A practical guide to planning a trip from Dubai to South Luangwa in Zambia: distance, flights, visas, time difference and the best time to go.
- Approx. air distance
- 4,978 km
- Estimated non-stop flight time
- about 6.9 hours
- Arrival airport
- Mfuwe International Airport (MFU)
- Airport to destination by road
- 0.5–1 hours approx.
- Time difference
- -2 h
- Local currency
- ZMW
- Best time
- August to October
Flights from Dubai
We are not aware of confirmed non-stop flights from Dubai to MFU, so most travellers connect once through a Gulf or African hub. Check current schedules. Airlines based in Dubai include Emirates and flydubai.
Visa and entry
Many nationalities are visa-exempt, while others need a visa, which can be requested through the Zambia Department of Immigration's e-services. Requirements depend on nationality, so check the official portal before travel.
Official e-visa portal for Zambia
A yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required if arriving from a yellow-fever-risk country, including transits of more than 12 hours at an airport in such a country. Malaria is present throughout the country. Consult a doctor or travel clinic before your trip.
How many days you need
Counting travel days, plan around 7 days in total to enjoy South Luangwa without rushing.
Best time to go
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain | Experience | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 21–32 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| February | 21–32 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| March | 20–32 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| April | 18–32 | some rain | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| May | 14–32 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| June | 12–31 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| July | 11–30 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| August | 13–33 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| September | 17–36 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| October | 20–38 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| November | 22–37 | some rain | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| December | 21–34 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
South Luangwa from other cities: Riyadh · Jeddah · Dammam · Medina · Abu Dhabi · Sharjah · Doha · Kuwait City · Manama · Muscat · Amman · Cairo · Beirut · Casablanca
No trips are listed for this destination yet. Send a request and we will check with providers.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the trip from Dubai to South Luangwa?
A non-stop flight would take about 6.9 hours; add connections and the airport transfer.
Are there direct flights from Dubai?
Usually you will need one connection.
Do I need a visa for Zambia?
Many nationalities are visa-exempt, while others need a visa, which can be requested through the Zambia Department of Immigration's e-services. Requirements depend on nationality, so check the official portal before travel.
Sources: Zambia Tourism - South Luangwa National Park · Zambia Tourism - Mfuwe International Airport · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Zambia (Mfuwe) · Zambia Department of Immigration – e-Services · Zambia Tourism · CDC Travelers' Health – Zambia · Emirates media centre – Cape Town third daily service (Jul 2026) · Capital FM – Emirates restores 96% of network (May 2026)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.
