Livingstone & Lower Zambezi, Zambia

To fully enjoy the wildlife-viewing and touring opportunities this expedition offers, guests should be in good general health and fully mobile. A high degree of physical fitness is not required, although the itinerary may include some long days. Activities may require walking and standing unaided on uneven, wet, or slippery surfaces; climbing into and out of safari vehicles, small aircraft, and boats; navigating stairs without handrails; and traveling in open four-wheel-drive vehicles over rough terrain.

Those with specific medical or mobility concerns are encouraged to contact us prior to booking.

July – September | Peak Dry Season

July through September are among the most sought-after months for safari travel in Zambia. Days are typically mild to warm, with cool mornings, clear skies, and very little rainfall. As seasonal water sources dry out across the Lower Zambezi Valley, wildlife concentrates along the Zambezi River, floodplains, and remaining inland water sources, creating exceptional game viewing conditions. Elephant, buffalo, hippo, and other wildlife gather in large numbers along the riverbanks, while thinning vegetation improves visibility through the woodland and open floodplain landscapes.

Victoria Falls continues to flow well during this period, with less spray and more of the rock formations visible as water levels gradually fall, making this an excellent time for photography of the Falls from the Zambian side.

In the Lower Zambezi, this is also the prime season for walking safaris, river safaris, and game drives as dry conditions bring wildlife closer to the river and movement through the bush becomes easier and more predictable.

October | Hot Season & Dramatic Wildlife Viewing

October marks the end of the dry season and is often considered one of the most intense wildlife viewing periods of the year in the Lower Zambezi. Temperatures rise significantly across Zambia, with hot afternoons and warm evenings, while wildlife activity increases around the permanent water sources of the Zambezi River and its channels. Elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, and other predators are commonly seen moving between the riverbanks, woodland, and floodplains during this period.

Victoria Falls reaches its lower seasonal flow around October, revealing more of the basalt gorge and underlying rock formations as water levels continue to recede from their earlier peak. The Zambian side often offers clearer visibility into the gorge and surrounding landscape during this time of year.

In the Lower Zambezi, the dry heat intensifies wildlife activity along the river itself, where boat safaris and game drives often reveal large concentrations of animals gathering at the water’s edge beneath increasingly dramatic skies.

November – December | Early Green Season

The first rains typically arrive in November, transforming the dry valley floor into fresh green vegetation and renewing seasonal pans across the Lower Zambezi. Temperatures remain warm, often accompanied by dramatic afternoon clouds and occasional thunderstorms. This transitional season brings excellent photographic conditions, clearer air, and fewer visitors throughout the region.

Birdlife becomes especially active during this period, with migratory species returning to the Zambezi Valley and surrounding woodland ecosystems. Young antelope begin appearing across the floodplains, while the changing light, dramatic skies, and greener landscapes create a very different safari atmosphere from the dry season months.

Victoria Falls typically remains at lower water levels through much of November before seasonal rains upstream gradually begin restoring flow in December, bringing greener landscapes and improving water coverage across the Falls.

A non-refundable prepayment deposit of a minimum 30% of the total Tour cost, along with a completed and signed Terms and Conditions, Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk and Binding Arbitration Agreement (Agreement) are required in order to confirm your reservation. This deposit includes a non-refundable $500 per person booking administration fee. Upon receipt of these forms and your deposit, we will confirm your trip. This Agreement, [the signed Reservation form and the signed Agreement], are all part of your agreement with us. The balance of your Tour cost is due 98 days prior to departure.

As part of the trip confirmation process all adult travelers will be required to execute a document indicating their assent in writing, agreeing to the terms and conditions as set forth below. Bushtracks African Expeditions Inc., d.b.a. Bushtracks Expeditions (“Bushtracks”, “we” or “us”) will provide as part of the reservation process, a document describing the trip and the terms and conditions that apply to the Tour, the itinerary for, and all issues related to the Tour.

Cancellations for all or any part of the Tour will not be effective until received in writing in the offices of Bushtracks. Should you cancel, the following terms will apply: reservation cancellation(s) are subject to loss of deposit, including booking administration fee, from the time of booking through 98 days prior to departure; from 97 through 75 days prior to departure,  50% of the published full regular tariffs; from 74 through 62 days prior to departure, 75% of the published full regular tariffs; cancellations 61 days or less prior to departure, a no-show, or early return from the Tour will result in loss of 100% of the tour price. In addition, applicable airline cancellation or optional excursion cancellation fees may apply.

Your decision not to participate on the Tour due to State Department or Centers for Disease Control advisories or warnings, fear of travel, or for any other reason will be deemed a cancellation. If a flight or other delay for any reason prevents you from joining the Tour on the Tour start date, you will be considered a no-show.  No refunds will be available, but you may join the Tour late if you wish and if feasible to do so.

Click here for our Terms and Conditions.

Minimum 2, maximum 8 guests. Departures not guaranteed below minimum — guests will be offered an alternative date or full refund. 2026 Departure Dates: 25 July, 1 August, 5 September, 17 September, 5 October, 12 November, 3 December, 10 December. For groups larger than 8 guests, contact us for availability.

Is Lower Zambezi National Park good for first-time safari travelers?

Yes. Lower Zambezi National Park combines accessible river-based wildlife viewing with walking safaris and game drives, making it an excellent introduction to African safari travel. The combination of water-level encounters, open floodplains, and guided walking opportunities offers a fuller safari experience than single-activity destinations.

What wildlife can I expect to see in Lower Zambezi National Park?

Lower Zambezi supports strong populations of elephant, buffalo, hippo, crocodile, lion, leopard, and wild dog, alongside exceptional birdlife including African fish eagle, carmine bee-eater, and a wide range of waterbirds. Wildlife viewing tends to be most concentrated along the Zambezi River and its channels.

What is the best time of year to visit Lower Zambezi National Park?
July through October are the peak dry season months, when wildlife concentrates along the Zambezi River and viewing conditions are at their best. November and December offer a quieter, greener experience with excellent birdlife and dramatic skies. All 2026 departures are designed to align with favorable safari conditions across both seasons.

Do I need to be physically fit for this safari?
A high degree of fitness is not required. Guests should be fully mobile and comfortable walking moderate distances over uneven terrain, boarding safari vehicles and small aircraft unassisted, and participating in open-vehicle game drives and boat cruises.

Where does this safari start and end?
The safari begins in Livingstone, Zambia, arriving into Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI). It ends in Lusaka, Zambia, departing from Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN). A return transfer to Livingstone can be arranged at additional cost if required. International flights to and from Zambia are not included in the Explorer Safari price.

How do I get from Livingstone to Lower Zambezi National Park?
Travel between Livingstone and Lower Zambezi National Park is fully arranged and included in your Explorer Safari. A scheduled flight connects Livingstone to Lusaka, where a shared charter flight continues into the Lower Zambezi airstrip. Transfers between the airstrip and Royal Zambezi Lodge are included. Total travel time is approximately three hours.