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LOCHINVAR NATIONAL PARK: Located on the southern edge of the Kafue Flats (a floodplain of the Kafue River), Lochinvar is a very beautiful, small park with wetlands and outstanding birding (428 species, truly amazing in this small area, almost 1 type of bird per kilometre).
Larger mammals are not abundant here but Blue Wildebeest, Buffalo, Kudu, Oribi and thousands of Kafue Lechwe love the waterlogged environment. In the south of the Park visitors will find woodlands and hot springs. This park is safe for walking safaris.
When to go: For game viewing the dry season is best, but the Park is accessible all year with care after heavy rains, birding is best in the rainy season.
MOSI-O-TUNYA NATIONAL PARK: This Park is situated on the upper Zambezi and includes the Victoria Falls. It is very small and has a lovely circular drive along the river which takes a couple of hours, various animals can be clearly seen en route. There are no predators in this Park so other animals are relaxed which is excellent for good close up game viewing and photography. Animals include antelope species, Zebra and Giraffe. Elephants can also be spotted.
When to go: Popular all year round because of the Victoria Falls and abundance of exciting activities. The falls are at their most spectacular between April and May after the rains but the spray is heavy and its difficult to see the full width of the falls. To appreciate the gorges and magnificent rock formations the end of the dry season from October to December is also good. LOWER ZAMBEZI NATIONAL PARK: This is Zambia's newest Park; it is still quite underdeveloped but a fantastic wilderness area. There is very good game viewing around the Zambezi channels. The Park lies across the river from the Mana Pools Reserve in Zimbabwe and the 2 areas form a huge wildlife sanctuary. Most game can be found on the valley floor. Large herds of Elephant are present, also Buffalo, Lion and Leopard in this area. See wonderful birdlife along the river banks.
When to go: The Season is from April to November with June to September being the best, angling season is best September / October.
SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK: Prolific game is attracted to the scenic Luangwa River and its ox bow lagoons. There is a wide variety of wildlife and birds that can be found here. This area is perfect for Walking Safaris which have become a speciality here. This Park is home to Elephant, Buffalo, Hippo, Zebra, Giraffe and antelope species (14 in total), also Hyena, Leopard, Lions and Giraffe.
When to go: Very distinct seasons experienced but it is dry April to October, October is the hottest month and game at their most concentrated. Fabulous colours change the landscapes in the rainy season. Read more aboutSouth Luangwa National Park safari accommodation NORTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK:
This is a remote and wild Park with very few roads, a wonderful truly wilderness experience; visitors are unlikely to see any other travellers. Access is very limited and only to designated operators for walking only. Some rivers run through the Park to join the Luangwa, one of these is the Mwaleshi trickling its clear mountain water down the escarpment, it recedes in the dry season and many pools are left which draw the game from the bush. Vegetation is varied from riverine forest to woodland, grasslands and acacia thicket. The Park has big herds of Buffalo, Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Wildebeest and Hyena. When to go: Impossible in the wet season, the best time is June to October. NYIKA PLATEAU NATIONAL PARK: On the eastern tip of Zambia this Park is located on the Malawian border, actually an extension of the National Park on that side. Nyika has a beautiful montane highland area. There are awesome views from 2 000 metres above sea level here. It experiences a pleasant warm climate compared to the heat of the valley.
Landscapes consist of open rolling grasslands with valleys, green protea bushes, slopes of wild flowers and green hills. There are also rocky outcrops and small tropical forests. Wonderful views and walking here is a pleasure because of the wild flowers especially in October and November.
The Chisanga Falls are located in the Park. Its a birdwatchers haven. Animals living here include Zebra, Roan, Eland and Reedbuck also Leopard and various nocturnal animals that can be seen on night drives.
When to go: Anytime of the year, the dry season is best for game viewing, gorgeous wild flowers after the rains from November to March. It can get very chilly at night even in summer, winter is June to August. |