About Nkwali
To look out over the Luangwa River from Nkwali’s open-fronted chalets is to feel at one with the bush.
It’s a oneness that is enhanced by the mature mahogany, ebony and sausage trees whose shade shelters the little camp.
High ceilings and flagstone floors in the six stone-and-thatch chalets help to keep them cool, too, while en-suite bathrooms with open-air double showers emphasise the connection with the environment – in total privacy, of course.
The theme continues in the open-sided “chitenge”, where comfortable chairs and a small bar merge with a wooden deck over the river. Delicious meals are served here, or in the thatched dining area, close to the camp’s waterhole, while loungers around the small pool offer yet more options for relaxation – or watching the birds.
While it’s the natural world that underpins the camp’s ambience, its location, a relatively short drive from the small airport, makes it exceptionally accessible – even during the “emerald” season when most camps in the South Luangwa are closed.
Nkwali’s other trump card is a private pontoon across the river into the national park, where you’ll seek out wildlife with expert guides on 4WD game drives and short walking safaris.
Our view
Nkwali is an excellently run camp with impressive open-fronted chalets that truly allow you to feel like you're staying in the bush. Its position close to the airport and relatively low price makes it a great option for accessing the park, while taking advantage of its own pontoon across the river to avoid the worst of the crowds in the game-rich Mfuwe area. With its location on the river and year-round opening, it also allows rare access to the park when it transforms during the rainy season.
Accommodation
6 chalets
Children
Best for 12+
Open
All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Night drive
Traveller reviews of Nkwali
258 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Arrived 1 Apr 2025, 3 nights
"Nkwali review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 16 Mar 2025, 4 nights
"Nkwali safari camp"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 26 Feb 2025, 2 nights
"Nkwali review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 2 Mar 2025, 1 nights
"Nkwali review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 31 Oct 2024, 3 nights
"Nkwali review"
Overall rating: Average
Arrived 8 Nov 2024, 3 nights
"Nkwali review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 22 Oct 2024, 2 nights
"Nkwali review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 13 Sep 2024, 4 nights
"A very special memorable experience "
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 11 Sep 2024, 3 nights
"Return to Nkwali"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 9 Sep 2024, 2 nights
"Nkwali review - great first lodge"
Overall rating: Excellent

















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 65 pictures and 2 videos of Nkwali to get the candid view.
View gallerySafaris visiting Nkwali
Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you


Hippo Safari
10 days • 4 locations • 1 country
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LIVINGSTONE AIRPORT
Combining excellent game with aspects of remoter safari in South Luangwa, as well as the cultural delights of Livingstone, this trip also makes use of long-stay discounts, making it an excellent-value and well-rounded adventure.
Visiting South Luangwa, Livingstone
US$7,360 - US$8,780 per person


Robin Pope Walking Safari
7 days • 3 locations • 1 country
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
The definitive, original mobile walking safari; explore the remote north of the South Luangwa on foot while staying in a simple mobile camp that moves with the group.
Visiting South Luangwa
US$7,370 - US$8,500 per person


Crawshay's Zebra Safari
10 days • 4 locations • 1 country
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
This superb safari combines two of Zambia’s best national parks, the South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi. The camps are small and high quality with excellent safari guides.
Visiting Lower Zambezi, South Luangwa
US$10,460 - US$13,820 per person


