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Kakuli Bushcamp
Kakuli Bushcamp
Kakuli Bushcamp
Kakuli Bushcamp
Kakuli Bushcamp
Kakuli Bushcamp
Kakuli Bushcamp
Kakuli Bushcamp
Kakuli Bushcamp
Kakuli Bushcamp
Kakuli Bushcamp
Kakuli Bushcamp
Kakuli Bushcamp
Kakuli Bushcamp
Kakuli Bushcamp
Kakuli Bushcamp
Kakuli Bushcamp
Kakuli Bushcamp
Kakuli Bushcamp
Kakuli Bushcamp
Kakuli Bushcamp

About Kakuli Bushcamp

Kakuli Bush Camp is a small, intimate camp situated in an area of South Luangwa National Park known for its ...

... high density of wildlife. One of Norman Carr Safaris’ seasonal camps, it overlooks a floodplain from an elevated bank of the Luangwa River, not far from its confluence with the Lubi (pronounced Luwi) River.

Kakuli Bush Camp is a comfortable, ‘no frills’ bushcamp in a game-rich part of the South Luangwa National Park. It’s probably best visited towards the end of a camp-to-camp walking safari, or perhaps for its walking and river trips between January to March, when very few other real bushcamps are open in the Luangwa. Note that during the hotter times of the year its open aspect and air-cooled tents provide few escapes from the heat.

Our view

Kakuli Bush Camp is a comfortable, ‘no frills’ bushcamp in a game-rich part of the South Luangwa National Park. It’s probably best visited towards the end of a camp-to-camp walking safari, or perhaps for its walking and river trips between January to March, when very few other real bushcamps are open in the Luangwa. Note that during the hotter times of the year its open aspect and air-cooled tents provide few escapes from the heat.

Lara Webster

Lara Webster

Zambia expert

Accommodation

5 chalets

Children

Best for 12+

Open

January to November

Activities

4WD Safari

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Cultural excursion

Cultural excursion

Guided walking safari

Guided walking safari

Night drive

Night drive

Traveller reviews of Kakuli Bushcamp

66 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.


97%
66 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
56
Good
9
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
The F familyfromCheshire

Arrived 10 Sep 2024, 3 nights

"Kakuli Bushcamp review"

"A very comfortable camp... animals coming down to the waterhole …" Read The F family’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr G.fromDevizes

Arrived 12 Sep 2022, 2 nights

"Kakuli Bushcamp review"

"Sightings of game were excellent... The chalet was lovely …" Read Mr G.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr CfromEBMATINGEN

Arrived 17 Jul 2022, 3 nights

"Kakuli Bushcamp"

"Guiding and game viewing was excellent …" Read Mr C’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

NJKfromManchester

Arrived 21 May 2022, 3 nights

"Kakuli Bushcamp review"

"My 2nd time at Kakuli - still fabulous.. a leopard up a tree.. wild dogs nearby …" Read NJK’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mrs K.fromBottmingen

Arrived 22 Oct 2021, 3 nights

"Kakuli Bushcamp review"

"nice location at the river & own waterhole.. very friendly + excellent food... …" Read Mrs K.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr RVMfromSintra

Arrived 11 Sep 2019, 3 nights

"Kakuli Bushcamp review"

"The highest points of our stay …" Read Mr RVM’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs CfromE Sussex

Arrived 24 Jul 2019, 3 nights

"Kakuli Bushcamp review"

"as ever, all the staff, across the board, were excellent. …" Read Mr & Mrs C’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs GfromDartmouth

Arrived 25 Aug 2018, 3 nights

"Kakuli Bushcamp review"

"The best guides in the trip so far! …" Read Mr & Mrs G’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

NJKfromManchester

Arrived 7 Jul 2018, 2 nights

"Finishing on a high"

"I think Kakuli had my favourite chalets …" Read NJK’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr CfromEBMATINGEN

Arrived 21 Jun 2018, 3 nights

"Excellent camp"

"Comfortable, clean and in a good setting …" Read Mr C’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Kakuli Bushcamp reviews

Safaris visiting Kakuli Bushcamp

Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you


Map

Duiker Safari

10 days • 3 locations • 1 country
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT

Three luxurious bushcamps in stunning riverside locations, split between the South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi national parks, offer a wide variety of expert-guided safari activities in stunning game-rich environments.

