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The Lower Zambezi National Park, based in 1983, takes a 45-minute light aircraft trip to reach the Lower Zambezi National Park from Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia, which is located just southeast of the park.
The Park is slightly over 4,000 square kilometers in area and is located between the powerful Zambezi River in the south and a spectacular escarpment to the north. Because the escarpment serves as a natural barrier for the animals, the game gathers on the flood plains and prefers the dense forest along the river banks.
Additionally, the Mana Pools Reserve in Zimbabwe is direct across the river from the Park, making the entire region on either side of the river one enormous wildlife refuge.
In this article, I am going to talk about the Lower Zambezi National Park location, accommodation, self-drive, fees, weather, safari, etc.
Lower Zambezi National Park Safari & Travel Guide
Step onboard on a ship or drift silently across the riverbank in a canoe for the most effective wildlife viewing, since most wildlife is concentrated across the Lower Zambezi Valley and the river.
Elephant herds, generally as much as 100 robust, hippo, leopard, lion, buffalo, and over 400 hen species – all of them collect in this mesmerizing wilderness.
As Zambia turns into a higher often called a safari vacation spot, it nonetheless retains its essence of the true wilderness; a spot that doesn’t really feel overtaken by people, thus offering an unpredictable safari experience.
An indispensable ingredient if you’re searching for an exhilarating and unforgettable journey.
Subsequently, it’s essential to enter this nation with a deep respect for the purity of the wildlife areas, the kindness of the individuals welcoming travelers with heat and hospitality, a number of the finest guides in all the nation, and the remoteness of the camps.
Welcome to Zambia, the place whose pure magnificence nonetheless determines the rhythm.
Lower Zambezi National Park Zambia History
First, some historical past of the Lower Zambezi National Park. Zambia lies landlocked between the Tropic of Capricorn and the Equator, formed like a butterfly and protecting about 752,610 sq. kilometers.
The Lower Zambezi National Park – situated in southeastern Zambia – was declared a national park in 1983, serving as a personal park of the Zambia president earlier than that.
As a result of it being non-public for this length, the park was protected against mass tourism, thus sustaining its pristine wilderness.
As a result of CITES ban on the world ivory commerce and due to the presence of ZAWA groups finishing up law-enforcement patrols day by day, the park and its wildlife inhabitants (particularly elephants) have remained remarkably secure ever since.
Not simply the park, however, all the space is a real wildlife sanctuary. The alternative financial institution is Zimbabwe’s well-known Mana Swimming pools National Park, and the park itself is ringed by a much bigger recreation administration space (normally known as the GMA).
As a result of there not being any fences between the park and the GMA, animals can roam free throughout the world and can continuously accomplish that.
One of the best parts of Lower Zambezi Park and its surrounding GMA is the remoteness. In contrast to different South African parks, this one has no paved roads, so it’s unlikely you’ll encounter one other safari car.
An increasing number of treasures nowadays is an evening sky without mild air pollution. Right here you will notice essentially the most spectacular blanket of stars, together with mind-boggling views of the shimmering Milky Method.
The small and intimate lodges contribute to this sense of being in a spot the place the trendy world has but to intrude upon nature.
With its floodplains, grasslands, and tall forests the Lower Zambezi Valley helps implausible recreation densities.
Impala is in every single place and kudu, eland, waterbuck, zebra, and wildebeest are frequent.
Elephants are sometimes seen swimming the Zambezi River to feed on the grassy islands the place buffalo additionally graze.
The sandy river banks are the residence of iridescent carmine bee-eater colonies whereas kingfishers and African skimmers flit above the waters.
Predators embrace leopards, massive feelings of pride of lions, and packs of untamed canines.
So what’s it within the Lower Zambezi that pulls so many wildlife lovers?
Effectively, make yourself snug, as a result of the listing is lengthy. UNESCO declared a number of areas of the Lower Zambezi World Heritage websites, primarily as a result of its residence to an ‘outstanding focus of wildlife’.
Merely put: the Lower Zambezi is known for its massive recreation. And that is among the reasons why you need to venture out to this part of Africa.
Assume mind-blowing herds of elephants and buffaloes, powerful inhabitants of Nile crocodiles, plus predators reminiscent of lions, leopards, and the African wild canine. Along with the wildlife, there’s the large blue Zambezi River.
Flowing gently as a consequence of its refined gradient, it’s excellent for canoeing. All this with a backdrop of the majestic Zambezi escarpment that steadily slopes down to satisfy the river.
Since there’s a lot extra to inform about this distinctive space, learn on for extra attention-grabbing particulars.
Lion relaxation within the shade of the large figs. Wild canine roams by means of the world although they normally den up within the escarpment hills, and crocodiles bask within the shallows and on the numerous islands within the river.
Hippo pods are quite a few within the river, while the woodland of the park is residence to leopard, honey badger, civet, and bushbuck.
The woodland is interspersed with open vleis and smaller channels offering the superb strolling nation.
Away from the river the hills are rugged and provide spectacular views over the valley trying east to the Mupata Gorge, and west again in the direction of the Kafue River confluence with the Zambezi.
Through the late dry season (late August onwards), each white-fronted and carmine bee-eaters nest within the banks of the rivers offering a vibrant spectacle to finish the spectacular listing of birds to be seen.
The important thing facet of visiting the Lower Zambezi is to expertise the river itself, and also you’ll have the chance to canoe or boat by means of the channels, or attempt your hand at fishing.
Strolling can be out there, and recreation drives carried out by day and at night time. Lately, the park has begun gaining a reputation for aardvark sightings!
