Zambia Parks

ZAMBIA

Lower Zambezi National Park

With an area of over 4000 sq km, this park lies in the lower Zambezi valley, at the border with Zimbabwe. The most common large mammals are elephant and buffalo. It is possible to view them up close in a boat as they swim across the river. Amongst the antelope impala, kudu, zebra, waterbuck, bushbuck, grysbok and duikers can be seen. Lion, leopard, spotted hyena and wild dogs are the major predators. The river is home to Nile crocodiles, hippos, Nile monitors, Cape clawless otters and plenty of fish. Over 350 species of birds can be sighted. The park can be reached by air, road and by boat.

Mosi oa Tunya (Victoria Falls)

Named Victoria Falls by Livingstone in 1855, Mosi oa Tunya or the Smoke That Thunders has been in existence for over a million years It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and listed as one of the 7 Wonders of the World. It is a must visit on any safari to southern Africa. The volume of water depends on the Zambezi river, which is maximum during the rains (March - June) and reduces during the dry months (August-September). No matter which season you visit in, the Falls must be viewed from both Zimbabwe and Zambia. The adjoining Mosi oa Tunya National Park is home to a small population of antelope, and one can walk with rhinos, but it is essentially a great park for birding.

South Luangwa National Park

Covering an area of 9050 sq km, South Luangwa is one of the world's best wildlife parks, with over 60 animal species and over 400 bird species, apart from seasonal change in the flora. The Luangwa River, a tributary of the mighty Zambezi River, meanders through the park and is a magnet for the flora and fauna. It is the most intact major river system in Africa and is the life-blood of this park. The vegetation consists of woodlands, shrubs, small bushes and tall grassland. Tree species include mopane, mahogany and ebony. Common birds are crowned cranes, carmine bee-eaters, African skimmers, giant eagle owls, egrets, herons, storks, ducks, geese, etc. Common animals are elephant, buffalo, hippo, Thornicroft giraffe, puku, impala, Cookson's wildebeest, Crawshay's zebra, common waterbuck, etc. The only notable exception is the rhino, sadly poached to extinction. Major predators are lion, leopard, spotted hyena, crocodile and wild dog. The now famous ‘walking safari’ originated in this Park and is still one of the finest ways to experience Africa’s pristine wilderness first-hand.