Reviews of safaris to Lower Zambezi National Park
362 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Lower Zambezi.
Mr & Mrs M
Victoria
"Expert Africa lives up to its name - again"
I visited Zambia and 1 other country between 29 May 2015 and 14 Jun 2015
"Our group of seven ran out of superlatives to describe our days early on in the trip - so we just resorted to repeating them!
Everything ran like clockwork, and I don't think there is a thing that, in retrospect, we would have done differently.
Thank you Expert Africa." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 13 on a Zambia safari
Everything ran like clockwork, and I don't think there is a thing that, in retrospect, we would have done differently.
Thank you Expert Africa." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 13 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Bridget
UK
"Zambia"
I visited Zambia between 1 May 2015 and 12 May 2015
"This was the best safari we have done, the choice of camps and their location we ideal. I took your advice and was 100% satisfied.
I am well aware that I do not suffer fools gladly and it is a chance one has to take on this type of holiday; the camp staff were very understanding and accommodated us to the best of their abilities.
I will ask you to suggest another holiday for us next year with a few stipulations: luxury, great guides, near a river (we like the option of boat trips for birdwatching) and NO COMMUNAL DINING. Many thanks for a memorable trip." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari
I am well aware that I do not suffer fools gladly and it is a chance one has to take on this type of holiday; the camp staff were very understanding and accommodated us to the best of their abilities.
I will ask you to suggest another holiday for us next year with a few stipulations: luxury, great guides, near a river (we like the option of boat trips for birdwatching) and NO COMMUNAL DINING. Many thanks for a memorable trip." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr T & Mr L
Amsterdam
"An excellent trip"
I visited Zambia and 1 other country between 31 Oct 2014 and 9 Nov 2014
"We normally try to avoid late October because of the heat but I'm really glad we made the trip at this time of year. Game viewing was simply excellent and I was surprised how few others were travelling.
It was very hot but the camps had fans and the heat was manageable." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 5 on a Zambia safari
It was very hot but the camps had fans and the heat was manageable." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 5 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs W
Coventry
"My Oct 2014 trip"
I visited Zambia and 1 other country between 7 Oct 2014 and 19 Oct 2014
"Megan was exceptionally patient and helpful as we were planning our trip - we ended going to exactly the places that were right for us. Sometimes it is difficult to envisage each camp and their facilities and in this respect Megan was very supportive. The additional detailed information gained from Megan before our trip ensured everything ran smoothly and there were no nasty surprises.
We were pleased that our trip turned out to be very well balanced as we had hoped. South Luangwa obviously has greater game density than our other locations but the Lower Zambezi and Malawi gave different perspectives. The boat trips on the Zambezi were special and the friendliness and birding at Mkulumadzi were a great variation.
It was pleasing to feel that we not only visited an established camp in Zambia but also a brand new luxury camp in its first season. In addition we went to a reserve in Malawi that is trying hard to re-establish itself and really needs and deserves our support.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
The only point relates to photographic equipment. We did not have any problems but the weight issues could be a problem for other travellers or ourselves in future. It is almost impossible to stay within the 5 kgs hand luggage limit on the internal flights - it would be better if the airlines specified a maximum total weight including hold luggage. It is never really an issue on the flights as the hand luggage is stowed in the back of the plane." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zambia safari
We were pleased that our trip turned out to be very well balanced as we had hoped. South Luangwa obviously has greater game density than our other locations but the Lower Zambezi and Malawi gave different perspectives. The boat trips on the Zambezi were special and the friendliness and birding at Mkulumadzi were a great variation.
It was pleasing to feel that we not only visited an established camp in Zambia but also a brand new luxury camp in its first season. In addition we went to a reserve in Malawi that is trying hard to re-establish itself and really needs and deserves our support.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
The only point relates to photographic equipment. We did not have any problems but the weight issues could be a problem for other travellers or ourselves in future. It is almost impossible to stay within the 5 kgs hand luggage limit on the internal flights - it would be better if the airlines specified a maximum total weight including hold luggage. It is never really an issue on the flights as the hand luggage is stowed in the back of the plane." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr A F, Torquay
UK
"My Sep 2014 trip"
I visited Zambia between 30 Sep 2014 and 19 Oct 2014
"Met the objective of matching the excellent trip to Tanzania organised by Expert Africa in 2009.
From the first contact with Megan to arrival back at Heathrow, the trip was professionally organised, exciting and seamless.
