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Lower Zambezi

The Lower Zambezi is one of the most attractive & rewarding safari destinations in Zambia.

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Overview

Lower Zambezi Safari: By Vehicle, Canoe, Boat or on Foot

The Lower Zambezi National Park is magical. Not only for its beauty and wildlife, but for the sheer range of safari activities. Game drives, bush walks, canoeing past elephants as they quench their thirst, plus sunset river cruises. All combine to create an unforgettable Lower Zambia safari. This variety - topped off with excellent guiding and romantic riverside lodges - makes it one of our favourite picks for safari lovers, photographers and honeymooners alike.

Landscape & Game-Viewing

The Lower Zambezi National Park hugs the northern banks of the magnificent Zambezi River in Zambia. The river offers a natural boundary on one side (120 km of scenic river frontage). Whilst the dramatic wooded escarpment to the north provides a picturesque backdrop for your photos. And acts as a natural break on wildlife movements.

Beautiful stands of leadwood, ebony and sweet thorn trees lie between the floodplains. Under this canopy, the bush is relatively sparse. So game-viewing is a little easier. This, combined with the river, means that a Lower Zambezi safari offers some of the best game-viewing in Southern Africa.

Getting to the Lower Zambezi

The Lower Zambezi is connected to Lusaka with daily light aircraft charter flights (on seat in flight rates). You fly into one of two airstrips depending on your camp’s location. From there, it’s a scenic road or boat transfer to your lodge—often both!

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Ready for your Lower Zambezi adventure?

Chat with our safari designers and let us tailor a Zambia safari just for you—whether you’re dreaming of leopard sightings, tiger fishing, or drifting silently past hippos on a canoe.

Why We Love It

One of the best parks for leopard sightings in Africa
Huge elephant and buffalo herds + fantastic birding
Romantic riverside lodges perfect for honeymooners
Canoe safaris offer a unique, low-impact way to explore
Superb guiding and flexible safari activities including sunset boat cruises & tiger fishing

On The Map

When to visit Lower Zambezi

Summer Rainy season in Lower Zambezi

Most of the Lower Zambezi is closed for safari visitors during the summer rainy season as the Zambezi River spills out over its floodplain. A few lodges focused more on river activities stay open but activities are confined to boat-based game-viewing and fishing

AVG RAINFALL 167 mm

MAX TEMP 29 ℃

MIN TEMP 20 ℃

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Camps Start to Open

This is the start of the safari season in the Lower Zambezi with some camps opening in April and others in May. The landscape is still green and lush, with the grasses still high. The sunsets are superb as the skies are clearer. This is still mosquito time so anti-malaria meds and cover up at night. Safari prices are keener during this time.

AVG RAINFALL 19 mm

MAX TEMP 28 ℃

MIN TEMP 15 ℃

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Peak dry season game-viewing

Traditionally this is the best time to visit as the dry season continues. The bush becomes less dense and the animals flock to the Zambezi River to drink. The days are sunny and dry and the Malaria risk declines as there are fewer mosquitos. Note that June is often a time of slightly lower safari prices.

AVG RAINFALL 2 mm

MAX TEMP 25 ℃

MIN TEMP 10 ℃

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Dry and Getting Hot in Lower Zambezi

It is hot, hot, hot in from late September onwards prior to the summer rains. October is known as suicide month here! So make sure you are comfortable with heat! However game-viewing is excellent though the high temperatures and humidity in October can make for some sticky game-viewing.

AVG RAINFALL 62 mm

MAX TEMP 34 ℃

MIN TEMP 20 ℃

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Accommodation

Chiawa Camp

Chiawa Camp is one of the original camps in the Lower Zambezi and has been run by the Cummings family for years. Here it’s all about the bush, the river, the wildlife and safari activities tailored ...

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Sausage Tree Camp

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Chongwe River Camp

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Old Mondoro Camp

Old Mondoro Bush Camp reflects the wild spirit of the white lion that used to frequent the area and lives on in his descendants. It aims to offer an authentic safari which concentrates on walking and ...

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Chongwe River House

The luxurious Chongwe River House, on the edge of the Lower Zambezi, is about as exclusive as it gets in Zambia. Chongwe is a private safari house with funky design features and a sense of relaxed ...

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Download our Insiders Guide to Zambia Safaris

Major attractions, sample tours & camps, and the low-down on best areas to visit! Get our free guide here

Experiences To Look Forward To

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