Visiting Lower Zambezi, South Luangwa

US$10,960 - US$14,470 per person

Read more about the Duiker Safari

Kakuli Bushcamp: Our full report

Kakuli Bush Camp is a small, intimate camp situated in an area of South Luangwa National Park known for its ...

... high density of wildlife. One of Norman Carr Safaris’ seasonal camps, it overlooks a floodplain from an elevated bank of the Luangwa River, not far from its confluence with the Lubi (pronounced Luwi) River.

Members of the Expert Africa team first visited Kakuli Bush Camp in the late 1990s – and have returned many times since then. The camp was completely rebuilt in 2008, and has since undergone significant renovations; on our most recent visit in 2023 it was looking lovely.

Within Kakuli’s central area, a large but simple thatched 'chitenje' with wooden decking has open sides, which help to keep it delightfully cool during the hotter parts of the day. It houses the bar, dining area and lounge and is kitted out with numerous comfortable sofas and chairs decorated in neutral safari tones. The wooden deck extends out over the riverbank and has a firepit in the centre – a great focus for breakfast on a cool morning, or a drink before dinner. Beneath this deck is access down to a small hide, perfect for a midday additional activity if there are animals at the waterhole to the front of the main area.

Kakuli has just five tented chalets, each simply but well decorated with a pale blue and cream bedcover. With canvas walls and proper doors, the chalets feel very solid and sturdy, yet the front can be completely opened up to offer lovely views of the river from the comfort of your bed. A thatched roof and mesh windows are designed to keep the tents cool.

A curtain separates each bedroom from a spacious, covered en-suite bathroom, with reed walls and a polished concrete floor. As well as a washbasin set on a wooden shelf, you’ll find a storage area for luggage and clothes. A large shower with hot and cold running water is set behind a reed screen, and there is a separate flush toilet.

There is no buffer between Kakuli and the surrounding bush, and the landscape here is quite barren. Young rain trees are interspersed with taller tamarind trees which offer little shade. Though the rooms and main areas are designed to remain as cool as possible, you should expect the area to get quite hot – especially in October.

The openness of this site combined with the river and small lagoon in front of the main area attracts a variety of wildlife. Expect to see impala, puku and baboons at the lagoon throughout the day and elephants pass through the camp regularly.

Activities at Kakuli include 4WD day and night game drives, sometimes going as far south as the main Mfuwe area, but more normally concentrating on the loop roads by the river around the lodge – and venturing north as far as Lion Plain. These are good areas, where you can expect regular lion and leopard sightings, amongst other game.

Guided walking safaris in the area are usually a highlight of a safari at Kakuli. More active visitors will consider combining Kakuli with a stay at Nsolo Bushcamp, one of its sister camps, and walking the 14km between them. It is usually too hot to do this walk during October, but then it is possible to take a leisurely 4km walk to another ‘sister’, Mchenja Bushcamp. That said, on a previous visit to Kakuli we had to make a detour around a male hippo standing on the riverbank!

Kakuli Bushcamp is one of the very few bush camps open during Zambia's 'Emerald Season' (mid January to early April), when it works well to combine three nights here with three nights at it's more luxurious sister camp, Chinzombo. During this lush time, safari drives are offered from Chinzombo whilst, weather dependent, walks and boat trips are offered from Kakuli. Animal viewing is still good at this time of year but the real draw is the lack of visitors and the numerous birds, many in full breeding plumage (over 700 species have been recorded here during the emerald season).

Geographics

Location
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Ideal length of stay
Two or three nights is ideal here. Most travellers combine
Kakuli with a couple of its sister camps: Nsolo Bushcamp, Luwi Bushcamp and Mchenja Bushcamp. If a luxurious stop at Chinzombo is included – then probably best to use that last in the itinerary!
Directions
Mfuwe Airport is reached by a one hour flight from Lusaka. From here a road transfer/game drive lasting approximately two hours takes visitors to Kakuli Bush Camp.
Accessible by
Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Full Board & Activities
Food quality
We've previously found the meals to be of a very good standard at Kakuli, and our last visit was no exception. The camp's kitchen is able to cater to a range of dietary requirements on request.

