The Lower Zambezi National Park is still relatively undeveloped; its beauty lies in its wild state. The diversity of animals is not as vast as the other larger parks, but the opportunities to get close to game wandering in and out of the Zambezi channels are spectacular. The park lies along the Zambezi River, a huge traction for wildlife so the whole area on both sides of the Zambezi River forms a massive wildlife sanctuary.
The river’s edge is overhung with a thick riverine fringe, including ebony and fig trees. Further inland is a floodplain bordered by mopane forest and interspersed with winter thorn trees and huge acacias. The hills which form the backdrop to the park are covered in broadleaf woodland.
Even though the Lower Zambezi National Park covers an area of 4,092 square kilometres, most of the game is concentrated along the valley floor. There is an escarpment along the northern end which acts as a physical barrier to most of the park’s animal species. Enormous herds of elephant, some up to 100 strong, are often seen at the river’s edge. ‘Island hopping’ buffalo and waterbuck are common. The park also hosts good populations of lions and leopards, and if you listen you may also be able to catch the piercing cry of the fish eagle.
