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Write a User ReviewZambezi Magic
But, over-and-above the attraction of the beguiling Zambezi strewn with hippos, crocs and frolicking elephants, it’s the wide range of safari activities on offer that really make Lower Zambezi such a unique safari destination. Adventurous safari goers can choose between game drives, night drives, walking safaris, canoe safaris, boat cruises and tiger fishing safaris. To the best of my knowledge there is no other park in Africa that offers the same diversity of safari experiences at a single location.
My best Zambian safari memories involve paddling a canoe silently down the braided Zambezi in the company of large
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breeding herds of elephant swimming trunk-to-tail across the mile-wide river. Unforgettable experiences.Canoeing the mighty Zambezi
Lower Zambezi offers excellent terrestrial game viewing. I’ve done several night drives here, and have had fantastic leopard sightings on most occasions. On my most recent visit, I also had daily sightings of a pack of
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African wild dogs comprising 34 individuals, the largest group I’ve seen in a lifetime of African travel. Another feature of the park are the stately elephants that haunt the photogenic winter-thorn forests. Add to that the mesmerising presence of southern Africa’s greatest river, and the wonderful birdlife associated with the flanking riparian woodland, and I’d comfortably place Lower Zambezi among my 10 favourite reserves anywhere in Africa.Hungry hippos
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as they fluttered around the riverbank. With 120km of river frontage and a vast floodplain of tributaries, islands and channels all back-dropped by an impressive heavily-wooded escarpment, it’s often hard to know which to admire – the scenery or the wildlife. But then again, that’s the park’s magic.Alluring bush lodges, memorable birdwatching
The birdwatching was superb on my visit to the Lower Zambezi National Park. Kingfishers shone on nearby reeds as we meandered along freshwater channels by canoe, and nonchalant-looking saddle-billed storks picked their way through the shallows. Large animals seemed equally unruffled by our presence – we saw elephants, zebras and buffalo, all drawn by the water as the dry season reached its peak. Apparently, visitors sometimes see leopards on the banks, too, drinking their fill, but sadly our luck didn’t quite extend to that.
The environment and its wildlife are captivating, but what makes a visit to the Lower Zambezi extra special is its accommodation. Some of Zambia’s most alluring bush lodges are found here, imaginatively designed and staffed by true enthusiasts, including walking and canoeing safari guides who are experts in their field.
Zambezi safaris
No stay in Lower Zambezi is complete without a river trip. A sunset cruise is always a winner, but even more