About Anabezi Luxury Tented Camp
The new Anabezi Luxury Tented Camp, which opened in 2014, is built on the foundations of the old Ana Tree Camp.
Located in the remote, eastern end of the Lower Zambezi National Park, Anabezi is set a small distance back from the confluence of the Zambezi and Mushia rivers, overlooking an open floodplain and an area of riverine forest that attracts a lot of game in the dry season.
Anabezi Luxury Tented Camp offers high levels of comfort and understated luxury. The atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious – the owners and managers like to refer to it as ‘casual’ – and that’s certainly the feeling we had. The large suites are well-appointed and manage to be stylish without being too flash. If you are looking for high levels of luxury, excellent guiding and good game viewing, then Anabezi makes an excellent option.
Our view
Anabezi Luxury Tented Camp offers high levels of comfort and understated luxury. The atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious – the owners and managers like to refer to it as ‘casual’ – and that’s certainly the feeling we had. The large suites are well-appointed and manage to be stylish without being too flash. If you are looking for high levels of luxury, excellent guiding and good game viewing, then Anabezi makes an excellent option.
Zambia expert
Accommodation
12 tented suites
Children
Best for aged 12+
Open
15 Apr - 15 Nov
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Canoeing
Fishing
Guided walking safari
Night drive
Traveller reviews of Anabezi Luxury Tented Camp
22 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the safaris. See our 112 pictures and 2 videos of Anabezi Luxury Camp to get the candid view.
View galleryAnabezi Luxury Tented Camp: Our full report
The new Anabezi Luxury Tented Camp, which opened in 2014, is built on the foundations of the old Ana Tree Camp.
Located in the remote, eastern end of the Lower Zambezi National Park, Anabezi is set a small distance back from the confluence of the Zambezi and Mushia rivers, overlooking an open floodplain and an area of riverine forest that attracts a lot of game in the dry season.
We stayed at Anabezi most recently in June 2017, and it was only by staying there that we realized just how much it had changed. Our first visit had been in October 2014, shortly after it had opened. Then the camp was new – just as its owners were new to running a camp like this – and the idea was for the camp to be ‘split’ into two separate, but adjacent, sections: Anabezi and Little Anabezi. Now everything has bedded in, it’s all more established and now these two sections have been sensibly and naturally united into one: Anabezi Luxury Tented Camp – and it’s looking fabulous!
The entire camp is built on raised timber decks and walkways, perched on top of a bank with superb views and the Zambezi escarpment as a backdrop.
From the moment you arrive at Anabezi, there is a feeling of luxury and comfort. As you climb out of the 4WD vehicle onto a wooden walkway, you’re welcomed by friendly faces and handed a refreshing cloth – then step into the lodge and you’re greeted by lovely open views across the floodplains to the river in the distance.
Anabezi's main area is under a large canvas roof propped up by felled tree trunks, with a stick wall at the back and completely open to the front. There are a few separate lounge areas with plenty of comfortable couches and chairs, a bar and a couple of dining room tables all arranged around the central water feature. The large wooden Zambezi Deck wraps around the front with more individual dining tables and canvas directors' chairs, all shaded by canvas sails suspended from the trees. There is also a small campfire where guests can gather for post-dinner drinks and coffee. Step off to the side onto a rolling green lawn with a crystal-clear swimming pool and sunloungers.
For guests wanting a slightly more intimate feel and a change of scenery during the day, there is the completely separate Mushika Deck on the opposite side of camp. Under a canvas roof with open sides all around, you’ll find a small lounge, a well-stocked bar, a tea and coffee station with a cappuccino machine, and a dining area, all with uninterrupted views across the floodplain. In winter it’s a dry riverbed but there is a waterhole which is pumped and that attracts game in the dry season. There is also a second swimming pool here, with a few sunloungers and a lovely green lawn that is great for children wanting to run around.
Close to the main area is a curio shop stocked with safari clothing, locally hand-made jewellery and a variety of African souvenirs.
Anabezi has 12 tented suites, one of which is a family suite, all linked to the main area by very long timber walkways with railings, elevated above irrigated grass – which the warthogs love grazing during the day, and the hippos at night. The huge suites are made from canvas stretched over metal frames, which can creek a little during a windy night, but are much more substantial than 'tents'.
