Lower Zambezi National Park

Interesting experience. We saw a lot of wildlife. From Lusaka to the entrance of the National Park by a Ford Ranger took 7 hours. In May you can pass the several small rivers. In the rain season no way (also not the next 2 months). No maps of the roads, phone reception very limited. GPS is not good enough to now sometimes where to drive. Lodges very expensive, most tourists come by boat or small aircraft. We drove 1,5 hours into the park and saw no Elephant. Until suddenly one Elephant started on the road to attack us. Very scary, we had to escape quickly. My advice: if you can spend 700 - 1000 $ per night: take the aircraft, stay in a lodge in the park and let the ranger drive you to the hot spots. The park is organized for that.

Lower Zambezi is one of the rare gems in Zambia. One cute thing to look out for is the standing of elephants to eat leaves on two legs..this is behaviour that has been observed in Lowe Zambezi and Mana Pools Conservation Areas. The Park is easily accessible from Lusala through Chirundu or Rufunsa and there are a number of airfields. The video showcases the experience of lower Zambezi in summery. The accommodation in the park is usually top notch high end but there are also budget friendly that will not break your bank.

Very very beautiful, teemed with Impalas, Elephants, Zebras, Waterbuks, Buffaloes, Hippos, wild dogs, crocodiles, over 400 bird species. Good lodges to stay, game viewing and boat cruises. Have been to a number of gameparks and always concentrated on game viewing. This time, had a lunch on a boat on Mighty Zambezi, went for morning boat safari, and was extremely happy to have done that. Saw scores of elephants and hundreds of impala on the river banks; eagles, Egyptian geese, knob-billed ducks, spur-winged geese, grey-ducks, Southern red bishops, guineafowls etc. Saw so many types of birds in a morning boat cruise, forgot most of the names. Grateful to Lucky, a very knowledgeable guide, for his patience and zeal to share knowledge about birds, Hippos, crocodiles, trees, islands on Zambezi river and steering us to real fun of watching a lovely mighty elephant diving into river, swimming across to another nearby island, solitary hippo facts... Long list. Cheers!

Lower Zambezi National Park, nestled along the northern banks of the Zambezi River opposite Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools, is one of Zambia’s premier safari destinations. A map of the park immediately reflects its striking duality: a vibrant riverfront teeming with wildlife activity and an expansive, rising escarpment backdrop that frames a more rugged and untamed interior. The most prominent feature on the map is the Zambezi River, stretching across the southern edge of the park. This natural boundary with Zimbabwe serves as a lifeline, drawing in countless species year-round. The river's wide course is dotted with islands, channels, and sandbanks, all marked clearly—these are key habitats for hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and an astonishing variety of birdlife. Some maps even indicate navigable canoe and boat routes, reflecting how water-based safaris are integral to the Lower Zambezi experience. Running parallel to the river inland is a band of floodplains, woodlands, and open grassland—a prime wildlife corridor. The map highlights areas such as Jeki, Chongwe, Chiawa, and Lungwa, all commonly used as base camps or safari lodges. These names often double as zones of high animal activity, and many game drives are centered here. The Chiawa Game Management Area lies just outside the park's western boundary, often shaded differently to distinguish it as a buffer zone where community-based tourism and conservation are practiced. Beyond the floodplain, the map shifts in tone as it rises to the Zambezi Escarpment in the north. This rugged mountain chain, marked with steeper contours, cuts off vehicle access in some areas and offers natural protection for elusive species like leopards and African wild dogs. Very few roads penetrate this interior, emphasizing its wildness and the park’s emphasis on minimal infrastructure. The park map shows limited road networks, and most trails require 4x4 vehicles. Tracks hug the river for the most part, with a few bush routes leading into the escarpment valleys. Seasonal roads are often noted, particularly those that become impassable during the rains. Some maps include walking trails and canoe routes, as Lower Zambezi is one of the few places where walking safaris and canoe excursions are central to the visitor experience. Key features typically marked on a high-quality Lower Zambezi map include: Zambezi River channels and islands Permanent and seasonal waterholes Camps and lodges like Sausage Tree Camp, Old Mondoro, Anabezi, and Royal Zambezi Lodge Airstrips such as Jeki and Royal, which are essential access points since most travelers fly in due to the park's remoteness Park gates like Chongwe Gate Boundary with Mana Pools National Park across the river—while not inside the same country, the maps often highlight this to show the transfrontier nature of the ecosystem Another notable element on the map is the absence of fences, a deliberate conservation choice that allows for free movement of animals across the landscape. Elephants, in particular, are known to swim across the Zambezi to reach floodplains on both sides, and the map helps illustrate the seamless habitat shared with Mana Pools. In essence, the map of Lower Zambezi National Park tells a story of layered ecosystems—from watery lifelines to remote mountainous wilderness—and minimal human interference. It balances orientation with invitation: pointing out enough for safe and smart exploration, but leaving much to be discovered through experience. For nature lovers and safari purists, the simplicity and layout of this map reflect exactly what the park delivers—unfiltered, wild Africa at its most elemental.

One of the most beautiful area in the world. You will find many wild animals. I am sure you enjoy so much.

Zambia values rivers, wildlife, and adventure. Lower Zambezi offers river safaris, canoeing, and wildlife encounters. Why visit: Safari, river activities, and nature immersion. How to visit: Fly into Lusaka or Mfuwe Airport; guided safaris recommended. When to visit: May–October. Where to visit: Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambezi River. Investor insights: Luxury safari lodges and eco-tourism are highly profitable.

Amazing place. Having done dozens and dozens of safaris accros SA, Namib, Bots, and Kenya, Zambia topped them all. Just don't expect Rhino, cheetah nor many giraffe . Much better elephant experience than even Amboselli ( but no tuskers)

One of the best National parks maintained in Zambia Africa. There are other National parks as well like Kafue national park but this park is protected by conservation society which runs on NGO. They are doing a wonderful job in protecting the animals and in turn tourist like us can enjoy with these friendly animals without fear of getting attacked. Ofcos you may need to maintain distance. Some advices... If your driving from Lusaka it's a must to take a 4×4 car. We got stuck twice as we had taken a salon. The roads from the entrance of the park to the main gates sre totally off road and needs a heavy vehicle. Pls be prepared with water , food, some basic medicine, cloths torches and ofcos most important jungle shoes. It's better to book a resort and go so they can tske you to game drive for wildlife site seeing or canoing site seeing where you can enjoy hippo's. The beauty is you can see the Zimbabwe border just across the river. This is definitely a 2 night and 3 day trip so don't try to squeeze in 1 day. Not worth it. Animals are friendly and you can expect them to come around your camp at night. They don't disturb at all . Food is taken care of resort as you won't find a single shop for food or drinks so be well prepared before you head out. The drive from Lusaka to the park is about 5 hrs roughly.