Lower Zambezi (Zambia) and South Luangwa (Zambia) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Lower Zambezi | South Luangwa | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Zambia | Zambia |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Approx. area | 4,092 km² | 9,050 km² |
| Best time | August to October | August to October |
| Suggested stay | 3–4 days | 3–5 days |
| Main gateway airport | Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) | Mfuwe International Airport (MFU) |
| Big Five | Not all five | Not all five |
| Malaria | Malaria area: see a travel doctor | Malaria area: see a travel doctor |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Lower Zambezi | South Luangwa |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| February | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| May | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| September | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| October | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| November | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| December | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Lower Zambezi if
- you want canoeing, boat safaris and fishing
Choose South Luangwa if
- you want camping
- you hope to see giraffes
As both are in the same country, many travellers combine them in one trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Lower Zambezi or South Luangwa?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see.
When is the best time for each?
Lower Zambezi: August to October. South Luangwa: August to October.
Sources: Zambia Tourism - Lower Zambezi National Park · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Kariba (Zambezi valley proxy) · Zambia Tourism - South Luangwa National Park · Zambia Tourism - Mfuwe International Airport · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Zambia (Mfuwe)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.