Lower Zambezi National Park
Lying on the banks of the Lower Zambezi River, this park is a real gem. The park lies opposite the famous Mana Pools National Park, in Zimbabwe. Together they form a massive wild habitat.
Fig and ebony trees fringe the river’s edge. Mahogany trees provide year-long shade and fruit for Meyers parrots and other animals. Inland a floodplain spreads between the Zambezi and the escarpment. Thick scrub and mopane trees cover the area until the woods starts on the hills. In the distance, the misty blue hills provide a fantastic background for photographs. In the foreground is the Zambezi River, a magnet for the game.
Large herds of elephant frequently drink from the river. Lion and leopard numbers are good. Game viewing on boats provides a refreshing change from game drives. Walking, canoeing, and day-long trips with picnics are all on the menu. Romantic dinners on floating platforms are a must. Birding is excellent along the river as well as inland.
Several camps and lodges are on the Zambian side. Some are within the park borders, and all offer a variety of boating as well as land orientated game viewing. The standard of accommodation is excellent catering mainly to four and five-star level. There are canoe and budget camps available of an essential nature.
Tips
Access is from Lusaka by small plane to one of several airstrips. Some of the camps offer a boat transfer from the runway, others a short drive.
Combining the Lower Zambezi with the South Luangwa National Park works well as a safari. The Zambezi is swiftly flowing, allowing boating activities whereas the Luangwa is slow and shallow with no boating. These variations create an excellent pairing as a result.
