Lower Zambezi National Park
Open April - mid November
The Lower Zambezi, a key national park of Zambia, is only a 30 minute flight from Lusaka. Half the size of the South Luangwa (4092 sq km), this park lies between the rugged and dramatic Zambezi escarpment and the wide and spectacular Zambezi River. The Zambezi runs for 120 km through the park and with the protection of the Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe on the opposite side this is a haven for wildlife. There are many channels, lagoons, sandbanks and islands along the river and then open plains, woodland and bush areas behind the riverine strip. The river is a massive attraction to this park - to spend time boating, drifting, canoeing on this extraordinary river with breathtaking views all around is a wonderful experience.
When on the water there is always wildlife in sight, be it a few buffalos feeding in the reeds, elephants crossing an island or swimming to the next one or even, if you are lucky, lions lying out along the bank. Interspersed along the river there are small family pods of hippo resting up against shallow sand banks and the skulking crocodiles sliding silently into the water. Amongst the reeds and grass of the islands are many water birds - and you can silently drift so close to both the wildlife and the birds you want to hold your breath.
Game viewing is not only from the river but of course by vehicle or foot through the many plains and wooded areas of the park. The game viewing can be spectacular with approximately 50 mammal and 400 bird species.
On the western border there is a very special tributary, the Chongwe River, which is superb for canoeing or walking. At the foot of the escarpment the river drops over a cliff, with the falls creating a large pool. The local community believes this is a place of magic - it is not hard to see why.
Fishing is a key activity in the Zambezi and you can fly fish as well as cast and reel. There is a strict catch and release for most of the species. The key species are tigerfish, vundu, (similar to a "catfish" or barbell) and banded tilapia. The tigerfish gives a good fight will leap and twist out of the water in the sunlight - they are sought after by many keen fishermen. The best months for the tigers are September to November.
Activities
- game drives, night drives, walking, boating, canoeing, fishing.
Camps that we most regularly book
- Chiawa Camp (16 beds) and Sausage Tree (16 beds) are both in the park and are top level camps. Sophisticated and well run these camps joined forces to open a bush camp style operation called Old Mondoro (8 beds).
- Chongwe River Camp (20 beds), Chongwe River House (8 beds) and the Bushbuck Bushcamp (6 beds) are a superb and relaxed family of properties that are situated along the Chongwe River, the boundary of the park.
- Kasaka Lodge (16 beds), some 20 minutes from the park, is an excellent mid range camp and is especially good for families.
- Map of Lower Zambezi
Sample Itineraries that include the Lower Zambezi
Zambia's Classic Safari, Zambia's Two Rivers Safari, Gem of Zambia Safari
