Lower Zambezi National Park

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.

Can only improve with time (review from 2004)

It's an adventure just getting to Lower Zambezi National Park. You must cross the Kafue River on a hand-winched punt and in some places the road and bridges are washed away (floods in 2003). A highlight was the community campsite just outside the park, which was in a wonderful location to relax on the banks of the Zambezi. It was wonderful watching the full moon rise over that great river with the hippos grusting nearby.The sunrise through the door of the tent, just meters above the river was great as well as was the visited by an inquisitive elephant, which Philip the campsite manager expertly dealt with when it got too close. To get into the Park you drive through a river, which can be tricky if the water is high. In 2004 the animals were quite wild and ran from cars on the west side of the park. Further in, near the more expensive lodges, it may not be the case, but it seemed that there must have been poaching going on. Over time hopefully things will improve and Lower Zambezi National Park will be more accessible. It would be great to visit again.

A lot of animals but quite difficult to see because of the vegetation.

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

picturesque

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

We took a 4 day canoe trip down the Zambezi River to Lower Zambezi National Park. It was a wild, amazing bush experience down a river filled with crocs, hippos, elephants, and jaw-dropping scenery.