Semi-circular in design, each suite is entered from the back, revealing a spacious, open-plan room with polished wooden floors, dark wooden furniture and a neutral décor of creams, white and beige and floor-to-ceiling glass doors. Broadly divided into three, it has the bathroom in the middle, flanked by a sitting area and the bedroom – with a second bathroom outside.
The sitting area, with a comfortable sofa and coffee table, has a free-standing fan next to a teak cabinet and writing desk: a very relaxing spot to sit in the afternoon with a drink from the minibar, or for an early-morning cup of tea before our game drive.
The bedroom has a very comfortable king-size bed, or two doubles, with built-in reading lights, all beneath a large mosquito net and a ceiling fan. To one side are a luggage rack, a dressing table with hairdryer and international plug points, and an open wardrobe where you'll find some very soft bathrobes and slippers.
The bathroom is enclosed by a canvas wall which is just above head-height, with a curtain for a door. Along with a basin and toilet, there’s a modern clawfoot bath here. The indoor bathroom doesn’t offer much privacy for friends who are travelling together, but a second, open-air bathroom has a separate toilet and shower and offers a bit more privacy.
In front of the bedroom and sitting area, large sliding doors with aluminum frames and very fine gauze (to keep out unwanted visitors!) lead out onto a private balcony with a very pleasant view of the surrounding landscape. Each suite has its own plunge pool and sunloungers – a fantastic spot to watch the wildlife around camp. During one afternoon on our first visit we watched buffalo, elephant, fighting male impala, and even a leopard killing a baboon just in front of our suite!
The family suite is ideal for families travelling with two children, with a second, smaller bedroom on the opposite side of the outside deck. This has two smaller single beds beneath mosquito nets, and its own outdoor bathroom with a shower, basin and toilet. As you have to walk outside across the deck to get to your children, some parents may prefer younger children to share a room with them.
Anabezi's location is one of the best in the Lower Zambezi National Park. It stands in an isolated spot at the eastern end of the park, which has good game, and shares its game viewing area with only two other much smaller camps. A glance at the satellite map will show you that the Zambezi escarpment at this point is further away from the river than anywhere further west in the park, meaning there is more space on the valley floor for productive game viewing. We were impressed by the variety of wildlife that we saw during our activities on two separate trips.
Anabezi offers a range of flexible land and river-based activities, with a very high standard of guiding. On our first visit, we were able to experience all the land-based options, including walking safaris, and day and night drives in open 4WDs. No matter what we pointed out to our guide – animals, plants, dung, rocks – he was able to tell us about it, and explain what role it played in the Zambezi ecosystem. We also asked some of the other guides about the birdlife around camp and the history of the area, and were very impressed with their knowledge. On our most recent visit we enjoyed both day and night drives with some lovely lion sightings and the most waterbuck we’ve ever witnessed.
On the river, you can paddle yourself on short canoe trips, or relax and watch the wildlife while the current and your guide take you downstream. You can also try your hand at tigerfishing; trying to catch these large predatory fish can be a thrill, even for a novice. Do note, though, that fishing is on a strict catch-and-release basis, as it takes place within the national park.
Geographics
- Location
- Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia
- Ideal length of stay
- At least three nights, although many visitors to the area prefer a little longer to take advantage of the variety of activities on offer.
- Directions
- After a scheduled flight of approximately 35 minutes from Lusaka to Jeki Airstrip, the transfer to camp takes around one hour. Alternatively you can charter a private plane into Anabezi’s private airstrip, which is much closer to camp, not far from Anabezi’s smaller sister camp, Amanzi.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- When we visited Anabezi Luxury Tented Camp in both October 2014 and June 2017, the food was of an excellent standard. They are able to cater for vegetarians and other dietary requirements with some advance notice.
Your morning wake-up call at around 5.30am or 6.00am, depending on the time of year, is followed by a substantial breakfast on the Zambezi Deck with a selection of cereal, fresh fruit and yoghurt laid out neatly in the dining area. A breakfast menu offers a range of dishes to order, from oatmeal porridge, to pancakes, waffles, French toast, breakfast burritos, smoked salmon and a full fry-up.
A neatly laid-out buffet lunch is served at around midday. We enjoyed roast chicken and beef, freshly baked garlic bread, a green salad and broccoli salad.
Afternoon tea, served at 3.30pm before the afternoon activity, is a chance to have a cup of tea or coffee and a slice of freshly baked cake. We enjoyed a very tasty banana loaf.
