Lusaka National Park
National Park Protected park near Lusaka protecting savanna wildlife
On Lusaka’s outskirts, Lusaka National Park offers day-trip safaris close to the capital, with short game drives to see antelope, giraffe and birdlife across open savanna and riverine strips.
Lusaka National Park is a protected area on the outskirts of Zambia’s capital, established to provide nearby wildlife habitat and tourism opportunity for Lusaka Province. The park was developed in the 2010s as a conservation and recreation area close to the city.
The park contains reintroduced and resident plains-game species and is set up for short wildlife drives and day visits rather than long backcountry safaris. Facilities are modest and planned to support eco-tourism and education for visitors from Lusaka and its environs.
The park lies within Lusaka Province on the outskirts of Lusaka city, providing the capital region with accessible protected country and wildlife viewing close to urban areas.
- Size and proximity: Covers roughly 6,500 hectares, making it the closest national park to Zambia's capital and suitable for day visits from Lusaka.
How to Get to Lusaka National Park #
Lusaka National Park lies roughly 20-30 km southeast of Lusaka city centre and is most easily reached by car via the Great East Road (T4) and then the Lusaka-Mpika road; travel time is about 30-60 minutes depending on start point and traffic. Several tour operators in Lusaka offer half-day or full-day visits.
Tips for Visiting Lusaka National Park #
- Go early morning for the best wildlife sightings - common species include impala, zebra, giraffe and various antelope.
- Combine a visit with a trip to the nearby Lusaka city attractions; many operators offer half-day safaris that fit into a city schedule.
- Bring sun protection and binoculars; game drives on the park's network of tracks are the most practical way to see animals.
Best Time to Visit Lusaka National Park #
Dry season (May-October) is best for game-viewing; wet season is greener and better for birdwatching but can hinder access.
Weather & Climate near Lusaka National Park #
Lusaka National Park's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) - Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) climate with warm summers (peaking in October) and mild winters (coldest in June). Temperatures range from 7°C to 32°C. Moderate rainfall (817 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (209 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (176 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 25°C and lows of 10°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is the coolest month with highs of 24°C and lows of 8°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 24°C and lows of 7°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 10°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (184 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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