Zambezi National Park Game Drive – Victoria Falls

Most visitors to Victoria Falls never enter Zambezi National Park – and that’s the opportunity. A 56,000-hectare wilderness begins at the edge of the town, stretching along the upper Zambezi River through mopane woodland, riverine forest, and open savanna. It holds significant populations of elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard, giraffe, zebra, kudu, and over 400 bird species. And it requires no border crossing, no 13-hour commitment, and no complex logistics – just a vehicle, a guide, and two hours.

What the Drive Covers

Your guide collects you from your Victoria Falls hotel and heads directly into the park. The game drive circuits two main habitat zones:

• Mopane Woodland: Elephant herds move between feeding areas, giraffe browse above the canopy, and impala and kudu are constant companions. The woodland floor is a tracking guide – fresh spoor tells your guide where predators were recently active
• Zambezi Riverfront: The river opens up the landscape. Hippos occupy the channels, crocodiles line every sandbank, and exceptional birdlife – fish eagles, multiple kingfisher species, herons, bee-eaters – is active throughout

Wildlife You May Encounter

• African Elephant – most consistently encountered species; herds of 20–80 are common
• Lion – well-established prides; morning drives offer the best probability
• Buffalo – large herds in dry season, frequently near the river
• Giraffe – visible above the mopane canopy throughout
• Hippopotamus – in the river channels, visible from game drive roads near the bank
• Zebra, Kudu, Impala, Warthog – abundant throughout
• Wild Dog – Zambezi National Park has a small established population
• 400+ Bird Species – fish eagles, kingfishers, bee-eaters, hornbills, herons

Why This Drive Is Underrated

Zambezi National Park suffers from proximity to its famous neighbour. Most Victoria Falls visitors think of safari in terms of the Chobe day trip. But Zambezi National Park offers something different: a genuine, unfenced African wildlife reserve minutes from your hotel, at a fraction of the cost and time. For visitors with half a day, for those who want a morning safari before a flight, or for anyone who wants lions and elephants in their own habitat without leaving Zimbabwe – this is the right choice.

What’s Included

• Return hotel transfers within Victoria Falls
• 2-hour game drive in Zambezi National Park in open safari vehicle
• Expert licensed guide throughout
• Refreshments

What’s Not Included

• National Parks entry fee – $18 per person (payable on the day)
• Gratuities (optional)

Best Timing

Early morning (05:30–08:00) and late afternoon (15:30–18:00) are the most productive windows. Predators are active at dawn finishing overnight hunts; elephants and buffalo move to the river at dusk. Morning drives also offer the best photography light.

Key Details

• Duration: 2 hours (plus transfers)
• Minimum age: None
• What to wear: Neutral colours – khaki, olive, beige. Bright clothing disturbs wildlife
• What to bring: Camera, binoculars, sunscreen, insect repellent, light fleece for early morning drives (May–August)