Dinner is a three-course meal served at around 8.00pm, with a set menu that includes a choice of two starters, three mains and two desserts; they’ll take your order before you head out on your afternoon activity. In June 2017, we had a choice of Caprese stack or cream of mushroom soup to start, then either a creamy salmon or vegetable filo parcel, or the Anabezi pizza chicken specialty with creamed spinach and butternut squash, or a chilli and potato stack with roasted squash and peppered mushrooms. Dessert was a choice of coconut and lime panna cotta with berry jus, or a seasonal fruit platter. - Dining style
- Mixture of group dining and individual tables
- Dining locations
- Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Not available – they don’t want to encourage monkeys and baboons in the rooms.
- Drinks included
- Soft drinks, house wine and local spirits are included, but fine wines, champagne and imported spirits and liqueurs are charged as extras.
Special interests
- Solo safaris
- Anabezi Luxury Tented Camp doesn’t charge a single-room supplement, making it a more affordable option for solo travellers in Zambia than some other camps. Dining is at individual tables, but the friendly team make you feel most welcome and you can choose to dine with a member of staff.
- See ideas for Solo safaris in Zambia
- Honeymoons
- Anabezi’s team are very good at making their guests feel special. The tented suites have a soft, romantic feel and an indoor bath with views towards the river, a private outdoor shower and a plunge pool. Enjoy excellent guiding, delicious food and private dining on your honeymoon in Zambia.
- See ideas for Honeymoons in Zambia
- Birdwatching
- Anabezi's wildlife-rich location and knowledgeable guides make it a great camp for birdwatching in Zambia. Birds can be seen from drives, walks and canoes. Our best sightings have included goliath herons, paradise flycatcher, black-headed and African golden oriole, Pels-fishing owl, African green pigeon and numerous African fish eagles.
- See ideas for Birdwatching in Zambia
- Walking safaris
- Forested areas along the riverbank, isolation from other camps in the Lower Zambezi, and excellent guides make Anabezi a fantastic camp for walking safaris in Zambia. High densities of wildlife make for great game viewing on foot.
- See ideas for Walking safaris in Zambia
- Wildlife safaris
- Anabezi is in an area with one of the highest densities of game and birdlife in the Lower Zambezi, making it a great spot for wildlife safaris in Zambia. Wildlife viewing during activities and from camp are both excellent.
- See ideas for Wildlife safaris in Zambia
- Luxury
- Anabezi offers high levels of luxury in a game-rich area of the Lower Zambezi National Park. Tented chalets give the feel of being immersed in the wilderness, whilst the added luxuries of comfortable lounge areas and private plunge pools create a perfect opportunity to relax.
- See ideas for Luxury in Zambia
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Anabezi’s age limit for children is 12 years, but younger children from eight years of age may be accepted if they are mature, and at the camp's discretion. In accordance with park rules children under 12 are not allowed on walks or canoe trips.
- Property’s age restrictions
- Generally 12 and older; minimum eight.
- Special activities & services
- The camp gives children a junior guide book to help identify animals tracks, insects, dung etc.
- Equipment
- Anabezi has a dedicated two-bedroom family suite. Alternatively, an extra bed can be added to a standard suite, so one child can share with two adults.
- Generally recommended for children
- We would recommend Anabezi for sensible, mature children who are interested in wildlife and will understand the full safety implications of being in an area with dangerous big game.
- Notes
- Although there are raised walkways, animals do roam freely through the camp at any time of day. They often have leopards on the walkway and elephants grazing in between the suites. Anabezi also has two unfenced swimming pools and all the rooms have their own private plunge pool. Children must be supervised by parents at all times.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Anabezi Luxury Camp
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Anabezi Luxury Tented Camp have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
64% success
57% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- The camp is 90% solar powered, but a generator is used for the pool filter and hot water, and there is an inverter for back up.
There are UK and European plug points in each of the suites and power for lights 24 hours a day. Camera batteries can be charged in all the suites, and there are hairdryers too. - Communications
- There are no telephones and cellphone reception is very intermittent. WiFi is available in the main areas of the camp. The lodge has a satellite phone in case of emergencies.
- TV & radio
- None
- Water supply
- Other
- Water supply notes
- Water is pumped from the Zambezi River and then filtered. Showers and bathtubs are plumbed in with hot and cold running water, and there are flushing toilets.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- All the guides are first-aid trained and can take care of minor injuries and health issues. For serious emergencies Anabezi has links with a flying doctor service.
