A green season start like no other at Kavinga Safari Camp

The 2026 safari season has officially started at Kavinga, and what a start it has been.

So… about all that rain

There’s no doubt about it this year – we’re firmly in the green season. After an incredible amount of rain over the past few months (nearly 60 inches, compared to our usual annual average of around 24 inches), the bush and landscape have completely transformed in the most dramatic of ways.

Everywhere you look is lush, alive, and bursting with vibrant greens. Grasses are tall, trees are full, and the air feels fresh and energised.

Green season in the Zambezi valley lush and green

What’s more, the Rukomechi River is still flowing strongly, and it is a beautiful sight to see.

The Rukomechi and its tributaries have been in full flood on several occasions this rainy season, with water stretching from the opposite bank of the river all the way to the cliffs under camp. Watching that volume of water move through the landscape has been nothing short of awe‑inspiring.

It has also reshaped the riverbanks and surrounding areas and reminded us of nature’s raw power. Watch this reel on Instagram to see Kavinga like never before. 

The flowing Ruckomechi River with the Zambezi escarpment in the background

Sadly, our famous tamarind tree – one of our most loved sunset spots – didn’t survive the floods. While it’s always hard to lose a special landmark, it’s a good reminder that the bush is always changing and adapting.

Standing on the riverbank now, watching the water surge past, you can’t help but feel a deep respect for how powerful – and how unpredictable – nature can be.

Tamarind tree at sunset with elephants drinking

Adapting to the seasons

Of course, all that rain hasn’t come without its challenges. Some roads have become inaccessible, our hide has ended up under water, and a few wells needed careful attention after the flooding.

The Rukomechi itself has risen to a point where crossing to certain parts of the concession simply isn’t possible for now. This is life in a wild place – sometimes nature decides the rules, and we have to adapt accordingly.

The Kavinga main hide after the floods
Our main hide has been completely flooded during the rains. Look at the different water levels!

Behind the scenes, the Kavinga team has worked incredibly hard to get the camp ready for the start of the season. From freshening up guest areas to ensuring the little details feel just right, a lot of care, effort, and pride have gone into getting Kavinga looking its best. Watch this short video on Facebook of just some of all the work done.

See Kavinga through a different lens

The green season offers a very different way to experience Kavinga. Visiting at ths time of year offers dramatic landscapes, abundant birdlife, and a real sense of being immersed in nature. The bush feels fuller, fresher, and more alive – buzzing with sound and movement – and it’s a side of safari that many guests don’t often get to experience.

Game viewing in the greener months may be different to during the dry season, but it’s a time full of surprises and deeply rewarding for those who appreciate the bush in all its moods.

If you’ve been curious about experiencing safari in a different way, now is the time to do that.

We are open, accessible by road and air, and looking forward to having you visit. Take advantage of our green season rates and come and enjoy Kavinga in all its lush, wild beauty. It may be different – but sometimes different is exactly what makes it unforgettable. 

portrait of a lioness in the green season
“Thanks so much to the Kavinga team for a truly exceptional stay. Liam was an excellent guide and taught us a lot about birds and photography. We spotted over 100 birds and what a beautiful setting the Kavinga camp is in.”
Jane and Steve Potts
April, 2026

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