Overview
Paddle through one of Africa's most pristine wilderness areas on a 5-day luxury canoe safari in Zambia's Lower Zambezi National Park. World-class fishing, canoeing past elephants, and exclusive riverside camps.
The Lower Zambezi National Park is one of Africa's finest and least-visited wilderness areas, and this 5-day luxury canoe safari offers the most immersive way to experience its magic. Situated on the northern bank of the mighty Zambezi River, directly opposite Zimbabwe's Mana Pools National Park, the Lower Zambezi forms part of a vast, unfenced transfrontier wilderness. The park's unique appeal lies in the variety of activities available — canoeing, game drives, walking safaris, and fishing — but it is the canoeing experience that sets the Lower Zambezi apart from every other safari destination in Africa. Gliding silently down the Zambezi in a two-person canoe, you will pass within metres of elephants drinking at the water's edge, drift alongside pods of hippos, and watch Nile crocodiles slip from sandbanks into the current. The river's channels and islands create a mosaic of habitats that support a staggering diversity of birdlife — over 400 species have been recorded, including the spectacular African skimmer and Pel's fishing owl. On land, game drives explore the riverine woodland and open floodplains where lion, leopard, buffalo, and elephant roam freely. For fishing enthusiasts, the Lower Zambezi offers world-class tiger fishing — the iconic fighting fish of Africa's rivers, which can be caught (and released) throughout your stay. Your luxury riverside camp features just a handful of suites on the river bank, each with private plunge pools and uninterrupted views across the Zambezi. This is safari at its most intimate, exclusive, and water-focused — a truly unique African experience.
Package Highlights
Your Journey, Day by Day
Day 1
Lusaka to Lower Zambezi — River Arrival
Board a light-aircraft flight from Lusaka to Jeki Airstrip in the Lower Zambezi National Park. The scenic 45-minute flight crosses the Zambezi escarpment, revealing the vast river below. On landing, transfer by open 4x4 to your luxury riverside camp. Settle into your suite — complete with private plunge pool and Zambezi views — and enjoy a welcome lunch on the camp deck. The afternoon is a gentle introduction: a canoe excursion on a calm stretch of river, paddling past sandbanks where crocodiles bask and watching African skimmers skim the surface. Return to camp for sundowners and dinner by the river.
Overnight: Chiawa CampMeals: Lunch, Afternoon Tea, DinnerLight-aircraft flight from Lusaka to Jeki4x4 transfer to riverside campCamp check-in and welcome lunchAfternoon introductory canoe excursionSundowners and riverside dinnerDay 2
Full Day Canoeing — Elephants & Hippos
Today's canoeing adventure takes you downstream through the heart of the park. Paddle silently past herds of elephants drinking and bathing at the water's edge — the intimacy of approaching these giants by canoe is an unforgettable experience. Navigate around hippo pods with your experienced guide, who reads the river expertly to ensure safety while maximising wildlife encounters. Stop on a sandbank island for a picnic lunch as fish eagles call overhead. The afternoon continues downstream, passing through channels where waterbuck, impala, and buffalo come to drink. Return to camp by motorboat as the sun sets over the Zambezi.
Overnight: Chiawa CampMeals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, DinnerFull-day downstream canoe excursionElephant viewing from the canoeHippo pod navigation with expert guideSandbank island picnic lunchMotorboat return at sunsetDay 3
Game Drive & Tiger Fishing
The morning brings a change of pace with a game drive into the park's interior. The riverine woodland supports healthy populations of lion, leopard, and buffalo, while the open floodplains attract large herds of zebra, impala, and waterbuck. Your guide tracks predator spoor through the bush, explaining the ecology and behaviour of each species encountered. After brunch at camp, the afternoon is dedicated to tiger fishing — the Lower Zambezi's famous fighting fish. Your fishing guide takes you to productive pools and rapids where tigerfish strike with explosive force. All fishing is catch-and-release, ensuring the sustainability of this world-class fishery. Non-fishing guests can enjoy a walking safari along the river bank.
Overnight: Chiawa CampMeals: Breakfast, Brunch, Afternoon Tea, DinnerMorning game drive into the park interiorLion and leopard tracking in the woodlandBrunch and relaxation at campAfternoon tiger fishing with specialist guideOptional walking safari for non-anglersDay 4
Canoe, Walk & Farewell — Multi-Activity Day
Your final full day combines every element that makes the Lower Zambezi special. Begin with a walking safari along the riverbank, tracking fresh elephant prints and watching for the elusive Pel's fishing owl roosting in the riverine canopy. After brunch, a final canoe excursion explores upstream channels and backwaters teeming with birdlife — kingfishers, herons, storks, and the spectacular carmine bee-eater all compete for attention. The afternoon game drive targets any wish-list species before returning to camp for a farewell dinner served on a sandbank island, accessible only by boat — candles, white linen, and the sounds of the Zambezi make for an unforgettable final evening.
Overnight: Chiawa CampMeals: Breakfast, Brunch, DinnerMorning walking safari — Pel's fishing owl searchUpstream canoe excursion through backwatersBirdwatching from the canoe — 400+ speciesAfternoon game drive — final wish-list targetingFarewell sandbank island dinnerDay 5
Lower Zambezi to Lusaka — Departure
Enjoy a final sunrise from your plunge pool overlooking the Zambezi. After breakfast, transfer to Jeki Airstrip for your light-aircraft flight back to Lusaka. The flight over the escarpment provides a stunning final perspective on the Zambezi Valley. Arrive in Lusaka with time for lunch and connecting flights. Depart Zambia with memories of canoe encounters with elephants, the explosive strike of a tigerfish, and the profound peace of drifting down one of Africa's greatest rivers.
Overnight: No accommodation (departure day)Meals: BreakfastFinal sunrise from the plunge poolBreakfast and camp check-outTransfer to Jeki AirstripLight-aircraft flight to LusakaAirport transfer for onward travel
What's Included
Included
- Lusaka domestic flight to Jeki Airstrip
- 4 nights luxury riverside camp accommodation
- All meals, premium beverages, and house wines
- Multi-day canoe excursions on the Zambezi
- Twice-daily game drives in open vehicles
- Walking safaris with armed guide
- Tiger fishing equipment and guide
- All park entry and conservation fees
- Laundry service
- Emergency medical evacuation insurance
Not Included
- International flights to/from Lusaka
- Zambia visa ($50 on arrival for most nationalities)
- Comprehensive travel insurance
- Gratuities for guides and camp staff
- Premium imported champagne and spirits
- Fishing licence (approximately $20 per day)
- Personal expenses
