Lower Zambezi National Park

Lower Zambezi National Park offers one of Africa’s most varied and fluid safari experiences, defined by the Zambezi River and the freedom to explore it from multiple perspectives—by vehicle, on foot, and by canoe.

Set along the northern bank of the Zambezi opposite Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools, this is a park where wildlife encounters feel relaxed, intimate, and unscripted, shaped as much by water levels and light as by animal density.

A Landscape of Water, Woodland, and Escarpment

Lower Zambezi unfolds along a broad river corridor backed by the Zambezi Escarpment. The landscape is gentler than South Luangwa, but constantly changing.

You’ll find:

• Riverine woodland and open floodplains
• Islands and sandbanks shifting with the season
• Calm water reflecting early-morning and late-afternoon light

This setting creates a safari that feels open and breathable, rather than compressed or intense.

Multiple Ways to Safari — Without Changing Camps

Lower Zambezi is one of the few parks where a single location supports genuine variety.

Game Drives

Classic drives focus on elephants, buffalo, lions, and leopards moving between river and woodland.

Walking Safaris

Walks emphasize tracking, ecology, and proximity—often following elephant paths along the riverbanks.

Canoe Safaris

Drifting silently past elephants feeding at the water’s edge is the defining Lower Zambezi experience. It is immersive, calm, and unlike anything in vehicle-only parks.

This range allows each day to feel distinct without needing to relocate.

Wildlife Encounters: Calm and Continuous

Lower Zambezi’s wildlife is accustomed to boats and foot traffic, resulting in encounters that feel:

• Less reactive
• Longer in duration
• Rich in behavior

Elephants dominate the riverbanks, buffalo move in loose herds, and predators work the woodland edges. Birdlife is constant and highly visible.

How Lower Zambezi Differs from South Luangwa

The contrast between Zambia’s two flagship parks is deliberate:

• South Luangwa is intense, predator-focused, and behavior-driven
• Lower Zambezi is fluid, water-based, and experiential

Together, they form one of Africa’s strongest two-park combinations.

Where We Like to Stay in Lower Zambezi

Lower Zambezi is not about having many lodges—it’s about choosing the right river stretch and guiding style. These are our preferred options.

Old Mondoro

Our top choice for privacy and polish

• Exceptional guiding and wildlife density
• Strong canoe and walking programs
• Intimate, high-comfort camp with a refined feel

Old Mondoro suits travelers who want the best guiding in the park without sacrificing comfort.

Chiawa Safari Camp

The original Lower Zambezi classic

• Prime river frontage
• Deep guiding pedigree
• Strong mix of drives, walks, and canoeing

Chiawa is ideal for travelers who value heritage, consistency, and location.

Chongwe Camp

Dramatic setting and a sense of place

• Positioned at the confluence of the Chongwe and Zambezi rivers
• Distinctive architecture and atmosphere
• Excellent for canoeing and photography

Chongwe works well for guests drawn to landscape and design, as much as wildlife.

Anabezi Luxury Tented Camp

Balanced, contemporary, and reliable

• Elevated views over the Zambezi
• Strong guiding and flexible activities
• A good all-round option for first-time Lower Zambezi visitors

Note: Both Old Mondoro and Anabezi sit within the broader territory of the Jeki pack, one of Lower Zambezi’s best-known African wild dog packs. Sightings are never guaranteed, but when conditions align, guests occasionally encounter active hunting behavior along the riverine woodland. Connect with us at Wild Atlas Explorations to increase your odds of encountering this behavior.

How We Think About Lower Zambezi

We use Lower Zambezi to:

• Slow the pace after more intense safari regions
• Introduce water-based wildlife experiences
• Add elegance and variety to a Zambia itinerary

It is rarely the most dramatic stop—but often the one guests talk about the most.