Lower Zambezi National Park: Introduction
The Lower Zambezi National Park occupies about 120km of Zambezi River frontage in south eastern Zambia. It is situated opposite the magnificent Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe, a world heritage site renowned for fantastic game viewing. This entire area on either side of the Zambezi is one vast wildlife sanctuary.
Until 1983 when this wildlife area was named a National Park, it was the personal sanctuary of the Zambian president, which protected it from excessive tourism exposure and it maintained its pristine appeal. Still, it maintains its wild edge with a lack of tarred roads and an uncrowded busy season.
The park protects an area of unique biodiversity; the broad ecological habitat and incredible wildlife viewing opportunities make The Lower Zambezi National Park the premier wildlife attraction in Zambia. Activities include fishing, canoeing, game drives as well as walking safaris all accompanied by expert guides.
Locate the Lower Zambezi National Park
How to get there & Best time to visit
How to get there
Lower Zambezi National Park is located 216km/134mi southeast of the capital, Lusaka. Most people fly by charter or scheduled flight to one of several airstrips in the park, but more budget-friendly road safaris are available too. The drive takes at least 5 hours*.
Some of the lodges can arrange a transfer from Lusaka (usually by road to Chirundu and by boat to the lodge). With a good high-clearance 4x4, a self-drive trip is also an option. The 120km/75mi drive to Chirundu takes about 2½ hours*. From there, the driving time is highly variable and depends on the season and where you are staying.
Most visitors arrive at Zambia's main airport, Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN), located 14km/9mi from Lusaka. You could fly into Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI) if you are also visiting Victoria Falls.
Best time to visit
July to October is the ideal time to visit Lower Zambezi National Park, although October can be extremely hot. These months represent the middle and end of the Dry season, and they are the best time for wildlife viewing. This is due to water sources in the bush drying out, leaving animals with no choice but to gather around the river, making them relatively easy to spot.
Lower Zambezi National Park has a hot climate with a Wet and Dry season and fairly uniform temperatures year-round. However, it gets quite cold at night from May to August. December to February are the wettest months and rain can be expected most days.