What Animals You Might See on a Zambia Canoe Safari?
The Zambia canoe safari opens up an excellent opportunity to get up close to the real natural beauty of this country. It's when you glide silently through the waterways that you get to see most of the wildlife lined up along them. There is no intrusion by the canoe, as in game drives, yet one gets very close to nature. The following is a sneak peek into some of the interesting animals that may be seen during a canoe safari in Zambia.
One of the most iconic animals you're likely to see is the hippopotamus. Substantial hippo populations reside in the rivers and lakes in Zambia, much the same as you will find around Zanzibar Island, Tanzania, and Ngorongoro Crater Tours. These huge creatures spend much of their day submerged in water to keep cool and protect their sensitive skin. Though they appear lumbering, hippos are agile in the water and quite territorial. You may see them lounging in the water from a canoe or coming out at dawn and dusk to feed.
Elephants are a highlight for many safari visitors, and there was always a good chance to see them along the riverbanks. Large herds of elephants have been supported by varied ecosystems in Lower Zambezi National Park and South Luangwa National Park in Zambia, and Kruger National Park in South Africa. Such sights of these magnificent beasts might be possible during a canoe safari, either drinking from the river, bathing, or even foraging in the lush vegetation that lines the banks. Their presence certainly imbues one's safari experience with an amazing dimension.
The Nile crocodile is one of Africa's most powerful predators and can be found in Zambia's waterways. The sneaky reptiles are normally seen basking on riverbanks or lurking just below the surface. The view of a crocodile cannot be compared to the ease with which hippos and elephants can be spotted, but an encounter with a crocodile is very exciting. You can have the opportunity to see them at a safe distance in their natural surroundings, observing the size and speed of these creatures.
4. Waterbuck and Reedbuck
Waterbuck and reedbuck generally inhabit the wetlands and riverine areas of Zambia. These antelope species take well to their aquatic environments; especially the waterbuck, which is a lover of grazing near water sources. You may spot them along any riverbank while they are feeding on the lush grass, or sometimes come to water for quenching.
Zambia is a birdwatcher's second home, and there's no better way to do this than by canoe safari. The peaceful surroundings on the river attract plenty of birds, from beautiful kingfishers and elegant herons to several eagles. Keep watch for the African Fish Eagle with its unmistakable call and wing span, and the stunning Malachite Kingfisher, sporting its iridescent plumage.
Other large and magnificent creatures one could come across during such a canoe safari are buffaloes. The animals occur at the water sources where they visit to quench their thirst and beat the heat. While buffaloes cannot be spotted from a canoe as frequently as most wildlife, sharp eyes may pick them grazing or resting along the banks of a river.
Beyond the larger and more iconic species, you may very well get some of the smaller mammals like bushbuck and civet. These guys are much more elusive and require a bit of luck to be spotted, but they add to the rich tapestry of wildlife that you can experience on a canoe safari.
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