Breakfast is served around the campfire before heading off on the early morning activity. Porridge and toast are cooked on the fire and a cooked breakfast is made to order.

Lunch is generally served buffet style in the shady dining area. You'll generally find a selection of hot and cold salads, alongside home made bread. We enjoyed a selection that included meatballs in tomato sauce, patatas bravas, vegetable quiche, bean salad, and a mixed green salad. This was accompanied by fresh bread and finished off with a fruit salad and pavlova.

Afternoon tea and delicious freshly baked lemon cake were served in the ‘chitenje’ before the afternoon activity.

On returning from the evening activity, dinner was served in the open under the stars. On the menu was a vegetable soup starter, followed by stir fried chicken served with rice and mixed vegetables. A tasty chocolate mousse rounded this off.
Dining style
Group Meals
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
No
Drinks included
Soft drinks, house wine and local spirits are included in the rates, but note that fine wines, champagne and imported spirits and liqueurs are charged as extras.

Special interests

Walking safaris
Norman Carr pioneered photographic walking safaris in the Luangwa Valley and his legacy lives on at Kakuli Bushcamp, and its sister-camps, which have some of the park’s best walking guides. Kakuli can be used as one ‘stop’ on a longer camp-to-camp walking safari.
See ideas for Walking safaris in Zambia
Wildlife safaris
On a bend of the Luangwa River at the confluence of the Luwi River, where elephants regularly congregate, Kakuli Bushcamp is in an area with a high density of game and bird life. Combine this with great guiding, and the result a superb wildlife safari experience.
See ideas for Wildlife safaris in Zambia

Children

Attitude towards children
Kakuli can accommodate children of all ages, but is best for children aged 8 and over.
Property’s age restrictions
Children under 12 cannot participate in walking safaris.
Special activities & services
None
Equipment
None
Generally recommended for children
Kakuli is a bushcamp with quite an adult atmosphere so we feel it is best suited to children of 12 years and over, with a high degree of maturity.
Notes
Children will need to be constantly supervised by a parent or guardian as Kakuli is not fenced in and game wanders freely throughout.

Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Kakuli Bushcamp

Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Kakuli Bushcamp 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.

Buffalo

100% success

Elephant

100% success

Giraffe

100% success

Hippo

100% success

Zebra

100% success

Leopard

90% success

Spotted Hyena

89% success

Lion

80% success

Wild dog

30% success

Aardvark

0% success

Eland

0% success

Pangolin

0% success

Roan antelope

0% success

Sable antelope

0% success

Wildebeest

0% success

Communications

Communications
Kakuli Bushcamp has 24-hour radio contact with its sister camps and with their administration base at Kapani Lodge. Each room has limited WiFi access.
TV & radio
None
Water supply
Borehole

Sustainability

Kakuli Bushcamp sustainability

Legacy of Zambia’s first community-focused safari

As part of Norman Carr Safaris, Kakuli Camp operates with the commitment of carrying on the legacy of the first safari company in Zambia to use tourism as a way to protect the natural environment for generations to come. All the support for the local community is now done through the Time+Tide foundation, the managing company of all Norman Carr Safaris, which combines donations from Kakuli with support from other safaris in the group to achieve results that would improve the lives of entire villages. Committed to preserve South Luangwa National Park by enabling local people to benefit from conserving its wildlife, Kakuli is focusing especially on children’s education.

The bush camp is an active supporter of Kapani School Project, initially initiated by Norman Carr in 1986 to provide education for students in Mfuwe, Zambia. Given that education fees in Zambia are unaffordable for families oftentimes living below the poverty line, the support of the camp is essential for providing access to education for disadvantaged children. So far, the project has funded the re-painting of all 13 Yosefe School classrooms and the building of 9 additional teacher houses, 3 new classroom blocks and a borehole. Moreover, 80 students are now financially supported by donations through Time+Tide Foudation. Additionally, to increase conservation awareness among students living close to the wildlife of Mfuwe, the lodge’s staff participates in Chipembele Nature Nights, exposing students to the wonders of the South Luangwa National Park.

Kakuli Bushcamp’s donations for children’s education are ongoing, as they are directed towards encouraging young girls to remain in education despite pressures of following the familiar rural lifestyle.

