ZM-LZA4 · 3–4 days
River & Wild.
Unhurried days on one of Africa’s most beautiful rivers — canoe past drinking elephants, cast a line for tiger fish, and let the Zambezi set the pace.
- Duration
- 3–4 days (3 nights standard)
- Best time
- May–October
- Tiger fishing
- Peaks Sept–Oct
- Group
- Private or small group
- Fitness
- Easy–Moderate
Elephants, Lower Zambezi National Park
The journey
Zambia’s river safari at its purest.
Where the Zambezi widens and slows opposite Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools, the Lower Zambezi offers canoe safaris gliding past pods of hippo, walking safaris beneath the escarpment and evenings that end with a rod in hand as the light fades.
We work with a trusted partner lodge on the riverbank to keep the experience intimate, with the flexibility to lean into fishing, walking, canoeing or classic game drives. Because wildlife concentrates on the river through the dry months, even a short stay delivers a genuinely high-density safari.
- Guided canoe safari
- Catch-and-release tiger fishing
- Walking safari with an armed guide
- Sundowners on the water
Canoeing the Zambezi
Day by day
Let the river set the pace.
- Day 1
Into the valley
Morning / midday: light aircraft from Lusaka (about 30–40 minutes to Jeki or Royal airstrip) or road via Chirundu (roughly 5–7 hours; 4x4 recommended); boat or vehicle transfer to your riverside camp.
Afternoon: orientation and first game drive along the river.
Evening: sundowners on the water as the light turns copper over the escarpment.
- Day 2
River rhythm
Morning: guided canoe safari past elephants drinking at the water’s edge, hippos, crocodiles, carmine bee-eaters and fish eagles.
Afternoon: rest through the heat, or an optional escarpment walk.
Evening: catch-and-release tiger fishing, or a second game drive.
- Day 3
Wild encounters
Morning: game drive through the Chiawa GMA and park core — elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard and, with luck, wild dog.
Afternoon: boat cruise or more canoeing, birding along the channels.
Evening: final night around the fire.
- Day 4
One more morning (extension)
A last canoe, walk or drive of your choice before the transfer back to the airstrip or Chirundu and on to Lusaka.
Inclusions
Everything on the river.
What's included
- All listed activities: canoeing, game drives, tiger-fishing tackle, walking safari with armed guide
- Full-board meals at the partner lodge
- Park and Game Management Area fees
- Road or air transfer coordination
Not included
- Lusaka–Jeki/Royal charter flight (quoted separately; self-drive option)
- Zambia visa fees
- Premium spirits and imported wines
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance
The park is effectively closed to full access in the heart of the wet season (roughly November–April). August–October is best for game concentration and fishing.
Lower Zambezi
Life on the water’s edge.
ZM-LZA4 · 3–4 days
The river is waiting.
Tell us your dates — we will confirm space with our partner lodge and the best way in.
One message · One accountable team · All of Zambia
Part of a wider collection
Pair it with another journey.
This journey is one of nine curated itineraries across Zambia. Combine them — we connect every transfer in between.
ZM-LUA55 days / 4 nightsAfter DarkSouth Luangwa — dawn walks, golden-hour drives and the spotlit world of leopard after dark.Quote on request
ZM-KAF55 days / 4 nightsVast ZambiaKafue — bigger than Wales, a fraction of the visitors. Woodland to floodplain at an unhurried pace.Quote on request
ZM-GRA1210–12 daysZambia Grand ArcCity, river, wildlife, culture and Victoria Falls — five faces of Zambia as one connected story.Quote on request