Lower Zambezi

Where unpredictable wilderness still exists

As Zambia becomes better known as a safari destination, it still retains its essence of true wilderness; a place that doesn’t feel overtaken by humans, thus providing an unpredictable safari experience. Therefore, it is necessary to enter this country with a deep respect for the purity of the wildlife areas, the kindness of the people welcoming travellers with warmth and hospitality, some of the best guides in the entire country and the remoteness of the camps. Welcome to Zambia, where natural beauty still determines the rhythm.

A short distance downstream from Lake Kariba, the Zambezi Valley fringed by rugged escarpment on one side and the Zambezi River on the other is a rich wildlife menagerie. Attracted by lush flood plains, verdant woodlands and permanent water, elephants, buffalo and antelope move in vast herds. Lion, Leopard and Hyena seam plentiful and are nearly always seen by most visitors. The lower Zambezi is a relatively new National Park, it was previously a Game Management Area and Private park to the then President Kenneth Kaunda. The Lower Zambezi wilderness is unique, rapidly changing from open plains to Mopani Woodland, from scrub bush thickets to Palm groves with giant Baobab and Acacia trees. There has been 365 bird species recorded.

So what is it in the Lower Zambezi that attracts so many wildlife enthusiasts? Well, make yourself comfortable, because the list is long. UNESCO declared several areas of the Lower Zambezi World Heritage sites, mainly because it is home to a ‘remarkable concentration of wildlife’. Simply put: the Lower Zambezi is famous for its big game. And that is one of the reasons why you want to venture out to this part of Africa. Think: mind-blowing herds of elephants and buffaloes, an impressive population of Nile crocodiles, plus predators such as lions, leopards and the African wild dog. Together with the wildlife, there is the big blue Zambezi River. Flowing gently due to its subtle gradient, it is perfect for canoeing. All this with a backdrop of the majestic Zambezi escarpment that gradually slopes down to meet the river. Since there is so much more to tell about this unique area, read on for more interesting details.

Lion rest in the shade of the giant figs. Wild dog roam through the area though they usually den up in the escarpment hills, and crocodiles bask in the shallows and on the many islands in the river. Hippo pods are numerous in the river, whilst the woodland of the park is home to leopard, honey badger, civet and bushbuck. The woodland is interspersed with open vleis and smaller channels providing ideal walking country. Away from the river the hills are rugged and offer spectacular views over the valley looking east to the Mupata Gorge, and west back towards the Kafue River confluence with the Zambezi.

During the late dry season (late August onwards), both white fronted and carmine bee-eaters nest in the banks of the rivers providing a colourful spectacle to complete the impressive list of birds to be seen.

The key aspect of visiting the Lower Zambezi is to experience the river itself, and you’ll have the opportunity to canoe or boat through the channels, or try your hand at fishing. Walking is also available, and game drives conducted by day and at night. In recent years the park has started gaining a reputation for aardvark sightings!

Pros & Cons

• Excellent wildlife viewing with four of the Big Five present
• Beautiful setting at one of Africa’s most magnificent rivers
• Great night drives, walking and boat safaris
• Short canoe excursions as well as multiday canoe trips
• Tiger fishing available
• All budget accommodation is outside the park
• Best wildlife viewing is deep in the park, accessible to a few lodges only

Best Time to Go  – July to October (Animals are easy to find)

High Season – July to September (Busy and high-season rates apply)

Size – 4,092km² / 1,580mi²

Altitude – 339-1,387m /

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