Lower Zambezi National Park

The Lower Zambezi National Park adds the Zambezi River as another element to safaris. One day was spent floating down a side channel of the river in canoes, bringing a new perspective to seeing hippos in the water and crocodiles on the banks. Others fished for the noted tiger fish. Lunch was taken on boats on the river one day and we had our sundowner one the evening on the river.

Not easy to reach and a real wilderness along the Zambezi River.

Loved the canoeing down the canals with the hippos. Loved fishing and releasing Tiger fish. Such a nice end to trip staying and playing on the mighty Zambezi River.

THE most beautiful place in Africa.

Since visiting this park all future parks visited are compared to this absolutely magnificent place.Stunning scenery that leaves you humbled and misty eyed.Great accommodation options,fantastic guides,easy access from Lusaka,and such a large choice of activities from walking to game drives,fishing, canoeing and motorboat safaris. There is certainly nothing ho hum about this little Eden.God was smiling the day he created this place.

True african feeling

In June we had a fantastic experience in Mvuu lodge in one of the Game Management Areas (GMA) of Lower Zambezi National Park. As with most lodges this one is located at the bank of the Zambezi river. The proximity to the National Park itself is probably the reason why so many elephants visit the camp. The dry river that forms the eastern boundary of the camp is used by a herd of elephants multiple times per day to wander from their grazing areas to the Zambezi to drink. They actually walked along our fireplace at less than 5 metres frequently. Sometimes they get into the camp. At night the grassy areas of the camp are visited by Hippo's that eat the grass. Velvet monkeys and baboons are also present.

The lodge is well maintained, the camping places (8) are a good budget option, each place having their own open-aired toilet / shower. A caretaker helps you to keep the fire going. The restaurant / bar area is beautifully constructed and blends with the surroundings very well. Natural materials are used, which make it stand out from some of the other lodges we saw from the river. Views over the river from the terrace are splendid. Binoculars, books on animals, birds and regional information are freely available. Food is somewhat expensive (bring your own if on a budget), basic but tasteful and good portions. Since the nearest proper town (Chirundu) is 2.5 hours drive away everything has to be brought in. Various activities can be organised: fishing trips, canoe, guided game viewing from river or from your own car, etc. People are friendly and helpful.

For the two days we were there, there was enough to do in the GMA and on the river, although the west boundary of the National Park (Chongwe river) looked very promising with regards to wildlife (different types of antilopes, crocs, hippo's, warthogs, all kinds of birds, elephants, etc) and was very, very scenic. Next time we would definitely go back there for a longer period. We would take some time inside the park as well. We would probably bring some of our own food.

Be sure to fill your petrol tank before heading there. There is no petrol station between the camp / Chirundu (Zim border) and Kafue village (1 hr from Lusaka). You definitely need a high clearance Vehicle. We did not need the 4x4 on ours but I would not feel safe without. The dry river crossings were sometimes sandy and steep. In the rainy season I doubt whether you can get there by road.

Lower Zambezi is of stunning beauty, and the wildlife superb. The accessible safari area is pretty small, but with only 7 or 8 (very exclusive) camps never crowded. For a self-drive it is difficult to get to, with no facilities inside the park.

The mighty Zambezi river, fourth largest in Africa and home of the mysterious river God, Nyami-Nyami, is the show piece of this remote National Park. The flood plain offers the best game viewing on land, while a boat cruise on the Zambezi, visiting some of the islands, is a wonderful experience.

picturesque

Too many tourists to my taste

superb location, no hussle from other safari vehicles and incredibly friendly staff