Located on the north bank of the Zambezi River in southeastern Zambia, the Lower Zambezi National Park can be found on the opposite bank from Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe. Covering an expanse of 4,092 square km, the Lower Zambezi National Park straddles two predominant ecoregions – Zambezian and Mopane woodlands in the south and southern Miombo woodlands in the north. The area surrounding the Zambezi rivers is floodplain ecoregion.
These unique ecoregions have created an ideal habitat for the park’s diverse wildlife and birds, which can be explored on guided walking safaris, game drives, and river safaris. Furthermore, visitors can also take the opportunity to learn the local culture by visiting the nearby Goba Villages.
Long ago, before the land was set aside for preservation, the Nsenga Bantu people lived in the Lower Zambezi region.
The Lower Zambezi National Park is known for its large population of elephants and buffaloes, which can be spotted as they gather around the water holes during the dry season. Other game found in the park include hippos, zebras, and wildebeest as well as an ample population of impalas and roan antelopes.
While the predators aren’t as common as the other animals, visitors may occasionally see lions, leopards, and hyenas in the park. Although the park has wild dogs, they are rarely seen. The Zambezi River offer a great spot for viewing hippos and Nile crocodiles, both of which are found abundantly in the park.
Lower Zambezi National Park has a rich birdlife with over 350 bird species including rare bird species such as collared pratincole, narina trogon, palm-nut vulture, pennant-winged nightjar, and Verreaux’s eagle.
July to October (dry season) is considered the best time to visit Lower Zambezi National Park. These are the driest months in the region, when the vegetation is sparse and the water sources for wildlife more scarce, causing the wildlife to leave their secluded spots and journey towards the Zambezi River, which acts as a perennial water source. It ensures visitors can spot the wildlife gathering around the rivers from the safety of their game vehicles or boats.
Although the wet season (November to April) has its own attractions, the roads are often impassable and many lodges and camps close during the wet season. The shoulder season months of May and June are very beautiful with lush vegetation after the rains, an excellent time for bird watching and to see newborn animals.
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