
Lower Zambezi National Park
One of Africa's most beautiful national parks with the mighty Zambezi River, large flood plains and the Zambezi Valley Escarpment all on centre stage. The natural beauty that surrounds is breathtaking, to say the least, and we have not even touched on the wildlife, birdlife and safari activity options as of yet.
- Size: 4092 square kilometres
- Location: South-Eastern Zambia
- Lodges & accommodation: Lower Zambezi Lodges
Where is Lower Zambezi National Park located?
A question we get all the time and a rather easy (yet complicated) question to answer. The Lower Zambezi is located in the south-eastern corner of Zambia to the east of Lake Kariba, on the northern banks of the Zambezi river (opposite Zimbabwe's Mana Pool National Park). It is best all always to see the location of the national park from a map, so without further ado, a google map for your viewing pleasure; Google Maps - Lower Zambezi National Park
Information On Lower Zambezi National Park
A smallish national park in comparison to the other offerings in Zambia, with 4092 km² in total. But please do not make the mistake of thinking that size is everything. What the Lower Zambezi loses in size, it gains in both wildlife and birdlife sightings as well as safari activities on offer.
Wildlife is concentrated on the valley floor and the banks of the Zambezi, with above-average sightings for wildlife. In fact, we would say that one could not drive for more than 10-minutes and not see wildlife. It is that spectacular.
Many of the safari lodges and camps in the national park offer game drives, walking safaris, fishing options, canoeing excursions and boating options as part and parcel of their safari experience. There are not many national parks in Africa that offer as many safaris activities in one place as the Lower Zambezi does other than, say, the Okavango Delta.
The park is famed for its elephants, buffalo, lion, leopard, hyaena, porcupine, civet, genet and honeybadger, and that is excluding the amazing summer migrant birdlife.
The flood plains are dominated my 10-30m high Acacia Abida, Acacia Winterthorn and large Sausage Trees.
Best Time to Visit Lower Zambezi National Park
A few of the lodges and camps on the Zambezi River are open all year (not all, though), but as a general rule, the park is open for business between April and November.
Vast areas within the park become inaccessible when the rains start, and transfers to the lodges and camps that remain open are by boat or chartered light aircraft only.
Just a small note on the months of October and November, it can get HOT, very HOT over these months. Please bear this in mindwe are talking +40° Celcius.
Main Attractions Of Lower Zambezi National Park
- Close encounters wildlife from a canoe's or boat's
- Game walks
- Beautiful scenery
- Tiger fishing
- Night game drives
- Elephants swimming
- Sunsets
- Remoteness
- Birdlife
- Nkwali Camp
Nkwali Camp has been designed so that guests always look out - to the bush and to the river. South Luangwa is superb game viewing country, with a beautiful area of ebony woodland and open grasslands.
Elephants regularly cross the Luangwa River, seen from the bar, or come to the waterhole near the thatched dining room.
- Chundukwa River Lodge
Chundukwa River Lodge, a small intimate and luxurious lodge located within a 30-minute drive from Livingstone and 36 kilometres upstream of the Victoria Falls.
Owner run and managed, Chundukwa offers just six river-facing chalets all with views of the Zambezi.
- Kakuli Bush Camp
Kakuli Bush Camp is one of the few Zambian and South Luangwa National Park bush camps to open in February and March.
At this time of year, the river is high, we gain access by boat and activities are either on the river or on foot in the drier, sandy areas that surround the camp, with spectacular wildlife.
- Royal Chundu Zambezi River Lodge
Royal Chundu Zambezi River Lodge, a Relais & Châteaux property situated on the mighty Zambezi River just upstream from Victoria Falls on a 15 km stretch of private waterway.
The perfect option for both a romantic escape or a unique, fun-filled family holiday.
- Luwi Bush Camp
Due to its remote location, there are not many roads in the area so activities are centred on walking safaris. This fact makes Luwi Bush Camp one of the most enthralling camps in Zambia.
The wildlife in the South Luangwa National Park is prolific and to track it each day on foot is a memory that will last a lifetime.
- Busanga Plains Camp
Busanga Plains Camp is an intimate option for those seeking out an almost private wildlife safari experience, perfect for couples, honeymooners and small groups alike.
The luxury Kafue camp offers up only four luxurious tented suites, each with commanding views over the Busanga Plains.