Things to do in Lower Zambezi, Zambia. A thread! First things first - how do you get there? You can either fly which takes approx 40mins or drive which takes 2-4hrs from Lsk depending on where you’ll stay. Royal Air Charters & Proflight fly there. If driving, 4x4 may be needed.

There’s 2 safari seasons. Emerald season (rainy season) & dry season. More animals will usually be seen during peak dry season hence higher prices. If you do an emerald season safari then you prob won’t be able to drive. You may have to park at Gwabi & get a boat to destination.

Lodge options. There’s many luxury camps & some more affordable options too! I’ll start with luxury. I’ve stayed at Baines, Time+Tide Chongwe Suites & Royal Zambezi. First up Baines. A more modern style camp built with cement walls. Beautiful rooms & nice public areas.

Luxury: Time+Tide Chongwe Suites. Absolutely loved this! More rustic but excellent with private suites, individual tents or a family house to choose from. Service was excellent &the two managers are Black Zambians. We had a suite to ourself with personalised butler & all!

Luxury: Royal Zambezi Lodge. The only 5* star lodge in the area! Their attention to detail is impeccable. You can choose from either their deluxe rooms or Presidential suites. A nice touch is that they offer yoga on site too! So you can be fit & meditate in the bush.

There’s also a lot of budget-mid range accom in Lower Zam thank goodness. I’ve stayed at Gwabi River Lodge more than 3 times & it’s is a firm fave of mine. Still eager & keen to also try out Nsofu Lodge, Munyemeshi Camp and Kiambi Lodge which are also friendlier on the pocket.

Activities! Starting with my favourite, canoe safari! May seem intimidating at 1st, but give it a go & enjoy the beautiful scenery. I’ve done canoe safari at all lodges mentioned above except Royal Zambezi. Most camps will offer this & guides are very well trained. #zambia

Safari & in particular sundowner hour hehe! Bring on the gin! At least even if you don’t see animals you’ll be happy! You can do a game drive in both the GMA (game management area) & the National Park which requires a fee to enter. GMA doesn’t require a fee. #zambia #safari

Activities which you can plan to end with sunset on an island! This is a MUST DO! Absolutely epic way to enjoy an evening in the bush. Plan ahead with the lodge. Done this at both Baines & Gwabi. They can also arrange gin bars, bush picnics or lunches post activities for you.

And also, enjoy the food! Most of these camps have Chefs trained on camp & they do the absolute most! Such creative & delicious meals to suit all tastes/palettes. The luxury camps offer food as part of your daily rate, but Gwabi allows for you to camp/do self catering too.

I almost forget the simplicity of a boat cruise! Especially nice in an emerald season safari because temp can be slightly cooler & the greenery is lush! Ellie’s are plentiful here so you will likely spot them on the river banks drinking water & frolicking about.

The area is full of animals & the Department of National Parks & Wildlife together with Conservation Lower Zam have done a great job in reducing poaching. You can find lions, leopard, wild dogs and Ellie’s in the area. Yet to spot a leopard here but they are in there.

Lastly, follow my IG page: #thezedtravelfoodie where I share all my travels, inspiration and help going on safari! #thezedtravelfoodie #zambia #travelblogger #blacktraveller
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