Lower Zambezi for a first safari

Lower Zambezi works for a first safari with some planning.

Suitability: ★★★★★

Lower Zambezi National Park stretches along the north bank of the Zambezi in south-east Zambia and was declared a national park in 1983. It combines river trips by boat and canoe with land-based game viewing.

Why Lower Zambezi for a first safari?

• 3–4 days are enough for a good experience.

What awaits you in Lower Zambezi

• Canoe safaris on the Zambezi River
• Elephants on islands and riverbanks
• Catch-and-release tigerfish angling
• Faces Mana Pools across the river in Zimbabwe
• Relatively close to Lusaka

Wildlife you may encounter: elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, hippos, crocodiles, African wild dogs and hyenas.

Suggested time on the ground: 3 to 4 days. The quickest route is a short light-aircraft flight from Lusaka to Jeki or Royal airstrips. Road access is via Chirundu and a rough 4x4 track, or by boat from points on the river.

Activities that fit

game drives, boat safaris and walking safaris.

When to go

The best period overall is August to October.

Best viewing as animals come down to the river, with very high temperatures in October.

Other destinations for a first safari

• Masai Mara Kenya
• Merzouga Morocco
• Ngorongoro Tanzania
• Pilanesberg South Africa
• Victoria Falls Zimbabwe
• Kruger South Africa

Full Lower Zambezi guideBest safaris for a first safari

No trips are listed for this destination yet. Send a request and we will check with providers.

Sources: Zambia Tourism - Lower Zambezi National Park · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Kariba (Zambezi valley proxy)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.