Lower Zambezi National Park is one of Africa's best-kept secrets, a pristine wilderness where the mighty Zambezi River sets the stage for some of the continent's most memorable safari experiences. Established in 1983 and covering just over 4,000 square kilometers, the park sits on the northern bank of the Zambezi, directly opposite Zimbabwe's acclaimed Mana Pools National Park. Together, they form one of Africa's most important transboundary conservation areas. What makes Lower Zambezi truly special is the variety of safari activities centered on the river. Canoe safaris let you glide silently past elephants drinking at the water's edge, hippos surfacing nearby, and crocodiles basking on sandbanks. The park is also famous for catch-and-release tiger fishing, a pursuit that draws anglers from around the world. On land, game drives and walking safaris reveal lion, leopard, buffalo, and large elephant herds that move freely between the river's floodplain and the steep Zambezi escarpment behind. With only a handful of exclusive camps operating in the park, visitor numbers remain low, and the sense of solitude is extraordinary. This is Zambia at its most intimate and untouched.
Last updated: February 2026
Wildlife in Lower Zambezi National Park
Big Five Status
lion
Good
leopard
Good
elephant
Excellent
buffalo
Good
rhino
Not present
Wildlife Highlights
Elephant
Lower Zambezi is renowned for close elephant encounters, particularly from canoes on the river. Bull elephants often wade into the shallows to feed on reeds.
Hippopotamus
Huge hippo pods in the Zambezi, regularly encountered on canoe safaris. Guides navigate carefully around them.
Nile Crocodile
Large crocodiles bask on the sandy banks of the Zambezi. Impressive specimens over 4 meters long are common.
Carmine Bee-eater
Seasonal colonies (September to November) nest in the river banks, creating one of Africa's most colorful bird spectacles.
350+ bird species including African fish eagle, Carmine bee-eater (seasonal), Pel's fishing-owl, African skimmer, Trumpeter hornbill.
Best Time to Visit Lower Zambezi National Park
The dry season from May to October is the best time to visit Lower Zambezi. Camps are open, game viewing is excellent, and river-based activities are at their best. Most camps close during the rainy season (November to March or April) when roads become impassable.
peak Season
August, September, OctoberHot and dry. September and October can exceed 40C.
Moderate (always exclusive due to limited camps)
High
Outstanding. Animals concentrate along the Zambezi. Tiger fishing is excellent. Carmine bee-eaters nesting.
high Season
June, JulyCool and dry. Pleasant daytime temperatures. Cold mornings.
Moderate
High
Very good. Game viewing building along the river.
shoulder Season
May, NovemberTransitional. May is drying, November brings first rains.
Low
Lower
Good. Green season beginning or ending.
low Season
December, January, February, March, AprilHot, humid, heavy rains. Roads often impassable.
Camps closed
N/A (most camps closed)
Dispersed. Excellent birding but difficult access.
Getting to Lower Zambezi National Park
By Air
RecommendedBy Road
Entry Gates
Main Gate
Access from the escarpment road. 4x4 essential.
Lower Zambezi National Park Entry Fees (2026)
| Category | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Adult (Non-resident) | $25/day |
| Child (Non-resident) | $15/day |
| Vehicle | $15 |
- • $25 per person per day for non-resident adults
- • $15 per child (5-15 years) per day
- • $15 per vehicle per day
- • Fees typically included in all-inclusive camp rates
- • Canoe safari and fishing permit fees may be additional
Activities in Lower Zambezi National Park
Included Activities
Game drives
Morning and afternoon drives through the floodplain and mopane woodlands. The river frontage offers some of the best game drive routes.
Optional Extras
Canoe safari
$50-$200The signature Lower Zambezi experience. Paddle a two-person canoe along the Zambezi, drifting past elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and spectacular birdlife. Half-day and multi-day options available.
Tiger fishing
$100-$250Catch-and-release tiger fishing on the Zambezi. The tiger fish is one of Africa's most exciting freshwater game fish, known for its speed and aggression. September and October are the best months.
Walking safari
$40-$100Explore the bush on foot with an armed guide. Less famous here than South Luangwa but equally rewarding, with the Zambezi escarpment and riverine forest providing varied terrain.
Boat safari
$50-$150Motorized boat trips on the Zambezi for birding, fishing, or sunset cruises with drinks.
Where to Stay
Lower Zambezi has a small number of exclusive camps and lodges, all situated along the Zambezi River. The low density of accommodation is part of the park's appeal, ensuring a private and uncrowded experience.
luxury
$700-$2000/person/nightIncludes: All meals, drinks, game drives, canoe safaris, walking safaris, fishing, park fees
Examples: chiawa-camp, old-mondoro, sausage-tree-camp
mid range
$300-$700/person/nightIncludes: Meals, selected activities, comfortable riverside accommodation
Examples: chongwe-river-camp, mvuu-lodge
budget
$50-$200/person/nightIncludes: Basic riverside camping or rooms, meals available, activities at extra cost
Examples: kiambi-safari-lodge
Practical Tips
- 1Pack light for fly-in transfers (15 kg soft bags for light aircraft)
- 2Bring high SPF sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat; temperatures on the river can exceed 40C
- 3Water shoes or sandals are useful for canoe safaris and river-based activities
- 4Carry malaria prophylaxis; the Zambezi valley is a high-risk malaria area
- 5Binoculars are essential for birding along the river
- 6If you enjoy fishing, bring your own tackle or confirm what the camp provides
- 7The combination of Lower Zambezi and South Luangwa is one of Zambia's classic safari itineraries
- 8Respect hippo territory on canoe safaris; always follow your guide's instructions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a canoe safari like in Lower Zambezi?
You paddle a two-person canoe (with a professional guide in the rear) along the Zambezi River, drifting past elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife. It is a silent, immersive way to experience wildlife. Half-day trips stay close to camp; multi-day trips cover longer stretches with overnight camping on islands. No previous canoeing experience is needed.
Is Lower Zambezi suitable for families?
Some camps accept children, though minimum age policies vary (often 8 or 12 years). The river-based activities can be thrilling for older children. Check with individual camps about their family policies. The remoteness and lack of fenced areas mean adult supervision is essential at all times.
When is the best time for tiger fishing?
The best tiger fishing is from August to November, with September and October being peak months. The water is warmer and the fish are more active. All fishing in the park is catch-and-release. Camps can arrange dedicated fishing guides and equipment.
How does Lower Zambezi compare to South Luangwa?
Both are outstanding but offer different experiences. South Luangwa is the walking safari capital with exceptional leopard viewing and larger wildlife concentrations. Lower Zambezi is centered on the river, with canoe safaris, fishing, and a more exclusive atmosphere. Many visitors combine both parks in a single trip.
Can you see the Big Five in Lower Zambezi?
You can see four of the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo. Rhinos are not present in the park. Elephant sightings are particularly impressive along the river, and lion sightings are regular on game drives.
Official Resources
Sources
- Park size of 4,092 sq km, established in 1983: Department of National Parks and Wildlife, Zambia
- Faces Mana Pools National Park across the Zambezi River: Zambia Tourism Board