September is an excellent time to visit South Luangwa National Park as the dry season peaks and animals congregate around the few remaining water sources, making them easier to spot. This includes hippos, crocodiles, and buffalo also leading to prime predator sightings (lions, leopard and occasionally wild dog) and endless painting opportunities. The bush has also thinned out significantly from the rains so you can spot the wildlife from further away.
So not only is it the best time of year in terms of wildlife, but you will also have Hazel Soan guiding you as you paint out in the fresh air from your game drive vehicles and in workshops back in camp before lunch. As you may well know, she is one of Britain’s most admired watercolourists.
WEATHER AND WILDLIFE:
July, August are the cooler months of the dry season (which runs from May-October) while things definitely start to heat up in September. You should expect hot daytime temperatures (averaging around 32 degrees celsius or 90 degrees farenheit) with some humidity and minimal or no rain. The rain tends to start any time in November and so October is very humid as well as even hotter than in September.
While it is not the peak green season for birds, you can still see plentiful waterbirds like yellow-billed storks and pelicans, as well as the striking carmine bee-eaters – as the river is so low at this time of year you can see them coming and going from their nests in the dry river banks which is quite a spectacle.
At Nkwali Camp at this time of year you could be forgiven if you even skipped the odd game drive as the water levels are so low in front of camp that you can see all manner of wildlife coming down to what is left of the river for a drink; whilst baboons and monkeys are all over the river bed being regularly bothered by noisy lapwings! Elephants are a common occurrence in camp as well as bushbuck and hippos and all sorts of wildlife!
The main area and deck of Nkwali also has the benefit of enjoying both sunrise and sunset views.
Robin Pope Safaris is renowned for its focus on brilliant guiding which is key to any safari. Many of the guides were mentored by the legendary Robin Pope (now retired) himself and have been there for 25-30 years in some cases.
The combination of Robin Pope Safaris and Hazel Soan guiding you through a week of wildlife and watercolour cannot be beaten for a really rewarding and exciting week!
Please do feel free to contact me with any questions – I was lucky enough to have had a season at Nkwali in 2005 helping with the hosting, catering and managing camp staff while Keyala (Manager and head guide – for 30 years now) was out on game drives with guests.
Please do let me know if you have any questions:
Tel: +44 (0)7726 309049.
millie@milliesummerstravel.com