Hyena Safari
11 days • 4 locations • 2 country
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO LILONGWE AIRPORT
Mix relaxation and adventure on a safari combining the South Luangwa with Victoria Falls and the beaches of Lake Malawi. These three locations are among the most iconic in southern Africa.
Visiting Livingstone, South Luangwa and 1 other area
US$9,490 - US$11,910 per person
Nkwali: Our full report
Built on the banks of the Luangwa River, Nkwali Camp sits in the shade of tall mahogany, ebony and sausage trees.
Owned and run by Robin Pope Safaris it is well-situated a relatively short drive from Mfuwe Airport, overlooking South Luangwa National Park.
Nkwali Camp has six stone-and-thatch chalets, each overlooking the Luangwa River and the park beyond. High ceilings and flagstone floors help to keep these spacious rooms cool in the summer and warm during winter (See Zambia's weather). The chalets are completely open-fronted allowing guests to lie back on their comfortable beds whilst watching animals visit the river to drink. At night, large mosquito nets are lowered to cover the beds, whilst bamboo and metal shutters are drawn across the front of the room to keep out unwanted visitors. Each chalet has a large en-suite bathroom with twin sinks, flush toilet and an open-air double shower.
At the centre of Nkwali lies a homely, open-sided thatched main building and a large wooden deck over the river. Various comfortable sitting areas are scattered throughout this 'chitenge' which also has a small reference library and the camp's bar – the place to gather for pre-dinner drinks and to exchange stories of the day's wildlife adventures.
Across the lawn and beside the camp's waterhole is the thatched dining area, built in the shade of a grand jackalberry tree. It is here that many of Nkwali's delicious meals are eaten, though they may be served at a table set out in the open air as well. Nkwali Camp has a swimming pool around which comfortable sunloungers offer a welcoming spot to relax between game-drive safaris.
Nkwali Camp is situated in a small game management area (GMA) on the opposite side of the river to South Luangwa National Park. Whilst animals are common residents of the GMA, activities usually take place across the river within the national park. These include short walking safaris and 4WD game drives – during the day and at night. Typically there are two activities per day, each lasting around 3-4 hours and led by an expert guide. All walking safaris are accompanied by an armed game ranger, as well as a fully-qualified Robin Pope Safaris guide.
Nkwali's 4WD game safaris operate in the heart of South Luangwa, where the game is at its most relaxed – but the density of other vehicles is also at its highest. This is seldom problematic, as just downstream of Nkwali Camp, Robin Pope has a private pontoon over the river which enables its vehicles to swiftly enter the park, south of the main (and sometimes busy) gate at Mfuwe Bridge –the usual access point for a number of camps which are located outside the park. When the river is in full flow, there's also the possibility of a river crossing by boat - life jackets are provided and you'll be transferred to the other side of the river to your waiting safari vehicle.
A trip to Nkwali combines naturally well with its sister-camps, Nsefu Camp and Tena Tena, as well as being part of the itinerary for trips that use Robin Pope's mobile walking camp, in the north of the park on the Mupamadze River.
Close to Nkwali, Robin Pope Safaris also run Robin's House and the impressive Luangwa Safari House. These are two private 'houses', with two and four bedrooms respectively. Each comes with its own chef, expert wildlife guide and private safari vehicle, and both are ideal for families or small groups traveling together.
Further afield, in the Lower Zambezi National Park, Robin Pope Safaris has also been instrumental in building the spectacular Chongwe River House, which works on the same basis.
Geographics
- Location
- South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
- Ideal length of stay
- We recommend a stay of 2 or 3 nights at Nkwali Camp in conjunction with time at either Nsefu Camp or Tena Tena in the Nsefu Sector of South Luangwa. Nkwali is also a natural complement to trips to Kawaza Village - which was originally set up with the help of Robin Pope Safaris.
- Directions
- After an hour flight from Lusaka or Lower Zambezi, guests are met at Mfuwe Airport for a 40-minute drive through Mfuwe Village and a game management area to Nkwali Camp.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- Meals at Nkwali Camp are varied, tasty and of a high standard. When we were last here in June 2017 we thought the food was fantastic.
The day will often begin with a light breakfast buffet beside the camp fire. The fare usually includes a selection of cereals, toast, fruits and porridge with tea and coffee.
A large brunch is usually served upon returning from your morning activity. On the day you arrive you might be offered a light lunch instead. A buffet that might include a choice of salads, fresh bread, a meat option and a cheese board is often laid out for you. When we last visited Nkwali we enjoyed a choice of salads, butternut frittatas, chicken kebabs, vegetable pasta and fresh bread, followed by a light lemon and berry cheesecake. During brunch a hot option of eggs, sausages, tomatoes, beans and bacon can be made to order.
Dinner is often served under the stars, and can be a buffet or a set 3-course menu. On our last visit we sat overlooking the camp's waterhole whilst enjoying a delicious 'braai' (the local name for a barbecue), with a variety of grilled meat and fish, roasted vegetables and a selection of salads on offer, accompanied by home made bread and pickles. We rounded the meal off with a gooey chocolate pudding - perfect! - Dining style
- Group Meals
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Drinks included
- Most drinks are included including local spirits and beers. Premium brands such as champagne and many whiskies are not included, and need to be requested in advance.
Special interests
- Solo safaris
- Thanks to excellent guides Nkwali is a great place to stay and explore the wildlife areas of the South Luangwa National Park on the opposite bank of the Luangwa River on solo safari holidays. There are no single supplements at Nkwali, and the game viewing is great!
- See ideas for Solo safaris in Zambia
- Honeymoons
- Nkwali is an excellent camp, and a really great first stop on your safari honeymoon to Zambia. Offering home comforts like mains electricity and a swimming pool, it’s a lovely way to ease into your honeymoon. The service is fantastic; very attentive, kind and considerate.
- See ideas for Honeymoons in Zambia
- Birdwatching
- Nkwail has first-rate guides who know their birds very well – even the more obscure species. The superb location will also appeal when planning a birdwatching holiday in Zambia, as Nkwali overlooks the Luangwa River.
- See ideas for Birdwatching in Zambia
- Wildlife safaris
- Nkwali camp has first-rate guides, most fully-qualified to lead walking safaris as well as 4WD safaris, and South Luangwa allows night drives, and some off-read driving. These factors make for a superb wildlife safari experience in one of Africa's best game areas.
- See ideas for Wildlife safaris in Zambia
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children over the age of 7 are welcome.
- Property’s age restrictions
- Walking safaris are not possible for children under 12 years old.
- Generally recommended for children
- As the camp is unfenced and in a wildlife reserve, children will need to be supervised by their parents at all times.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Nkwali
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Nkwali 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

