Reviews of safaris to Lower Zambezi National Park
365 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Lower Zambezi.
Mrs M & Mr D
Germany
"Zambia May 2022 trip"
I visited Zambia between 19 May 2022 and 4 Jun 2022
"This trip was amazing !
The whole itinerary was tailor made to our needs and interests. It really couldn't have been any better.
Thanks a lot Lucy :)" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 13 on a Zambia safari
The whole itinerary was tailor made to our needs and interests. It really couldn't have been any better.
Thanks a lot Lucy :)" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 13 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs H
Prestbury
"My April 2022 trip"
I visited Botswana and 1 other country between 27 Mar 2022 and 17 Apr 2022
"Because of Covid, the trip had to be rescheduled twice and this was done very willingly and very efficiently. The advice given about choosing the itinerary was superb and comprehensive. The recommendations for Sandibe Safari Lodge and Thorntree River Lodge were inspired for our purposes.
The particular selection of the five lodges gave us the breath and variety we sought having been to Africa four times previously. We were most appreciative for the advice and assurance we were given concerning Covid and the attending requirements. All transfers were made seamlessly with any assistance required.
This trip was the best yet.
Of course the animals are always there for you to find them, but the quality and variety of the lodges has risen considerably over the years and the local wine and food offerings have improved immensely. Good guiding is almost a given and the natural friendliness, charm and grace of the local people are such a plus to any safari.
Expert Africa's knowledge, experience, efficiency and reliability in making arrangements and accommodating your interests makes a great experience all the more remarkable. We owe a great big thank you to Lucy!" Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari
The particular selection of the five lodges gave us the breath and variety we sought having been to Africa four times previously. We were most appreciative for the advice and assurance we were given concerning Covid and the attending requirements. All transfers were made seamlessly with any assistance required.
This trip was the best yet.
Of course the animals are always there for you to find them, but the quality and variety of the lodges has risen considerably over the years and the local wine and food offerings have improved immensely. Good guiding is almost a given and the natural friendliness, charm and grace of the local people are such a plus to any safari.
Expert Africa's knowledge, experience, efficiency and reliability in making arrangements and accommodating your interests makes a great experience all the more remarkable. We owe a great big thank you to Lucy!" Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Z
Z
"My Oct 2021 trip"
I visited Zambia between 17 Oct 2021 and 3 Nov 2021
"Overall, game is very good across 3 NPs (South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, Kafue).
- Numerous lion sightings, but lions are the most majestic at Busanga Plains
- 13 unique leopard sightings, some with cubs, one feeding on an impala kill on the tree.
- Carmine bee eater colony was a bit smaller than usual at Shenton's hide this year, but saw the one near to Nkwali Camp from across the river. That colony was bigger.
- Not much luck on dog sightings except seeing the same pack twice in Mfuwe sector, and they were resting
- Game appears to be the strongest at South Luangwa northern sector. Lions were feeding on buffalo or hippo kills everyday
I have no hesitation in recommending all camps to future travelers
- Except for Mukambi Lodge/Mukambi Plains Camp, until the guiding issues are addressed.
Other notes to assist future travelers: PCR test
- Nature By Nature DNA Research Laboratory delivered as promised.
- Returned to Lusaka at 12 noon
- Swabbed at 1 pm
- Received results electronically (email/whatsapp) at 3 pm
- Was hand-delivered hardcopy results at 4 pm
- Left for airport at 7 pm.
- Flew out same day without issues.
- Healit Zambia now has a test center at Lusaka Airport, but it is not yet fully operational. I think it will be be up and running by next year. It is on the right hand side as you enter the departure hall of the new airport.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
None" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 16 on a Zambia safari
- Numerous lion sightings, but lions are the most majestic at Busanga Plains
- 13 unique leopard sightings, some with cubs, one feeding on an impala kill on the tree.
- Carmine bee eater colony was a bit smaller than usual at Shenton's hide this year, but saw the one near to Nkwali Camp from across the river. That colony was bigger.
- Not much luck on dog sightings except seeing the same pack twice in Mfuwe sector, and they were resting
- Game appears to be the strongest at South Luangwa northern sector. Lions were feeding on buffalo or hippo kills everyday
I have no hesitation in recommending all camps to future travelers
- Except for Mukambi Lodge/Mukambi Plains Camp, until the guiding issues are addressed.
