HIGHLIGHTS
WHY VISIT
Superb boating and canoeing on the Lower Zambezi River
Mixed habitats of miombo, mopane and winterthorn
Over 370 bird species including carmine bee-eaters
FAMOUS FOR
It’s no wonder that Lower Zambezi used to be a private game reserved especially for the presidents of Zambia. Until 1983, this incredible stretch along the Zambezi River was off-limits to everyone else. Today it welcomes safari lovers who want to have the option of spending all morning exploring the woodlands, forests, mountains and escarpment before escaping the heat with relaxing boating and canoeing on the river in the afternoon (some go as far as setting up lunch tables on sandbars so your feet are in the cool water – and far from curious hippos or crocodiles!).
Lower Zambezi National Park is still fairly seasonal, which means many animals see few humans or vehicles over the rainy summer months. When camps and lodges reopen, the game viewing is almost more ‘authentic’ as the animals’ instincts have not been smoothed through exposure to human activity. To the east lies Mupata Gorge, to the north sits the escarpment and the south is bordered by the meandering water – all of this creates a paradise for good populations of buffalo, elephant, sable, eland, greater kudu, waterbuck and their predators, including wild dog. Because of the river, the aquatic birdlife thrives: look out for kingfishers, herons, darters, cormorants, ospreys, spoonbills, skimmers and more.
WHEN TO VISIT
DRY season: July to October
Safari high season sees Lower Zambezi at its busiest. Many lodges and camps start opening in June to ready themselves for peak season. The game may still be slightly dispersed and skittish but, as the dry winter wears on, they will not stray too far from water points. The dirt roads will also dry out, making for a much smoother ride. The water levels of the river drop slightly, making for excellent boating and canoeing.
RAINY season: November to MARCH
The summer rain generally arrives as short downpours and afternoon thunderstorms. This welcome precipitation replenishes the dried-out bush and signals plains game that the time is right to drop their young. Many camps and lodges may choose to close as the game is very dispersed, the grass high and roads on black-cotton soil can be sticky and challenging to navigate.
SHOULDER SEASON: APRIL TO JUNE
Depending on how heavily it has rained, camps and lodges may start opening in shoulder season. Rates will be lower to compensate for the animals being slightly trickier to find and see but this is an ideal time for birders.
SAFARIS TO INSPIRE YOU
Here are our favourite Lower Zambezi journeys. If you crave a balance of game drives and river activities, then one of Zambia’s prettiest national parks is perfect for you.
ACCOMMODATION TO INSPIRE YOU
Here are just a handful of lodges and camps in Lower Zambezi to whet your appetite. We can suggest others to suit your needs and budget.
PREMIUM ACCOMMODATION
Camps and lodges that surpass the bar when it comes to unusual activities, extra-special amenities and stand-out design.
LUXURY ACCOMMODATION
Exemplary accommodation that offers welcome touches that are a step up and provide an extra level of indulgence.
EXPLORE THE LOWER ZAMBEZI
OPTIONS TO EXTEND YOUR LOWER ZAMBEZI ITINERARY
Here are a few of our favourite destinations to add to your Lower Zambezi itinerary. These extensions are here for inspiration. Chat to one of our experienced Travel Consultants to build the ultimate itinerary, tailored just for you.
Enhance your trip to Lower Zambezi with a visit to Mosi oa Tunya – the “Smoke that Thunders”. Experience a unique and truly dazzling phenomenon.
Extend your Lower Zambezi adventure with a visit to Kafue National Park, and understand what wild and untouched Africa really looks like.
Extend your Kafue adventure by adding a visit to Chobe in Botswana, where the iconic river safaris, prolific wildlife, and stunning sunsets along the Chobe River create an unforgettable African experience