Lower Zambezi
My Safari
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The Lower Zambezi National Park covers an area of 4092 square kilometres, with the largest concentration of game congregating along the valley floor. The park has three main habitats: firstly the riverbanks which are overhung with a thick fringe of foliage and large mahogany, acacia and 'upside down' baobab trees. Secondly inland floodplains lined with mopane forest and interspersed with winterthorn trees and reed islands harbouring a myriad of wildlife. And finally escarpment hills covered in broadleaf woodland.
The park covers a wide area but the escarpment acts as a kind of barrier keeping most animals in the bottom of the valley. This park is so beautiful that it is hard to know which to admire more, the scenery or the animals. Wildlife seems less bothered by people when they are at water level, which is why, in the Lower Zambezi, 'river safaris' and 'canoe excursions' are popular activities. They provide some spectacular opportunities to get close to the animals. [cont.]
The tranquil river and floodplain scene is punctuated by a huge variety of wildlife, with antelope and buffalo wandering in and out of the picture and herds of elephants up to 100 strong.
Baboons and vervet monkeys thrive here with their main enemy being the leopard; lions prefer zebra or buffalo. Territorial hippos and huge crocodiles inhabit the river in abundance. Bird watchers will be thrilled at the colourful array of birds including kingfishers, lovebirds, parrots and hornbills, and also upon hearing the distinctive 'cry of Africa' from majestic fish eagles. Fishing is very popular in the Zambezi and the 'striped river dog' or tiger fish, attracts anglers from all over the world. These can be caught on fly, spinner or bait.
Lower Zambezi Wildlife Highlights:
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Elephant
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Buffalo
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Lion
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Leopard
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Crocodile
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Hippo
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Water Monitor Lizard
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Wild Dog
Getting to the Lower Zambezi:
Depending on where you will be coming from before reaching the Lower Zambezi, there are various means of getting there. The most straightforward is to fly, on a scheduled or charted flight from either Lusaka or Mfuwe, in South Luangwa. These flights will take you to one of two airstrips regularly used in the Lower Zambezi, Royal Airstrip, which is to the west of the Park itself, and Jeki Airstrip, which is in the Park. For people staying in one the easternmost lodges such as Kulefu, a separate charter flight to Kulefu Airstrip may be necessary.
You can also reach the Lower Zambezi by road transfer from Lusaka. Typically this option is taken only for the westernmost lodges, as it can be a long drive to the Park itself, but for the adventurous going overland is an interesting option. Once at the River, it is often possible to journey by boat transfer to your lodge.
