Lower Zambezi National Park

Lower Zambezi National Park is one of Zambia's most beautiful and rewarding safari destinations. Set along the northern bank of the mighty Zambezi River, the park combines river channels, woodland, floodplains and the dramatic Zambezi escarpment to create a wonderfully varied wilderness.

Across the river lies Zimbabwe's Mana Pools National Park, creating an enormous protected wildlife landscape on both sides of the Zambezi. Animals move through this wilderness following water, food and seasonal conditions, giving the Lower Zambezi a strong sense of being part of a much larger natural ecosystem.

Although the park covers more than 4,000 square kilometres, much of the wildlife is concentrated along the valley floor and close to the river. Elephants are particularly impressive here and are frequently seen feeding along the riverbanks, wading through shallow channels or moving between islands.

Buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, waterbuck, kudu and zebra are also commonly encountered, while predators include lions, leopards, spotted hyenas and African wild dogs. The riverine environment also supports exceptional birdlife, with African fish eagles, bee-eaters and many other species adding colour and sound to the landscape.

What makes the Lower Zambezi especially memorable is the variety of ways you can experience the wildlife. Traditional game drives can be combined with walking safaris, boat safaris and guided canoe excursions along the Zambezi and its quieter channels.

A canoe safari offers a very different perspective from a safari vehicle. Travelling quietly along the river, you may watch elephants at the water's edge, observe hippos and crocodiles from a safe distance and enjoy the birdlife that thrives along the riverbanks.

The combination of wildlife, water and wilderness makes Lower Zambezi National Park particularly suited to travellers who want a safari with more variety than game drives alone.