Lower Zambezi Valley 

Situated in the southeastern part of the country Lower Zambezi National Park offers a stunning landscape where a massive river valley meets a rugged mountain backdrop.

The park covers just over four thousand square kilometers and sits directly opposite Zimbabwe’s famous Mana Pools National Park. Together these two protected areas form a massive trans-frontier wildlife sanctuary where animals roam freely across political borders.

Water Based safaris and River Tours 

The defining feature of Lower Zambezi National Park is the Zambezi River. The park is nestled between the water and the towering Zambezi Escarpment which acts as a natural barrier for wildlife.

This leaves a narrow strip of fertile land along the riverbank where animals congregate in massive numbers. Because of this unique geography Lower Zambezi is premier destination for water based safaris.

Canoe safaris are particularly popular and offer a thrilling way to experience nature. Drifting silently in a canoe allows you to glide past family herds of elephants drinking at the water edge or watch hippos submerge just a few meters away.

It is an active intimate safari style that relies on the natural flow of the river rather than the noise of an engine. For those who prefer a less active river experience motorized boat cruises offer exceptional game viewing and photography options.

The riverbanks are lined with large winter thorn trees which drop nutritious seed pods that elephants absolutely love. It is a common sight to see massive bulls standing on their hind legs to reach the upper branches of these trees against the backdrop of the shining river.

Terrestrial Adventures and Angling 

Away from the water the park features beautiful forests of mahogany and acacia trees. Game drives in Lower Zambezi are incredibly rewarding with healthy populations of lions leopards and spotted hyenas.

The park does not have any rhinos but its elephant and buffalo populations are among the healthiest in the country. Wild dogs are also frequent visitors to the valley floor moving through the woodlands in search of impala and kudu.

Lower Zambezi is also a world class destination for sport fishing. Anglers from across the globe travel here to test their skills against the legendary tigerfish. Known for its ferocious strike and sharp teeth the tigerfish is a formidable opponent.

All fishing within the national park is strictly on a catch and release basis to ensure the long term sustainability of the river ecosystem.

Best Time to visit Lower Zambezi National Park

Lower Zambezi National Park can be visited anytime around the year although the best time to visit the park is during the dry season in the months of May to October.

Details (Monthly)

July to September includes comfortable temperatures, excellent wildlife viewing and ideal conditions for safari activities.

September and October are regarded as the peak safari season with high concentrations of elephants, buffalo, hippos, and predators along the riverbanks.

How to Get to Lower Zambezi National Park

Getting to Lower Zambezi National Park is relatively direct with options i.e by air, road and boat.

By Air

Lower Zambezi can be accessed by use of Air as you fly from the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in a charter flight to Jeki Airstrip or Royal Airstrip where you leave from to access the park. The flight from Lusaka takes about 30–40 minutes.

By Road

Travelers in Zambia can use road as they drive from Lusaka to the Park. The journey includes a distance of 216 kms in a period of 4–5 hours, depending on road conditions.

Typical route:

Lusaka → Chirundu (about 2½ hours)

Cross the Kafue Bridge

Follow Chiawa Road through the Chiawa Game Management Area to the park or your lodge.

By boat

Some lodges along the Zambezi River offer boat transfers from nearby landing points, allowing guests to arrive by river. This is often combined with a road transfer from Lusaka to Chirundu before boarding the boat.