One of Zambia’s top safari destinations, the Lower Zambezi National Park lies along the northern bank of the Zambezi River with Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools set opposite. Together these two parks form an extraordinarily wildlife-rich region that offers a first-class safari experience - expect day and night game drives, guided nature walks, river cruises and fishing expeditions.
Still wonderfully under-developed, the Lower Zambezi is set between the wide, sluggish river and its hazy escarpment, and its 120km riverfront delivers some serious game viewing: hippo and crocodile are present in huge numbers; large herds of elephant and buffalo are often seen at the water’s edge; and thick riverine forest provides cover for leopards. Away from the river, open grasslands afford good hunting for lion, wild dog and spotted hyena while the birdlife in the park is nothing short of phenomenal.
There aren't many accommodation options in the Lower Zambezi but what there is, is very good. Intimate lodges, tented camps and private villas sit in prime positions at the water’s edge with fantastic views over the river and offer flexible safari programmes. Instead of starting every day with an early morning game drive, guests on a Lower Zambezi safari can go fishing for tiger fish or spend the whole day on a thrilling canoe safari.
Note that much of the Lower Zambezi National Park gets flooded during the summer rains and many camps close from early November, only reopening after the rains have ended in April. Find out more about the best time to visit Zambia or chat to one of our well-travelled Africa Safari Experts: they know all the lodges and can tailor-make an itinerary to your specifications.