Winding Along the Zambezi River

Water is an animal’s lifeline and in Southern Africa that lifeline is the serpentine Zambezi River. Africa’s fourth-longest river, the Zambezi separates Zambia from Zimbabwe and forms a junction with Namibia and Botswana, ultimately flowing into the Indian Ocean. Its most famous feature is Victoria Falls, one of the world’s seven natural wonders, which, at 3,200 feet wide and 325 feet tall, is the planet’s largest. The Falls serve as a starting point for many tours that travel along the Zambezi, including those organized by David Anderson Safaris. Here are two memorable spots along the way:

Lake Kariba
This peaceful lake that rests downriver offers lodging and boat touring options though Musango Safari Camp in Zimbabwe’s Matusadona National Park. Headed by a former game warden and safari guide, the camp is rustic but welcoming, with tented rooms and a veranda bar where guests can spy hippos, crocodiles, malachite kingfishers, and goliath herons. Cruising the lake on an open pontoon boat will get you up-close-and-personal with elephants, Cape buffalo, waterbucks, storks, and eagles.

Mana Pools
A quick plane ride downriver from Musango is Mana Pools National Park, where the riverfront Ruckomechi Camp leads game drives and canoe trips. Picturesquely nestled among acacia and mahogany trees with the Great Rift Valley mountains in the distance and front-row seats to the hippos and crocodiles walking the river’s edge, you may not be compelled to move – especially with a drink in hand. Missing a sunset canoe ride to see a family of elephants taking their evening bath would be a shame though.