In Zambia, the rhythm of nature is defined by two distinct seasons: the dry season and the green season. As the country moves from the cooler months of May and June into the dry season, the landscape changes significantly, offering diverse opportunities for exploration.
This blog is designed to help you choose the perfect time to visit, based on your interests. Whether you’re captivated by the wildlife encounters of the dry season or the lush, bird-filled splendour of the green season, Zambezi Grande, operating from 1 April to 30 November each year, offers a range of experiences in the wild.
Our activity offerings span land and water, including game drives, walking safaris, river safaris, and fishing, ensuring a memorable adventure tailored to every safari preference.
The Dry Season: July to October
The dry season is a highlight for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers. As the bush dries out and animals gather around the Zambezi River, there’s so much to discover:
Game Drives: Early morning and late afternoon drives are ideal for spotting wildlife that congregates near the river. Expect to see lots of predator-prey action, herds of elephants, prides of lions, thriving wild dog packs, elusive leopards in their natural habitat and an array of antelopes.
Walking Safaris: Enjoy guided walking safaris to get an up-close look at the bush, observing the little things that are missed when on game drives. The dry season’s clear conditions are perfect for identifying animal tracks and observing the finer details of the surrounding ecosystem.
Fishing: Fishing in the Zambezi River is excellent throughout the year, but the dry season is particularly notable for tigerfishing. September and October are peak months for tigerfishing, offering an exhilarating challenge. Other species you may catch in the dry season as well as other months include bream (tilapia), catfish, and vundu (river catfish).
Birding Spectacle: At the end of August, the intra-African migrants, Southern Carmine Bee-Eaters arrive, nesting on the riverbanks for breeding. Their vibrant colours and fascinating nesting behaviour are an awe-inspiring sight.
The Green Season: November to May
The green season transforms the Lower Zambezi into a lush paradise, rich with vibrant landscapes and abundant birdlife. Here’s how to make the most of this rejuvenating period:
Bird Watching: The Lower Zambezi is home to over 370 bird species throughout the year, but bird watching becomes particularly heightened after the rains. Birders can expect to see iconic species such as the African Pitta, Rufous-bellied Heron, Collared Palm Thrush, Black-throated Wattle-Eye, Livingstone’s Flycatcher, and Red-throated Twinspot, Southern Carmine Bee-Eaters, Kingfishers, among many others.
River Safaris: While river safaris are great throughout the year, the green season offers a particularly tranquil experience. The lush, green surroundings and rich birdlife provide a peaceful and scenic adventure.
Game Drives: While wildlife may be more dispersed, game drives offer a unique perspective of the bush’s rejuvenated state. Enjoy a quieter, more intimate safari experience with fewer visitors.
At Zambezi Grande, we’re all about creating unique experiences for our guests. Throughout the season, we curate special experiences to elevate your safari adventure, including unforgettable bush and island dinners, bush lunches, and delightful breakfast picnics. These experiences are designed to immerse you even further into the untouched beauty of the Lower Zambezi, making your stay truly memorable.
