Lower Zambezi National Park

Lower Zambezi National Park is located in the southeast region of Zambia where it runs along the bank of the Zambezi River.  The park covers an area of 1,580 square miles (4,092 sq km) creating an extensive protected area for the astounding wildlife.

Lower Zambezi is renowned for both its array and abundance of wildlife species as well as its remoteness which creates a true African adventure.  The park is isolated along the Zambezi River with no real road access.  Visitors must take a small plane or a boat up the Zambezi River to reach the park area.

The Zambezi River serves as the foundation of the park with wilderness and national parks on both sides of the river which serves as the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.  The river is also the source for Victoria Falls located upriver from Lower Zambezi National Park.  Travelers often tie Victoria Falls and the national park together during their stay.

The national park is located on the northern side of the Zambezi River across from Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe on the southern side. Together, they are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  The national park is situated between the top of the Zambezi Escarpment down the banks of the river.

The national park is divided between two separate woodland savannah habitats.  The northern region of the park is characterized by Miombo and mopane woodlands which tend to be on higher grounds.  The area along the river reflects a floodplain ecosystem.

The southern region of the park is characterized by Zambezian and mopane woodlands.  Collectively, the diverse vegetation and terrain serve as an ecosystem where big game thrives.

Some of the larger wildlife species include elephant, cape buffalo, crocodile, and the hippopotamus.  Some of the predator species include lion, leopard, hyena, and wild dog.  A variety of antelope and other African species complement these popular species. 

Photos

Lower Zambezi National Park Photo Gallery

Highlights

The remoteness of Lower Zambezi National Park means the region is one of the few unspoiled pristine wildernesses in all of Africa.  The challenge of getting there is part of the adventure and it means that you will not find the park overpopulated by tourists.

The national park is home to the majority of wildlife species found in Zambia reflecting the diversity of the park.  The national park and surrounding game management areas are considered one of the most important wilderness and wildlife areas in the country.

• Game Drive
• Walking Safari
• Kayaking

Game Drive

A game drive is the most effective way for spotting wildlife throughout the natioal park.

Walking Safari

There are guided hiking safaris available as an option to explore the wilderness.  These hikes include a guide and an armed ranger because this is a primitive wild area.  The hikes are really focused on learning about the terrain, evidence of wildlife presence, and opportunities to see wildlife while on foot.

Kayaking

A guided kayaking trip down the river gives you a new persective of the park terrain.  You have a good chance of seeing hippos and crocodiles.

Lower Zambezi National Park Trails

Lower Zambezi National Park is a wildlife protected area with predator species roaming throughout the park.  There are no traditional hiking trails available to freely roam about the park.  There are opportunities to hike however they associated with guided walking tours.

Park Protection

Lower Zambezi National Park was created to protect one of the most important wildlife sanctuaries in the country.  Almost 80% of the country’s elephant population was eradicated through poaching back in the late 70s and early 80s.

The national park and game management areas were established to protect the remaining elephants from future poaching which is still a real threat.  The black rhinoceros has been poached to extinction from the area.