lower zambezi and the southern province
Zambia's Southern Circuit offers a rich blend of adventure, wildlife, and culture - a family favourite that begins in Livingstone with the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, widely regarded as one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
Livingstone is a vibrant hub of history, culture, and artisan trade, and serves as the gateway to Zambia's premier tourist experiences. From here, the Southern Circuit stretches northwards, skirting the southern end of Kafue National Park, before winding through Lusaka and descending into the breathtaking Lower Zambezi Valley.
The Lower Zambezi River supports an extraordinary diversity of wildlife. Both river- and land-based activities - safaris, canoeing, fishing, and game drives - offer truly magical encounters in a striking and largely untouched landscape.
The journey back to Livingstone presents two options: a rugged track that traces part of the Lake Kariba shoreline, the world's largest man-made lake by volume, or a tarred road that showcases Zambia's countryside, economy, and wide-open vistas, with a few special stops along the way. Either route completes a true Zambian overland adventure, combining epic landscapes, wildlife, and cultural encounters.
Lower Zambezi National Park
Trip Essentials
Duration: A comfortable loop takes 7–10 days, allowing time at Victoria Falls, a few nights in the Lower Zambezi, and a stop at Lake Kariba on the return leg.
Route: Livingstone → Lusaka (skirting Kafue's southern edge) → down into the Lower Zambezi Valley via Chirundu → back to Livingstone either along the rugged Lake Kariba shoreline or the tarred Southern Province road.
Vehicle: A 4x4 is essential for the Lower Zambezi National Park and surrounding areas, and for the back road down from Lusaka or the Kariba shoreline track if you take either option.
Fuel: Readily available in most large towns along the route, but top up before heading into the Lower Zambezi or along the Kariba back roads, where stations thin out.
Tips for Travelling Zambia's Southern Province
If you're up for an adventure, the back road down to the Lower Zambezi from Lusaka is a fun 4x4 track - allow extra time and go in with full tanks and recovery gear.
The closest campsite to Lower Zambezi National Park is Mvuu Lodge, about a 40-minute drive to the park gate. The surrounding area is also excellent for game viewing in its own right.
A 4x4 vehicle is essential for the Lower Zambezi National Park and surrounding areas.
Recommended Campsites in Southern Zambia (Route Order)
The Waterfront Campsite, Livingstone
The Moorings Campsite, Monze
Lukasa Campsite, Lusaka
KN Cottage and Camping, Lusaka (GoXplore Base)
Gwabi River Lodge, Chirundu
Woods Camp, Lower Zambezi
Kiambi Safari Lodge, Lower Zambezi
Mvuu Lodge, Lower Zambezi (closest campsite to the National Park)
Eagles Rest Resort, Siavonga
The Siavonga Baobab, Siavonga
Lotri Bay, Siavonga
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
Want a ready-made itinerary rather than building your own from this list? See Suggested Routes: The Southern Circuit for two day-by-day options — a 6-day family loop and a fuller 9–10 day loop with Lake Kariba.
Take on the Southern Circuit with GoXplore
Our Lusaka base at KN Cottage and Camping sits right on this route - a natural spot to fit your vehicle out with a fully kitted camper setup before pushing on to the Lower Zambezi, Kariba, or even Mana Pools in Zimbabwe. Whichever return route you choose, our fridges, solar setups, and rooftop tents are built for exactly this kind of mixed tar-and-4x4 loop. Get in touch and we'll help you plan the right gear for the trip.