This hidden wilderness is best experienced from the mighty Zambezi River, which adds a whole new dimension to your luxury Zambian safari.
Climb on board a river cruise or slip into a canoe to make your way through meandering river channels. Float past lush islands and under riverine trees where hundred-strong herds of elephants come down to the water to drink. Stop for lunch on a riverbank, with your feet in the sand and the hippos laughing across the water. The Lower Zambezi is renowned for the quality of its guides, and is home to a stunnning range of wildlife, including four of the big five.
Sausage Tree Camp offers some of the finest game-viewing in Africa, and there is no need to share your safari experiences with anyone else. Game viewing experiences range from on the water (by boat or canoe) to on land (by four-wheel drive game viewing vehicles or on foot). No matter how you choose to experience the magic of the Lower Zambezi, you can do so in total privacy with your own expert guide and vehicles.
Game drives are the most successful way to see a variety of wildlife, as you can cover a larger area in a shorter period of time. Our vehicles also allow those unforgettable ‘up close and personal’ experiences, though you can be assured that our expert guides will ensure that ‘up close’ never becomes ‘too close’.
The best time to spot nocturnal predators like the elusive leopard, delicate civet, or big-eared genet is at night. Prides of lions also tend to be more active, and you may even spot a porcupine or giant eagle owl as you explore the Lower Zambezi in the almost dark. After all, it is never completely dark in the wilderness as long as the sky is clear, and our guides also love to point out their favorite constellations.
The walking safari was originally pioneered in Zambia, so the Lower Zambezi is an ideal place to experience this immersive safari adventure. With a slower pace comes a higher likelihood of spotting smaller creatures, as well as the time to learn about the trees and plants of this area and to examine wildlife tracks and signs. Each walk is carried out in small groups in the early morning to avoid the heat, and you will always be led by a professional walking guide and National Parks Wildlife Officer, as it is not uncommon to spot lion on the bush walks.
The Lower Zambezi is renowned for spectacular canoeing experiences. It is unlike any other wildlife viewing experience to follow our highly qualified guide through the Zambezi channels and spot wildlife from below rather than above! We are one of a few privileged operators in the National Park and can therefore canoe guests down the most stunning section of the Zambezi - the ‘Chifingulu Channel’ - in total tranquility.
Canoe trips can range from one to seven hours, with a stop for a picnic lunch. No experience or particular strength is required as you will always canoe with the flow of the Zambezi.
Some might say that it is impossible to truly experience the Lower Zambezi unless you spend some time on a boat. After all, the huge hippopotamus pods and numerous lounging crocodiles are a definitive sight in this part of Zambia, as are the elephant crossings. River cruises are also one of the most relaxed ways to experience a safari in Zambia, with floating sundowners making the perfect end to a busy day.
There are approximately 500 species of birds in the Lower Zambezi National Park, from waders on the shores of the Zambezi River to wattle eyes in the Miombo woodland. So whether you enjoy waking up to the booming call of the impressive ground hornbill or watching the flittering of tiny redbilled firefinches, there is something at Sausage Tree Camp and the Lower Zambezi for the novice and experienced bird watcher alike.
The Zambezi River hosts some of the most spectacular freshwater sport fishing in the world, with plentiful tigerfish and tilapia just to start. Sausage Tree Camp offers both spinning and fly fishing, both strictly catch and release in accordance with the principles of the National Park. Fishing is successful all year around, but September to December is definitely the best time.
*Please be aware: one fishing day is included and free, but thereafter a $40/day angling license needs to be purchased by the client in camp (cash or card).
Why not extend your safari day and eat out in the bush? Bush picnics are a favourite experience with our guests and a great way to cover more distance on a game drive or canoeing day. Our team know the best spots to relax between wildlife sightings, and they will bring a delicious feast along for you to enjoy. For special occasions, we can even arrange a three-course dinner by moonlight on an island.
As far as destination dining goes… it doesn’t get more magical than having lunch with your feet in the mighty Zambezi River. Our sandbank lunch locations are handpicked by our team and move depending on the season and the height of the river.
The magic of the Lower Zambezi is that often you don’t even need to leave camp to have some of the most exciting wildlife-viewing in the world. Settle into our 25 metre lap pool, for relaxation or exercise, and you may still see pods of hippos, herds of elephants and buffalo, and even the odd lion coming down to drink from the Zambezi. This is also the ideal spot for sundowners.
If you stay at Sausage Tree Camp or Potato Bush Camp, you are guaranteed private guiding experiences in the Lower Zambezi. With a range of activities available, from walking safaris to canoe trips, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to exclusive safari activities.
Game drives are the most successful way to see a variety of wildlife, as you can cover a larger area in a shorter period of time. Our vehicles also allow those unforgettable ‘up close and personal’ experiences, though you can be assured that our expert guides will ensure that ‘up close’ never becomes ‘too close’.
The best time to spot nocturnal predators like the elusive leopard, delicate civet, or big-eared genet is at night. Prides of lions also tend to be more active, and you may even spot a porcupine or giant eagle owl as you explore the Lower Zambezi in the almost dark.
The walking safari was originally pioneered in Zambia, so the Lower Zambezi is an ideal place to experience this immersive safari adventure. With a slower pace comes a higher likelihood of spotting smaller creatures, as well as the time to learn about the trees and plants of this area and to examine wildlife tracks and signs.
Canoeing is a definitive Lower Zambezi experience. More like a walking safari than anything else, this gentle float allows you to slow down and truly engage with the wild space around you. Canoeing down the most stunning section of the Zambezi - the “Chifungulu Channel” is only possible with a select few operators, which means complete privacy.
Some might say that it is impossible to truly experience the Lower Zambezi unless you spend time on a boat. After all, the hippopotamus pods and lounging crocodiles are a distinctive sight in this part of Zambia, as are the elephant crossings. River cruises are one of the most relaxed ways to experience a safari in Zambia, with floating sundowners making the perfect end to a busy day.
There are over 350 species of birds in the Lower Zambezi National Park, from waders on the shores of the Zambezi River to wattle eyes in the Miombo woodland. So whether you enjoy waking up to the booming call of the impressive ground hornbill or watching the fluttering of tiny redbilled firefinches, there is a birding thrill for the novice and experienced bird watcher alike.
The Zambezi River hosts some of the most spectacular freshwater sport fishing in the world, with plentiful tigerfish and tilapia just to start. At our camps, we offer both spinning and fly fishing, both strictly catch and release in accordance with the principles of the National Park. Fishing is successful all year around, but September to December is definitely the best time.
*Please be aware: one fishing day is included in your stay, but thereafter a $40/day angling license needs to be purchased by the client in camp (cash or card).
Bush picnics are a favourite experience with our guests and a great way to cover more distance on a game drive or canoeing day. Our team know the best spots to relax between wildlife sightings, and they will bring a delicious feast along for you to enjoy. For special occasions, we can even arrange a three-course dinner by moonlight on an island.
As far as destination dining goes… it doesn’t get more magical than having lunch with your feet in the mighty Zambezi River. Our sandbank lunch locations are handpicked by our team and change depending on the season and the height of the river.