Northern Zambia
Northern Zambia
History, culture, stunning scenery and extraordinary wildlife spectacles come together in the north to create a kaleidoscope of experiences.
Though there are animals aplenty in both parks and private reserves, this is no safari area. Indeed, it’s not on the radar of most visitors at all. But that, of course, makes the treasures of the north all the more enticing.
Let’s start with the shoebill, a prehistoric-looking bird still holding on in the isolated Bangweulu Wetlands, whose mixed papyrus swamps are essential to its survival. Equally at home here is the endemic black lechwe, thousands of which congregate on the surrounding plains.
Looking skyward, feast your eyes on the fruit bats at Kasanka National Park, whose annual migration – towards the end of the year – numbers in the millions. Clamber up to the tree-top hide at dawn, and you could be rewarded with a sighting of a sitatunga, too; Africa’s shyest antelope is very much at home here, as are any number of rare birds.
History buffs should seek out the Livingstone Memorial, near Chitambo, where David Livingstone’s heart was buried. Here, as in many villages in the north, the traditional ways still hold fast and your presence is likely to evoke an open – yet courteous – curiosity.
For a unique and compelling glimpse into the country’s colonial past, Shiwa Ng’andu is a must. A full-on English manor house in an exceptionally picturesque setting, it has been lovingly restored by descendants of its post-World War I founder, Sir Stuart Gore-Browne, and to stay here is truly a privilege.
Rather more rustic is Mutinondo Wilderness; the name says it all. To explore this private reserve alone (or with a guide if you prefer) is to discover some of the natural beauty of the north: undulating grasslands interwoven with sparkling rivers that tumble over granite whalebacks.
Need we go on?
Safaris visiting Northern Zambia
Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you
Fruit Bat Safari
6 days • 2 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
Offering a highly specialised experienced, this safari uses two simple bases for access to South Luangwa and Kasanka National Parks. Visit between October and December when you will witness the world’s largest mammalian migration of millions of fruit bats.
US$5,220 - US$6,080 per person
Most recent reviews of our safaris to Northern Zambia
Click below to browse all 39 reviews from Northern Zambia. All from our travellers; all are in full & unedited.
Arrived 1 Aug 2024, 22 nights
"My Aug 2024 trip"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 17 Jun 2022, 13 nights
"Zambia - Luangwa's, Shoebill and Lower Zam"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 10 Jun 2022, 12 nights
"My Africa 2022 trip"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 19 May 2022, 16 nights
"Zambia May 2022 trip"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 4 Jun 2021, 20 nights
"Zambia June 2021"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 21 Oct 2020, 22 nights
"Our trip to Zambia."
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 7 Jan 2019, 16 nights
"Zambia and Zimbabwe safari"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 30 Aug 2017, 15 nights
"Another great holiday in Zambia"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 5 Sep 2017, 16 nights
"Zambia 2017"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 19 Aug 2017, 20 nights
"Zambian bush walking at its best"
Overall rating: Excellent
Where to stay in Northern Zambia
Our suggestions for safari camps in Northern Zambia
Shiwa Ng'andu
The Old Manor House at Shiwa Ng’andu is a fascinating cultural and historic stopover, either before, after or during a safari.
Wasa Lodge
Wasa Lodge offers easy access to Kasanka National Park, best visited in November and December to see the millions of fruit bats that arrive in the area.
Shoebill Island Camp
Shoebill Island Camp stands on the southern edge of the Bangweulu Wetlands. It's a remote spot, and a very simple camp - but if you want to see Shoebills then it is one of the best places in Africa.
Mutinondo Wilderness
Visiting Mutinondo Wilderness near Mpika in northern Zambia - the accommodation, wildlife, birds and animals
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings in Northern Zambia
This is their success for sightings in Northern Zambia. Click on a species for more detail. How we work this out.
