Lower Zambezi, Zambia

Lower Zambezi : Traveller's Overview Category : Safari Destinations

Explore the absolute wildness of the Lower Zambezi area by canoe safari, guided walking safari or game drive when staying in the luxury lodges camps of the region. The appeal of a vacation in the Lower Zambezi Region of Zambia is the opportunity to get really close to game as they wander in and out of the channels of the Zambezi River.

The Luangwa National Parks in the north-east offer truly spectacular game viewing and are one of the country’s most beautiful destinations as is Victoria Falls in the south-west. The Zambezi River itself is hugged by a thick riverine fringe and backs onto a floodplain bordered with mopane forest with a backdrop of broadleaf wooded hills. A sanctuary for both a multitude of bird and fish species, the area around the Zambezi River is also home to four of the Big Five. Just across the river is Zimbabwe’s famous Mana Pools Reserve so the entire region is a wildlife sanctuary as animals move between the two banks of the Zambezi River.

A great way to explore this wilderness area is by canoe safari allowing you to slow right down to the leisurely pace of life experienced here. Drift down the Zambezi River passing herds of elephant on the water’s edge or even swimming across the river, buffalo and antelope making their way from island to island in search of vegetation and the mighty predators of the region, the lion and leopard always on the look-out for easy prey. The best times for game viewing are in the early morning and evening so escape the heat of the day by heading back to your luxury safari lodge or camp for a dip in the pool and the shade of the comfortable verandas in the afternoons.

Birders and keen anglers will love the remote and exclusive experience offered in the Lower Zambezi region as the river attracts and supports an abundance of both species. Look out for the pretty narina trogon, Pel’s fishing owl, carmine bee-eaters and the thick-billed cuckoo on your excursions into the wilderness of the Lower Zambezi. The sounds of Zambia’s national bird, the fish eagle, will accompany you on all of your trips.

The luxury lodges and camps found in the Lower Zambezi region all offer an exclusive wildlife experience; choose one of our tours for a combined vacation experience with other Zambian destinations. Contact our Southern Africa Travel team for advice on the best time to travel and luxury safari and camping options available in the Lower Zambezi region of Zambia.

The Lower Zambezi Region is best known for:

Canoe Safaris
Float down the river at your leisure on a canoe safari in the Lower Zambezi region and get picked up by speedboat at the end of the trip. This is an excellent way to spot game without disturbing them and a great way to relax on your African vacation.

Fishing
Take on the challenge of catching Tigerfish in the Zambezi River; other game fish that are found in abundance in this region include catfish and bream. Luxury lodges and safari camps will provide rods and tackle.

Off the Beaten Track:

Head into the bush
The walking safari was pioneered in Zambia and if you are feeling energetic this is a great way to really experience the sights and sounds of the African bush. Professional guides will point out the many features that are often missed on game drives as well as a host of smaller mammals and insects.