Other notes to assist future travelers: PCR test
- Nature By Nature DNA Research Laboratory delivered as promised.
- Returned to Lusaka at 12 noon
- Swabbed at 1 pm
- Received results electronically (email/whatsapp) at 3 pm
- Was hand-delivered hardcopy results at 4 pm
- Left for airport at 7 pm.
- Flew out same day without issues.
- Healit Zambia now has a test center at Lusaka Airport, but it is not yet fully operational. I think it will be be up and running by next year. It is on the right hand side as you enter the departure hall of the new airport.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
None" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 16 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs B
Singapore
"My Oct 2021 trip"
I visited Zambia between 13 Oct 2021 and 26 Oct 2021
"Overall a great trip, which was postponed several times. Camps and Expert Africa were flexible to accommodate the rescheduling requirements which I appreciate a lot. I had no issues with CoVID, the in-camp test was easy. All logistics worked smoothly. No problems whatsoever.
Compared to previous Zambia trips, this one rates slightly lower as the October heat, especially in the South Luangwa, was tough, in particular during Game Drives in the later morning and earlier afternoon. The heat was probably also a main contributor to a game viewing experience slightly below expectation, in particular leopards and lions were far less visible than in previous trips (during August/September). On the other site, sightings of Wild Dogs on four different days (even though it was always the same group of 21) was unexpected.
Hospitability in all camps and hotels was impeccable. Health (Covid) and safety (animals) protocols are in place and rigorously followed. Zambia is slowly recovering with international guests coming back. So there were days were I benefited from half-full camps, other days where I was happy to see camps full as it's vital for the camps. Zambia is definitely ready to welcome guests back. And it's also practical again to go on a safari." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 13 on a Zambia safari
Compared to previous Zambia trips, this one rates slightly lower as the October heat, especially in the South Luangwa, was tough, in particular during Game Drives in the later morning and earlier afternoon. The heat was probably also a main contributor to a game viewing experience slightly below expectation, in particular leopards and lions were far less visible than in previous trips (during August/September). On the other site, sightings of Wild Dogs on four different days (even though it was always the same group of 21) was unexpected.
Hospitability in all camps and hotels was impeccable. Health (Covid) and safety (animals) protocols are in place and rigorously followed. Zambia is slowly recovering with international guests coming back. So there were days were I benefited from half-full camps, other days where I was happy to see camps full as it's vital for the camps. Zambia is definitely ready to welcome guests back. And it's also practical again to go on a safari." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 13 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mrs E
Yardley, PA, US
"My Aug 2021 trip"
I visited Zambia between 9 Aug 2021 and 28 Aug 2021
"I had the most wonderful time! It was a time of total de-stressing, relaxation, wonder and renewal of old friendships. All staff at the camps were vaccinated, and all guests that I spent any time with were too. Of course everything was outdoors, so I really didn't worry about covid very much.
Sightings were varied from camp to camp. I usually visit Zambia in June so I was particularly interested to see the carmine bee-eaters and other migrants as well as so many flowering trees.
This was my ninth visit to South Luangwa. I will continue to return to this fabulous park and all the friends I have made with guides and staff during that time. It is a magical place!" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 19 on a Zambia safari
Sightings were varied from camp to camp. I usually visit Zambia in June so I was particularly interested to see the carmine bee-eaters and other migrants as well as so many flowering trees.
This was my ninth visit to South Luangwa. I will continue to return to this fabulous park and all the friends I have made with guides and staff during that time. It is a magical place!" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 19 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Lee & Michele
PHX AZ
"My Aug 2021 trip"
I visited Zambia between 7 Aug 2021 and 20 Aug 2021
"This was an awesome trip. It took a lot to make this happen and without Expert Africa's involvement
coordinating with camps and lending advice and expertise as we booked flights, layovers and reacted to an ever changing international situation we would not have been able to do it." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 13 on a Zambia safari
coordinating with camps and lending advice and expertise as we booked flights, layovers and reacted to an ever changing international situation we would not have been able to do it." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 13 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
E&D
New York
"Once in a lifetime"
I visited Zambia between 2 Aug 2021 and 9 Aug 2021
"This was a once in a lifetime trip.
