The Emerald Season is arguably the most underrated time of the year for  travel in Zambia. From November to April the Luangwa Valley in particular is transformed into a lush wonderland thanks to the seasonal rains. The Luangwa River is at its fullest and the South Luangwa National Park becomes inundated with excess water, which results in some exceptional boating safaris, walks and the occasional drive. It’s a period of rejuvenation for nature, but also a chance to get away from the usual safari season and take advantage of some attractive green season deals - it is also a phenomenal time for birding.

For Twitchers the South Luangwa is held in high esteem, as it is home to over 450 species. During the Emerald Season, there is the bonus of several species of migratory birds such as the Palearctic migrants from Northern Europe and the intra-African migrants. These visitors include the Red chested Cuckoo, Eurasian swallows, swifts, hobbies and several Bee-eaters, as well as birds of prey such as the Steppe eagles and even Steppe buzzards, that come all the way from Russia. In addition there are the Amur Falcons which also come in from the steppes of Russia in their thousands, a flight of over 7 000 kilometres.

One of the most sought after birds to see, on most twitchers' wish list is the delightful African Pitta. This extremely elusive migratory bird arrives in mid to late November and loves to live in the dense thickets making it difficult to spot. Their distinctive call however is what usually alerts to their location and you are often rewarded with a fleeting glimpse and if lucky a photo opportunity. Timing is critical though as the moment the pittas start breeding, they stop ‘calling’.

During the green season, it’s not just the landscape that undergoes a colourful transformation. As it's breeding season, the birdlife also gets an extra burst of colour, with the males proudly showing off their breeding plumage. The Stork Colony up at Nsefu is in full swing during the green season and the yellow billed storks proudly display their crimson breeding plumage as do the Sacred Ibis.

The sky is filled with colours with birds such as the African Ground Hornbill, a variety of Kingfishers, Lilac Breasted Rollers and Lilian’s Lovebirds.

Contact us for some exception Safaris - as there are some great offerings from Robin Pope Safaris.

Discover the Emerald Season, so named because of the beautiful greenery that comes with the seasonal rainfall.
River Journeys – exploration of the Luangwa Valley's lagoons and landscapes during this exceptionally vibrant and beautiful time of year.

Emerald Season Bush Camping – bush camping while the Luangwa is still beautifully green during the month of April.

Photographic Safari – explore your photographic skills under the guidance of a professional in the wilds of the Luangwa.

Carnivore Week – spend time with the Zambia Carnivore Program teach and explore their work with the carnivores of the Luangwa Valley.

This one not really Emerald Season but definitely deserves a mention:
Shoebill Safari – any keen birder’s must do safari, with a possibility to tick off a bucket list specie.

Which properties are available?
Lots of options available with a number of combinations across parks and countries possible to keep the experience exciting and diverse.

Stanley Safari Lodge, Nkwali and Robin's House are open all year in Zambia.
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Then for parts of the Emerald Season there is also in Zambia Nsefu, Luangwa River Camp, Luangwa Safari House,

A Fishing Permit has recently been introduced for the stretch of the River within the Lower Zambezi National Park.

This has been set at US Dollars 40.00 per person per day. Part of this fee also contributes a small donation towards fishing research being undertaken in the the Lower Zambezi area.

This permit applies to all bookings for 2019 already confirmed and all new booking for 2019 going forward.

Just downstream from Tafika Camp is a popular Carmine Bee-eater nesting spot. This vibrant birds have been visiting for the past 6 years... they arrive in September, and the monogamous couples excavate burrows in the river bank which although only some 6 centimetres wide, can extend over 3 metres in length. Frequently there are clutches of 4 or so chicks. 

The Carmine Hide is very carefully set-up at river level, to allow the Tafika guests wonderful views of the activity all along the bank - particularly popular in the afternoon when the birds are at their most active and the light is excellent. Here you get to see hundreds of pairs of carmine's busy with feed chicks. 

The Chikoko Walking Trails season is about to start in the South Luangwa National Park.   Chikoko Tree Camp and Crocodile River Camp, (both small, exclusive bush camps) form the Chikoko Trails and offer the only true walking safari in South Luangwa  -  specialist walking safaris in remote, pristine wilderness. 
 
Open annually from 1 June and closing on 30 October, the walking safaris from Chikoko and Crocodile Camps are highly recommended if you are looking for the ultimate Zambian safari experience.

The walking trails also qualify for a "last minute” offer, which extends a 45% discount for any bookings placed within 45 days of arrival - contact us for more information.