See more great sustainability projects in Zambia

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Medical care
The guides and manager at Kakuli are trained in first aid. The various safari operators in South Luangwa National Park sponsor a doctor who is based in the Mfuwe area and who is available to tend to anything more serious. Kakuli has links to a flying-doctors’ service for serious emergencies.
Dangerous animals
High Risk
Security measures
The camp is unfenced so dangerous animals roam through freely. Guests are escorted to their tents after dark.
Fire safety
Fire extinguishers are located in each tent and throughout camp. Water hoses can quickly be utilised in case of fire in the camp.

Activities

  • 4WD Safari

    4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Cultural excursion

    Cultural excursion

  • Guided walking safari

    Guided walking safari

  • Night drive

    Night drive

Extras

Disabled access
On Request
Laundry facilities
A complimentary laundry service is included, but this does not include ladies’ underwear; soap for this is provided in the chalets. Note that clothes are hand washed and coal ironed.
Money
No exchange facilities are provided.
Accepted payment on location
MasterCard and Visa credit cards are accepted. Cash payments may be made only in Zambian kwacha. However, tips are acceptable in US dollars.

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Kakuli Bushcamp's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Kakuli Bushcamp.


Excursions from Kakuli Bushcamp

Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Kakuli Bushcamp. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.


Kawaza Village Visit

Kawaza Village Visit

Two to three hours

Just outside Zambia's South Luangwa National Park lies a normal, working rural African village which is open and welcoming to visitors to the Luangwa valley. There is nothing artificial or contrived about Kawaza Village, and it offers a rare opportunity to experience and appreciate Kunda culture, and meet local Zambians.

More about Kawaza Village Visit
100% (1 reviews)
Tribal Textiles Tour

Tribal Textiles Tour

One - two hours

Visit the Tribal Textiles workshop, where hand-painted textiles are produced by more than a hundred local people. The workshop is close to Mfuwe Airport, so is ideally placed for a stop en route to/from the South Luangwa. With products ranging from cushion covers to bags and T-shirts, it's a great place for souvenir shopping while at the same time supporting the local community.

More about Tribal Textiles Tour

Other lodges in South Luangwa National Park

Alternative places to stay in this same area.


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98% (341 reviews)
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Mwamba Bushcamp

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Mchenja Bushcamp

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Nsolo Bushcamp

Nsolo Bushcamp

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Robin Pope bush-camp

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Lion Camp

Lion Camp

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No reviews yet
Chikunto Safari Lodge

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When to go to South Luangwa National Park

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Kakuli Bushcamp in South Luangwa National Park


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

South Luangwa National Park in January

January marks the height of the wet season in South Luangwa. Expect frequent downpours, often lasting a few hours, with intermittent sunny periods. The mercury regularly climbs above 30°C, accompanied by high humidity. The park's landscape is verdant and lush, with crystal-clear air.

However, the abundance of water causes most larger animals to disperse, and the thick vegetation can hinder game viewing. Walking safaris are largely impractical during this time. Migratory birds, many in breeding plumage, boost the area's avian diversity. Most lodges close and the few that remain open offer their lowest rates. Only the central network of all-weather roads is reliably passable for 4WD safaris. Low numbers of visitors ensuring a tranquil park experience for those who do visit.

  • Wet season peak, frequent showers
  • Most lodges and all bush-camps are closed
  • Lush vegetation, ideal for photography
  • Large wildlife is scattered, can be challenging to spot
  • Few tourists, budget-friendly rates

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in January

South Luangwa National Park in February

February continues the ‘green season’ trend in South Luangwa National Park, with impressive thunderstorms delivering short bursts of rain most days, punctuated by clear skies. The park remains awash with water, affecting wildlife distribution and lodge operations.

Dense vegetation limits game viewing opportunities on safari and walking safaris aren’t usually possible. However, the swollen Luangwa River allows for unique boating experiences unavailable during drier months. Despite challenging conditions, patient visitors may be rewarded with sightings of animals caring for their young. The handful of operational lodges maintain low rates, and the park sees few visitors during this period.

