Lower Zambezi National Park

Lower Zambezi National Park stretches along the northern bank of the broad, majestic Zambezi River in Zambia's south, a stunning wilderness of floodplains, woodland and channels beneath a dramatic escarpment. Facing Zimbabwe's Mana Pools across the water, it draws great numbers of elephants, buffalo, lions and leopards to the river, along with huge pods of hippo and basking crocodiles. Its signature experience is the canoe safari, drifting silently down the channels past drinking elephants and birdlife, along with game drives, boat trips and superb tiger-fishing. Until it was declared a national park in 1983, the area was the private game reserve of Zambia's president.

The landscape

• The canoe safaris - the silent drifts past riverbank wildlife.
• The elephants at the river - the herds crossing and drinking.
• The hippos and crocodiles - the great pods and basking crocs.
• The fishing - the renowned tiger-fishing on the Zambezi.

When to go

May to October, the dry season, is the prime time, when wildlife gathers along the river and the weather is fine; the canoe safaris and game viewing are at their best. Many camps close in the wet season from around November to April, when access becomes difficult and the bush thick.

Good to know

Like all the region's great parks, it is remote and a quality safari is a considerable expense, and the canoe safaris, while magical, put you close to hippos and crocodiles, so expert guiding is essential. Access is limited in the rains. For a spectacular river-focused safari, the unique thrill of canoeing past elephants, and a beautiful, less-crowded wilderness, though, the Lower Zambezi is superb.

Nearby

Zimbabwe's Mana Pools lies across the river, and Lusaka is within reach.

Key facts