Kafue National Park

January marks the peak of Kafue National Park's wet season. Expect frequent heavy downpours, often lasting for hours, punctuated by brief sunny intervals. The mercury soars above 30°C/86°F, accompanied by high humidity.

The park's landscapes are verdant and lush, with crystal-clear air. However, the abundance of water causes wildlife to disperse, and thick vegetation can hinder sightings. Migratory birds boost the park's avian diversity. Many areas of Kafue become inaccessible as seasonal rivers flood and dirt roads turn impassable. Only a few lodges, near all-weather roads in the centre of the park, remain operational. Visitor numbers are low, and accommodation options offer their most competitive rates.

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February continues the wet season trend in Kafue National Park. Dramatic thunderstorms deliver brief but intense rainfall most days, interspersed with clear, sunny periods.

The park remains awash with water, dispersing wildlife and limiting access to certain areas. Dense vegetation restricts game viewing and walking safaris, but swollen rivers allow for unique boating experiences in some parts of the park. As the month progresses, water levels in the park's rivers begin to rise noticeably. The few operational camps continue to see low visitor numbers and offer reduced rates.

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March signals the final month of Kafue's rainy season, with heavy showers still common. Water levels peak, making navigation within the park challenging. Daytime temperatures consistently exceed 30°C/86°F, with rain-induced humidity remaining high.

Most camps are still closed, and thick vegetation continues to limit wildlife viewing and walking safaris. However, this is a prime time for observing animals with their young, and predator activity can be high. The combination of clear air and increasingly frequent blue skies creates excellent conditions for photography. Birdwatching remains exceptional as migratory species prepare for their winter journey.

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April marks a transition in Kafue National Park as the rains shift from intense downpours to lighter, sporadic showers. The landscape remains lush and green, but large wildlife sightings are still limited.

Most safari camps still remain closed; only those central camps near all-weather roads have reliable access. The park's rivers and wetlands are at their fullest, creating a picturesque setting. Despite improving conditions, game viewing can still be challenging due to the dense vegetation.

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May typically heralds the start of the dry season in Kafue. While occasional showers may occur, most days are clear and sunny. As winter approaches, temperatures begin to drop, with daytime highs around 26°C/79°F.

The drying landscape improves access throughout the park, and some camps reopen – though access across the Busanga Plains remains challenging. Standing water is still prevalent, but game viewing noticeably improves as the vegetation thins. The month's end can be popular with visitors taking advantage of pleasant weather, better wildlife sightings, and the last of the low-season rates at many camps.

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June in Kafue National Park sees virtually no rainfall and a high likelihood of consistently sunny days. Humidity drops significantly, and winter's approach brings cooler temperatures, with nighttime lows around 10°C/50°F and daytime highs of 25°C/77°F.

The landscape remains relatively lush, but thinning vegetation greatly enhances visibility for game viewing. The park's rivers and wetlands start to recede, leading more wildlife to appear around the remaining water sources. Even the camps on the Busanga Plains are usually operational by June. Some still offer shoulder season rates, whilst others begin charging peak season prices.

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As the dry season progresses in Kafue, vegetation continues to thin and water becomes scarcer. Wildlife begins to cluster around major water sources, improving game viewing opportunities.

July marks the heart of winter, with daytime temperatures in the 20s Celsius/70s Fahrenheit , but nighttime lows can drop to single digits. Early morning and late evening game drives can be particularly chilly, with camps often providing blankets and hot water bottles. Visitor numbers increase significantly, and popular small camps can fill up quickly. Properties now charge high season rates. The floodwaters in the Busanga Plains have receded to the north, opening up further areas for exploration.

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By August, Kafue's vegetation has significantly thinned and wildlife congregates around remaining water sources, offering excellent game viewing opportunities. Rain is rare, with sunny days almost guaranteed, though dust and smoke can create a haze on the horizon.

Temperatures climb into the 20s Celsius/70s Fahrenheit the day, but dip below 5°C/40°F during nights which feel very cold. Warm clothing (hats and gloves!) is essential for morning and evening activities. One of the most popular months to visit Kafue so safari camps charge peak rates and availability can be limited, especially in sought-after locations.

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September is arguably the prime time to visit Kafue National Park. Rainfall is virtually non-existent, humidity is low, and temperatures begin to rise. Morning game drives become more comfortable with daytime highs typically in the low 30s Celsius/80s Fahrenheit; nights are less bitter.

Water scarcity concentrates wildlife around remaining sources, providing excellent viewing opportunities and increased chances of inter-species interactions. The wildlife on the Busanga Plains reaches its zenith as safari camps charging peak rates are often full – often having been booked up well in advance. A noticeable haze can affect distant views and photography.

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October sees Kafue at its driest, with the landscape appearing barren and brown. Occasional showers may occur as the promise of the wet season looms. Temperatures can soar above 40°C/104°F during the day, rarely dropping below 20°C/68°F at night.

A smoky, dusty haze can be seen in distant photographs, even obscuring the horizon. The scarcity of water leads to great competition at remaining sources, with excellent opportunities to observe predator-prey interactions. Game viewing is at its peak, though the animals are feeling the stress of the dryness. Most smaller, more remote camps, and all of those on the Busanga Plains, close at the end of October.

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November typically marks the transition from dry to wet season in Kafue – which makes this month unpredictable. Temperatures remain high and humidity builds until it rains. Spectacular thunderstorms then increase in in frequency later in the month, triggering rapid green growth.

Wildlife begins to disperse as water becomes more readily available. Increasing numbers of migratory birds arrive and antelope species gathering for calving. Most more remote camps are closed, including those on the Busanga Plains; camps remaining open reduce their rates. With the rains comes crystal-clear air – perfect photographic conditions.

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December usually sees Kafue fully in the grip of the wet season. Heavy thunderstorms occur on most days, interspersed with sunny periods. Temperatures begin to drop but still exceed 30°C/86°F during the day, accompanied by high humidity.

The rainfall transforms the landscape, encouraging lush vegetation growth. While wildlife remains in the park, sightings become more challenging due to the thick foliage and dispersed animal populations. Many areas become difficult to access, and all but a few centrally located camps close for the season. Open camps offer their lowest rates. The rains clear the air, restoring vivid blue skies that delight photographers.

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