Activities

Visitors to the Lower Zambezi National Park can usually choose from an exceptional range of activities because of its location on the wide Zambezi River. Game drives in open-topped 4WD Land Cruisers are a fantastic way to see the park, a walking safari with a quality, qualified guide and armed Wildlife Police Officer is a MUST DO here. On the water, there are boat trips to explore the Zambezi, getting up close to relaxing hippos and crocodiles sunning on the banks and an impressive array of birds. It’s also perfect for photographing Elephants up-close feeding on the edge, swimming or crossing the Zambezi.

The more intrepid might prefer to take to the waters in a canoe and float silently down gorgeous channels, passed Elephants eating under the Winterthorns and birdlife galore including Pels Fishing Owl if lady luck is with you. Anglers won’t want to miss the opportunity to seek out the aggressive Tigerfish or the powerful Vundu. All fishing here is on a catch-and-release basis to keep our waters and fish populations in prime condition.

Walking safariS

with guide and armed Wildlife Police Officer

• The walking safaris are best in the early morning at 6.00 AM and early afternoon from 2.30 PM.

• Our walking safaris are relaxed, the pace is comfortable and Kyle will adjust the walk to suit the slowest member. Walks usually only cover a couple of miles with frequent stops for scenery, birds and animals. Each walk can be designed for the clients wants.

• Guests are given a thorough safety briefing and orientation before each walk. In the interests of safety, mediocre fitness and mobility are required in order to participate in walks.

• Your professional guide will be carrying a first aid kit, radio and additional water. The client will have a water bottle in a custom-made sling for easy carrying.

• The Wildlife Police Officer from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife accompanies walking safaris and is well trained. He walks with a .375 caliber rifle, in front with your professional guide and protects the group in the very unlikely event of an aggressive animal encounter.

Canoe Safaris 

Kyle Branch leads all canoes safaris and the back-up paddlers, that pilot each canoe with clients in, are experienced Tusk and Mane staff. Kyle and the canoe team will quietly paddle you through any of the 3 incredibly beautiful channels that break away from the main river. Depending on what the clients want to experience on the day and the time length they want on the canoe safari, we would suggest the Inkalange, Chifungulu or Discovery channel as well as parts of the main river. Each channel is of a different length and the habitats surrounding them differ too.

Boating & Fishing

Boating

• Birding

• Photography- the clients have an exciting and new angle for photography from the water in relation to the animals on the rivers’ banks.

• Sundowners are a magical treat on the Zambezi River.

Fishing  

• Available throughout the whole season- May to November.

• Strictly Catch & Release as well as strict procedures when handling the fish to ensure the best chance of survival, helping the fish populations in the Lower Zambezi to increase.

• Our Pontoon boat offers a stable platform for 2 fly fisherman or 6 Fishermen spinning.

• The Aliboat is also large enough for 4 fishermen to comfortably fish off.

• All equipment provided: Quality Tigerfish, Vundu, Bream rods and reels, along with all the tackle and spinners/lures needed.

FAMILY ACTIVITIES

At Tusk & Mane we love to host families. We embrace enthusiasm, energy and curiosity that children bring with them and know the wonder of seeing the magic of discovery through a child’s eyes. We carefully adjust every safari activity to suit the family.  

Adventures come thick and fast. Game drives, bush breakfasts, boat trips, lunches under the shade of African trees, bug hunts on foot and foodlit expeditions at night: there’s no end to the activities on offer. Our Zambian Staff brim with hidden skills and will teach your children how to coax insects from sticks, make beautiful beaded jewelry, craft bows and shoot arrows. Please get in touch personally to discuss more.

 The Zambian Wildlife Authority does not allow children younger than fourteen to go on walking safaris or Canoeing, but there are plenty of other great fun activities for kids to do.  If some of the children are younger than fourteen we will keep the safari family exclusive just in case other guests’ come and don’t like children!  Families need to be five or more to ensure this exclusivity.  Children younger than eight are not allowed. We tailor the experience for children and review this in camp as to the selection of activities in accordance with the parks rules and regulations.