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.
- Country
- Zambia
- Type
- National park
- Approx. area
- 4,092 km²
- Best time
- August to October
- Suggested stay
- 3–4 days
- Main gateway airport
- Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN)
- Big Five
- Not all five
- Malaria
- Malaria area: see a travel doctor
Why go to 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
Best time to visit Lower Zambezi
Based on average weather and wildlife seasons, the best period to visit Lower Zambezi is August to October.
Best viewing as animals come down to the river, with very high temperatures in October.
Most lodges close during the rains and generally operate from about April to November.
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain | Experience | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 22–32 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| February | 22–32 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| March | 22–32 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| April | 19–31 | some rain | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| May | 15–29 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| June | 12–28 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| July | 12–27 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| August | 15–30 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| September | 20–34 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| October | 24–36 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| November | 24–35 | some rain | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| December | 23–33 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
What you can see
Wildlife you may see in Lower Zambezi includes elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, hippos, crocodiles, African wild dogs, hyenas, zebras, kudu, eland and birdlife.
Things to do
Getting there
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.
Trips to Lower Zambezi
No trips are listed for this destination yet. Send a request and we will check with providers.
Plan by travel style
- Lower Zambezi for families
- Lower Zambezi for a honeymoon
- Lower Zambezi for photographers
- Lower Zambezi for a first safari
- Lower Zambezi on a budget
- Lower Zambezi for luxury travel
Compare with
- Lower Zambezi vs South Luangwa
- Lower Zambezi vs Mana Pools
- Lower Zambezi vs Chobe
- Lower Zambezi vs Hwange
- Lower Zambezi vs Kruger
- Lower Zambezi vs Pilanesberg
Travelling to Lower Zambezi from
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Lower Zambezi?
Generally August to October. Best viewing as animals come down to the river, with very high temperatures in October.
How many days do I need in Lower Zambezi?
Most visitors spend 3 to 4 days there, not counting travel days.
How do I get to Lower Zambezi?
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.
Is there malaria in Lower Zambezi?
Yes, it is in a malaria-risk area. See a doctor or travel clinic well before your trip.
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.