  • Continued wet season, regular downpours
  • All bush-camps and most lodges are closed
  • Verdant scenery, photogenic landscapes
  • Game viewing challenging due to thick foliage
  • Low visitor numbers, economical pricing

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in February

South Luangwa National Park in March

March signals the tail end of South Luangwa's rainy season, with heavy showers still frequent. Water levels peak, so driving off the park’s all-weather road network remains challenging. Daytime temperatures consistently exceed 30°C, with rain-induced humidity remaining high.

Most lodges are still closed, and thick vegetation continues to impact game viewing and walking safaris. However, this period can offer exceptional sightings of animals with their offspring, and predator activity often increases. Wild dogs have historically been particularly active in the park during this time. The combination of clear air and increasingly blue skies provides excellent photographic opportunities. Birdwatching remains superb as migratory species prepare for their winter journey.

  • Wet season persists, intermittent rain
  • Many lodges remain closed
  • Abundant greenery, picturesque settings
  • Young animals plentiful, but hard to see
  • Minimal crowds, cost-effective travel

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in March

South Luangwa National Park in April

April represents a transitional period in South Luangwa National Park as the rains shift from intense downpours to lighter, less frequent showers. The park's scenery remains incredibly green and vibrant, though larger wildlife can be harder to spot on safaris.

Some lodges begin to reopen while seasonal bushcamps remain closed as they prepare for the upcoming dry season. The Luangwa River reaches often its highest level in April, creating a spectacular sight. Despite the challenges, this period can offer unique experiences for those willing to brave the unpredictable conditions – and accept a greatly reduced choice of places to stay.

  • Wet season waning, occasional showers
  • Some lodges begin reopening
  • Landscape still lush, great for photographers
  • Wildlife viewing slowly improving
  • Few visitors, attractive off-season rates

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in April

South Luangwa National Park in May

May is a lovely month; it typically heralds the start of the dry season in South Luangwa. While occasional showers may occur, most days are clear and sunny. As winter approaches, temperatures begin to drop, with daytime highs around 26°C.

The drying landscape improves access within the park, and most lodges reopen. Some standing water remains, but game viewing noticeably improves as the vegetation thins out. The clear air continues to benefit photographers. Late May is very popular among the Luangwa’s ‘safari regulars’ who seek to capitalise on good weather, improved wildlife sightings, newly-opened camps (including some seasonal bush-camps) and the final weeks of low-season rates at many lodges.

  • Dry season onset, clearer skies
  • Most lodges and some bush-camps operational
  • Vegetation still green, crisp air
  • Game viewing conditions improving
  • Last month for lower accommodation prices

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in May

South Luangwa National Park in June

June in South Luangwa National Park is characterised by virtually rainless days and abundant sunshine. Humidity levels plummet, and winter's approach brings cooler temperatures, with nighttime lows around 10°C and daytime highs of 25°C.

The landscape remains lush, but the thinning vegetation significantly enhances visibility for game viewing, the conditions are ideal for walking safaris. All the lodges and bushcamps in the park are operational by early June. While some offer shoulder season rates, others are already running with high-season pricing. Wildlife begins to concentrate around water sources, setting the stage for excellent game viewing in the coming months.

  • Consistently sunny, cooler nights
  • All South Luangwa lodges open
  • Wildlife sightings becoming more frequent
  • Ideal conditions for walking safaris
  • Viewing of the Victoria Falls at its best

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in June

South Luangwa National Park in July

As the dry season progresses in South Luangwa, July sees vegetation and grasses dying back, with water becoming increasingly scarce. Wildlife congregates around remaining water sources, most notably along the Luangwa River, leading to excellent game viewing opportunities.

July marks the heart of winter, with daytime temperatures in the 20s Celsius, whilst nighttime lows can drop to single digits. Early morning and late evening game drives can be particularly chilly, with lodges often providing blankets and hot water bottles. Bring your hats, coats and gloves! Visitor numbers rise significantly, and space at popular small camps can become limited. Nearly all properties now charge their highest rates.

  • Warm days, chilly evenings
  • Game viewing notably improved
  • Excellent visibility for walking safaris
  • High season prices for most camps and lodges
  • Comfortable daytime temperatures

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in July

South Luangwa National Park in August

August in the national park offers some of the year's best game viewing opportunities. South Luangwa’s vegetation has largely died back, and wildlife clusters around remaining water sources.

