The Emerald Season

The Most Beautiful Season in South Luangwa

Also known by its less attractive name ‘rainy season’, the Emerald Season is arguably the most beautiful season inZambia’s South Luangwa National Park. This low touristseason though does have its limitations, as large parts of the park are flooded or too muddy to drive through. Also, wildlife may be harder to spot in high grass and lush vegetation. That said,however, many animals also do not like to get their feet wet, so they tend to stay close to the all-weather roads or even on them. South Luangwa, therefore, is well worth a visit during the Emerald Season. Signs of new life begin to show, the vegetation is rejuvenating and many animals have their young. Also, the wetlands attract prolific birdlife with many migrant birds visiting the area.

It only takes a few weeks for the park to become lush and green and perhaps you might getwet on a few drives, but that doesnot mean it rains all day; rains are often short and sharp, with plenty of sunshine in between. Advantageously, accommodation and safaris are generally cheaper at this time of year. And another bonus, the area is even less crowded than usual, so you might have the wilderness all to yourself! Every day is different, as each morning it is a surprise to the self-drive enthusiast, or guides taking guests out, to know which road is still passable and which have become flooded overnight. Thischallenge adds to the experience and makes each day a special one.

Should you wish to enjoy the freedom of staying out in the park for as long as you want, a self-drive safari vehicle from Personal Touch gives you that option. The rental safari vehicles have enough space to accommodate your small party or your specialist equipment. If the challenge of finding passable roads is too much of an adventure, Mfuwe Lodge in the heart of South Luangwa offers, besides luxury accommodation, excellent safari drives accompanied byhighly professional guides, flexible enough to deal with the avid photographer.

The Emerald Season is certainly the most scenic time to visit South Luangwa – it also boasts the best light of the year. Gone are the parched skies of the dry season, now replaced withlusciousgolden red light and moody grey promises of towering cloud. The air is clean, clear and finally dustfree, making coloursstand out and showcasing stunning cloud-stackedsunsets.There is plenty of wildlifeon which to focus,from migrant birds and babies taking their first steps, to lions trying to avoid gettingtheir feet wet.

So yes, the Emerald Season is a time of refreshment, a time forthe renewal of nature and itsfauna and flora. To us, it isone of the best times to visit South Luangwa.

The author wishes to thank everyonefrom Mfuwe Lodge, the Bushcamp Company and Personal Touch for their hospitality and logistic arrangements. Without them, these images could not have been taken.

For more images and background information, the coffee table book Emerald Season of Luangwa Valley is available for sale at website: http://www.johanfoto.com/emerald-season-book/, and is great as a gift or a souvenir with lasting memories of South Luangwa.

More information: Johan W. Elzenga, professional photographer www.johanfoto.com The Personal Touch, for game viewing vehicles and safaris www.tptouch.com Mfuwe Lodge & Bushcamp Company, an award-winning lodge and bushcamps inside the national park www.bushcampcompany.com

Personal Touch in South Luangwa

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