Category: Canoeing • Wildlife • Adventure
Destination: Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia
Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Safari Style: Riverside tented camps – comfortable, open, and nature-immersed
Pace: Active, intimate, and experience-driven

WHY THIS SAFARI IS UNIQUE

The Lower Zambezi National Park offers one of Africa’s most intimate and exhilarating safari experiences—exploring wildlife-rich river channels by canoe. Unlike traditional game drives, canoe safaris allow you to move silently and unobtrusively, drifting at water level among elephants, buffalo, hippos, and countless bird species.

This safari is ideal for travelers seeking:

• Close, respectful encounters with wildlife
• A balance of soft adventure and classic safari
• A strong connection to river ecosystems
• Fewer vehicles and a deeper sense of exploration

The Zambezi River is the lifeline of this landscape, and traveling by canoe offers a front-row seat to its daily rhythms.

DETAILED DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1: Arrival – Introduction to the Zambezi River

Arrive in Lower Zambezi National Park either by road transfer from Lusaka or by light aircraft, enjoying sweeping views of the river and escarpment.

On arrival at your riverside tented camp, settle in and enjoy lunch overlooking the water.

Afternoon Activity:
Begin your safari gently with a sunset boat cruise, perfect for orientation and relaxation. Glide past hippos emerging for the evening, elephants feeding along the banks, and fish eagles calling overhead.

As darkness falls, enjoy dinner by lantern light, listening to the sounds of the river.

• Overnight: Riverside tented safari camp
• Meals: Dinner

DAY 2: Canoe Safari Begins – Silent Exploration

Wake early to the mist rising off the river.

Morning Canoe Safari:
After a detailed safety briefing, set out on your first guided canoe safari along calm channels and lagoons. Led by expert river guides, you drift quietly past:

• Elephants crossing the river
• Hippos resting in pods
• Crocodiles basking on sandbanks
• Abundant birdlife at close range

The experience is calm yet thrilling, with guides carefully navigating wildlife behavior.

Afternoon:
Return to camp for lunch and relaxation during the hottest hours.

Late Afternoon Game Drive:
Explore inland areas of the park by vehicle, searching for lions, leopards, and plains game.

• Overnight: Riverside tented safari camp
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3: Full-Day Canoeing – Immersion on the River

Today is dedicated to a longer canoe journey, allowing deeper immersion into the Zambezi ecosystem.

Morning to Midday:
Paddle downstream through a series of channels and islands, stopping to observe wildlife and learn about:

• River ecology
• Animal behavior around water
• Traditional navigation techniques

Picnic Lunch:
Enjoy a freshly prepared picnic on a secluded riverbank or island under the shade of winterthorn trees.

Afternoon:
Continue canoeing at a relaxed pace, with opportunities for photography and quiet observation before returning to camp by boat.

• Overnight: Riverside tented safari camp
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4: Land & Water Safari Combo

Morning Game Drive:
Set out by vehicle to explore floodplains and woodlands away from the river. Sightings often include:

• Lions and leopards
• Buffalo and antelope
• Occasional wild dogs

Afternoon Choice:
After lunch and rest, choose between:

• Another gentle canoe safari, or
• Catch-and-release fishing for tigerfish (seasonal), guided by camp staff

As the sun sets, return to camp for a final evening by the river.

• Overnight: Riverside tented safari camp
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5: Departure – Farewell to the River

Enjoy a final breakfast overlooking the Zambezi before transferring back to Lusaka by road or light aircraft for onward travel.

• Meals: Breakfast

WHAT’S INCLUDED

✔ Guided canoe safaris with full safety equipment
✔ Selected game drives & boat cruises
✔ Professional river & safari guides
✔ Accommodation in riverside tented camps
✔ All meals as specified
✔ Park fees & conservation levies

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

✘ International or regional flights
✘ Visa fees
✘ Travel & medical insurance
✘ Tips & personal expenses

PRICE ESTIMATE (PER PERSON)

From USD 2,800
(Based on 2 people sharing; subject to season and camp availability)

PRECAUTIONS & IMPORTANT NOTES

• Swimming ability required
• Minimum age: 16+ (safety requirement for canoe safaris)
• Soft luggage recommended for light aircraft transfers
• Malaria precautions advised
• This safari involves active participation, not suitable for those with limited mobility