Rain is extremely unlikely, with sunny days largely guaranteed, though a haze may sometimes appear on the horizon due to dust and smoke in the air. Nighttime temperatures can dip below 5°C, but daytime highs reach the 20s Celsius. Warm clothing is essential for morning and evening drives. This is one of the most popular months to visit the park for a safari, with lodges and camps charging peak rates and often booking up far in advance.

  • Very dry warm days and cold nights
  • Prime wildlife viewing near water sources
  • Perfect weather for walking safaris
  • Peak season means highest prices
  • Some haze may affect photography

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in August

South Luangwa National Park in September

September is arguably the very best time to visit South Luangwa National Park. It probably hasn’t rained for many months, humidity is low, and temperatures are just beginning to climb.

Mornings are more comfortable for 4WD safaris, rising to daytime typical highs in the low 30s Celsius. Water scarcity forces the wildlife to congregate around remaining sources, particularly around the Luangwa River, where most of the camps and lodges are situated. There high game densities lead to increased chances of inter-species interactions. It’s peak season for lodges and camps charge which are often fully booked. A little haze may affect long-distance views and photography. The Luangwa River's water levels continue to drop, concentrating hippos and crocodiles life in the remaining stretches.

  • Dry and hot, clear skies
  • Exceptional month for wildlife observation
  • Landscape sometimes hazy due to dust and smoke
  • Peak season, lodges often fully booked
  • Higher prices for accommodation

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in September

South Luangwa National Park in October

October sees the dry season peak in South Luangwa at its most intense, with the landscape increasing parched. Occasional showers may occur as the promise of rain approaches. Temperatures can soar above 40°C during the day, rarely dropping below 20°C at night.

This heat can be draining, so walking safaris will set off early in the morning to beat the heat and sitting in an open 4WD on safaris can feel like facing a large hair-drier. Heat-haze and smoke may obscure the horizon as the Luangwa River becomes a series of pools, crowded with hippos and crocodiles. Other wildlife cautiously approaches these water sources, leading to thrilling predator-prey interactions. Game viewing is at its absolute best with the best chance of witnessing hunts.

  • Optimal wildlife viewing conditions
  • Very hot days and nights
  • Dusty, hazy atmosphere is challenging for photos
  • Some lodges start lowering their rates
  • Less crowded than previous months

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in October

South Luangwa National Park in November

November typically witnesses the end of the dry season in South Luangwa. While the onset of rains is unpredictable, temperatures remain consistently high and humidity builds as the wet season approaches.

Early November may still be dry, but spectacular thunderstorms usually arrive, often later in the month, triggering rapid green growth when they do come – and an explosion of life from insects and smaller animals. Everything seems to come to life! When pools of water becomes more readily available away from the Luangwa River the wildlife quickly disperses. Some camps and all the seasonal bush-camps camps close; those that remain open reduce their rates. The rains quickly clear the air of dust and smoke, improving visibility and photographic conditions.

  • Unpredictable month: depends on the rains
  • Hot and humid – then the set season begins
  • Wildlife dispersing as vegetation thickens
  • Lower accommodation rates, fewer tourists
  • Improved conditions for landscape photography

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in November

South Luangwa National Park in December

December usually marks the first full month of South Luangwa's wet season. Heavy thunderstorms become frequent, interspersed with sunny intervals. Daytime temperatures often exceed 30°C, accompanied by high humidity.

The rainfall transforms the landscape, encouraging lush vegetation growth. It’s a time renewal when insects, birds and smaller wildlife abound. While the larger species of wildlife remains in the park, wildlife viewing becomes more challenging due to the thick greenery and dispersed animal populations. Many lodges and all seasonal bush-camps are now closed as access to the park’s outlying areas becomes difficult. The few lodges that remain open offer lower rates and see few visitors. The rains clear the air, restoring vibrant blue skies and crystal-clear air which delights photographers.

  • Rainy season in full swing
  • Most lodges closed or offering low rates
  • Wildlife harder to spot in thick vegetation
  • Few visitors, budget-friendly period
  • Lush green scenery, very photogenic landscapes

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in December

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