100% success
67% success
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17% success
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When to go to Northern Zambia
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Northern Zambia in Zambia
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Zambia in January
At the peak of Zambia’s rainy season, you can expect heavy rainfall for a few hours most days, with sunny spells in between. Temperatures remain high, reaching over 30ºC, with high humidity. The rainfall is yet to make a significant difference to the Victoria Falls, and the flow of water here remains low. The landscapes are green and lush and the air crystal clear, but with the abundance of water the wildlife disperses, and the thick bush can restrict sightings. It severely limits walking safaris too. Migrant birds boost the species count at this time.
With seasonal rivers in flood and dirt roads and airstrips unusable, many camps in Zambia become inaccessible, and close. Only a few lodges in the central Kafue and the South Luangwa remain open. Few people visit in January, so the parks are incredibly quiet and the camps charge their lowest rates.
- Peak of rainy season: hot & humid, with rain for a few hours most days
- Majority of camps closed throughout the month
- Bush incredibly green & lush, with clear air – great for photography
- Big game dispersed & thick bush makes sightings difficult
- Very few visitors: the cheapest time to visit
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in January
Zambia in February
February remains in the heart of the rainy season, with dramatic thunderstorms delivering a few hours of rain most days, interspersed with clear sunny skies. There is still an abundance of water in the environment, dispersing game and closing camps. With the thick bush, game viewing is limited and walking safaris restricted, but the swollen rivers allow some activities that would be unavailable in the dry season, such as boat trips on the Luangwa River.
After a couple of months of rain, water will once more be making its way to the Zambezi River, and the flow of water over the Victoria Falls will start to pick up.
Visitor numbers and costs at the few open camps remain low.
- Peak of rainy season: hot & humid with rain for a few hours most days
- Most camps closed throughout the month
- Bush lush & green: good for photography but poor for game viewing
- Very few visitors, & the cheapest time to visit
- Water levels at Victoria Falls still low, but starting to pick up
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in February
Zambia in March
March is the last month of the rainy season in Zambia, and there are still heavy downpours most days. Water levels are at their highest making it difficult to get around the country. Temperatures still reach over 30ºC most days, too, with the rain causing high levels of humidity.
Many camps remain closed, and the thick bush limits game viewing and walking safaris. However, many animals are raising young at this time of year, with predators taking advantage of the easy prey, so sightings can be incredible, if sporadic. Wild dogs in the South Luangwa are particularly active at this time of year. With clear air and increasingly frequent blue skies as a backdrop, photography can be spectacular. The birding remains excellent as thousands of birds prepare for their winter migration.
- Peak of rainy season, hot & humid, with rain for a few hours most days
- Majority of camps closed throughout the month
- Bush remains green & lush: good for photography but poor game viewing
- High abundance of animals with young
- Very few visitors, & the cheapest time to visit
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in March
Zambia in April
As the rains change from intense downpours to lighter and sporadic showers, April is very much a transitionary period in Zambia. The landscape remains exceptionally green and lush, with sparse viewing of larger wildlife.
Although camps start to reopen in April, most remain closed, and others that were open at the start of the year may shut to prepare for the coming dry season. This is the first month of the year when it’s possible to visit the Lower Zambezi.
The Zambezi River will be at its highest level with the Victoria Falls in full flow, but with huge amounts of spray kicked up views of the waterfall are often obscured.
- Tail end of the rainy season; hot & humid with light rain most days
- Some camps reopen; possible to visit the Lower Zambezi
- Bush still green & lush: good for photography; poor for game viewing
- Victoria Falls in full flow but with poor views
- Very few visitors, & the cheapest time to visit
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in April
Zambia in May
May is typically the first month of the dry season. While there is the chance of an odd shower, the majority of days are clear and sunny. As winter approaches, temperatures start to drop, with most days reaching highs of around 26ºC.
As the landscape dries out, access to the parks improves, and all but the most remote bushcamps reopen. After five months of rain there is still a lot of standing water, but despite the thick bush May marks a distinct improvement in game viewing, and clear air is a continuing bonus for photographers.
The end of the month can be a popular time for visitors, taking advantage of typically good weather, improved game viewing, and the last of the low-season rates offered by the camps.
