WEATHER
December to March – this is the rainy season and a number of the camps in the Park are closed. Many of the camps in the GMA remain open all year round.
April and May – most of the rain has faded away, leaving a landscape that is green and lush. Clear skies and pleasantly mild temperatures can be expected.
June, July and August – the nights are generally much cooler, but the days are clear and warm. Make sure you bring warm clothes to wrap up in the early mornings and evenings, as nights can get very cold.
September and October – the temperatures climb and it can get very hot in October. The game viewing is spectacular as the animals concentrate around the limited water sources and along the river.
November is variable, it can be hot and dry like October, or, you may be lucky enough to experience the first spectacular storm of the season.
The dry landscape comes alive after the first rains, and after a few weeks, green shoots emerge everywhere.
GETTING THERE
By Road
The Lower Zambezi is accessed through the border town of Chirundu, which is located 143 kilometers south of Lusaka. This journey takes about two and half hours and involves a meander through the Zambezi escarpment area. From there the Chiawa Road heads east over the Kafue Bridge and into the Chiawa Game Management Area and then into the Lower Zambezi National Park.
By Air
International arrivals into Zambia can be made directly to Lusaka and to Livingstone. Both airports have daily flights from Johannesburg (South Africa). Lusaka Airport is also serviced by a number of international carriers including Emirates, Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines.
To/From Lusaka: Proflight offers daily scheduled 30 minute flights into the Lower Zambezi, landing at Royal and Jeki airstrips.
To/From Mfuwe – South Luangwa: Proflight offers direct flights from Royal and Jeki Airstrips to and from Mfuwe. The flight is approximately 1hr30 mins long. Charter flights are also available for this route.
To/From Livingstone: A charter flight will take about 2 hours to Kulefu Airstrip. Daily connections are available on Proflight via Lusaka to Jeki Airstrip. Proflight will be offering direct flights from Livingstone to Jeki starting in July 2018.
INFORMATION
Travel & Medical Insurance – Fully comprehensive travel insurance is recommended, covering for: personal effects, personal accident, medical and emergency travel expenses, as well as cancellation and curtailment penalty insurance.
Visa & Passports – Visa requirements should be checked prior to departure. Some nationalities require a visa, these are obtainable upon entry into Zambia.
WHAT TO DO IN THE LOWER ZAMBEZI
GAME DRIVES
Sit back and take in the wide variety of flora and fauna to be found in the National Park, accompanied by experienced guides. Common sightings are lion, elephant, waterbuck, warthog, hyena, zebra, puku and buffalo .
NIGHT DRIVES
Nocturnal life reveals gems not seen in the day. This is the time leopards are on the hunt, hyenas roam, owls come alive and many other smaller creatures emerge in search of food.
WALKING SAFARIS
There is a certain thrill that accompanies a walk in an area inhabited by wild animals. There is also so much more to appreciate on the ground including animal tracks, the plants,, birds and insects tmaking this an unforgettable experience.
CANOEING SAFARIS
Floating down the wide and calm Zambezi River in a canoe is truly one of the most delightful ways to observe the wildness of this region.
BOATING
Motorised boats also explore the many channels of this fascinating ecosystem, providing excellent photo opportunities at every turn.
BIRD WATCHING
With over 400 bird species, this is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Some of the many waterbirds to be seen are fish eagle, osprey, egrets and storks.
FISHING
The Lower Zambezi offers one of the finest fresh water angling experiences in the world. Chessa, mkupe, bream, vundu, barbel and the feisty tiigerfish are common catches.
MOUNTAIN HIKES
Some lodges offer hikes up to the escarpment overlooking the Park, affording panoramic views of the wide Zambezi Valley and a good work out!
VILLAGE TRIPS
Experience the authentic village life of the Goba people, how they build their homes, their food preparation, performing arts and craftsmanship.