99% success

99% success

99% success

91% success

88% success

84% success

83% success

62% success

22% success

13% success

10% success

7% success

7% success

0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- The camp has a back-up generator.
- Communications
- There is cell phone reception at the camp. If you need to use your phone we ask that you do so in your rooms only so as not to disturb other guests at Nkwali Camp. If you carry your phone with you to the main areas please set the mode to silent.
- TV & radio
- No TVs or radios – this is the bush!
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- All the guides at Nkwali Camp are trained in first aid. The camps and lodges of South Luangwa National Park usually club together to provide for a doctor to visit them and their staff regularly. The doctor is based at a camp just down the road from Nkwali.
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- As elephants are regular visitors to the camp, guests are escorted to their chalets and around camp after dark.
- Fire safety
- Each of the chalets has a fire extinguisher in case of fire. The camp has water, sand and fire beater sources ready in the unlikely event of a fire.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Night drive
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- A laundry service is included at Nkwali Camp. However, as items are hand washed, ladies undergarments cannot be included for cultural reasons. Washing powder is made available in the rooms for you to hand wash these yourself.
- Accepted payment on location
- Visa and Mastercard are accepted, as are American dollars, pounds sterling, euro, South African rand and Zambian kwacha in cash.
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Nkwali's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Nkwali.
Excursions from Nkwali
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Nkwali. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.

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
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 TourOther lodges in South Luangwa National Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.

Tafika
One of the best camps in Zambia, Tafika is naturally built, combining excellent service and food with top guiding skills for a superb wildlife experience.

Kaingo Camp
Small and owner-run, the riverside Kaingo occupies a a quiet but excellent game area, with a series of wildlife hides and a focus on photography.

Nsefu
One of the Luangwa's oldest camps, Nsefu is a great safari camp in a remote, beautiful and game-rich location with top-rate guiding.

Mwamba Bushcamp
Small, remote and owner-run, Mwamba offers first-class walking, 4WD safari drives and superb hides, with excellent guides and a real bush feel.

Tena Tena
One of the Luangwa's best camps, in a beautiful, remote bush location, Tena Tena is very small, exceedingly well-run and has top-rate guiding.

Chikoko Tree Camp
Chikoko Tree Camp is an excellent small, rustic bushcamp that concentrates on walking safaris, and is run by a top-quality operation.

Big Lagoon Camp
Big Lagoon Camp is a great little rustic bushcamp built to high standards that focuses on excellent walking safaris, with the emphasis on top wildlife guides.

Luangwa River Camp
Luangwa River Lodge is a small and consciously stylish lodge in the Mfuwe area, overlooking the Luangwa River and the South Luangwa National Park beyond – an area renowned for great game.

Flatdogs Camp
A relatively big safari camp, Flatdogs offers value for money with great guiding and good food in a comfortable, relaxed setting.

Kapani Lodge
Kapani Lodge is now the main office base for Norman Carr Safaris, one of the Luangwa's oldest safari operations.

Mchenja Bushcamp
Set in a shady ebony grove on the banks of the Luangwa, Mchenja is a smart tented bushcamp. It combines well with Kakuli and Nsolo – its sister camps with a focus on walking safaris.

