This Park is still relatively undeveloped; its beauty is lying in a wilderness state. The diversity of animals is not as wide as the other big parks, but the opportunities to get close to game wandering in and out of the Zambezi channels are spectacular. The Park lies opposite the famous Mana Pools Reserve in Zimbabwe, so the whole area on both sides of the Zambezi River is a massive wildlife sanctuary.

The River’s edge is overhung with a thick riverine fringe, including ebony and fig trees. Further inland is a floodplain fringed with mopane forest and interspersed with winter thorn trees and huge acacias. The hills which form the backdrop to the Park are covered in broadleaf woodland.

Even though the Lower Zambezi National Park covers an area of 4092 square kilometers, most of the game is concentrated along the valley floor. There is an escarpment along the northern end which acts as a physical barrier to most of the Park’s animal species. Enormous herds of elephants, some up to 100 strong, are often seen at the river’s edge. ‘Island hopping’ buffalo and waterbuck are common. The Park also hosts good populations of lion and leopard, and listen to for the ubiquitous cry of the fish eagle.

Size of Lower Zambezi Zambia

The Lower Zambezi National Park, founded in 1983, covers an area of 4,092 square kilometers along the north-western bank of the Zambezi River.

Location of Lower Zambezi Zambia

Lower Zambezi National Park is in southern Zambia, on the Zimbabwean border. In the south, the Zambezi River valley is known for abundant wildlife, including buffalo, fish eagles, and herds of elephants. Canoes ply the river, which is home to hippos and crocodiles. In the east, the river passes past the striking red cliffs of Mupata Gorge, with its fish-filled waters. North is the steep and rugged Zambezi Escarpment.

How to get to Lower Zambezi Zambia

Lower Zambezi National Park is located in a rather remote corner of our planet. Although you will feel like being hundreds of miles away from the hustle and bustle of city life (which you indeed are), Lower Zambezi still is fairly easy to access. The most favored option is to fly into the national park via Zambia’s capital city Lusaka. Lower Zambezi is also accessible by 4×4 vehicles which are about 150 km from the main capital but the road network during the rainy season can be tough.

Things to do in Lower Zambezi Zambia

Fishing safaris

Fishing is good along the river, all three lodges offer fishing with rods and simple tackle provided. Healthy Tigerfish and bream catches are common as well as vundu, a member of the catfish family, weighing up to 50 kilograms. Strangely, cheap strong-smelling soap is excellent bait.

Canoeing

Canoeing is a must. The lodges will provide day-long canoeing trips. Float down the river at your leisure and they’ll pick you up in a speedboat at the end of the day to bring you back.

Wilderness camping safaris

Several operators run 3 – 5 day trips, overnighting at very comfortable bush camps on the banks of the river. These are highly recommended. The river has a strong enough current to take you easily down the river with little effort. The river guides will take you down remote channels between the islands where your opportunities to get close to the game are very high. Hippos are always in sight, elephant, zebra, puku, impala, buffalo; kudu, and baboons can be seen browsing on the banks from the laid-back comfort of your canoe.

When to visit Lower Zambezi Zambia

The best time to visit Lower Zambezi national park is between June and November when the weather is dry and the wildlife watching is sensational, but our month by month climate guide highlights the benefits of traveling out of season, too.

Where to stay in Lower Zambezi Zambia

Within the beautiful and remote Lower Zambezi National Park, we prefer the lodges closest to the Zambezi River. Set in the lush riverine bush, these lodges offer an excellent safari experience – with game viewing activities both on the water and with game drives and bush walks. The camps are far from each other so you’re unlikely to see any other safari vehicles or people, letting you feel as though you alone are privileged to enjoy this piece of paradise.

Chiawa camp and Old mondoro camp