Lower Zambezi for families

Lower Zambezi works for families 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 families?

• It is a malaria area, so check with your paediatrician and choose lodges with mosquito nets.
• A short domestic flight can replace a long road transfer.
• Some camps and activities have minimum ages, so confirm with the provider before booking.

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 birdwatching.

When to go

The best period overall is August to October. For quieter months and often better value, try April to May and November.

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

Other destinations for families

• Addo South Africa
• Ngorongoro Tanzania
• Pilanesberg South Africa
• Victoria Falls Zimbabwe
• Akagera Rwanda
• Kruger South Africa

Full Lower Zambezi guideBest safaris for families

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.