Kakuli Bushcamp
Beside the Luangwa River, Kakuli is a comfortable tented bushcamp offering 4WD safaris and walking safaris – the best of which are camp-to-camp walks linking Kakuli with its nearby sister camps.

Nsolo Bushcamp
Nsolo is a small, comfortable bushcamp overlooking one or two pools in the usually dry Luwi riverbed. It concentrates on walking safaris in an interesting and diverse area, led by a knowledgeable guide.

Kafunta River Lodge
Kafunta is a laid-back, friendly and good-value lodge on the outskirts of South Luangwa National Park.

Luwi Bushcamp
In a remote part of the South Luangwa National Park, Luwi is a rustic bushcamp whose emphasis is on walking safaris with great guiding and a chance of seeing some rarely seen and elusive antelope.

Lion Camp
Lion Camp is an established and comfortable camp with a swimming pool, located near to the game-rich Lion Plain in the northern part of South Luangwa National Park.

Robin Pope mobile
RPS mobile safari camps are at the heart of their set-itinerary walking safaris in South Luangwa National Park, which start and finish at a permanent camp.

Puku Ridge
Puku Ridge is a luxurious designer camp set in a stunning location, high on a hill overlooking a floodplain within South Luangwa. Explore from here on 4WD safaris and walks.

Kapamba Bushcamp
In the remote far south of South Luangwa National Park, Kapamba is a small and very comfortable bushcamp offering good walks and game drives.

Mfuwe Lodge
In a game-rich area close to the South Luangwa’s main Mfuwe Gate, Mfuwe Lodge is relatively large by park standards, but it’s stylish, modern and family friendly.

Kuyenda Bushcamp
Kuyenda Bushcamp is a classic bushcamp with particularly delightful hosts and offers top-class walking safaris in South Luangwa National Park.

Luangwa Safari House
Luangwa Safari House is a vast and very smart four-bedroom house specifically designed for families and small groups, and offering an exclusive and flexible safari experience.

Three Rivers Camp
In the remote far south of South Luangwa National Park, Three Rivers Lodge sits at the confluence of three of the valleys rivers.

Island Bush Camp
Island Bushcamp is a good-value, rustic, walking-only camp, in arguably one of the most remote parts of the South Luangwa, well away from all other camps.

Bilimungwe Bushcamp
A smart bushcamp with four very spacious chalets, Bilimungwe offers interesting walking safaris in pretty riverine woodland, as well as day and night safari drives.

Chinzombo
Opened in early June 2013, Chinzombo offers luxurious and stylish accommodation with very high levels of service and excellent guiding.

Chindeni
Chindeni Bushcamp is a very modern and minimalist camp, which is a far cry from your traditional bushcamp and unlike most of the other camps in South Luangwa.

Robin's House
With your own expert guide, private vehicle, chef and valet, the two-bedroom Robin's House offers an exclusive, flexible safari experience – and is open year round.

Kawaza Village
Kawaza Village – beside the South Luangwa National Park, offers guests the rare opportunity to appreciate local village life. Visit for a few hours or stay overnight.

Chamilandu Bushcamp
A comfortable little bushcamp, Chamilandu has a picturesque setting by the Luangwa River, in an area with a range of habitats to explore on foot and by 4WD.

Mwamba Camp-out
The Mwamba-Camp Out allows you to have an incredibly adventurous night in the bush, sleeping under mosquito nets with activities led by some of the best guides in Zambia.

Zungulila
Zungulila is a small, comfortable tented bushcamp with an emphasis on walking safaris, in the remote southern section of the South Luangwa.

Shawa Luangwa
Opened in June 2021, Shawa Luangwa Camp is a small, intimate and rustic camp, with a good location in a remote section of the South Luangwa National Park.

Luwi Riverbed Sleepout
For an adventurous night in South Luangwa National Park, come and sleep out in the bush, around a campfire, with an experienced guide and game scout.

Chichele Lodge
Currently in the final stages of an extensive rebuild, Chichele Presidential Lodge stands high within the park, with superb views, and is due to reopen in early 2025.

Nkonzi Camp
A simple and rustic bush camp, Nkonzi has a strong focus on walking safaris in this remote section of Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park.

Chikunto
Chikunto Safari Lodge is a more traditional property in the South Luangwa National Park, sitting on a peninsula of land created by the meandering Luangwa River.
When to go to South Luangwa National Park
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Nkwali 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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