South Luangwa National Park in eastern Zambia is one of Africa's great safari parks, but what you see depends a lot on when you go. Here is our honest, month-by-month guide to the best time to visit South Luangwa, written from Mfuwe, right on the edge of the park.
The short answer
For classic game viewing, come in the dry season, June to October. The bush thins out, animals gather along the Luangwa River and leopards are easier to find. For lush scenery, newborn animals, birdlife and lower prices, the green season, November to April, is quieter and beautiful, but fewer camps are open and some roads close.
South Luangwa month by month
April and May: end of the rains
The park is still green and the light is soft. Many lodges reopen, birding is excellent and you share sightings with very few vehicles. Grass is long, so game viewing takes a little more patience.
June and July: cool, dry and the start of walking season
Mornings and evenings are cool, so pack a warm fleece. Remote bush camps reopen and the walking safari season gets going. Wildlife starts to concentrate near water as the bush dries.
August: prime time, and busy
Excellent all-round game viewing with comfortable temperatures. It is one of the most popular months, so book lodges early.
September: carmine bee-eaters and big concentrations
Thousands of carmine bee-eaters nest in the riverbanks and animals crowd the remaining water. A favourite month for photographers and for walking safaris.
October: hot and spectacular
Temperatures can reach around 40°C, but the game viewing is outstanding as everything comes to the river. Plan rest time at the lodge pool during the midday heat.
November: the first rains
The green season begins. Bush camps close, impala and other antelope start giving birth, and migrant birds arrive. A good month for value and drama.
December to March: the Emerald Season
Lush, quiet and very green, with afternoon storms. Only some lodges stay open and some roads become impassable, but birders and photographers love it, and rates are at their lowest.
Best time for walking safaris
South Luangwa is famous as the birthplace of the walking safari. Walking runs mainly from June to October, when the ground is dry and the bush camps are open. Read more about our South Luangwa walking safaris.
Best time for leopards
Leopards are seen all year, especially on night drives, but sightings are usually easiest from July to October when the vegetation is thin. See our leopard tracking safaris.
Plan your dates with a local
We live in Mfuwe and can match you with lodges that are open on your dates and fit your budget. We are now taking bookings for 2027. Request your safari dates or message us on WhatsApp.
