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| Lower Zambezi |
Lower Zambezi, Zambia
Home to one of Africa biggest elephant herds, the Lower Zambezi National Park is Zambia’s newest park and is wild and untouched. It does not have the diversity of animals of the other national parks, but the opportunities to get close to game wandering in and out of the Zambezi River channels are spectacular. On the other side of the river is the Mana Pools National Park, making both sides of the river a wildlife haven.
The Park is downstream from Lake Kariba and runs the length of the Lower Zambezi valley where game concentrates along the Zambezi River. The Lower Zambezi National Park has a thriving population of predators and a diverse array of birdlife. Lodges in the lower Zambezi offer Tiger fishing and canoeing trips, game drives and walking safaris. Our recommended lodges are Old Mondoro, Chiawa Camp and Sausage Tree Camp.
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| Lodges in the Lower Zambezi |
Zambia provides a wonderfully authentic safari experience, but it isn't for the faint hearted. This is the real Africa. The Lower Zambezi offers superb Tiger fishing as well as the traditional game drives and boat trips.
Our favourite Lower Zambezi Lodges:
Old Mondoro - back to basics safari
Chiawa Camp - smooth, elegant operation
Sausage Tree Camp - excellent fishing
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| Tiger Fishing on the Lower Zambezi |
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"Catch and release" is obligatory in the Lower Zambezi National Park. The Zambezi River has some of the most spectacular freshwater sports fishing in the world. Resident species are: Tigerfish, Vundu and Banded Tilapia. Tigerfish, a relative of the infamous piranha with large carnivorous teeth, and leap out the water in a sporting fighting performance. Lodges supply regular and fly-fishing equipment.
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| Activities on the Zambezi |
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There is excellent fishing along the Zambezi River. Tigerfish, bream, vundu and tilapia are all common catches. Freshwater sports fishing enthusiasts head here eagerly. All lodges also provide canoeing trips along the river. Float down the river at leisure and a speedboat will pick you up at the end of the day. Some operators run canoe trips lasting a few days, overnighting at comfortable camps on the river banks.
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| Best time to visit |
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The best time to visit is during mid season from June to Sept when temps are comfortable and game viewing is excellent. Waterholes dry up and game concentrates near the Zambezi River. Most lodges and safari operators only open during the safari season (April to Nov). Fishing is at its best in Sept and Oct. There is virtually no rain during the safari season. The temps in the valley vary between 19'C in June to 30'C in Oct.
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| Getting there |
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The lodges and canoeing operators offer pick-ups from Lusaka, Chirundu (on the Zimbabwe border), or Kariba in Zimbabwe. International flights arrive in Lusaka, Livingstone and Mfuwe airports. Lusaka and Livingstone have daily flights from Johannesburg. Lusaka has weekly direct flights from London. The majority of guests fly by Cessna to Jeki airstrip in the middle of the national park and then transferred to the camp.
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