We found that visiting South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi was important. Dry and brown versus wet and green. We would have missed out by only visiting one of the National Parks. Zambia was a revelation. It was VERY HOT, as predicted, but we managed and are happy that we chose the dry season.
Catching 5 Tiger fish (largest 10.5 lbs) was great fun. The quantity and quality of game sightings throughout was staggering." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 17 on a Zambia safari
From the first contact with Megan to arrival back at Heathrow, the trip was professionally organised, exciting and seamless.
We found that visiting South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi was important. Dry and brown versus wet and green. We would have missed out by only visiting one of the National Parks. Zambia was a revelation. It was VERY HOT, as predicted, but we managed and are happy that we chose the dry season.
Catching 5 Tiger fish (largest 10.5 lbs) was great fun. The quantity and quality of game sightings throughout was staggering." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 17 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs C
Notts
"Wonderful wildlife but exhausting"
I visited Zambia between 19 Sep 2014 and 5 Oct 2014
"Journey from Heathrow to Lower Zambezi took too long - three flights in one go is too many - and we arrived exhausted which did affect our first few days.
Once we had recovered we had a great trip." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 15 on a Zambia safari
Once we had recovered we had a great trip." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 15 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs B
Avon
"A great holiday in Zambia's best parks"
I visited Zambia between 19 Sep 2014 and 2 Oct 2014
"Thoroughly enjoyed our holiday and hope to return sometime. Our stay at Tafika was the highlight"
Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr M & Ms O
Cumbria
"Five weeks in Zambia"
I visited Zambia between 17 Sep 2014 and 23 Oct 2014
"A wonderful trip and I long to return.
The wildlife and birds were incredible most especially at South Luangwa. We thoroughly enjoyed the contrasts between the three national parks and in the case of Kafue the contrasts between Kaingu, Musekese and Busanga Plains. Victoria Falls is not to be missed on any trip to Zambia.
We travelled independently for part of our trip on coaches, local minibuses and taxis. I would like to finish with a tribute to the Zambian people. Everywhere we went the warmth and friendliness of these gentle people shone through. As I said earlier I long to return.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No everything was perfect" Read full review: 36 nights in Africa; 21 on a Zambia safari
The wildlife and birds were incredible most especially at South Luangwa. We thoroughly enjoyed the contrasts between the three national parks and in the case of Kafue the contrasts between Kaingu, Musekese and Busanga Plains. Victoria Falls is not to be missed on any trip to Zambia.
We travelled independently for part of our trip on coaches, local minibuses and taxis. I would like to finish with a tribute to the Zambian people. Everywhere we went the warmth and friendliness of these gentle people shone through. As I said earlier I long to return.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No everything was perfect" Read full review: 36 nights in Africa; 21 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Dr & Mrs W
UK
"Our September 2014 Safari to Zambia"
I visited Zambia between 13 Sep 2014 and 4 Oct 2014
"Apart from the British Airways initial seating 'hiccup', the whole trip was wonderful.
Worth mentioning: one couple arriving at Kaingo after us (travel agent unknown) had flown with Emirates and said the change in Dubai had been very tight with only 1.5 hours. Having been to Dubai a few times, this made sense to us.
Later, at Sausage Tree Camp, another couple had suffered a slightly late departure from Heathrow and were actually prevented from flying onwards from Dubai because their bags would not make it to the connecting plane. This meant that they missed a night in camp and all the activities for the 24-hour period involved. Extremely disappointing for them.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
It might be worth including in the standard letter as a matter of course that Tours Africa meet your clients airside on arrival at Lusaka.
They waved us through without further queuing, took passports and visa fee to the immigration officer for us, adding on a few extra days in case of emergency and really made the process painless. They were so friendly and helpful with luggage etc. The service was barely different from our visit in 2006." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 20 on a Zambia safari
Worth mentioning: one couple arriving at Kaingo after us (travel agent unknown) had flown with Emirates and said the change in Dubai had been very tight with only 1.5 hours. Having been to Dubai a few times, this made sense to us.
Later, at Sausage Tree Camp, another couple had suffered a slightly late departure from Heathrow and were actually prevented from flying onwards from Dubai because their bags would not make it to the connecting plane. This meant that they missed a night in camp and all the activities for the 24-hour period involved. Extremely disappointing for them.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
It might be worth including in the standard letter as a matter of course that Tours Africa meet your clients airside on arrival at Lusaka.
