A relatively undeveloped national park and the youngest in the country, the Lower Zambezi lies across the river from Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools, and together they form a massive wildlife sanctuary. Bigger mammals, predators, elephant herds and plains game are attracted to the valley and game viewing is particularly good during the winter months (June’s September). Crocodiles and hippo dominate the waters, and along the Zambezi banks, the canopy of ebony and fig trees are alive with the constant movement and calls of numerous avian species. Summer offers avid birders sightings of the Narina Trogon and an array of brightly coloured birds and the area is known for its superb birding.
Although not a big 5 destination (no rhino) the Lower Zambezi National Park offers an exceptional safari experience, with walking safaris, fantastic tigerfishing, game drives and canoeing adding to the allure. Oddly enough giraffe are completely absent from Lower Zambezi with no record of them ever having lived here. Ideally start your day with an early morning game drive, warming up with a coffee stop. If it’s an option, you could spend some time canoeing or tiger fishing, or rest up in a shady spot during the midday heat. A guided walking safari is an exhilarating way to experience the bush from a different vantage point, learning about smaller animals and plant life. In the late afternoon, hop back onto your open safari vehicle and continue the search for game. Alternatively, enjoy a sundowner cruise appreciating the view of hippos, crocs and ellies while on the river. Night drives afford the chance to see a completely different array of animals, found with the help of a spotlight.
