Soaring temperatures lead to iconic wildlife sightings
In Zambia, the transition from lush greenery to a landscape bathed in golden hues marks the arrival of the dry season—a spectacular period for wildlife enthusiasts and adventurers. Spanning mid-August to mid-November, Zambia’s dry season offers a mesmerising journey through soaring temperatures of between 30-40 degrees with extraordinary wildlife encounters. Join us as we delve into the heart of Zambia’s dry season safari, unveiling tips and all you need to know about this season across our destinations in South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi and Liuwa Plain National Parks.
South Luangwa National Park: A Wildlife Wonderland
South Luangwa National Park is often referred to as the “Valley of the Leopard,” and for a good reason. This pristine wilderness is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering incredible game viewing opportunities, especially during the dry season. During this season, Time + Tide Chinzombo and our bush camps are operational offering guests the ultimate in safari luxury throughout the park.
Wildlife Concentration: South Luangwa is home to abundant leopards as well as lions, plentiful plains game, buffalos, hippos, crocodiles, and giraffes. As the dry season progresses, water sources become scarcer, compelling animals to gather around the Luangwa River. This creates a concentration of wildlife around the life-sustaining waterways making it easier to witness dramatic predator-prey interactions.
Walking Safari: The perfect way to reconnect with nature is by exploring this destination on foot with one of our expert guides as you walk from one seasonal camp to another, a truly immersive and authentic safari experience.
Birdwatching Delight: The dry season coincides with the arrival of migratory birds such as Carmine-Bee Eaters, offering birdwatchers a chance to spot a variety of colourful and exotic avian species. Other incredible bird sightings include Lilian’s Love Birds, Saddle-Billed Storks, a variety of Hornbills and if luck is on your side, Pel’s Fishing Owl.
Lower Zambezi National Park: A Riverside Oasis
Located along the Zambezi River, Lower Zambezi National Park provides a unique safari experience that combines thrilling game drives as well as water-based adventures. Our accommodation in the Lower Zambezi during dry season includes safari tents at Time + Tide Chongwe, a private two-story house, Time + Tide Chongwe House, and suites for two or four travellers, Time + Tide Chongwe Suites.
Waterfront Spectacle: The Zambezi River is the lifeblood of this park, and during the dry season, it attracts large herds of elephants and buffalo, which come to quench their thirst. Enjoy incredible boat safaris on the river and canoe trips along its tributaries, getting up close to these magnificent creatures.
Predator Encounters: With reduced vegetation, spotting lions, leopards, and wild dogs becomes easier. The riverbanks provide the perfect vantage point for observing these apex predators in action.
Angling Adventures: The Zambezi River is internationally acclaimed as one of the premier destinations for tiger fishing and the dry season, spanning from mid-August to mid-November, transforms this iconic waterway into an angler’s paradise. As the Zambezi’s water levels recede during this season, tigerfish become concentrated in deeper pools and channels. The dry season aligns perfectly with the tigerfish breeding season, typically occurring from September to November. During this period, the tigerfish’s behaviour becomes more frenetic as they actively defend their territories and engage in spawning rituals. This heightened activity makes them more likely to strike at lures and bait making this a wonderful time for guests searching for a thrilling encounter. Fishing enthusiasts joining us on safari during this season have the opportunity to try their luck at catch-and-release tigerfish and various other species inhabiting the Zambezi River.
Birding Paradise: This period offers excellent birding opportunities as migratory species join the resident birds. Carmine-Bee Eaters arrive in September here too where they nest in colourful colonies in the riverbanks as in South Luangwa. White-fronted Bee, Ospreys, African Skimmers, and African Spoonbills are among some of the species you can expect to see.
Liuwa Plain National Park: A Remote Wilderness
Liuwa Plain National Park, located in the remote western region of Zambia, offers a truly off-the-beaten-path safari experience. Time + Tide King Lewanika re-opens its season on the 15th of October every year, just in time for the wildflowers and wildebeest.
Mega-Herds of Wildebeest: Liuwa Plain is renowned for its incredible wildebeest movement, often referred to as “Africa’s best-kept secret” and is home to the second largest wildebeest movement in Africa. During the dry season, tens of thousands of wildebeests congregate on the plains, dropping their calves, and attracting predators like hyenas, lions and the reintroduced wild dogs.
Cheetah Spotting: This park is one of the best places in Africa to see cheetahs. The open landscape makes it easier to witness these incredible cats in action.
Birdwatcher’s Delight: Liuwa Plain is home to an impressive array of bird species, including crowned cranes and wattled cranes, making it a must-visit for birdwatchers.
Tips + Recommendations:
Book Early: The dry season is the peak safari season in Zambia, so it’s essential to book your accommodation well in advance to secure your spot. Do consider booking our Sleepout under the stars for the added thrill of returning to the wild with Time + Tide.
Pack Appropriately: Zambia’s dry season can be hot during the day and cooler at night, so bring a mix of lightweight clothing and warm layers. Don’t forget your binoculars, sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent.
Photography Gear: Bring a good quality camera and zoom lens for capturing those once-in-a-lifetime wildlife shots.
FOLLOW THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED
Enquire with our team on travel@timeandtideafrica.com and our reservations team will reply to you to start planning your safari
"The uniqueness of being in a camp with only four safari tents is the ultimate feeling of luxury. Luwi overlooks a wide open grassland that on my first morning we watched a high speed chase - a pack of Wilddogs on a hunt. It was exhilarating to watch and sent our heart rates through the sky adding a lot of chatter and laughter once the pack had passed by."
Jessica, Guest Time + Tide Luwi
"The authenticity and remoteness of the seasonal camps will be a special experience that I will long to return to. There really is no place on earth that you can really escape like you can at the seasonal camps. Falling asleep at Kakuli to the distant lion roars and waking to the call of the fish eagle - really what a magical walking safari!"
Lara, Guest Time + Tide Kakuli
This is the most magical place you're ever likely to experience. Nestled under a grove of imposing Albida trees, it is clearly favoured by the many elephant who graze on the Albida pods. Their presence adds an incredibly special energy to the camp.
Charles, Guest at Time + Tide Chongwe Camp
The lodge is stunning and all the staff are utterly wonderful. The views from the lodge are outstanding, lovely Liuwa wilderness.
My bedroom was incredibly comfortable, very stylish, hitting a difficult combination of minimalist yet luxury. Incredibly comfortable bed and many relaxing areas to rest.
Mandy, Guest at Time + Tide King Lewanika
Our family had the most joyful time at Chongwe, really everything was perfect and every detail taken care of. The team ensured we had the best time at every activity (even tiger fishing!). We felt privileged to spend a few days here and look forward to returning.
Richard, Guest at Time + Tide Chongwe
"Thank you for embracing the unique culture of Barotseland through storytelling, song, dance, drums and the marimba - this is a jewel in the necklace of the African Parks managed conservation areas we are visiting across Africa - much appreciated."
Kingsley Holgate, Guest at Time + Tide King Lewanika
Chinzombo is a stunning lodge in a beautiful location of the South Luangwa. The rooms are luxurious and spacious, with a deck and plunge pool overlooking the Luangwa River. There is always an abundance of wildlife around the rooms, we had a banded mongoose, bushbuck, elephants and hippo's - just to name a few.
Michael, Guest at Time + Tide Chinzombo