Background Information

The Lower Zambezi National Park, the most recent of Zambia’s National Parks, was for many years a forgotten wilderness. But now the 2500 square miles of superb game country welcomes visitors from around the world. It lies along the northern bank of the Zambezi River, downstream from Victoria Falls. The sparkling waters of the Zambezi are a focal point for the abundant wildlife, which includes elephant, hippo, buffalo, zebra, lion, cheetah, leopard, various antelope species, baboon and vervet monkey, together with a great variety of birds. There is an escarpment along the northern end, which acts as a physical barrier to most of the park’s animal species.

The river’s edge is overhung with a thick riverine fringe, mostly diasporus, ficus and other riverine species. Further inland is a floodplain surrounded by mopane forest and interspersed with winterthorn trees and Acacia albida. The hills, which form the backdrop to the park, are covered in broadleaf woodland. Canoe safaris have become a popular way of exploring the Lower Zambezi, enabling visitors to get close to the wildlife in its natural habitat, although a lookout needs to be kept for the large crocodiles which live in its waters. Fishing is also good along the river, and most lodges offer fishing with rods and simple tackle is provided. Healthy tiger fish and bream catches are common as well as vundu, a member of the catfish family, weighing up to 25 pounds.

Climate

Lower Zambezi has a clear-cut Wet season (November to April) when the temperatures are generally hot, and afternoon showers sweep in to temporarily take the edge off the heat. The park’s equally distinctive Dry season (May to October) is a mild period when vegetation starts thinning and losing its moisture. It gets colder as you climb up from the valley, though the park’s uppermost reaches aren’t accessible to visitors.