North Luangwa National Park

February in North Luangwa National Park is at the heart of the rains. Dramatic thunderstorms are a daily occurrence, often followed by clear skies.

The park remains verdant and waterlogged, making both getting around and game viewing challenging. However, patient observers with the logistics to get here may be rewarded with sightings of animals with their young.

The Mwaleshi River, swollen by the rains, can’t be easily crossed – adding to the very wild and remote feel of the park. Navigating by canoe would probably be easier than by safari vehicle!
The lush scenery and dramatic skies create excellent photographic opportunities for landscape enthusiasts who can get here.

Our view

March sees the gradual tapering of North Luangwa's rainy season. While heavy showers persist, they become less frequent. The park is at its most verdant, with water bodies at their fullest. Temperatures remain high, often exceeding 30°C/86°F, with considerable humidity.

Wildlife viewing remains challenging due to the thick vegetation, but predator activity increases as they take advantage of vulnerable young prey. Some palearctic migrant bird species start to migrate back north. As the skies begin to clear more frequently, the combination of dramatic clouds and lush landscapes provides stunning photographic possibilities.

Our view

April marks a transition in North Luangwa as the heavy rains give way to occasional light showers. The landscape remains lush and green, but wildlife starts to become more visible as vegetation begins to thin. Safari camps remain closed. The levels of the Mwaleshi River begin to recede, exposing sandbanks that attract the odd basking crocodile.

This month offers a blend of green scenery and improving wildlife sightings. The air is clear, providing excellent visibility for photography. As visitor numbers are still low, those who visit can enjoy a sense of exclusivity in the park.

Our view

May heralds the beginning of the dry season in North Luangwa. Rain becomes a rarity; most days are clear and sunny. Temperatures and humidity continue to reduce, with daytime highs around 25°C/77°F. The landscape begins its transformation from lush green to golden hues.

Wildlife viewing improves significantly as vegetation thins and the animals start appearing around permanent water sources. Most safari camps start to make ready or even reopen around the end of May, offering the first walking safaris of the season. The clear air and thinning vegetation provide excellent conditions for photography. May offers a good balance of comfortable weather, improved game viewing, and relatively low visitor numbers.

Our view

June in North Luangwa National Park is characterised by cool, dry conditions. Daytime temperatures hover around 23°C/74°F, but nights can be chilly, dropping to around 10°C/50°F. The absence of rain and decreasing humidity make for comfortable safari conditions and lovely walking.

The thinning vegetation significantly improves visibility for game viewing. Camps in the park are open and operational during June. The Mwaleshi River becomes a focal point for wildlife safaris, offering excellent wildlife viewing. The clear skies and golden light make for stunning sunrise and sunset photography.

Our view

July brings winter to North Luangwa, with cold nights and mild days. Temperatures can drop to single digits at night but warm up to the low 20s°C/70s°F during the day.

The landscape is now predominantly golden, with much vegetation becoming drier. Wildlife is seen more often around the remaining water, particularly the Mwaleshi River, leading to excellent game viewing opportunities there.

Walking safaris in the national park are at their prime, with cool temperatures and good visibility. All camps are open and North Luangwa is as busy as it gets – although it remains a remote park with very few visitors. Early mornings can be particularly cold, so warm clothing is essential for game drives; it’s perfect weather for walking safaris.

Our view

August in North Luangwa National Park is one of the best months for a walking safari as the days are clear and cloud-free, with wonderfully cool mornings as you start out. The dry conditions increasingly force wildlife to visit permanent water sources, making sightings more predictable. Daytime temperatures are pleasant, in the mid-20s°C/70s°F, even though nights and early mornings remain cold and fresh.

The vegetation has become more sparse, providing excellent visibility for wildlife spotting. There are a few less insects and smaller creatures around than earlier in the year. The dry conditions sometimes lead to a haze on the horizon, which can affect long-distance views and photography.

Our view

September is usually considered ‘the’ best month for visiting North Luangwa National park on safari. Daytime temperatures start to climb, reaching the low 30s°C/high 80s°F, while nights become more temperate. The landscape is dry, with excellent visibility for game viewing through drying vegetation.

Wildlife concentrates more around remaining water sources, leading to frequent and diverse sightings. It’s so shallow in parts that you can paddle across the Mwaleshi River – or cool your feet during a walk. Walking safaris are warming up, but still not too hot and offer thrilling close encounters with animals.

The tiny camps here are sometimes full, so planning ahead is essential. The conditions can create a heat of heat, dust and smoke which affects photography.

Our view

October marks the end of the dry season in the national park, bringing intense heat and anticipation of the rains. Daytime temperatures in North Luangwa climb and frequently exceed 35°C/95°F, with nights remaining very warm.

The landscape is parched, with most vegetation brown and lifeless. Wildlife viewing reaches its peak as animals desperately seek out the few remaining water sources. Predator-prey interactions are common, offering exciting but sometimes intense viewing experiences. Walking safaris are challenging due to the heat. Safari camps start to close towards the end of the month. The dry conditions can create a haze of heat and dust, affecting visibility and photography.

Our view

November typically sees the return of rains to North Luangwa, though the timing is always unpredictable. Early in November, conditions remain hot and dry, but when rains arrive, the landscape begins a rapid transformation.

Temperatures remain high, often above 30°C/86°F, with increasing humidity. Initial rains bring rapid greening of the landscape and dispersal of wildlife. Game viewing becomes more challenging as animals are no longer confined to limited water sources.

Safari camps are closing as access becomes difficult: bush roads become impassable when heavy rains start. The rains clears the air of dust and haze, creating vibrant, clear air that is excellent for photography.

Our view

December is firmly in the grip of the wet season in North Luangwa National Park. Regular thunderstorms occur, often in the afternoons, followed by periods of sunshine. The landscape becomes increasingly verdant. Temperatures remain high, often exceeding 30°C/86°F, with high humidity.

Wildlife viewing is challenging as animals disperse across the now water-rich environment. However, this is an excellent time for birdwatching, with many migratory species present. Safari camps in the park are closed and very few visitors are here to witness the park's dramatic seasonal transformation.

The combination of stormy skies and green landscapes offers unique photographic opportunities.

Our view