- Start of the dry season in a typical year, with mostly clear & sunny
- Majority of camps open
- Bush still green & lush, with clear air for photographers
- Game viewing starts to improve
- Last month of low rates at the camps
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in May
Zambia in June
Zambia sees virtually no rainfall in June, with a strong chance of sunny days throughout. The humidity drops dramatically and, as winter approaches, temperatures reduce, falling to around 10ºC at night but still warming to 25ºC during the day.
The landscape remains lush but the bush starts to die back significantly, improving visibility for game viewing and walking safaris. All the camps in the South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi are open by the start of June. While some have a ‘shoulder season’, others start charging their highest rates.
The water coming over the Victoria Falls starts to recede, reducing the mist and spray kicked up, providing better views of the waterfall itself.
- Reliably sunny days, but dropping temperatures, especially at night.
- All camps in the South Luangwa, southern Kafue & Lower Zambezi open
- Wildlife viewing continuing to improve
- Increased visibility & cool weather perfect for walking safaris.
- Viewing of the Victoria Falls at its best
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in June
Zambia in July
As the dry season continues, vegetation and long grasses have mostly died back and water starts to become scarce. Wildlife starts to cluster around the major sources of water and the game viewing approaches its best.
July is the first month of winter, and while daytime temperatures are in the 20s Celsius, temperatures at night can drop to single digits. Early morning and late evening drives in open vehicles are particularly cold, and blankets and hot water bottles are often provided.
Visitor numbers increase significantly and space at popular/small camps can get tight. Nearly all properties are now charging their highest rates. Even floodwaters on northern Kafue’s Busanga Plains have now receded, and all camps in Zambia are open.
- Warm, dry days; cold, crisp nights
- Significantly improved game viewing
- Walking safaris are unrestricted by vegetation, with good temperatures
- Approaching peak season, so significant increase in costs
- Northern Kafue now accessible
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in July
Zambia in August
By August, the vegetation has died back and wildlife is now congregating around the remaining water sources, providing excellent game viewing. With virtually no chance of rain you are almost guaranteed sunny days, although dust and smoke in the air means a visible haze starts to appear on the horizon.
Temperatures can drop below 5ºC at night but climb to the 20s Celsius during the day. Jackets and gloves are recommended for morning and evening drives. This is one of the most popular – and most expensive – months to travel. European school holidays have little impact on travel within Zambia, but they do increase international flight costs, and all camps are charging their highest rates.
- Very dry with warm days but cold nights
- Excellent wildlife viewing, as animals congregate around water holes.
- Haze developing on the horizon, potentially affecting photographs
- Cool temperatures & clear sightlines: ideal for walking safaris
- Peak season: camps & flights at their most expensive
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Zambia in September
September is the most popular, and arguably the best, time of year to travel. Rain is almost unheard of so humidity is low, and temperatures are starting to climb. Morning drives are more comfortable, with daytime temperatures normally in the low 30s Celsius.
Water is scarce, so wildlife clusters around the few remaining sources. Game viewing is very nearly at its best, with a good chance of seeing interactions between species. Camps are charging their highest rates and are at their busiest, with popular camps often fully booked more than a year in advance.
A significant haze sometimes appears on the horizon, impacting on landscape views and affecting photography. Depending on the rainfall in the wet season, the Victoria Falls can start looking dry, with more cliff face than waterfall on show.
- Dry hot days with clear skies, & warm nights
- One of the best months for wildlife viewing
- Dust & smoke creates a haze over the landscape
- Peak season: camps are expensive & often full
- Victoria Falls starting to look dry
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Zambia in October
As the dry season peaks, the landscape in October is brown and barren, with little ground-level vegetation, though the promise of rain may bring the occasional shower. Temperatures can be uncomfortably hot, reaching over 40ºC in the daytime and rarely dropping below 20ºC at night. This is particularly challenging on walking safaris and in camps without air conditioning.
