Things to do
A Typical Day on Safari in the Lower Zambezi
Best Time to Visit

BAOBAB trips to the Lower Zambezi National Park can be arranged on a tailor-made. Please examine the accommodation guide for a choice of fabulous lodges with guideline prices and sample itineraries and then contact us for a precise quote for your chosen holiday (or for further assistance to help you make up your mind!!).

Accommodation in the Lower Zambezi NP

The Zambezi is Africa’s fourth longest river and forms the boundary between Zambia and Zimbabwe. 100 km downstream from Victoria Falls the river widens to almost 2 km. On its northern bank is one of Zambia’s best known national parks – the Lower Zambezi. Here the grassy floodplain runs up to a series of steep sided hills, as the river runs through the dramatic scenery that so inspired David Livingstone during his historic journey into the heart of Africa. Most visitors to the park comment on the diverse scenery. From the river there is a gradual change from open plains to woodland and dense forest all with the backdrop of the mountains.

The park is a haven for wildlife with excellent game viewing along the floodplain and from the river itself. Predators such as lion and cheetah are present here and hunt the abundant buffalo and zebra. There are also extensive hippo and elephant populations as well as over 400 bird species.

Things to do
The Lower Zambezi National Park offers a range of safari options including:

Game drives: Open topped safari vehicles are the easiest way to move around the park. Experienced guides will drive you to the areas where specific animals are known to be present.

Walking safaris: There is no better way to appreciate the sights, sounds and smell of the bush than on foot. In the Lower Zambezi it is possible to walk through the bush in the more open areas with an armed ranger and highly experienced safari guide. Your guide will introduce you to the animal signs and tracks, the birds and smaller wildlife that are missed in a vehicle and of course the amazing variety of droppings.

Night drives: After sunset the bush takes on a completely different characteristic. Nocturnal animals such as hyena, civet and porcupine become active and the large cats begin to hunt. In the trees the smaller animals such as bushbaby and the eagle owls are readily spotted. A night drive is an unforgettale experience, especially for the lucky ones who witness lionesses hunt or a leopard kill. All night drives are lead by an experienced guide and ranger armed with a powerful spotlight to pick out the wildlife.

River boat safaris: Explore the mighty Zambezi river and its many islands from the comfort of a pontoon boat. Watch the elephants, baboons and buffaloes drinking in the cool of late-afternoon. African sunsets from the river are a spectacle not to be missed.

Canoeing: A canoe trip is a tranquil, but exciting way to view birds and other wildlife. Weave you way between the resident hippos, enjoy the bee eaters flying in & out of their nests in the sandbanks and spot the fish eagles hunting for the ample fish supplies in the Zambezi. You can opt to take your own canoe or be rowed by an expert guide.

Fishing: The Zambezi is home to the world’s toughest freshwater fish – the tigerfish. Expert guides will cater for all levels of anglers from total beginners to expert. Fly-fishing for tigerfish as also an option. A strict catch & release policy is observed by all lodges.

A Typical Day on Safari in the Lower Zambezi

All lodges and bushcamps work to a similar day programme based around the activity of the wildlife. You are free to join in as many (or as few) of the activities as you wish. If you wish to sit out any of the safari activities on a particular day or part of the day you are welcome to spend time relaxing at the lodge and enjoy the local wildlife.

06.00 hrs - Wake up call from your hosts.

06.30-07.00 hrs - A light breakfast at the lodge or bushcamp.

07.00–11.00 hrs (morning activity) - A walking safari or game drive through the bush or a river activity as the sun rises and the animals become active. Morning coffee is taken in the bush or along the river.

11.00–12.30 hrs - Brunch, a hot meal either back in the lodge or prepared by your hosts in the bush.

12.30–15.30 hrs (siesta time) - Relax at the lodge and perhaps take a snooze.

15.30 hrs – Afternoon tea with homemade cakes.

16.00 hrs (afternoon activity) - A shorter walking safari, game drive or river activity.

18.00–18.30 hrs - Sundowners of your choice at a scenic spot your guide will lead you to. Drinks are enjoyed whilst watching the magical African sun set over the mighty Zambezi.

18.30–20.00 hrs - Night drive in open-topped safari vehicles armed with blankets for those who feel the cold quickly.

20.00 hrs - Dinner back at the lodge, generally a 3-course meal with plenty of wine. Afterwards retire to your room or take drinks by the fire and relive the drama of the day’s activity.

Best Time to Visit

The Lower Zambezi National Park has a distinct tourist season based on the local weather conditions. April to November is the dry-season in the Lower Zambezi and the period when the lodges are operational.

During April to Jully the weather is warm and dry with cool nights. Warm clothing is needed for night drives.

September to the end of November is hot and dry with temperatures as high as 40 degrees Celcius during the day. The occasional shower is possible at either end of the season (April and November), hence some lodges offer reduced rates during these months.