The Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia is blessed by having the mighty Zambezi River as its southern border. Boating safaris are offered by all the lodges in the park; and are a perfect way to see the wildlife from a totally different perspective.
The Zambezi River is a wide, flowing river, dotted with tributaries which snake into the National Park, fringed by trees and a mecca for the wildlife. A boat trip up the river is a real treat; the boat is able to drift up almost silently to feeding elephant, buffalo and even the predators as they come down to drink. The Zambezi is, unlike other rivers in Zambia, dotted with papyrus islands, which are often visited by the enormous elephant bulls seeking the papyrus hearts, a delicacy of theirs. On your boat trip, the guide is able to get very close to the feeding elephants without startling them, meaning some out-of-this-world game-viewing and excellent photographic opportunities.
There cannot be many experiences which rival drifting down the centre of the river as the sun sets, watching the skimmers swoop down to take a last drink of water before retiring for the night, with a cold drink in your hand. Sunsets over the Zambezi are reflected; the light is incredible and clear.
For those who want a bit more adventure, perhaps try one of the smaller boats, or even the two-man canoes, and explore the tributaries in the early morning with your guide; here you might find herds of shy impala and waterbuck coming down to drink, ever watchful for the head of a crocodile rippling the surface; or even a pack of wild dog coming down for water after an energetic morning's hunting. Slow or fast; the pace is set by you and the rewards are enormous.