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- Nightwatchmen patrol the camp, and there are foghorns in the suites to raise the alarm in case of emergency.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers in each suite and around the camp, and multiple water sources and hoses.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Canoeing
Fishing
Guided walking safari
Night drive
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- A complimentary laundry service is included, but for cultural reasons this does not include ladies' underwear; soap is provided in the suites for this. Clothes are taken in the morning, machine-washed, air-dried, and usually returned by nightfall.
- Money
- There is an electronic safe in each suite. No exchange facilities are provided.
- Accepted payment on location
- Payments for any extras may be made by credit card, or in cash using US dollars, GB pounds, euros, South African rand or Zambian kwacha.
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Anabezi Luxury Tented Camp's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Anabezi Luxury Camp.
Other lodges in Lower Zambezi National Park
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Old Mondoro Bushcamp
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Chongwe River Camp
A blend of the stylish and traditional in a most picturesque site in the Zambezi Valley, Chongwe River Camp offers an excellent safari experience and real value for money.
Chiawa Camp
One of Zambia's top safari camps, Chiawa is family owned and run, offering superb service and a flexible approach from a location well inside the Lower Zambezi National Park.
Sausage Tree Camp
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Potato Bush Camp
Potato Bush is located right in the heart of the Lower Zambezi National Park, with privately guided activities taking you on game drives, walks, boat trips and canoeing.
Amanzi
Opened in 2015, Amanzi is an intimate and rustic yet luxury camp in a very quiet area of the Lower Zambezi, with plenty of wildlife and good birding.
Kutali Camp
Kutali Camp offers the opportunity to experience the wilderness of Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park, in this simple tented camp located on Kulefu Island.
Chongwe River House
Chongwe River House is a stylish four-bedroom house designed for the exclusive use of families and small groups, affording the ultimate in flexibility on safari.
Chula Island Camp
Chula Island Camp offers the opportunity to experience the wilderness of Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park, in this simple fly-camp located in a natal mahogany grove on a small island on the Zambezi River.
Lolebezi
A chic safari spot, luxurious Lolelbezi is the Lower Zambezi’s newest camp and offers a mix of walking, canoeing and game drives led by excellent guides.
Royal Zambezi Lodge
This family-friendly lodge is located just on the outskirts of the Lower Zambezi National Park, in a great location overlooking the river.
When to go to Lower Zambezi National Park
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Anabezi Luxury Camp in Lower Zambezi National Park
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Lower Zambezi National Park in January
At the peak of Lower Zambezi's green season, expect heavy rainfall for a few hours on many days with sunny spells in between. Temperatures remain high, reaching over 30°C/86°F with high humidity. The landscape is lush and green, but wildlife disperses, making game viewing challenging. The thick vegetation limits walking safaris. However, this is an excellent time for birdwatching as migrant species boost the park's bird count.
Many camps close during this period, but those remaining open offer their lowest rates. The Zambezi River swells, creating spectacular scenes along its banks. Boat safaris can be particularly rewarding, offering chances to spot hippos, crocodiles, and various waterbirds. Despite the challenges, the park's beauty during this wet season is undeniable, with vibrant colours and dramatic skies.
- Peak of rainy season, hot and humid
- Most camps closed, limited accessibility
- Lush green landscape, great for photography
- Dispersed wildlife, challenging game viewing
- Lowest visitor numbers, cheapest rates
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in January
Lower Zambezi National Park in February
February remains in the heart of the green season in Lower Zambezi National Park. Dramatic thunderstorms deliver a few hours of rain most days, interspersed with clear sunny skies.
The abundance of water disperses game, making wildlife viewing more challenging. However, the swollen Zambezi River allows for unique boat safaris, offering close encounters with hippos and crocodiles. Birdwatching is excellent, with many migratory species present. The lush vegetation creates a picturesque backdrop for photography.
While game drives may be less productive, canoeing trips can be particularly rewarding, allowing quiet approaches to wildlife along the riverbanks. The few camps that remain open charge their lowest rates, providing an opportunity for budget-conscious travellers to experience the park's wet season beauty.
