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Lower Zambezi National Park

  • Destinations
  • Zambia
  • Lower Zambezi National Park
OVERVIEW ITINERARY IDEAS ACCOMMODATION WHEN TO GO? WHERE NEXT

When to Go?

Best Time to Visit Lower Zambezi

Primarily a dry season destination, the Lower Zambezi National Park is at its best from May through August. Temperatures are at their lowest (daytime averages of 28°C/82°F in June and July), there is virtually no rain and the malaria risk is at its lowest. It is still dry in September and October but prepare for hot temperatures (October’s daytime average is 36°C/97°F). Animals are concentrated at the water’s edge and game viewing tends to be very good at this time.

The rains begin in November, forcing many camps to close, reopening in April after the rains have ended. Travel to the Lower Zambezi is not generally recommended at this time: the risk of malaria is at its highest, much of the wildlife has dispersed and there are days of extremely heavy rain.

If you are also planning to visit Victoria Falls, a degree of compromise is needed to see each destination at its best. Victoria Falls is in peak flow from February to May but much of the Lower Zambezi is closed then. And when game viewing is peaking in intensity at the Lower Zambezi in September and October, much of Victoria Falls is dry, especially the Zambian side. We recommend combining the Lower Zambezi and Victoria Falls between May and August.

Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar
Rainy season: many camps closed, high malaria risk
April May Jun Jul
Dry season: great game viewing; best time to combine with Vic Falls
Aug Sep Oct
Late Dry Season: very hot; excellent game viewing
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What To Do

Activities to Look Forward to

1. Go on a Game Drive

Day & night game drives are led by sharp-eyed guides on the lookout for the interesting & the extraordinary. Vehicles are raised high & have open sides to offer the best photographic opportunities.

2. Walk the Walk

Guided walks reveal the smaller details of the Zambezi: birds, insects & animal tracks. You can visit local communities with your guide, giving you a unique insight into village life in big game country.

3. Paddle the Zambezi

Trade the 4X4 for a kayak & hit the Zambezi with your guide. It’s pure adventure as you negotiate your way downstream, your guides picking safe lines. Choose between morning excursions & all-day trips.

4. Search for Big Cats

The Lower Zambezi’s forested riverfront is prime leopard country; its game-rich savannah ideal for prides of lion – your guide will be searching for both.

5. Cruise the Sunset

You don’t have to paddle a kayak to enjoy being on the Zambezi – lodges also offer motorised boat trips, a great way to see river wildlife & the best way to watch the sunset.

6. Go Bird Watching

Several hundred bird species have been recorded in the Lower Zambezi, from eagles & vultures to tiny sunbirds & brightly coloured bee-eaters. It’s a birding paradise, especially in summer when migrant species arrive.

7. Catch & Release Fishing

Fishing for tiger fish, for those who are keen, is one of the seaonal specialties of the Zambezi River. We say seasonal as definitely the best time to catch them is from late August to mid November during the hotter months.

8. Get Romantic

Classic African landscapes, starry night skies & idyllic accommodation make Lower Zambezi a memorable honeymoon destination. Couples enjoy private dining, indulgent pampering & discreet service.

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Hands-on Expertise

  • We’re based in Africa
  • Consultants Travel in Africa
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  • SATSA – Bonded Membership (2061)
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Reviews

An incredibly well organised tour with no hassles whatsoever.

Safari Online understood our needs and was able to present us with sensible options to choose from. It was evident that this tour operator has knowledgable and experienced agents who can arrange a seemless tour. We were provided with a professional online itinary which was comprehensive and easy to use, knew exactely what to expect, and encountered no stumble blocks along the way.

Gwen (AU)
Walter has always been an excellent communicator and has supported us fully

We have been to Africa for 24 of the last 27 years so know a bit about what is involved. Walter has arranged the details for the last couple of years, and has done a superb job. He is always quick to respond and comes up with answers immediately……..no evasive tactics, always head-on!

Roger (UK)
It was a safari of a lifetime and exceeded all of our expectations!

Our mom grew up in Central and South Africa so we had visited the continent many times. My sister and I wanted to take our teens and husbands to Africa to experience the magic. We had a limited budget but big and specific expectations and by some miracle Walter was able to manage both.

Heather (USA)
Professional, patient, efficient and responsive. Met all our travel needs and requirements spot on

Communication was excellent – I asked A LOT of questions and did a ton of research myself and Walter was extremely patient with me and very responsive. he was straight forward and extremely professional. Tour itself was excellent – an incredible experience and one never to be forgotten. Everything was spot on.

Neena
Best trip I have ever been on. Highly recommend.

Would highly recommend. Safari online asked questions when booking and were efficient and knew exactly what we were looking for in terms of accommodation and animals were wanted to see. Gave advice on a few little extras with no pressure, which we did and am very grateful which make trip even more exciting. Would definitely recommend booking with them.

Professional, quick and top of the edge service!!!

From the very first contact we’re very happy about the respond time and quality of information from safari-online.com. Based on the received first tailor-made quote, which is a weblink with all the details about the flights, photos of the lodges etc. we knew that this is “our” partner for this trip. Our expectations were excelled!!!

Lukas (Germany)
Safari Online made our fantastic family holiday dream come true!!

Safari Online have been nothing but professional and incredible from the time we made our first enquiry to the last day of our stunning holiday. Nothing was too much trouble for Walter. We are now starting to plan our next family Safari for 2019. Guess who we will be booking with??? Safari Online we hope you are ready!!!!!

Penni (AU)
Karina was absolutely instrumental to our safari success.

Our experience with Safari Online was excellent. After becoming very frustrated trying to search for a safari destination on our own, we turned to Karina for help and she was a lifesaver.  We had an amazing safari adventure at the lodge–the experience of a lifetime–and are so grateful for her help. We literally couldn’t have done it without her!

Chris (USA)
Safari Online were extremely efficient and absolutely charming to work with.

Our 28-day itinerary took us to South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana. A magnificent and unforgettable adventure. Everything ran smoothly and efficiently from the flights, transfers, rides, connections, etc. Absolutely wonderful! Can’t thank them enough!

Ann and Mario (Canada)
Very helpful good suggestions for holiday ideas always available for questions good organising

Excellent service and they supplied good suggestions for our holiday they also organised all internal flights and arranged check in for us so we had no worries while on holiday. We have had a most memorable holiday staying at wonderful places thanks to Sabrina and Safari Online. Would recommend Safari Online to organise your holiday.

Lorraine (UK)