Tiger Safaris

The Lower Zambezi Valley

The lower Zambezi Valley is one of the last great wildernesses in Africa. The area ranges from the Kariba Gorge in the north to Coborra Bassa in the south. The Zimbabwean side of the valley is, at places 70km wide and is almost entirely unihabitated, as much of the area is in the national parks.

The best known national park is Mana Pools, a world heritage site, and the lower Zambezi as a whole is a superb wildlife sanctuary. The big Five all call this region home, as do the endangered Painted Wild Dogs. In the drier months (May- September) the wildlife is drawn to the river as most in land sources dry up. At this time great heards of elephant, buffalo and antilope can be seen on the river banks.

In the wetter months (October- April) some of the game will move inland and seek out some shade from the midday heat. There is also an abundance of birdlife in the area, with over 450 individual species having been identified. Some of the best bird viewing can be down from the river in the early mornings.