Lochinvar National Park

Best Time To Visit

Lochinvar Operators

Expert

By Philip Briggs

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

Lochinvar National Park is mainly a birding destination. The best bird-watching months are in the Wet season from December to April, when the floodplains fill with water and migrant birds settle in for the season. At this time many birds are in breeding plumage too. The Kafue lechwe can be seen throughout the year. The floodplains might, however, be difficult to access after heavy rain.

Best Time December to April (Excellent birding)

High Season Never (The park is rarely visited)

Low Season Never (The park is rarely visited)

Best Weather April to August (It is cooler and it hardly ever rains)

Worst Weather October to March (Hot and wet weather)

May to October –Dry Season

It is sunny and it rarely rains
There are few mosquitoes and the risk of malaria is minimal
Game-drive tracks are dry
The dried-up vegetation makes general wildlife viewing easier
The sky is very hazy and the bush looks parched
October is very hot

November to April –Wet Season

The best time for birding as migrants are present
The floodplain is filled with water
December to January is the mating season for the Kafue lechwe
Scenery is green and fresh – this is called the ‘Emerald season’
The floodplain becomes difficult to approach
Roads are in bad condition and driving becomes more limited
Hot and humid conditions
Malaria is a bigger concern than in the Dry season

Best Time To Go by Major Park