We would highly recommend Expert Africa, Potato Bush Camp, and the Royal Livingstone Hotel to anyone planning a safari." Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 6 on a Zambia safari
We would highly recommend Expert Africa, Potato Bush Camp, and the Royal Livingstone Hotel to anyone planning a safari." Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 6 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Drs. R&C
Houston
"Our Jul 2021 Honeymoon Trip"
I visited Zambia between 1 Jul 2021 and 12 Jul 2021
"The trip was amazing! Though it was initially an extension, this turned out to be the most magical portion of the trip. Everything from start to finish was executed perfectly, and Megan was so helpful when problems in our flight schedules would arise. We had so much anxiety about our trip not going as planned given the ongoing pandemic and the ever-changing rules, but our concerns were washed away with how carefully and thoroughly everything cared for on all levels at all times. On the ground, we were particularly impressed by Tours Africa's involvement in our ground transfers in Lusaka as well as our fly-in covid testing at LZNP."
Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mrs J.
Gulf Shores
"Thank you again during this time of Covid for a super trip!"
I visited Zambia between 18 Jun 2021 and 4 Jul 2021
"Such an enjoyable adventure. I find myself thinking of visiting Africa again. Thank you again during this time of Covid for a super trip!"
Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 16 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
A&J
San Francisco
"My Jun 2021 trip"
I visited Zambia between 17 Jun 2021 and 1 Jul 2021
"I can’t imagine a better experience than the one we had. We are grateful to RPS, Shenton and Chiawa for giving us so many unforgettable moments, and to Megan for arranging and re-arranging everything so many times.
Deciding to travel so far during the pandemic was daunting, and we had so many questions and thought about postponing this trip again, especially as cases started to rise in Zambia. But now we are so happy that we went. It was truly the trip of a lifetime.
Testing and transiting were my biggest worries. But armed with a negative COVID test and vaccination card, everything was actually very easy. We had no problems transiting in Europe or Ethiopia, and going through the Zambia entry protocol took 15 minutes, and that included getting the visa on arrival. Getting the test in Lusaka was also extremely easy. The PCR test costs $95, and for a small fee ($30 per person), someone from the clinic will come to the hotel to do the swab, and then drop off the result and travel certificate the next day.
We couldn’t have felt safer while on safari, as every minute was spent essentially outdoors naturally socially distanced. All the guides had one shot of Astra Zeneca and most are getting their 2nd dose in July. The few other guests we did meet were all fully vaccinated, and all staff wore masks in camp. While in Lusaka we hunkered down at the gorgeous Latitude 15 hotel which had plenty of lovely outdoor spaces to relax, a nice restaurant, and strict COVID protocol.
So, for anyone reading this who is considering a trip to Zambia, I’d say go for it! The camps need our support, and you will have an amazing time." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari
Deciding to travel so far during the pandemic was daunting, and we had so many questions and thought about postponing this trip again, especially as cases started to rise in Zambia. But now we are so happy that we went. It was truly the trip of a lifetime.
Testing and transiting were my biggest worries. But armed with a negative COVID test and vaccination card, everything was actually very easy. We had no problems transiting in Europe or Ethiopia, and going through the Zambia entry protocol took 15 minutes, and that included getting the visa on arrival. Getting the test in Lusaka was also extremely easy. The PCR test costs $95, and for a small fee ($30 per person), someone from the clinic will come to the hotel to do the swab, and then drop off the result and travel certificate the next day.
We couldn’t have felt safer while on safari, as every minute was spent essentially outdoors naturally socially distanced. All the guides had one shot of Astra Zeneca and most are getting their 2nd dose in July. The few other guests we did meet were all fully vaccinated, and all staff wore masks in camp. While in Lusaka we hunkered down at the gorgeous Latitude 15 hotel which had plenty of lovely outdoor spaces to relax, a nice restaurant, and strict COVID protocol.
So, for anyone reading this who is considering a trip to Zambia, I’d say go for it! The camps need our support, and you will have an amazing time." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari
Overall trip
Excellent
365
reviews of Lower Zambezi by travellers since August 2007
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Inspire meWhere 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.
