Zambia’s Emerald Season

By on 23 August 2020 in Africa, Zambia

Categories: Africa,Zambia

Tags: south luangwa

Zambia’s well loved ‘Emerald Season’ is almost here!  It is the time of the year when the heavens open and Zambia is blessed with life-giving rainfall from November to April. Particularly noticeable in the South Luangwa, the rains transform the valley into a lush, emerald green paradise from which the rainy season takes its name. With an increase in rainfall becoming more noticeable in November, December and January, these months are statistically the wettest months in Zambia, with an average rainfall of just over 7 and 8 inches respectively.  Although wet, the temperatures remain remarkably warm and consistent throughout.

Average Temperatures in Zambia
Average Temperatures in Zambia

Aside from all the much needed new vegetation that sustains the wildlife of Zambia, the Emerald Season is a wildlife photographers dream! The lush foliage contrasts brilliantly with the contented animals, and the feeling of rejuvenation is hard to miss. With so much rain around, there is a myriad of bird, plant and animal life which seems even more vibrant than usual, not to mention the amount of baby animals which were born at the end of the dry season, which makes for beautiful pictures and lots of predator interaction.

Here are some images showing just how striking the contrasts of the Emerald Season can be:

Everything is lush and green and the natural light is perfect for photography.
The animals are vivid against the green backdrop and there is lots of predator action.
The Impalas have their young and its a magical sight seeing them leap about on their brand new legs.
With food so plentiful, animals are relaxed.
With food so plentiful the animals are very relaxed.
Its a birder’s paradise as the migratory birds arrive and many birds are in colourful breeding plumage. Large flocks of carmine bee-eaters and storks are around.
Bushcamps Company have a selection of camps all located within the South Luangwa National Park. Only Mfuwe Lodge, Chindeni, Bilimungwe, Kapamba & Zungulila are open during the Emerald Season.
The Luangwa River is in all its glory and there are lots of hippo in the area.
A particular herd of ellies walks through the lodge en route to their favourite wild mango tree at this time of the year…every year!

What’s so special about the Emerald Season, in a nutshell

  • The Emerald Season runs from November to May.
  • The bush is bright green and very lush.
  • Its not too hot and so ideal for walking safaris.
  • The natural light is perfect for photography.
  • The Luangwa River is in all its glory and there are lots of hippo in the area.
  • There are fewer people and so game viewing is a more intimate and exclusive experience.
  • The impalas have their babies.
  • It is a birder’s paradise as the migratory birds arrive and many birds are in colourful breeding plumage.
  • Large flocks of carmine bee-eaters and storks are around.
  • The famous Mfuwe Lodge elephants annually choose to walk through the lodge en route to their favourite wild mango tree!

Great value and special deals

Mfuwe Lodge, one of our favourites, is open year round.  These 4 bush camps (Chindeni, Bilimungwe, Kapamba & Zungulila) are the only bush camps in the park that stay stay open into the early rains.

Our partners at The Bushcamp Company offer us great value Emerald Season rates.  So take advantage… ideally this year if you can possibly travel last-minute, or get your booking in early for the next year’s seaon where we are already seeing an uptake on Africa travel.

Drops of inspiration

Watch these beautiful videos of the South Luangwa  :

South Luangwa From The Air: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjsUVF3Hhvw

The South Luangwa : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjavRNM9CHc

 

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