Journey

Luxury in the Wild: Zambia’s Secret Season and World’s Second-Largest Migration

Starting from $8,700
Here’s an itinerary to experience Zambia’s peak wildlife season in November and December, at the start of the rains when animal activity intensifies. Begin with 4 nights at Royal Zambezi Lodge, where birdwatching and spotting young animals are highlights as the landscape begins to flourish. This "emerald season" transforms the area with lush grasslands, abundant flora, and active wildlife. With both land and water safaris, this is the perfect introduction to your Zambian adventure—an immersive experience in nature with luxurious comfort. Plus, it's an excellent location to spot leopards and wild dogs. Can there be a better start to your journey?

Next, head to Liuwa Plain, home to the second-largest blue wildebeest migration, but without the crowds. Its vast grasslands, floodplains, and woodlands create a stunning backdrop for seasonal wildflowers and fluctuating floodwaters. Managed by African Parks, Liuwa’s ecosystem is thriving, with growing numbers of wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, eland, and other species supporting a balanced environment. These herds also attract numerous predators, including a large population of spotted hyenas, a growing lion pride, as well as cheetahs and wild dogs.

For those seeking an unparalleled safari experience without the crowds, this is the perfect time to visit Zambia.

Highlights

  • Witness the world's second-largest wildebeest migration without the crowds.  
  • Enjoy lush landscapes and active wildlife during the "emerald season."  
  • Observe diverse predators, including lions, cheetahs, and wild dogs, in a thriving ecosystem.  
  • Be totally away from busy crowds - you'll be the only people there! 
  • The itinerary is based on a group of 6 people, with a charter flight from Royal Zambezi to Liuwa. 

Trip Constellation Options

4 nights   (Royal Zambezi)

Few places on earth offer the untouched wilderness and sense of freedom found in Zambia’s National Parks. Lower Zambezi, the world’s first carbon-neutral National Park, provides a pristine wildlife experience along the mighty Zambezi River.

This part of Africa is rich in natural diversity, creating a wildlife-filled landscape framed by the Zambezi escarpment and one of the world’s most captivating rivers. This natural corridor is alive with wildlife and offers a true sanctuary shaped by nature.

Royal Zambezi Lodge places travelers at the heart of these remarkable wilderness experiences, offering eight deluxe suites overlooking the river. Guests can enjoy a range of activities, from safaris in Lower Zambezi National Park to guided game walks and wildlife tours with catch-and-release fishing on the river. For those looking to unwind, the lodge’s world-class spa offers the perfect setting to relax, or you can simply enjoy “DNA”—Do Nothing at All. 

During November and December, the sporadic rains and warming temperatures bring beautiful nighttime thunderstorms, while sunny days provide excellent opportunities for river viewing and observing wildlife gathering by the water. This period marks the beginning of the "emerald season" when the landscape turns green, fresh leaves and shoots appear, and birdwatching reaches its peak.

Deluxe Suite with star gazing window overlooking Zambezi River and private deck

Early morning walking safaris

Sunrise from Presidential Suite deckSunset canoe tripWildlife carmine bee eater colony

View of lodge with hippos from Mana Pools

Wildlife Leopards are plentiful in the areaRoyal pride Large

 

4 nights   (Liuwa Plain)

After your 4 nights at Royal Zambezi you’ll get on a private charter to Liuwa. 

Liuwa Plain National Park is home to the world’s second-largest wildebeest migration and is renowned for its stunning landscapes of sweeping grasslands, floodplains, and shaded woodlands. This ever-changing tapestry of seasonal wildflowers, floodwaters, and wildlife is particularly vibrant from October to December. In October, wildebeest migrate to the southern plains in search of short grasses and water. By November and December, the green season brings an explosion of wildflowers and the birth of wildebeest calves, attracting predators and making this peak season for wildlife viewing.

Thanks to African Parks’ conservation efforts, Liuwa’s wildlife is thriving. Large mammals like wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, eland, oribi, red lechwe, and tsessebe contribute to a balanced ecosystem, while predators such as spotted hyenas, lions, cheetahs, and wild dogs follow these herds. The park also hosts fascinating smaller carnivores like the striped polecat and serval. Nearly 300 bird species, including grey crowned and wattled cranes, make Liuwa a paradise for birdwatchers, earning its designation as an Important Bird Area.

During your stay at Liuwa Camp, an eco-conscious retreat in the heart of Liuwa Plain, you’ll enjoy six twin/double en-suite tented units and one family unit, all powered by solar energy. Each accommodation is thoughtfully positioned for privacy and views of the plains and camp’s waterhole. Managed by African Parks, your visit will support ongoing conservation efforts in this remarkable area.

liuwa 7 Large

Liuwa Camp 8.Anél Joubert � African Parks. LargeLiuwa Camp 3.Anél Joubert � African Parks. LargeLiuwa Camp 18.Anél Joubert � African Parks. Large

liuwa 4 Large-1

liuwa 3 Large

liuwa 1 Large

 

Optional Add-On   (Victoria Falls)

If you wish to extend your Zambian adventure and experience one of the country's most iconic attractions, consider adding a visit to Victoria Falls. Renowned as one of the largest and most spectacular waterfalls in the world, Victoria Falls offers breathtaking views and a range of activities, from guided tours and thrilling white-water rafting to serene sunset cruises on the Zambezi River. It’s the perfect complement to your wildlife experiences in Zambia, showcasing the country’s natural beauty in a whole new light. 

vic falls 2  Largevic falls 1  Large

 

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