Lower Zambezi
Pristine wilderness along the mighty Zambezi β Africa's most diverse safari activity destination
Overview
Lower Zambezi National Park stretches along 120km of the Zambezi River's northern bank, directly opposite Zimbabwe's famous Mana Pools. This 4,092 kmΒ² park is renowned for offering the widest range of safari activities in Africa β all centered around the life-giving Zambezi River.
Unlike any other safari destination, here you can canoe silently past elephants drinking at the water's edge, fish for legendary tiger fish, cruise through channels lined with hippos, and then head inland for a game drive through forests teeming with wildlife. The intimate camps (mostly 6-10 rooms) ensure an exclusive, uncrowded experience.
The park's floodplain ecosystem supports large herds of elephant, buffalo, and hippo, along with lion, leopard, and a rich variety of birdlife. The combination of water-based and land-based activities makes this one of Zambia's most versatile safari destinations.
Best Time to Visit
Peak Season (Jul-Oct)
Dry season concentrates wildlife along the river. Best game viewing with large elephant herds at the water. Hot days (35-40Β°C) but cool mornings on the river. All camps open.
Best for: Game viewing & canoeingTiger Fish Season (Sep-Nov)
The legendary tiger fish are most active as waters warm. Catch-and-release fishing at its finest. Combine with excellent late-season game drives.
Best for: FishingShoulder Season (Apr-Jun)
Camps reopen after the rains. Green landscapes, fewer visitors, lower rates. Good game viewing as animals return to the river. Comfortable temperatures.
Best for: Value & fewer crowdsGreen Season (Dec-Mar)
Most camps close due to flooding. The few that remain open offer incredible birding (350+ species) and dramatic landscapes. Lowest prices of the year.
Best for: Birding enthusiastsActivities
Canoe Safari on the Zambezi
Half or full day
Glide past elephants, hippos & crocs β utterly unique
Tiger Fishing (Catch & Release)
Half or full day
One of the world's most exciting freshwater fish
Day & Night Game Drives
3-6 hours
Elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo along the river
Walking Safari
2-4 hours
Guided bush walks through riverine forest
Boat Cruise & Sundowner
2-3 hours
Sunset on the Zambezi with hippo pods & fish eagles
Island Camping
Overnight
Sleep on a private Zambezi island under the stars
Getting There
By Air: Royal Airstrip and Jeki Airstrip serve the park. Charter flights from Lusaka take approximately 45 minutes. Proflight offers scheduled services during peak season. Most camps arrange charter transfers as part of all-inclusive packages.
By Road: The park is approximately 370km from Lusaka. The drive takes 5-6 hours via Chirundu Road, with the last section on dirt roads. A 4x4 is essential, especially in the wet season. Some camps offer road transfers from Lusaka.
Park Fees: $25/person/day for international visitors. Fishing permits are additional ($15/rod/day). Most all-inclusive camps cover park fees in their rates.
Where to Stay
Luxury
$700-1,500/night all-inclusiveChiawa Camp, Old Mondoro, Chongwe River House, Anabezi Camp
Mid-range
$300-600/nightMvuu Lodge, Chongwe River Camp, Tsika Island Bush Camp
Budget
$50-150/nightKiambi Safari Lodge (just outside park), camping at designated sites
Insider Tips
- π‘A canoe safari here is a bucket-list experience β don't skip it for just game drives.
- π‘Combine Lower Zambezi with South Luangwa for the ultimate Zambia safari (3-4 nights each).
- π‘Tiger fish put up an incredible fight β even non-anglers should try a catch-and-release session.
- π‘The elephants here are remarkably relaxed around canoes. You'll get incredibly close.
- π‘Book October for the biggest elephant herds β hundreds gather along the river.
- π‘Chiawa and Old Mondoro are consistently rated among Africa's top camps. Worth the splurge.
- π‘Budget travelers: Kiambi Safari Lodge just outside the park offers affordable access to the area.
Ready to Explore the Lower Zambezi?
Chat with Mosi to plan your river safari β canoe trips, fishing, game drives, and the perfect camp for your budget.