Best time to visit Zambia

If you are looking to combine Livingstone with a Zambia safari, it’s important to know that this is the driest period for Victoria Falls. It is a misconception that the waterfall has a high volume of water and flows year round. In fact, during the months of October and November, Victoria Falls (also known locally as Mosi Oa Tunya or The Smoke That Thunders) dries up and, in some parts, stops flowing. That said, the hotels and lodges around Livingstone are open year-round and the landscape and landmark are impressive enough to still visit. In terms of Zambia, October and November are at the very end of the dry season so while it is hot and humid (the temperature rises before the rains), it does offer some of the best game viewing experiences throughout the whole year. This is because the wildlife is congregated around the water sources, often desperate for water, with predators lurking nearby. Image: Time+Tide

Although April can still be wet, it tends to dry up and become brighter and warmer. As a result of months of rain, Victoria Falls are at their highest in water volume during April and May. If you visit the waterfall in May, you will certainly experience the ‘Smoke that Thunders’. A myriad of mist will cover you, so make sure you pack waterproof clothing or a poncho. Some camps start to reopen in May, but these will often be the permanent camps and lodges. The bush camps tend to wait until June to open, to ensure better and drier weather conditions.