Wildlife
You will get the chance to witness a variety of species during your time here, including elephants, lions, wild dogs, hyenas, leopards, hippopotamuses, buffalo, impalas, kudus, zebras, and bushbuck. Watch out for the secretive honey badger, porcupine, aardvark, mongoose, and genets when doing night game drives.
This location is a remarkable hotspot for ornithologists thanks to the exceptional birdlife that exists there. All of the lodges here provide a variety of water-based safari activities in addition to the morning and afternoon game drives in open safari vehicles or the guided bush walks since the Zambezi River is a wildlife hotspot.
Lower Zambezi National Park Activities
Canoeing within the Lower Zambezi
There is an excellent variety of actions within the park from strolling safaris to drives, boating, and fishing, and we suggest a keep of not less than three days to discover it absolutely.
The Zambezi flows lazily in an easterly route and is the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe to the south.
The park is intensive, working from the floodplains of the river by means of massive areas of blended woodland to embody a lot of the spectacular escarpment.
This variety gives the Lower Zambezi with a greater variety of habitat than the wildlife areas throughout the waters in Zimbabwe.
The floodplains are wooded with acacia, sausage, and mahogany bushes, interspersed with areas of thicker bush and delightful witherthorn groves.
Through the dry season (Might to October), the floodplains teem with all kinds of wildlife and birdlife.
Herds of elephant, buffalo, kudu, impala, and waterbuck graze the candy grasses or browse on the tasty albida pods.
Canoeing
Spend a few hours in a canoe with your knowledgeable guide and drift silently down an isolated river channel with the Park on both sides for a tranquil yet nevertheless thrilling experience. Pass through herds of elephants making their way to the water’s edge to drink, keep an eye out for lions sunbathing on the riverside, and marvel at the crocodiles resting in the water. When your guide’s oar slowly slices through the water, all you can hear is a soothing splash, sometimes broken up by the occasional bird call.
Boat cruise
A picturesque boat tour is a way to go if you want something more “solid” between you and the sea. This method of exploring the massive Zambezi River allows you to get up close and personal with several herds of elephants and enormous hippopotami on the river’s banks.
Elephants may swim across the river to or from one of the river islands if you’re lucky. During your visit, you should definitely take a sunset sail while sipping a gin and tonic and holding binoculars or a camera in the other.
Tiger fishing
Another well-liked pastime is tiger fishing, which must always be done “catch and release” style in compliance with Park rules. The optimum months to catch one of these monsters are from September through December. The tiger fish, a cousin of the piranha, has an impressive array of razor-sharp, massive teeth.
Lodges
There are just a few lodges along the river in the park itself, and a few more are positioned close to the park’s perimeter. Therefore, it is understandable if you believe that the Park is all yours. Many of the lodges in this area are only open for a limited time of the year, often from mid-April to mid-November.
Safari vacation spot Lower Zambezi National Park
What makes this park an awesome vacation spot for a safari is the focus of wildlife across the water.
The Lower Zambezi National Park covers an unlimited space of 4,092 sq. kilometers, however much of the recreation is concentrated alongside the valley ground.
There may be additionally an escarpment alongside the northern finish, which acts as a bodily barrier to many of the park’s animal species.
Anticipate some terrific photo opportunities as monumental herds of elephants, some as much as 100 robust, collect on the Zambezi River’s edge to quench their thirst and splash around.
Throughout a canoe journey on the river, you would possibly face ten or extra hippos, peeking curiously above the water floor.
Additionally, ‘island hopping’ buffaloes – there are a number of rocky islands within the Zambezi River – and waterbucks are generally seen, to not point out prolific birdlife and fishing.
There is just too a lot to inform; good factor you’ll be able to learn extra on this part.
Lower Zambezi National Park Quick Facts
The unbelievable panorama of the Lower Zambezi valley is a result of an enormous rift within the earth’s crust.
Over millennia, mineral-rich volcanic soils deposited by the Zambezi River have nurtured lush vegetation, now attracting a wide selection of wildlife.
What concerns the climate?
It is (just about) all the time sunny in Lower Zambezi National Park!
How to go
Direct flights to the Lower Zambezi are available from Lusaka, Mfuwe, or Livingstone (via Lusaka).
Best time to visit
The ideal travel window, in our opinion, is from July through September. If you can tolerate the heat, game viewing is at its utmost best in October, even if it’s sometimes too hot.
Since the Zambezi is navigable year-round, unlike the Luangwa, most eco-camps provide a wide range of aquatic activities in addition to the usual walking and driving alternatives.
Final thought
One of Zambia’s most unique wildlife habitats is the Lower Zambezi National Park. The region offers a significant trans-border wildlife refuge along with Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools Reserve on the other bank of the river.
It shares a border with Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools Reserve, forming a vast area of wilderness preserved for ecotourism. It offers stunning views of the Zambezi River and lush riverine surroundings.
The majority of activities are located near the Zambezi, where you may see animals swimming in the middle of the day or drinking along the banks. There are also cruises, kayaking, and tiger fishing in the vicinity, in addition to wildlife drives and walking safaris (best between September and May). Regular up-close experiences with hippo, elephant, crocodiles, buffalo, waterbuck, and occasionally even a predator hunting or drinking from the shallower banks of the river will be part of your river activities. Watch for vibrant Carmine Bee-Eeaters as they dart in and out of their burrows carved into the riverbanks.
The Lower Zambezi National Park is one of Africa’s most pristine conservation regions, and it may be found if you follow the Zambezi downstream from Victoria Falls. Along the riverbanks, huge herds of elephant, as well as leopard, buffalo, and lion, are frequently spotted. A fantastic assortment of ecosystems may be found in the Lower Zambezi National Park, which is home to a wide variety of wildlife.
Website: www.lowerzambezi.com
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