In the heart of Zambia's Lower Zambezi National Park, where the Zambezi River meanders through vast floodplains and dense forests, Anabezi Camp stands as a luxurious gateway to some of Africa’s most breathtaking wilderness. While much of the safari world focuses on the dry season for wildlife sightings, seasoned safari-goers know there’s something truly magical about the green season—the time when the bush comes alive with vibrant life, dramatic skies, and a sense of renewal.

Anabezi Camp, typically closed from November 15th to Easter to allow for the rains to replenish the landscape, will reopen early in 2025 for a special event. From April 10-16, Anabezi will host its first yoga retreat, welcoming guests to experience the serenity of the park as it transitions from the green season into the dry months. This exclusive retreat will offer a unique blend of spiritual and wildlife immersion, introducing guests to the rarely-seen side of the Lower Zambezi.

A Symphony of Green

During the green season, the Lower Zambezi transforms into a lush paradise. After months of rain, the landscape is reborn—its dry, golden grasslands replaced by emerald greens, and the once-muted earth bursting with life. Migratory birds, absent during the dry season, return in full force, creating a symphony of birdsong that accompanies the sound of rain gently falling on the river. It’s a birder’s paradise, with thousands of species, from vibrant bee-eaters to majestic fish eagles, filling the skies.

The river swells with fresh water, and the bush teems with newborn animals—warthogs, impala, and elephants wander alongside their young, basking in the cooler temperatures and abundance of food. While the wildlife may be more dispersed than in the dry season, those who take the time to explore during this period are rewarded with intimate sightings of animals in their most natural and relaxed states. The park feels like an untouched paradise, with fewer visitors, offering travelers a truly immersive and private experience with nature.

The Spiritual Awakening of April

The decision to reopen Anabezi in early April 2025 for a yoga retreat is a testament to the magic of this time of year. As the park transitions from the rainy season into the dry season, there’s a sense of renewal and balance in the air—ideal for spiritual practices like yoga and meditation. The retreat will take place over six days, offering guests daily yoga sessions on the banks of the Zambezi River, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the rejuvenated bush.

Led by renowned yoga instructors, the retreat will invite guests to reconnect with themselves and nature, practicing mindfulness in one of Africa’s most pristine and spiritual landscapes. The early mornings will begin with gentle yoga flows, with the cool, fresh air from the river and the rising sun casting a golden glow over the landscape. Afternoons will alternate between rejuvenating meditation sessions and game drives, where guests can witness the abundance of wildlife in this lush, green paradise.

Evenings at Anabezi during the retreat will be a time for reflection, with sunset meditations and sound healing sessions held beneath the expansive African sky. As the stars begin to appear, guests will enjoy wholesome, nourishing meals prepared with fresh, local ingredients, encouraging both physical and spiritual rejuvenation.

A Photographer’s Dream

For photographers, the green season at Anabezi is nothing short of a dream. The dramatic skies, with towering clouds and the occasional flash of lightning, create a stunning contrast against the rich greens and blues of the landscape. Sunsets during this time are particularly magical, with vibrant hues of pink and orange reflecting off the river’s surface, providing perfect golden-hour opportunities for wildlife and landscape photography.

The lush vegetation also adds depth and richness to photographs of animals, with elephants, lions, and leopards framed by vibrant greenery. And for those patient enough to explore the riverbanks, intimate moments—like a herd of elephants crossing the swollen Zambezi—offer once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities that capture the essence of the green season’s beauty.

Why Visit During the Green Season?

While the green season may not offer the high concentrations of wildlife seen during the dry months, it provides something equally valuable—an opportunity to experience the Lower Zambezi in its most raw and undisturbed form. With fewer tourists and a richer, more vibrant environment, the green season offers travelers a deeply personal and tranquil experience of nature. It’s a time for reflection, for slowing down, and for reconnecting with the wild in a way that’s often missed in the hustle of the dry season’s action-packed safaris.

For those attending Anabezi’s first yoga retreat, April offers the best of both worlds—the tail end of the green season’s lush beauty, paired with the clear skies and ideal temperatures of early dry season. It’s a time of balance, where the energy of the landscape is in perfect harmony with the intention of the retreat.

A Green Season to Remember

Whether you’re a seasoned safari-goer looking for a new perspective, or someone seeking the perfect combination of adventure and mindfulness, Anabezi Camp’s green season experience is one not to be missed. With its exclusive early opening in April 2025, there’s never been a better time to explore the magic of the Lower Zambezi in full bloom. From the lush landscapes and rejuvenating wildlife to the spiritual serenity of the yoga retreat, the green season at Anabezi promises to be a transformative journey in every sense.