At a glance
- Best for
- Canoeing, boat safaris and fishing
- Nearest city
- Lusaka
- Time needed
- Three to four nights
- Best season
- May to October
- Closed season
- Many camps close roughly December to March
- Getting there
- Light aircraft or road via Chirundu
Why visit
The Lower Zambezi is a park of water. The river is wide and braided with channels and sandbanks, and in the dry season elephant, buffalo and waterbuck come down from the escarpment to feed on the floodplain. A **canoe safari**, drifting silently along a side channel, is one of the great experiences in African travel. Boat cruises, game drives, walking safaris and catch and release **tiger fishing** complete the picture. Lion and leopard are present, and wild dog are seen at times.
When to go
The dry months from May to October are best. June to August are cool and comfortable, with mild days and chilly nights on the river. September and October are hot, with game concentrated near the water. Most camps inside the park close for the rains from roughly December to March, when roads become impassable. Lodges in the **Chiawa Game Management Area**, just outside the park, often stay open longer.
Getting there
The fastest route is a short light aircraft flight from Lusaka to one of the park's airstrips. By road, you drive from Lusaka down the escarpment to **Chirundu** on the Zimbabwe border, then turn off to cross the Kafue River and continue along the river to Chiawa and the park. Allow most of a day, and expect sandy, rough tracks inside the park; many travellers arrange road transfers through their lodge.
Where to stay
Inside the park, small tented camps such as Chiawa Camp, Sausage Tree and Old Mondoro offer superb guiding and very few vehicles. In the Chiawa area outside the park, lodges like Royal Zambezi and good value options with camping, such as Kiambi and Mvuu, give river views and boat activities at a lower cost, with day trips into the park.
Canoeing tips
Canoe trips are led by experienced guides who know where hippos rest. Keep to the shallows, follow instructions and keep hands inside the canoe. Wear a hat and sunscreen, since the sun off the water is strong. Bring a dry bag for your camera and phone.
Combining with other areas
The Lower Zambezi pairs well with South Luangwa, both reached by flights through Lusaka, or with Victoria Falls. Siavonga on Lake Kariba is a little to the west and makes a good stop for lake sunsets and boat trips if you are travelling by road.
Health and safety
This is a malaria area, so seek advice before travel. Camps are unfenced; wildlife walks through at night. Do not swim in the river: crocodiles and hippos make it dangerous. Tsetse flies can be found in some wooded areas.
A typical day
Mornings start early with a game drive or a walk, followed by brunch. In the afternoon, take a canoe or boat trip, with sundowners on a sandbank as the sun sets over the escarpment.
Who it suits
The Lower Zambezi suits couples, keen anglers, families with older children and anyone who loves being on the water. It is also a good choice for a short safari from Lusaka.
Questions about the Lower Zambezi
Is the Lower Zambezi worth it if I have seen South Luangwa?
Yes. The experience is different: river activities, canoeing and fishing make it feel like a second, complementary safari rather than a repeat.
Can I visit the Lower Zambezi from Lusaka in a weekend?
It is possible by road to the Chiawa area for two or three nights, but flying in saves a long drive and gives you more time on the river.
Is canoeing among hippos safe?
Guided canoe trips have a strong safety record because guides read the river and keep a respectful distance from hippos and crocodiles. Always follow their instructions.
When do camps in the Lower Zambezi close?
Many camps inside the park close for the rains, roughly December to March. Exact dates vary by camp, so check when booking.
Facts checked . Fees, schedules and entry rules change, so always confirm the latest with the official source.
