Island (in the heart of the falls) is not possible. Views from the air are spectacular. From July onwards the water levels drop allowing safe access to Livingstone Island. From September to December, with lower water-levels, the full extent of the 1.7kms wide waterfall is more visible.
Temperature-wise, it is temperate (not too hot or cold) in April, May and late August/ early September. The mid-winter months from June through to late August are lovely and fresh, with clear sunny days but very cold evenings and early mornings. From late September onwards, temperatures rise significantly and it can get extremely hot during the day (up to 40C), remaining warm in the evenings. Following the onset of the rains in November, the summer months are usually slightly cooler (still in the top 30’s) but can be humid, particularly along the rivers.