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Zambia

Lower Zambezi National Park

The remoteness of this eastern part of Zambia. The Lower Zambezi National Park, founded in 1983, covers an area of 4,092 square kilometers along the northwestern bank of the Zambezi River. Step on board on a boat or drift silently pass the riverbank in a canoe for the best wildlife viewing, since most wildlife is concentrated around the Lower Zambezi Valley and the river. Elephant herds, sometimes up to one hundred strong, hippo, leopard, lion, buffalo, over 400 bird species – they all gather in this mesmerizing wilderness.
The park is typically accessed via scheduled or chartered flights from Lusaka to Jeki, Royal and Kelefu airstrip, all within or near the park. Flying time takes approximately 35 minutes and nearly all lodges provide transfers from the airstrips. Road access is possible but challenging, especially during the rainy season, requiring 4×4 vehicles and considerable time (4-6 hours from Lusaka). The remote nature of the park contributes to its unspoiled wilderness appeal.
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Unique Experiences:
1.) Canoe safaris along the Zambezi River for silent, close-up wildlife viewing – 2.) River-based safari experiences rarely found in other African parks – 3.) Viewing elephants swimming between river islands – 4.) Low-density, uncrowded safari environment with strong wilderness appeal
Activities :
1.) Canoeing safaris along the Zambezi River – 2.) Boat safaris and river cruises – 3.) Game drives in inland mopane woodlands – 4.) Guided walking safaris – 5.) Catch-and-release tiger fishing
Wildlife :
1.) Big Four: elephant, lion, leopard, and buffalo – 2.) Large elephant herds frequently seen along the river – 3.) Hippos and crocodiles in the Zambezi River – 4.) Plains game such as impala, kudu, waterbuck, and zebra – 5.) Over 350 bird species, including water and migratory birds
Adventure & Sports :
1.) Canoeing safaris (signature adventure experience) – 2.) Tiger fishing on the Zambezi River – 3.) Walking safaris for immersive bush exploration – 4.) Seasonal photographic safaris focused on river wildlife
Culture & Heritage :
1.) Established as a national park in 1983 – 2.) Part of a transboundary ecosystem shared with Mana Pools National Park (Zimbabwe) – 3.) Strong conservation partnerships led by Conservation Lower Zambezi – 4.) Sustainable tourism practices supported by lodges and local communities
Contact us for booking

Lower Zambezi National Park Preferred Lodges/Camps:

Mvuu-lodge-Zambia

STANDARD

Mvuu Lodge

Kutali-Camp-Zambia

SUPERIOR

Kutali Camp

Baines-River-Camp-Zambia

LUXURY

Baines River Camp

Chiawa-safaries-Zambia

LUXE

Chiawa Camp

See Our Itinerary

Lower Zambezi National Park – Zambia’s Premier River Safari Destination

Lower Zambezi National Park is one of Zambia’s most scenic and exclusive safari destinations, defined by its dramatic river frontage and remote wilderness setting. Located along the northwestern bank of the Zambezi River, the park offers a rare combination of water-based and land-based safari experiences, making it a standout choice among the best safaris in Zambia.
Wildlife in Lower Zambezi is closely tied to the river ecosystem, where animals gather daily to drink, feed, and cool off. Large elephant herds, predators such as lion and leopard, and an abundance of birdlife create exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. The river setting also allows for unique sightings, including elephants swimming between islands and predators moving along the water’s edge.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lower Zambezi National Park

Q1. Where is Lower Zambezi National Park located?

Lower Zambezi National Park lies in eastern Zambia along the northwestern bank of the Zambezi River, directly opposite Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools. Its remote setting contributes to low visitor numbers and an unspoiled safari environment.

Q2. What makes Lower Zambezi National Park unique for safaris?

Lower Zambezi is best known for river-based safaris, especially canoeing experiences that allow silent wildlife viewing along the riverbanks. The combination of water and land activities makes it one of the most distinctive safari parks in Zambia.

Q3. What wildlife can be seen in Lower Zambezi National Park?

The park is home to four of the Big Five—elephant, lion, leopard, and buffalo. Large elephant herds are common along the river, alongside hippos, crocodiles, plains game, and over 350 bird species.

Q4. What safari activities are available in Lower Zambezi?

Activities include canoe safaris, boat cruises, game drives, guided walking safaris, and catch-and-release tiger fishing. The river ecosystem creates exceptional opportunities for photography and close-range wildlife encounters.

Q5. When is the best time to visit Lower Zambezi National Park?

The best time to visit is during the dry season from June to October, when wildlife congregates along the river and access is easiest. Many lodges close during the rainy season from December to March.
Lower Zambezi is internationally renowned for its canoe safaris, which allow travellers to glide quietly past wildlife without engine noise. Boat safaris and river cruises add another dimension to game viewing, while inland game drives and walking safaris provide variety and depth to the overall safari experience. This diversity makes the park especially appealing to travellers seeking both adventure and refinement.

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