Lower Zambezi National Park

Lower Zambezi National Park is one of Zambia’s premier wildlife destinations, certainly in the top three with South Luangwa and Kafue. Ravaged by poaching in the 1980s, the park has since recovered well, though tragically the rhino population was wiped out completely. Wildlife viewing is best along the rivers, which border the park on three sides. The Zambezi River itself is the region’s main source of water and the major attraction, both for visitors and game. There are no campsites at all inside the park and all the lodges and tented camps are mid-range to luxury.

A lioness on the prowl in Lower Zambezi National Park

Highlights

The Lower Zambezi is known for its large populations of buffalo and elephant, which congregate along the Zambezi River during the dry winter months. Lion, leopard and hyena are also common as well as large numbers of hippo and crocodile. If you’re feeling adventurous you can take to the river itself – most lodges offer short canoe and/or boat excursions. Multi-day canoe safaris are also available, ranking among Africa’s most special experiences. Although not without risk, these canoe safaris are truly unique, with experienced river guides leading small groups between the crocs and hippos, down one of Southern Africa’s wildest, most spectacular rivers. Also on the river, tiger fishing is very popular and the best conditions are between August and October. Many lodges cater specifically for anglers who are drawn to the area by the huge tigerfish on offer.

You can enjoy a water lunch at Sausage Tree Camp in Lower Zambezi National Park

Practical advice

May to November is the best time to visit the Lower Zambezi, and the prime game-viewing season begins in June. October and November can get extremely hot, however, with daytime temperatures well over 40°C. Once the rains begin – usually by mid-November – most camps inside the park close. Between January and April all the park’s lodges shut down, but there are year-round lodges and campsites outside the park, across the Chongwe River. Within Lower Zambezi National Park there is no budget accommodation – self-drivers can camp along the Zambezi to the west. Many visitors opt for a fly-in safari or drive to Chirundu and take a boat transfer from there. A number of safari operators offer packages to the region, often at better rates than booking directly with a lodge.

Victoria Falls in Zambia

Arguably Africa’s most famous attraction, the 1.7km-wide Victoria Falls lives up to its hype, especially when viewed in full flow. At its peak between February and May, more than 550 million litres of water (enough to fill 220 Olympic-size swimming pools) spills into the Batoka Gorge every minute. The falls can be viewed from both Zambia and Zimbabwe, but Zambia tends to be quieter and more intimate. From August to December the flow may not reach the Zambian side at all, but daytrips…

North and South Luangwa National Park

South Luangwa National Park is arguably the best wildlife-viewing destination in Zambia. It has a number of excellent lodges and tented camps, with more budget accommodation available just outside the park at Mfuwe Bridge. This Mfuwe section of the park gets relatively busy and can feel a bit touristy at times. The best options are further north along the Luangwa River, where there’s a mix of mid-range to luxury lodges and mobile camps, many open year-round. Both parks offer day and…

Lake Kariba in Zambia

Lake Kariba is the world’s largest man-made lake and reservoir by volume Lake Kariba is the world’s largest man-made dam by volume, extending over 5000km2 along Zambia’s southern border. Completed in 1959, the dam provides hydro-electric power to both Zambia and Zimbabwe, and fish stocks – mainly tilapia, kapenta and the prized tigerfish – are also shared. Access to the Zambian side the lake is fairly limited, with Sinazongwe or Siavonga the only two towns of any…