Anabezi Camp

The diversity of Zambian wildlife is not as broad as some of the bigger national parks in Zambia but opportunities to get close to game wondering in and out of the Zambezi channels are plenty. This park is a haven for the tourist, naturalist and wildlife photographer. Prime pursuits are canoe safaris and traditional Zambian walking safaris, while game drives during the day or night are equally rewarding.

Enormous herds of elephant, some up to 100 strong, are often seen at the edge of the Zambezi River. Island hopping buffalo and waterbuck are common. Lion and leopard are the main big cats in the park and both are found in good numbers. Side striped jackals are also found here as well as wild dog although their numbers fluctuate. Perhaps this is because much of this Zambian National Park is fairly inaccessible due to the escarpment. Plentiful hippos and huge crocodiles line the Zambezi River. The floodplains are home to large numbers of warthogs and a whole range of antelope. Nocturnal wildlife sited here include hyena, porcupine, civet, genet and honey badger. The cape clawless otter (very rarely sighted), aardvark, serval, african wildcat, thick-tailed bushbaby (galago) and massive water monitor lizards can also be spotted here.

Game drives

The guides here with their deep local knowledge of the wildlife, fauna, flora and bird life within the Lower Zambezi National Park will constantly be pointing out sightings and telling you all about your surroundings. Game drives can be arranged and each vehicle has a driver and guide always on the lookout for the unexpected. Game drives last two hours and refreshments and snacks are provided.

Walking safaris

Walking safaris are one of the best way to experience this wildlife. The variety of Zambian wildlife in the park make walking safaris a rich experience for the keen and energetic game viewer. The walking safari concept, pioneered in Zambia many years ago, is one of the very best ways to get up close and personal to the wildlife.

Canoe safaris

Canoe safaris are also highly recommended but are for adults only. No experience is necessary as stable Canadian canoes are used and all trips are accompanied by an experienced river guide. Guests can go down remote channels between the islands where the probability of getting really close to game is very high and fish are plentiful. Much wildlife can be spotted from the safety, comfort and quietness of the canoe.

Birding

The Lower Zambezi National Park is an important bird area in Zambia and is of global conservation significance. Well over 300 species of birds can be found. Bird watching is excellent all year round in the Lower Zambezi, but the finest season is considered to be from the end of September to March, when the central African migrants are resident in the area. Keen birders should keep a look out for the gorgeous narina trogon, pels fishing owl, colonies of carmine bee eaters (September-November only), the thick billed cuckoo and the amazingly diverse population of herons, egrets and storks.

The bird life along the Zambezi riverbanks is exceptional. The African fish eagle, Zambia's national bird, can be seen and heard for miles around. Huge flocks of red winged pratincole may be seen hawking insects in the evenings above the river. If you are exceptionally lucky the elusive bat hawk may take the occasional pratincole right before your eyes!

Zambian wildlife you can spot

• Elephant
• Buffalo
• Lion
• Leopard
• Cheetah (rare)
• Wild dog
• Hippos
• Crocodile
• Warthog
• Monitor lizards
• Hyena
• Cape clawless otter (rare)
• Kudu
• Waterbuck
• Bushbuck
• Impala
• Roan (occasionally)
• Eland
• Zebra

Zambian birds you can spot

• Narina trogon
• Pels fishing owl
• Carmine bee eaters (September-November only)
• Thick billed cuckoo
• Herons
• Egrets
• Storks
• African jacana
• Coucals
• Doves
• Eagles
• Falcons
• Gymnogene Ibis
• Ibis
• Kingfishers
• Loeries
• Moorhen
• Nightjar
• Owls
• Plovers
• Quelea
• Roller
• Sandpiper
• Tchagra
• Weavers
• Vultures
• Yellow billed hornbill

Hard working anglers can expect to catch tigers of varying sizes with 4 – 7 kgs being the norm. The larger tiger fish give a real good account of their lives when hooked. Some of these bigger fish are spectacular specimens with missing teeth bearing permanent witness to their long adventurous lives. Bream catches on the Zambezi River are also routine. Other fish caught on a regular basis are vundu and chesa. The vundu (giant catfish) will test your stamina with weights that can exceed 50kg! The best part is you're very likely to spot other Zambian wildlife while out fishing on the Zambezi.

Fishing can be done from the bank, in boats or from the edge of one of the many sandbanks found where the channels merge. Each boat is accompanied by a skipper who has many years of experience in the local area and especially in fishing the elusive tiger fish and the many other species of the Zambezi River. This knowledge will prove valuable in helping you outsmart the cunning and formidable tiger. The secret is in knowing where to look for them and an understanding of the method of ambush and attack, not to mention knowledge of their feeding habits.

In Zambia flood waters generally recede in June making June to November ideal months for fishing on the Zambezi River. September and October are prime fishing months when fish feed on just about anything you can throw at them! There is a catch and release policy in the Lower Zambezi National Park. When you've had enough head back to safari lodge and enjoy a relaxing dip in the pool, a hard earned meal and a drink.

Zambezi River fishing information

• Best season: June to November
• Catch and release policy in the park
• Fish from the banks or on boats
• Accompanied by expert guides

Fish you may catch on the Zambezi River

• Tiger fish
• Bream
• Chesa
• Vundu (giant catfish)

What to bring fishing on the Zambezi River

• Rods
• Tackle
• Sun block

The luxury tented camp is in the beautiful unspoilt Lower Zambezi National Park offering lavish hospitality in a remote and scenic setting perfect for a safari lodge.

You really are in the midst of the real Africa here! Animal lovers will find great opportunities to see various species of birds and Zambian wildlife on safari. A vast plain stretches from the safari lodge to the banks of the Zambezi River where guests can go on a fishing safari. Sit on the porch and view the panorams of elephant, buffalo, waterbuck, hippo, lion, leopard, hyena and bushbuck out on the plains…. Of course, part of the service includes an escort to and from chalets!

Here you can relax in the pool, refreshing yourself in the heat of the day, or soak in the sun on one of the loungers while reading a good book. Alternatively take in the beautiful unspoilt scenery and passing wildlife. In the evening lie back and listen to the melodic sound of the crickets broken occasionally by the distant laughing hyenas. Roars and calls make up the night sounds of wild Africa, as you are hypnotized into a peaceful and deep sleep, ready for the next invigorating day!

Safari lodge accommodation

Anabezi Camp has just eight twin bedded luxury tents on solid concrete foundations. Each tent has en suite facilities. Safari tents are well furnished and tastefully decorated in typical African style. They are also well spaced to ensure guests enjoy ultimate privacy and seclusion to enjoy nature at its best. Nearby is the bar, lounge and dining area.

The dining experience

Meals are served in the main dining area – a beautifully presented open thatched boma where you can enjoy fantastic meals with European, African and Asian flavours. The freshest ingredients are always used so that meals are bursting with flavour. You can also enjoy your evening meal in a more open alfresco style – taking in the magnificent African sunset or a beautiful setting under the stars? Full dining spread complete with linen and tableware can be prepared for guests.

Rates

• $575 – $775 per person per night

Useful information

• Transfer to and from Kulefu Airstrip
• Full board and laundry
• Game viewing by boat
• Day and night game drives
• Canoeing, walking safaris and bird watching
• Park entry fees

For your trip

• Ask your doctor about malaria protection and inoculation requirements
• Antihistamine cream or tablets may be useful

What to bring

• Camera, binoculars and spare batteries
• Torch with spare batteries
• Insect repellent
• Long sleeved shirts and trousers
• Sun hat and sun glasses
• Comfortable walking shoes
• In May – July bring warm clothes for night drives