The Lower Zambezi National Park, founded in 1983, covers an area of 4,092 square kilometers along the northwestern bank of the Zambezi River. Most wildlife is concentrated around the Lower Zambezi Valley and the river. Elephant herds, sometimes up to one hundred strong, hippo, leopard, lion, buffalo, over 400 bird species – they all gather in this mesmerizing wilderness.
Wildlife Around the Park
The diversity of animals is not as wide as the other big parks, but the opportunities to get close to game wandering in and out of the Zambezi channels are spectacular. The Park lies opposite the famous Mana Pools Reserve in Zimbabwe, so the whole area on both sides of the Zambezi River is a massive wildlife sanctuary. Elephant and buffalo sightings are common (although seeing them never gets old) as they like to swim between the mosaic of islands on the river. Lions, hyenas, wild dogs (this one just reappeared in 2015) and leopards are the main predators in the areas. Leopards especially feel at home because of the many large trees, in which this slightly elusive cat likes to hide.
Bird Life
378 species have been recorded here, including many species of eagle, heron, stork and bee-eater. And just considering the kingfishers (both beautifully coloured and black and white species) you’ll find that the pied, giant, woodland, malachite and brown-hooded kingfishers are all common here. Similarly, the river is frequented by darters, cormorants, egrets, storks and fish eagles that are often seen perching in trees, overlooking the water. The Lower Zambezi is also rich in wading birds, both resident and migrant; uncommon residents include ospreys, spoonbills and African skimmers.