- Continued rainy season, hot and humid
- Many camps still closed, limited options
- Green landscape, photographic opportunities
- Difficult game viewing due to thick vegetation
- Low visitor numbers, affordable rates
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in February
Lower Zambezi National Park in March
March marks the last month of the green season in the Lower Zambezi. Heavy downpours still occur most days, with water levels at their highest. Temperatures reach over 30°C/86°F, with high humidity.
While many camps remain closed, those few remaining open offer unique wet season experiences. Boat safaris are particularly exciting, with the swollen Zambezi River providing extended exploration areas. Wildlife sightings may be sporadic, but many animals are raising young, offering heartwarming scenes.
Predators like lions and wild dogs are active, taking advantage of vulnerable prey. The lush, green landscape and clear air create stunning photographic opportunities. Birdwatching remains excellent as thousands of birds prepare for their winter migration. Despite challenges, March offers a different perspective of the park's ecosystem.
- Late rainy season, occasional showers
- A few camps begin to reopen
- Landscape still green, good for photography
- Improved wildlife viewing as vegetation thins
- Few visitors; rates for camps low
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in March
Lower Zambezi National Park in April
As the rains transition to lighter, sporadic showers, April marks a period of change in Lower Zambezi National Park. The landscape remains exceptionally green and lush. While larger wildlife viewing may be sparse, this is an excellent time for birding enthusiasts.
The Zambezi River is at its highest, creating spectacular scenes along its banks. Boat safaris offer unique perspectives of the flooded landscape. As camps slowly start to reopen, visitors can enjoy lower off-season rates. The park's famous canoe safaris become increasingly viable as water levels stabilise.
Night game drives can be particularly rewarding, offering chances to spot nocturnal animals like civets and genets. April's transitional nature provides a blend of wet and dry season experiences.
- End of rainy season, drier conditions
- More camps open, better accessibility
- Landscape transitioning, good for photos
- Improved game viewing, animals more visible
- Visitor numbers rise, rates remain low
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in April
Lower Zambezi National Park in May
May typically marks the start of the dry season in the Lower Zambezi. While there's a chance of an odd shower, most days are clear and sunny. As winter approaches, daytime temperatures reach highs of around 26°C/79°F. The landscape begins to dry out, improving access throughout the park.
Most camps reopen, offering a wider range of accommodation options. Game viewing improves significantly as animals start to congregate around permanent water sources. Boat safaris on the Zambezi River become increasingly popular, offering close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species.
Walking safaris resume, providing intimate wildlife experiences. May's pleasant weather and improved game viewing make it an excellent time to visit, with some camps still offering shoulder season rates.
- Start of dry season, cooler temperatures
- Most camps open, full range of activities
- Landscape drying, clearer wildlife sightings
- Excellent time for walking safaris
- Visitor numbers increase, rates go up
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in May
Lower Zambezi National Park in June
The Lower Zambezi sees virtually no rainfall in June, with sunny days predominating. Humidity drops dramatically, and temperatures range from 10°C/50°F at night to 25°C/77°F during the day. The landscape remains relatively lush, but vegetation starts to thin, significantly improving game viewing.
All camps in the park are open, some offering shoulder-season rates. The Zambezi River's water levels begin to recede, concentrating wildlife along its banks. This is an excellent time for canoe safaris, offering unique perspectives of the park's ecosystem.
Game drives become increasingly productive, with higher chances of spotting predators like lions and leopards. June's pleasant temperatures and improved wildlife sightings make it a popular month for visitors.
- Dry season, cool days and cold nights
- All camps open, peak activity options
- Improved wildlife viewing around water sources
- Prime time for walking safaris and game drives
- High season begins, increased rates
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in June
Lower Zambezi National Park in July
As the dry season continues in Lower Zambezi National Park, vegetation thins and water becomes scarcer. Wildlife is starting to cluster around major water sources, particularly the Zambezi River, leading to excellent game viewing opportunities.
July marks the heart of winter, with daytime temperatures in the 20s Celsius / 70s Fahrenheit but dropping to single digits at night. Early morning and late evening game drives can be very chilly, with camps often providing blankets and hot water bottles.
This is prime time for walking safaris, offering exciting wildlife encounters. Canoe trips on the Zambezi River are particularly rewarding, with high chances of spotting elephants coming to drink. Visitor numbers increase, and properties charge peak season rates.
