The Lower Zambezi National Park covers an area of 4092 square kilometers, but 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 parks animal species.

Enormous herds of elephant, some up to 100 strong, are often seen at the rivers 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.

One can drive into the National Park on one's own but it is very underdeveloped and not really structured for vehicle visitors yet. The existing lodges and canoeing operators provide the best access to the park. They all offer pick-ups from either Lusaka or Chirundu (where there is a small motel), or Kariba in Zimbabwe.

The Chongwe River demarcates the western boundary of the park and can be accessed from Chirundu along a rough road (4x4 recommended), crossing the Kafue River by pontoon just beyond Gwabi Lodge.

From April there will be a pontoon that crosses the Zambezi from Luangwa Town to Kanyemba in Zimbabwe and to Zumbo in Mozambique, all at the Zambezi/Luangwa confluence.

There are several lodges on the lower Zambezi, all offering game viewing and relaxing opportunities. They are all reached by arrangement as access is usually by air to Jeki airstrip or Royal airstrip or motor boat along the Zambezi.

Situated on the north shore of the Zambezi river a short distance below Lake Kariba, the lower Zambezi national park is a haven for a wide variety of wildlife and an area of outstanding natural beauty. Still very much untouched, it guarantees visitors the experience of "real Africa". For first class safari experience and superb tented accommodation, lower Zambezi is the place to be. Massive canoeing, boat cruises and fishing are popular adventures in the area.

After thundering over the Victoria Falls, the mighty Zambezi River flows into Lake Kariba and then continues its journey east through the Lower Zambezi Valley. Flanked on each side by National Parks this remote section of the river is dotted with reed islands and abounds with Hippo, Buffalo, Elephant and over 350 bird species.

 The area lends itself to game viewing trips by boat or canoe - the least obtrusive way to get close to the wildlife that inhabit the banks and islands. It's a bird watchers dream, drifting along the river's edge watching the large colonies of Carmine Bee-eaters making their homes in the high banks. The haunting cry of the Fish Eagle floats through the air as you lie back and watch it all go by.

For fish enthusiasts good Tiger Fish and Bream make for a great challenge in a spectacular setting. Game Drives, Night Drives and Walking Safaris in the Lower Zambezi National Park are led by armed and knowledgeable guides who'll show you a different perspective of this rich river valley sanctuary.

alendo@alendotravel.com.zm