Lower Zambezi National Park National Park

Address: Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambezi River valley, Southern Province, Zambia

Lower Zambezi National Park is a protected wildlife area on the Zambezi River in eastern Zambia, known for its riverine habitats and large mammals. It is one of Zambia’s notable safari areas and is centred on the Zambezi river channel.

The park offers boat and canoe safaris along the river corridor and river islands, walking safaris, and game drives that focus on elephants, buffalo, lions, hippos and abundant birdlife. River-based viewing concentrates wildlife into narrow corridors, making sightings of hippo and crocodile common and enabling close-up photographic opportunities. Several lodges and camps operate along the river, giving access to both day and night wildlife activities.

The protected area was established by the Zambian government to conserve the Zambezi riverine ecosystem and its wildlife and has been managed for tourism and conservation since its designation. Management and use have emphasised low-density, river-focused tourism to reduce impacts on fragile habitats.

The park lies on the north bank of the Zambezi River in eastern Zambia, between the river channel and the uplands to the north. Access is typically by road or light aircraft from Lusaka and other regional centres, with most facilities located along the river corridor.

• Best time to visit: Dry-season months typically offer the best game viewing and easier road access when animals concentrate along permanent water.
• Top activities: Boat and walking safaris are the main ways to explore the park and give access to hippo and crocodile sightings that are difficult to see from roads.

What to See#

• Zambezi river corridor: The main river corridor provides canoe and boat safaris along channels and oxbow lakes, and is the focus for most wildlife viewing activities.
• Riverine floodplains and islands: Riverine floodplains and island channels that support dense wildlife concentrations and seasonal grazing routes for elephants, buffalo and other large mammals.

Access is typically by light aircraft to airstrips near riverside lodges from Lusaka or Livingstone, or by road to the park’s western gates (long drives on remote roads). Many visitors book fly-in safari packages that include transfers and park permits.

• Consider a game-viewing boat trip on the Zambezi for a different angle on elephants and hippos.
• Travel with a park-approved operator; much of the park is accessed by riverside lodges that operate permits and guides.
• Dawn and dusk game drives are best for predator and elephant sightings.