Canoe safaris beneath the escarpment, with elephant and hippo on the great Zambezi River.
Enquire About Lower ZambeziThe Lower Zambezi National Park runs along the northern bank of the Zambezi River, opposite Zimbabwe's Mana Pools, with the steep Zambezi escarpment rising behind a wide floodplain of woodland and channels. It is a park defined by the river, and by the chance to explore it from the water.
Canoeing is the signature here. Drifting downstream past pods of hippo and elephants feeding on the islands, with fish eagles overhead and the escarpment as a backdrop, is one of the most absorbing experiences in African safari. Motorboat trips, tiger fishing and walking safaris round out the activities.
The wildlife concentrates along the river in the dry season. Large elephant herds wade between the islands, buffalo gather on the floodplain, and lion, leopard and wild dog hunt the woodland. The river itself teems with hippo and crocodile.
Remote and reached by light aircraft, the Lower Zambezi has a small, high-quality collection of camps strung along the river. It pairs naturally with South Luangwa for a varied Zambian safari of walking and water.
Elephant are the stars, in large herds that wade and swim between the river islands, often passing close to the canoes. Buffalo gather on the floodplain, and the river holds dense hippo and large crocodile.
Lion and leopard hunt the riverine woodland, and the Lower Zambezi is a reliable area for endangered African wild dog. The concentration of game along the water in the dry season makes for rewarding, varied viewing.
Birdlife is a highlight of any river trip, with fish eagles, skimmers, bee-eaters, storks and a long list of water birds, all best appreciated from the quiet of a canoe or boat.
June to October, the dry season, is the prime time, when wildlife concentrates along the river, the canoeing is at its best and game viewing is easiest. October is hot but rewarding.
The green season from November to April brings the rains, high water and superb birding, but many camps close for the wettest months and access becomes harder, so the dry season is the clear choice.
Beautifully designed riverside camps with private guiding and the full range of canoe, boat and walking activities.
Long-established luxury camps in prime river positions, with strong guiding and excellent game viewing on the floodplain.
A small, intimate bush camp loved for its close-up wildlife and its canoeing, deep in the park.
Comfortable river lodges, some on the game-management area, offering the Zambezi experience at a more accessible price.
Guided canoe trails travel downriver over several days, sleeping on islands or at fly-camps, for the most immersive Zambezi experience.
The Lower Zambezi offers a different angle on safari: low, water-level views of elephant and hippo from a canoe, golden light along the river and the escarpment behind. It is among the most atmospheric photographic settings in Zambia.
The Lower Zambezi sits mainly at the mid to luxury end and suits travellers drawn to water-based safari and canoeing over the classic game drive. It pairs naturally with South Luangwa for a varied Zambian trip.
The Lower Zambezi lies in southern Zambia along the river opposite Zimbabwe, reached by a short light-aircraft flight from Lusaka, then a transfer or boat to camp.
We arrange every detail, from the right camp to flights and transfers. Tell us your dates and we will do the rest.
Plan My Safari WhatsApp UsYes, canoeing is the park's signature activity, drifting past hippo and elephant on the river. Trips range from a few hours to multi-day canoe trails sleeping on the islands.
Large elephant herds along the river, buffalo, hippo and crocodile, plus lion, leopard and wild dog in the woodland. The birding from the water is a highlight.
June to October, the dry season, when wildlife concentrates along the river and the canoeing and game viewing are at their best.
By a short light-aircraft flight from Lusaka, followed by a road transfer or boat to camp.
Yes, very well. Pairing the Lower Zambezi's canoeing with South Luangwa's walking and leopard makes a varied, classic Zambian safari.
Yes, the Zambezi is famous for tiger fishing, offered on a catch-and-release basis by most camps, particularly from September to November.
Tell us roughly when you would like to travel and what you most want to see. Every enquiry is answered personally by Jarryd, a former Sabi Sands guide and Head Ranger at andBeyond Phinda, usually within 24 hours. No set packages, no booking fees.