A thick haze on the horizon sometimes turns photographic backgrounds grey-brown rather than sky-blue. The lack of water sees hippos and crocodiles cram themselves into the few remaining shallow rivers, with other wildlife carefully skirting around them in order to drink. Game viewing is at its absolute best, and you’re most likely to see hunts in October.
On the Zambian side, stretches of the Victoria Falls become a dry cliff face.
- The best month for wildlife viewing
- Very hot both night & day, with little chance of rain
- Air can be very hazy with dust & smoke, so not great for photography
- Victoria Falls largely dry on Zambian side
- Camps less busy & some start to drop their rates
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
Zambia in November
November typically marks the end of the dry season. Although the timing of the rains is always uncertain, temperatures remain reliably high and the humidity builds as the rains approach.
While you may avoid the rains in the first week of November, it’s not unusual to see some spectacularly heavy thunderstorms, followed by an explosion of green growth. Wildlife disperses rapidly after the rains, no longer restricted to limited waterholes closely monitored by predators. However, Kasanka’s bat migration is at its peak, and wildebeest gather on Liuwa Plains.
Many remote camps close, and those that remain open significantly drop their rates. The initial rains have little impact on the Victoria Falls, but do significantly reduce the atmospheric haze.
- Typically the start of the wet season; very hot and humid
- Increased chance of heavy rain as the month progresses
- Greatly diminished game viewing once the rains arrive
- Bat migration in Kasanka, and wildebeest migration in Liuwa
- Camp rates lower, & visitor numbers reduced
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Zambia in December
December is typically the first month in Zambia’s rainy season, with heavy thunderstorms most days interspersed by sunny spells. Temperatures start to fall, but still reach over 30ºC in the daytime, with high levels of humidity.
As the rainfall increases it brings plentiful water into the landscape, encouraging the growth of thick green vegetation. Wildlife remains in the national parks and sightings are possible, but overall game viewing is poor. Access to the parks becomes problematic and all but a handful of camps around the entrance to the South Luangwa and the centre of Kafue national parks close. Those that do remain open charge their lowest rates and are very quiet.
The rain removes any smoke and dust from the air, returning the sky to a dazzling blue that is great for photographers.
- Start of rainy season, with hot, humid & wet days
- Poor game viewing as wildlife disperses & bush thickens
- Majority of camps close; others charge their lowest rates
- Landscape green with blue skies; photographic opportunities improve
- Victoria Falls still dry
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in December
Northern Zambia: In detail
Northern Zambia
Northern Zambia, north of the Northern Kafue and the Luangwa Valley, covers a vast but relatively rarely-visited area – and includes some magical, very remote spots. Game generally isn't prolific here, but visitors are even rarer, so come for an experience of rural Zambia and some spectacular individual sights.
Northwestern Zambia
Getting to Nchila usually requires us to charter a private plane from Lusaka, or at least northern Kafue. Hence getting there is costly. It's a destination for those who are serious about their birds, and we recommend that if you visit, then you stay for at least 3-4 days.
Because of its location, near to Angola and the DRC, we always recommend that you check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Advice on travel to this area before you make any enquiries to us about it.
Kasanka National Park
This park doesn't have huge herds of big game, but it does have some unusual species, like the rare slender-snouted crocodile. It also has a superb tree-hide where the agile can have their best chance in Africa to observe one of Africa's shyest antelope: the sitatunga. Kasanka is great place for birdwatching, and in November and December you can see an enormous gathering of up to 15 million fruit bats.
There are two places to stay in Kasanka National Park: Wasa Lodge and Luwombwa Lodge.
Bangweulu Wetlands
Bangweulu's main attraction is its prolific birdlife, including the amazing shoebill stork, although they're rivalled by the sight of tens of thousands of endemic black lechwe on the plains around the wetlands.
Bangweulu is fascinating for wildlife enthusiasts and Africa-philes, but travel here is not always easy, so it's not ideal for a first safari. There's only one practical place to stay here: Shoebill Island Camp.
