Lower Zambezi National Park Zambia | Luxury Safaris & Lodges

Despite the park’s fast development and rising popularity due to the game’s comeback, its undisturbed wilderness nature remains its most attractive feature. There may not be as many species as in other large parks (the mountainous terrain that surrounds the Zambia River isn’t ideal for giraffes, for example), but the chances to see wildlife as it enters and exits the Zambezi channels are very remarkable. The entire region along the Zambezi River is a vast wildlife refuge, as it is located across from the world-renowned Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe.

Ebony and fig trees provide a dense riverine fringe that drapes over the riverbank. In the interior, you’ll find a floodplain dotted with massive acacias and winterthorn trees, bordered by a mopane forest. Broadleaf woods covers the sloping hills that surround the park.

The Lower Zambezi National Park extends about 4,092km² / 2,542mi², although the majority of the action takes place on the valley floor. Near the park’s northern boundary, an escarpment blocks the path of the majority of the animals that call this area home. It is not uncommon to witness enormous herds of elephants, numbering in the hundreds, near the riverbank. Common examples include waterbuck and “island hopping” buffalo. You may also hear the fish eagle’s omnipresent call, and the park is home to healthy populations of leopard and lion.

In contrast to the unpredictable Luangwa River, this portion of the Zambezi is very quiet and reliable, despite its enormity. Seasonal fishing, boating, and canoeing—particularly guided kayaking through the channels—are popular activities because of this. Keep an eye out for timid elephants and the stunning red carmine bee-eaters as they build their nests along the riverbanks.

Getting There

From Lusaka, the easiest and fastest (though probably the most costly) option is to fly into Jeki or Royal Airstrip. This brief flight will show you the enormity of the Zambezi River and its pristine surroundings. Game drives will be organised by the lodge where you are staying.

You can reach the park via the canoeing operators and the lodges that are already there. All of them often provide pickup services from Kariba, Zimbabwe, or Lusaka and Chirundu, Zambia.

Located immediately outside Gwabi Lodge, the Chongwe River forms the park’s western boundary and may be reached from Chirundu by a rough road (a 4×4 is suggested) that crosses the Kafue River via pontoon. Starting in April, a pontoon will traverse the Zambezi from Luangwa Town to Zimbabwe’s Kanyemba and Mozambique’s Zumbo, both at the confluence of the two rivers.

The T4 is also available for self-driving from Lusaka.

Wildlife in Lower Zambezi National Park

There are a lot of mammals that call Lower Zambezi National Park and the neighbouring Chiawa Game Management Area home. Many animals, including elephants and giraffes, are unable to reach the plateau and escarpment areas. The valley bottom is home to a small population of large species, including elephants, buffalo, hippos, waterbucks, zebras, lions, and wild dogs. On rare occasions, you might spot a roan, an eland, or perhaps a Samango monkey. Hyenas, porcupines, civets, genets, and honey badgers are among the area’s nocturnal wildlife, while hippos and crocodiles inhabit the water’s edge.

The riverbanks are home to an abundance of rare and beautiful birds. For miles around, you may see and hear countless African fish eagles. Both carmine and white-fronted bee-eaters make their nests along the rocks. Black eagles, red-winged pratincoles, exquisite crested guinea fowls, and enormous swarms of quelea are among the other peculiar species. Here you may see the beautiful narina trogon in the summer. A few more examples of their expertise are the Meyer’s parrot, Lilian’s lovebird, and trumpeter hornbills.

Acacia albida trees, commonly known as winterthorn, make up the majority of the local flora. These trees can reach heights of 10 to 30 meters (32 to 98 feet) and feature the traditional umbrella shape, which provides welcome shade. Stabilising barren sandbanks and reducing erosion, it is able to withstand sandier soils than other woodland species. Also, elephants eat winterthorn pods and digest them, leaving around 40% intact, so the pods will continue to be dispersed.