- Peak dry season, clear skies
- Excellent game viewing, especially near river
- Popular time for canoe and boat safaris
- Night drives offer nocturnal wildlife sightings
- Peak season, highest rates and visitor numbers
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in July
Lower Zambezi National Park in August
August in the Lower Zambezi offers excellent game viewing as wildlife congregates around remaining water sources. With virtually no chance of rain, sunny days are almost guaranteed. Temperatures can drop below 5°C/41°F at night but climb to the 20s Celsius / 70s Fahrenheit during the day.
The thinned vegetation provides clear views of animals, making this one of the best months for photography. Boat safaris on the Zambezi River offer close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and elephants. Tiger fishing is at its peak, attracting anglers from around the world.
Walking safaris provide thrilling up-close wildlife experiences. This is one of the most popular months to visit, with camps charging their highest rates and often fully booked well in advance.
- Very dry, animals concentrate near water
- Outstanding wildlife viewing opportunities
- Ideal for photography and walking safaris
- Zambezi River cruises highly recommended
- Peak season continues, advance booking needed
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Lower Zambezi National Park in September
September is one of the best times to visit Lower Zambezi National Park for wildlife enthusiasts. Rain is almost unheard of, humidity is low, and daytime temperatures climb to the low 30s Celsius / high 80s Fahrenheit.
Water is scarce, concentrating wildlife around the Zambezi River and remaining water holes. Game viewing is at its peak, with high chances of seeing predator-prey interactions. Elephant herds are frequently spotted crossing the river.
Canoe safaris offer thrilling close encounters with wildlife. Night game drives provide opportunities to spot nocturnal animals like leopards and genets. Birdwatching remains excellent, with many species nesting. However, this popularity comes at a price: camps charge their highest rates and are often fully booked far in advance.
- Hot days, warm nights, very dry
- Excellent month for wildlife viewing
- Zambezi River at its lowest, great for canoeing
- Increased elephant sightings near water
- High season, camps can be fully booked
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Lower Zambezi National Park in October
October marks the peak of the dry season in the Lower Zambezi. Away from the Zambezi, the national park is brown and barren, with little ground-level vegetation. Temperatures can be uncomfortably hot, often exceeding 40°C/104°F during the day.
Despite the heat, this is considered the best month for game viewing. The scarcity of water forces animals to congregate around the main river, leading to frequent wildlife sightings and predator-prey interactions.
Boat safaris offer relief from the heat and excellent opportunities to observe elephants, hippos, and crocodiles. Walking safaris may be challenging due to the heat but provide thrilling wildlife encounters. October is prime time for spotting large predators like lions and leopards.
- Hottest month, animals congregate at river
- Peak time for wildlife viewing and photography
- Excellent for boat safaris and fishing
- Chance to see elephants crossing the river
- End of high season, some rate reductions
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
Lower Zambezi National Park in November
November typically marks the end of the dry season in the Lower Zambezi. While the timing of rains is uncertain, temperatures remain high and humidity builds.
Early November may still offer excellent game viewing, with animals concentrated around water sources. As the month progresses, the arrival of rains leads to rapid vegetation growth and wildlife dispersal. This transition period can be fascinating to witness. The initial rains bring relief to the parched landscape, with new growth attracting grazing animals.
Birdwatching improves as migratory species arrive in the valley. While some remote camps close, those that remain open significantly drop their rates. November offers a unique opportunity to experience both dry and wet season aspects of the park.
- Start of rainy season, occasional showers
- Wildlife disperses as water becomes available
- Good birding as migratory species arrive
- Lush landscapes return, photography improves
- Shoulder season, lower rates and fewer visitors
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Lower Zambezi National Park in December
December marks the start of the green season in the Lower Zambezi National Park. Heavy thunderstorms occur most days, interspersed with sunny spells. Temperatures reach over 30°C/86°F with high humidity.
The rainfall brings abundant water to the landscape, encouraging lush vegetation growth. While game viewing becomes more challenging due to the thick bush and dispersed wildlife, this is an excellent time for birdwatching. Migratory birds arrive, boosting the species count. Boat safaris on the swollen Zambezi River offer unique perspectives of the flooded landscape.
Many camps close for the season, but those remaining open charge their lowest rates. Despite the challenges, December offers a green and vibrant aspect of the park, with dramatic skies and fewer visitors.
- Rainy season in full swing, hot and humid
- Some camps close, limited accessibility
- Newborn animals, great for bird watching
- Challenging game viewing, but lush scenery
- Low season, cheapest rates, fewer tourists
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in December
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