Lower Zambezi Park, Zambia

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The Lower Zambezi National Park, as its name suggests, lies on the northern banks of the magnificent Zambezi river in Zambia, downstream from Victoria Falls. (Mana Pools National Park lies on the opposite, southern bank of the Zambezi river). The Lower Zambezi is a rich and mesmerizing water sanctuary for wildlife - great herds of elephant, buffalo and impala, and small groups of warthog, zebra and baboon are drawn to the river and this in turn attracts lion, leopard and spotted hyena. Other commonly seen animals are wild dog, serval and the african wild cat. The Lower Zambezi National Park is one of the most beautiful parks in Zambia, (and indeed in Africa), bounded by the Zambezi river on one side and a dramatic wooded escarpment on the other, which provides both a picturesque backdrop for your photographs, and more pertinently, a natural boundary for the animals’ movements. Between these boundaries the floodplain grasslands have stands of tall leadwood, ebony and fig trees and relatively sparse bush allowing you to spot game easily. This means that game-viewing in the Lower Zambezi National Park is some of the best in Zambia especially in the dry season (June to October) when the wildlife is concentrated by the Zambezi river and on the river’s islands.

Every Zambia safari should include the Lower Zambezi because one of the most attractive aspects about a safari here is that game-viewing activities are very varied. Safaris takes place on foot, in open 4x4 vehicles, by boat and, most characteristically, by canoe, enabling you to glide silently among animals quenching their thirst at the Zambezi river and its tributaries. Excellent tiger fishing is also available on a catch and release basis.

Safari Camps in the Lower Zambezi
There are only a few camps in the Lower Zambezi National Park so we recommend booking early. Each has its special charms, varying in terms of luxury and location. The more exclusive, and expensive, are located inside the Lower Zambezi National Park whereas other safari camps are located in the GMA (Game Management Area) which is adjacent to the park.

When to visit the Lower Zambezi in Zambia
As with most other Zambia safari destinations, the Lower Zambezi becomes completely water-logged in the extremely wet summer months of late November to March when the safari camps close. The safari lodges open up again in April and offer early season safari specials until late May, but not all activities will necessarily be available depending on the rain. The main safari season stretches from June to end October or November depending on the safari camp. An ideal time to visit is between late July and early September. As you continue into October the temperatures rise. (Late October is known as suicide month and so you would need to be happy in the heat!)

How to get to the Lower Zambezi
Access to the Lower Zambezi National Park is via charter flight from Lusaka, Mfuwe or Livingstone. You are then transferred by 4x4 game vehicle to your camp. Sometimes part of this transfer will be by boat which is a wonderful introduction to the charm of the park.

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