Lower Zambezi National Park lies on the north bank of the Zambezi River, opposite Zimbabwe's Mana Pools, in a wild, beautiful corner of southern Zambia. The river is broad and slow, lined with sandbanks and floodplain, and the escarpment rises behind it. Elephants swim between islands, hippos wallow in the channels, and lions and leopards walk the banks.
The park is famed for its canoe safaris, which drift quietly past elephants and hippos at close range, led by expert guides. You can also fish for tigerfish, go on game drives and walking safaris, and take night drives in the adjoining concessions.
The camps are small, remote and stylish. They are open from April to November, and the best months are June to October.
The park has large herds of elephant and buffalo, many hippos and crocodiles, and lion, leopard, spotted hyena and, rarely, African wild dog. Eland, waterbuck, bushbuck, kudu, impala and zebra are common, and the river is rich in fish. Elephants regularly cross the river between islands.
Chance of seeing
Our estimate for a stay of two or three nights with a good guide. Wildlife is wild, so nothing is promised.
The Zambezi flows wide and slow past sandbanks, floodplain and riverine forest, with the Zambezi Escarpment rising to the north and the hills of Zimbabwe across the water. Evening light on the river is exceptional.
Activities here
The Lower Zambezi is very hot in the dry season, with daytime temperatures of 33°C to 38°C and cool mornings. The rains fall from November to March, and the park is largely closed from mid-November to April.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 33 | 22 | 200 |
| Feb | 32 | 22 | 190 |
| Mar | 33 | 21 | 130 |
| Apr | 33 | 19 | 25 |
| May | 31 | 15 | 3 |
| Jun | 29 | 12 | 0 |
| Jul | 29 | 12 | 0 |
| Aug | 32 | 15 | 0 |
| Sep | 35 | 19 | 0 |
| Oct | 37 | 22 | 10 |
| Nov | 36 | 23 | 80 |
| Dec | 34 | 22 | 180 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
May to October is dry. The river is lower, wildlife concentrates along the banks, and canoe safaris are at their best. September and October are very hot.
November to April is hot and wet, with flooding and impassable roads. Most camps close.
June to October is the best time. The camps are open from April or May to mid-November, and September and October have the greatest concentrations of animals.
Best time to visit Jun to Oct
Most guests fly from Lusaka to an airstrip such as Jeki in about 35 minutes, then take a short road or boat transfer to the camp. The road from Lusaka via Chirundu takes about three to four hours, with the last section on rough tracks. Light aircraft have a 20 kilogram soft-bag limit.
Park fees are included in our safaris. Many nationalities are exempt from a Zambian visa for stays of up to 90 days, and others can buy a single-entry visa on arrival or apply for an e-visa, currently about US$50. Please check the rules for your passport.
The Lower Zambezi is a malaria area, with a high risk through the year, so please take medical advice. Bring sun protection and a hat, as it is very hot. Medical evacuation is by air, so good insurance is essential.
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City & TownLusakaCapital and gatewayOur take
“Our take”
The Lower Zambezi is the best place in Zambia to paddle. Stay at least three nights, and take the canoe trip in the cool of the morning.
Safaris from
US$2,820 per person
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