Northeastern Zambia
For example, the Livingstone Memorial marks the spot where, in 1873, David Livingstone's African explorations finally ended, in the village of Chitambo. A simple stone monument marks the spot where his heart was buried. If you're lucky, the present Chief Chitambo, great-grandson of the chief who welcomed Livingstone, will guide you from his village to the memorial, which is moving in its austerity. It's easy to come here on a day-trip while based at Kasanka, and it is sometimes possible to drop in as part of a two-day 4WD transfer from Kasanka to Bangweulu, via Lake Waka Waka.
Similarly, the Kundalila Falls are one of Zambia's most beautiful waterfalls ('kundalila' means 'cooing dove'). It's set in forests where the clear Kaombe River drops off the Muchinga Escarpment. There are spectacular views of the water cascading into the valley below, and you'll almost never see anyone else here.
North of Kundalila, Nsalu Cave is a huge, gaping arch halfway up a 100-metre-high granite outcrop, in the middle of nowhere. The rudimentary paintings, made by late Stone-age and Iron-age settlers, form a giant curved mural, perhaps twenty metres wide. Geometric lines and swirls, ladder-shapes and sun images overlapped in red, white and buttermilk yellow.
If you're being driven to Shoebill Island Camp, then overnight here to break your journey. Beside the shores of the clear lake Waka Waka is a small, rustic restcamp with long-drop toilets that also makes a good base for a morning walk to enjoy some excellent views of the lake and its surrounding hills.
Shiwa Ng'andu Manor House is a destination in its own right; a magical English manor house overlooking a picturesque lake, that's steeped in history. Since 2002 it has been carefully restored and it's one of the continent's most original and fascinating places to stay. It's easily reached as an add-on to any safari which visits the Luangwa Valley, or as part of an adventurous trip around Northern Zambia.
Reached by a short flight from the Luangwa, the Mutinondo Wilderness is a private 100km2 reserve near the edge of the Luangwa escarpment, this pristine area protects verdant woodlands and wetland areas sprinkled with granite whalebacks (large smooth hills), crystal-clear rivers and stunning waterfalls.
Visit the rustic but beautiful Mutinondo Wilderness Lodge to explore on your own, or we can arrange for a guide to accompany you.
Map of Northern Zambia
Choices for where to stay in Northern Zambia
Northern Zambia: Safaris
Safari holidays in Northern Zambia attract ‘Old Africa Hands’ who come for the area’s remote and often magical places– which are seldom included in more conventional Zambia safaris.
Our trips here typically focus on Kasanka National Park, the Bangweulu Wetlands and Shiwa Ng’andu – and are usually best undertaken during the dry season, from about May to October. Having said that, for the best chance of close shoebill sightings in Bangweulu, consider a safari holiday earlier in the year, between about January and April.
Fruit Bat Safari
6 days • 2 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
Offering a highly specialised experienced, this safari uses two simple bases for access to South Luangwa and Kasanka National Parks. Visit between October and December when you will witness the world’s largest mammalian migration of millions of fruit bats.
US$5,220 - US$6,080 per person
Our 5 best lodges & safari camps in Northern Zambia
There is a wide variety in lodges, spread across the north of Zambia. There are guesthouses and bushcamping in Kasama, backpackers favourite Lodge called Nkupi and lovely lakeshore lodges. Ask us for more details of what's where, and what's likely to suit you best!
Shiwa Ng'andu
The Old Manor House at Shiwa Ng’andu is a fascinating cultural and historic stopover, either before, after or during a safari.
Wasa Lodge
Wasa Lodge offers easy access to Kasanka National Park, best visited in November and December to see the millions of fruit bats that arrive in the area.
Shoebill Island Camp
Shoebill Island Camp stands on the southern edge of the Bangweulu Wetlands. It's a remote spot, and a very simple camp - but if you want to see Shoebills then it is one of the best places in Africa.
Mutinondo Wilderness
Visiting Mutinondo Wilderness near Mpika in northern Zambia - the accommodation, wildlife, birds and animals