Wildlife You Might See on the Upper Zambezi
From elephants at the water’s edge to bee-eaters on a branch, here is what you may share the river with.
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Quick answer
On the Upper Zambezi inside Zambezi National Park you may see elephant, hippo, crocodile, buffalo, waterbuck, impala, kudu, zebra, giraffe and bushbuck, with plenty of birdlife. Lion, leopard and hyena are seen rarely. Wildlife is wild, so sightings are never guaranteed.
Animals you may see
Elephants come down to drink, hippos surface nearby and the birdlife is constant. On the game drive to the launch site, waterbuck, buffalo, elephant and giraffe are often seen.
- Elephant
- Hippo
- Crocodile
- Buffalo
- Waterbuck
- Impala
- Kudu
- Zebra
- Giraffe
- Bushbuck
- Lion, leopard and hyena, rarely
- Plenty of birdlife
Birds on the river
White-fronted bee-eaters and Egyptian geese are among the birds our guests photograph along the water. Bring a hat and keep your camera strap secure, and leave other valuables at your accommodation.
Wildlife is wild
We cannot promise sightings. Our guides know this river well and know where to look, and your guide is always alongside you in the canoes.
Frequently asked questions
Will I definitely see elephants?
Are there hippos and crocodiles?
Can I see predators?
Is it good for birdwatching?
Ready to paddle the Upper Zambezi?
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