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The lower Zambezi National Park is a spectacular wilderness area renowned for its scenic beauty, diverse wildlife, and opportunities for adventurous safari experiences. It is situated along the northern bank of the Zambezi River, opposite Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park. This Park boasts stunning landscapes characterized by riverine forests, open plains, and rugged escarpments. The Zambezi River serves as the lifeblood of the park, attracting a wealth of wildlife to its banks.
The river’s edge is overhung with a thick riverine fringe, including ebony and fig trees. Further inland is a floodplain fringed with mopane forest and interspersed with winterthorn trees and huge acacias. The rolling 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 092km², most of the game is concentrated along the valley floor. There is an escarpment along the northern end that acts as a physical barrier to most of the park’s animal species. Enormous herds of elephant, some up to a hundred strong, are often seen at the river’s edge. ‘Island hopping’ buffalo and waterbuck are common.
The park also hosts good populations of lion and leopard, and listen too for the ubiquitous cry of the fish eagle.
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Guided walking safaris provide an immersive experience of the African bush, allowing you to explore the African wilderness on foot with experienced armed guides. Foot safaris offer the chance to track wildlife, learn about the local flora and fauna, and appreciate the smaller details of the ecosystem.
As with all wilderness areas, conservation efforts are critical in protecting the Parks wildlife and habitats. Many safari lodges in the area are actively involved in conservation initiatives and community development projects, ensuring that the park’s natural resources are preserved for future generations.
One of the highlights of a visit to Lower Zambezi is exploring the Zambezi River on boat or canoe safaris. These excursions offer a unique perspective on the park’s wildlife and landscapes, allowing you to get close to hippos, crocodiles, and a rich variety of birdlife while enjoying the tranquility of the river. Look out for magnificent flourishes of scarlet carmine bee-eaters at work on their nests in the riverbanks.
Lower Zambezi National Park isn’t just about the exhilaration of encountering Africa’s magnificent wildlife. Conservation efforts are paramount here. Many safari lodges actively participate in crucial initiatives. Find out more in the nearby destinations.
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