Lower Zambezi National Park

A Beautiful Rich Landscape of Elephants, Predators and Birdlife

Countless wildlife and bird species can be viewed during a luxury safari in Lower Zambezi National Park, with much of the wildlife gathering around the Zambezi River. On the fertile banks of the river, elephant herds and other herbivores gather to reap the rewards of the rich soil and tall green trees. The result is a stunningly beautiful rich landscape, a true utopia for anybody seeking pure Africa.

The lush floodplains, grasslands and tall forests are inhabited by all the species you would expect to see during a luxury Africa safari, except for the rhino. However, there is so much to discover, big and small, that you will be overwhelmed by all the nature splendour. There is a strong, diverse population of big game in the Lower Zambezi. Elephant and buffalo sightings are common as they like to swim between the mosaic of islands on the river. Large prides of lions, hyenas, wild dogs and leopards are the main predators in the areas. Leopards especially feel at home because of the many large trees, in which this slightly elusive cat likes to hide. Impalas are everywhere and kudu, eland, waterbuck, zebra and wildebeest are common.

Whether you are already a hardcore bird-enthusiast or never thought about ‘birding’ before in your life: after your first luxury safari to the Lower Zambezi, birds will win over your heart. The come in so many shapes and sizes: 378 species have been recorded here, including many species of eagles, herons, storks and bee-eaters. And just considering the kingfishers (both beautifully coloured and black and white species) you’ll find that the pied, giant, woodland, malachite and brown-hooded kingfishers are all common here. Similarly, the river is frequented by darters, cormorants, egrets, storks and fish eagles that are often seen perching in trees, overlooking the water. The Lower Zambezi is also rich in wading birds, both resident and migrant; uncommon residents include ospreys, spoonbills and African skimmers. No worries if all these names do not ring a bell: your guide will tell you where to focus your binoculars and share plenty of bird-factoids.

Intimate Luxurious Safari Lodges and Remote Unfenced Bush Camps

From stunning luxurious lodges to more remote bush camps: weary safari travellers need a good place to rest. Accommodation in the Lower Zambezi National Park ranges from off-the-beaten-track tented bush camps to luxury safari lodges – enough to suit all tastes, budgets and trip types. Important to note is that most lodges in Lower Zambezi National Park only operate seasonally. As a rule, lodges are open from mid-March until mid-November.

Most of the camps here are small, owner-run and offer outstanding hospitality and guiding. The lodges themselves vary from rustic and simple to lavish luxury and get consistently great reviews. Within the beautiful and remote Lower Zambezi National Park, we prefer the lodges closest to the Zambezi River. Set in lush riverine bush, these lodges offer an excellent Africa safari experience – with game viewing activities both on the water combined with game drives and bush walks. The camps are far from each other, so you are unlikely to see any other safari vehicles or people, letting you feel as though you alone are privileged to enjoy this piece of paradise. If you have some trouble choosing between all these beautiful accommodation options, remember that stunning views, excellent bush cuisine and warm hospitality are the standard in Zambia, so you will find that everywhere.

For Effortless Travelling Book a Luxury Fly-in Safari to the Park

If you aren’t sure how to get to the Lower Zambezi, we will assist you with all your luxury safari travelling arrangements, including booking seamless air and ground travel. Travelling to Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park is quite easy, with international flights available from Johannesburg, South Africa into the travel hubs of Lusaka and Livingstone. From here you will board a charter flight to Lower Zambezi National Park, where our experienced ground crew will transfer you to your luxury safari lodge or bush camp. We recommend a stay of at least 3 nights to explore the Park fully.

The best time to travel to Zambia for watching wildlife in Lower Zambezi National Park is during the dry season, which takes place from June to October. The Zambezi River becomes a gathering place for animals during the dry season, as they emerge from the high-temperature, bush areas and move closer to the river.