​Best Time To Visit – Bangweulu Wetlands

Philip Briggs
Expert
By Philip Briggs

Philip has traveled through Zambia several times and is the author of more than 20 guidebooks to various African destinations.

Philip is the Zambia expert for SafariBookings and author of more than 20 guidebooks to Africa.

Philip is our Zambia expert and author of more than 20 guidebooks to Africa.

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor

The best time to see big herds of the rare black lechwe in Bangweulu Wetlands is from May to July when water levels have receded and grass attracts the grazers. This is also the best time to find shoebills on mokoro (canoe) trips. From December to March, the middle of the Wet season, the wetlands come alive with birdlife. Conditions are, however, difficult then, so November might be the best compromise.


Bangweulu Wetlands Safaris
Best Time May to July (Best time for finding shoebills and herds of black lechwe)
High Season Never (The park is never busy)
Low Season Never (The park is never busy)
Best Weather April to September (It is cool and it hardly ever rains)
Worst Weather December to March (It rains a lot)

May to October –Dry Season

  • May to July is the best time to see the shoebill
  • May to July is the best time to see big herds of lechwe and other grazers
  • It is sunny and it rarely rains
  • Low water levels allow for game drives
  • Shoebills are hard to find from August to October
  • The sky is very hazy, and the floodplains are dry
  • Boating opportunities depend on water levels

Wildlife Photos

View Photos (11)
+9 Photos Want To Visit

November to April –Wet Season

  • The first rain brings new grass, attracting the lechwe and other grazers to the floodplains
  • It’s a wetland paradise
  • Scenery is green and fresh
  • Best birding time as migrants are present
  • Game drives aren’t possible from December to April, only mokoro trips
  • The area becomes almost inaccessible
  • Very hot and humid
  • Many insects and mosquitoes
  • Malaria is a bigger concern than in the Dry season

Wildlife Photos
+9 Photos

Best Time To Go by Major Park

Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor

Want To Visit Bangweulu Wetlands?

Bangweulu Wetlands Safaris