Where to go

Lower Zambezi National Park

A park with a variety of game viewing activities on the land and water...

Lower Zambezi National Park
Lower Zambezi National Park

The Lower Zambezi Valley is a huge rift in the earth’s crust that homes the mighty Zambezi River and two national parks either side (Mana Pools National Park sits on the Zimbabwean side and on the Zambian side, is the infamous Lower Zambezi National Park). With the exception of rhino, giraffe and cheetah, the Lower Zambezi homes all of the desirable big game. On the land, plentiful predators, herds of elephant and buffalo can be seen; and on the water, boat trips along the Zambezi give you the chance to see hippos, crocodile and an array of bird life.

Located in central Zambia, flying into the park is the easiest, and most direct mode of transport. On landing, you will be met by the camps local vehicle and guide, and then transferred to the camp to begin your safari!   

When to go?

Game viewing in the Lower Zambezi is seasonal, with the best period between the months of June and October. The weather during these months is warm and dry, and as a result, the animals emerge from the high-temperature bush areas to concentrate around the Zambezi in large numbers. The period between November and April is the wet season and the majority of camps, and the scheduled internal flights are closed.

What to do?

With the mighty Zambezi flowing through, the park is fortunate to offer a variety of game viewing activities, including game drives, boat safaris and walking safaris. The majority of camps will also offer activities on the river that are less centred around the wildlife, such as canoeing (although game can be sighted on the river banks) and catch-and-release fishing. The water is clearest between May and June and the Zambezi is particularly famous for its tigerfish.

Best time to visit the Lower Zambezi National Park:

  • MJan
  • MFeb
  • MMar
  • MApr
  • MMay
  • MJun
  • YJul
  • YAug
  • YSep
  • YOct
  • MNov
  • MDec
  •   = Yes   = No   = Maybe

    At a glance... The Lower Zambezi National Park

    • Size 4,636 km²
    • Location South-eastern Zambia, bordering Zimbabwe
    • Recommended time 3 to 6 nights
    • Time to visit Best between July and October
    • Safari Activities Game drives, walking safaris, canoe trips, river cruises
    • Topography open grassland/Acacia scrubland

    Further reading...

  • › Luxury African Safari
  • › Africa Honeymoon
  • › Best time to visit Africa
  • › Best time to visit Zambia
  • Our top five hotels & lodges in Lower Zambezi National Park:

    1. Old Mondoro Camp

      Old Mondoro Camp

      Owned and run by the Cumings family (who also run Chiawa Camp further to the west), this small and intimate camp is one of our favourites in all of the Lower Zambezi, and possibly Zambia! With only four safari chalets and a very authentic, wild and natural feel to their design and layout, Old... More...

      Our rating:
      5
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      5
      Price:
      4
    2. Anabezi Camp

      Anabezi Camp

      Looking out to the Mushika Flood Plains and the Zambezi River in the distance, Anabezi Camp is a great choice for those looking for luxury in an untouched wilderness. The camp is to the very east of the Lower Zambezi National Park so the safari experience feels private and the guiding is truly... More...

      Our rating:
      4
      User rating:
      5
      Price:
      4
    3. Chongwe River Camp

      Chongwe River Camp

      Chongwe River Camp is a luxurious camp that sits on the confluence of the Zambezi and Chongwe River. Although the camp is outside of the national park, there is still resident game to be seen from camp and there are a variety of safari activities to enjoy. The camp has a pool, open-air bathrooms... More...

      Our rating:
      4
      User rating:
      4
      Price:
      3
    4. Amanzi Camp

      Amanzi Camp

      This small camp is the perfect option for those looking for something with a cosy safari ambiance, as well as the luxurious amenities that comes with it. The camp is located furthest east of the Lower Zambezi National Park, on the Ntwenya Channel. The area is surrounded by stunning thorn tree... More...

      Our rating:
      4
      User rating:
      4
      Price:
      3
    5. Chiawa Camp

      Chiawa Camp

      Sat on the banks of the Zambezi River in the Lower Zambezi National Park, Chiawa Camp is a small and intimate camp with a fantastic reputation! Its service, food, management, guiding (Nobby and Daniel are particularly great), location and accommodation are all on-point, with the perfect blend of... More...

      Our rating:
      4
      User rating:
      4
      Price:
      4