The Lower Zambezi in Zambia is often overlooked in favour of the more famous South Luangwa, but it actually has more to offer. There are fewer people here which makes your overall luxury safari experience a much more exclusive and private affair, and the quality of the guides this amazing area attracts is evident when on game drives. The camps here also posses a kind of magic which is hard to describe and there are some of Africa’s top luxury safari camps located in this vast area. The Zambezi River forms the centre of attention, and it’s wonderful to be able to look across to Zimbabwe every morning, your view is often dotted with swimming elephants and wallowing hippos. The big cat action here is phenomenal, and when you have this experience as the only game drive vehicle it’s even more special. Here are our top Lower Zambezi luxury lodges and camps.

Baines River Camp

Baines is located just outside the park on a stretch of the Zambezi which is both private and tranquil, there will be absolutely no one else around and your luxury safari here is all about the seclusion and the experience – highlights are sun-downers, camp fires on remote sand spits and staying in an exceptionally comfortable riverside lodge which has much history to its name. Baines is an exceptionally warm safari lodge and you will feel part of the family as soon as you arrive.

Royal Zambezi Lodge

This is a true safari lodge with a feeling of safari chic throughout, although the atmosphere is very relaxed. They have the most spoiling spa which has stunning views of the river and is sure to help even the most highly strung traveller relax. Canoeing here is fantastic, as is the walking and general surrounds of the camp, which has abundant game. Royal Zambezi has several different room categories and you can end up in one of their suites, with outdoor bathtub and private plunge pool – heaven!

Chiawa Camp

Chiawa is one of the most famous luxury safari camps in the whole of the Lower Zambezi and does not disappoint. It has won many awards for its fantastic guides and is located in a sector of the park famous for its abundant game. The camp itself is rustic and informal and very comfortable. The food is out of this world and a lunch on the river boat is a must. This camp is peaceful and relaxing and you will settle immediately and easily into bush life.

Sausage Tree Camp

This is our favourite camp in the Lower Zambezi – the rooms are enormous and very luxurious, with no expense being spared. The camp staff are some of the friendliest and most charismatic of all the staff you could hope to meet and they make you feel instantly at home. The guides are also out of this world and from here you can have unrivalled game viewing, with everything from elephants to lions and leopards often being found close to the camp. The food is delicious and the service charming and hospitable. There is a wonderful private house (Kigelia) for those that would like to really relax in true privacy.

Anabezi

Anabezi is seriously luxurious and presents an enticing safari option for those wanting large suites with private plunge pools and modern and luxurious décor. The camp is built on raised decking with views of a floodplain often covered in game. The staff here are lovely and they offer a flexibility when it comes to meals and game drives which is much appreciated on any luxury safari.

Amanzi Tented Camp

Amanzi is a luxury tented camp located in a similar area of the Lower Zambezi to Anabezi, and is indeed their sister camp. It is located in a very remote location and combines beautifully with Anabezi for those wanting to experience two different types of safari.

Old Mondoro

Old Mondoro is the sister camp of Chiawa and is also very famous in the Lower Zambezi – it is also located in a remote and game filled area and its rustic charm means that it feels really wild, and as if you are in the middle of no where (which you are) – a real safari camp if ever there was one.