They waved us through without further queuing, took passports and visa fee to the immigration officer for us, adding on a few extra days in case of emergency and really made the process painless. They were so friendly and helpful with luggage etc. The service was barely different from our visit in 2006." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 20 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr M & Ms O
UK
"Zambia Sept 2014"
I visited Zambia between 8 Sep 2014 and 21 Sep 2014
"Well this was a trip of superlatives but there is a problem and they are aware of it, something I discussed over dinner with Grant Cummings the owner of Chiawa and Old Mondoro who was on a quick visit and a charming man. He is on the case!
The park has 6 Lodges but further down the river there are over 20 lodges all using the same park some travelling 90+ Kms to get through the gate as a result when on game drives you see lots of vehicles and 10 vehicles round a leopard at the price you are paying is not on! Gladly our guides agreed and as I have been lucky enough to have seen it all before we moved off and left the crowds to it.
So I would not return to Chongwe or Chiawa for that single reason although the Camps are superb.
So that leaves Old Mondoro further up the river the crowds do not get there, it is not as luxurious as the other two camps but you never see another vehicle apart from the other that belongs to the camp and that only happens when you have a good sighting and they radio each other so fine and great talking point over diner that night. Ryan and Pam who run the camp are a delight.
Its beauty is also in its intimacy only 4 tents and for me the best wildlife of all the 3 camps. Would I go back YES just have to save up! For anybody reading this and fancy it go for a week and book up soon they already have reservations for 2017! Loved it" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zambia safari
The park has 6 Lodges but further down the river there are over 20 lodges all using the same park some travelling 90+ Kms to get through the gate as a result when on game drives you see lots of vehicles and 10 vehicles round a leopard at the price you are paying is not on! Gladly our guides agreed and as I have been lucky enough to have seen it all before we moved off and left the crowds to it.
So I would not return to Chongwe or Chiawa for that single reason although the Camps are superb.
So that leaves Old Mondoro further up the river the crowds do not get there, it is not as luxurious as the other two camps but you never see another vehicle apart from the other that belongs to the camp and that only happens when you have a good sighting and they radio each other so fine and great talking point over diner that night. Ryan and Pam who run the camp are a delight.
Its beauty is also in its intimacy only 4 tents and for me the best wildlife of all the 3 camps. Would I go back YES just have to save up! For anybody reading this and fancy it go for a week and book up soon they already have reservations for 2017! Loved it" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
362
reviews of Lower Zambezi by travellers since August 2007
Overall rating by our travellers
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Where to stay in Lower Zambezi
Our suggestions for safari camps in Lower Zambezi National Park
Old Mondoro Bushcamp
For an intimate safari in the Lower Zambezi, with superb guiding, Old Mondoro is up there with the best.
Chongwe River Camp
A blend of the stylish and traditional in a most picturesque site in the Zambezi Valley, Chongwe River Camp offers an excellent safari experience and real value for money.
Chiawa Camp
One of Zambia's top safari camps, Chiawa is family owned and run, offering superb service and a flexible approach from a location well inside the Lower Zambezi National Park.
Sausage Tree Camp
Sausage Tree is a high-quality safari camp offering a luxurious stay and excellent personal service deep inside Zambia's Lower Zambezi National Park.
Potato Bush Camp
Potato Bush is located right in the heart of the Lower Zambezi National Park, with privately guided activities taking you on game drives, walks, boat trips and canoeing.
Anabezi Luxury Camp
Anabezi Luxury Tented Camp offers a high degree of understated luxury in a very lovely, quiet part of the Lower Zambezi with outstanding wildlife.
Amanzi
Opened in 2015, Amanzi is an intimate and rustic yet luxury camp in a very quiet area of the Lower Zambezi, with plenty of wildlife and good birding.
Kutali Camp
Kutali Camp offers the opportunity to experience the wilderness of Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park, in this simple tented camp located on Kulefu Island.
Chongwe River House
Chongwe River House is a stylish four-bedroom house designed for the exclusive use of families and small groups, affording the ultimate in flexibility on safari.
Kasaka River Lodge
Kasaka River Lodge is a relatively simple, family-friendly camp. It's outside the Lower Zambezi National Park and, with a recent change of ownership for the better, it offers a great-value safari destination.
Chula Island Camp
Chula Island Camp offers the opportunity to experience the wilderness of Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park, in this simple fly-camp located in a natal mahogany grove on a small island on the Zambezi River.
Lolebezi
A chic safari spot, luxurious Lolelbezi is the Lower Zambezi’s newest camp and offers a mix of walking, canoeing and game drives led by excellent guides.
Royal Zambezi Lodge
This family-friendly lodge is located just on the outskirts of the Lower Zambezi National Park, in a great location overlooking the river.
