The park belonged to the president of Zambia and was made public in 1983. Because of no mass tourism before its opening, the park is still in its original state and wildlife is in abundance. The Lower Zambezi National Park is made up of primarily woodlands including Southern Miombe and Mopane. There is a steep escarpment along the northern side of the park which deters animals to the valley floors and around the river. The wildlife in the park includes a very populous elephant community – other animals include the Cape buffalo, and various species of buck including antelope. Predators include the Cape wild dog, crocodile, lion and the elusive leopard.
Safari activities are readily available throughout the park. Game drives and bush walks are the most popular and the easiest way to view the plethora of animals found in the Lower Zambezi National Park. Cruise safaris on the Zambezi River are becoming increasingly popular, and luxury houseboats cruise down the river giving guests the chance to leisurely gaze at animals.
About an hour east downstream by boat from sister camp Chiawa, Old Mondoro is located in the wonderfully open area of Faidherbia Forest. The camp is a far simpler affair than Chiawa yet the guiding levels, activity choice, service and excellent home-cooking remain on par.
The comfortable rooms are strung out along a hippo-friendly channel off the Zambezi, enjoying great views with their half-height walls and timber decks. Activities at Old Mondoro focus on game drives, walks, canoeing and boating, though the elephant and hippo activity around camp are enough to encourage a lodge-based safari!
The Cumings Family own and run one of Africa’s finest safari operations with their two sensational camps: Chiawa Camp, and Old Mondoro in Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park; and are now also running Puku Ridge in the South Luangwa National Park all under the Chiawa Safaris brand.
Each of these safari camps offer an authentic experiential safari, where the focus is on the bush, the wildlife, and you. A multi-award winning safari operation offering a unique haven of warmth and hospitality, dedicated to making your safari dreams come true.
