National Parks

Zambezi National Park in Zimbabwe

The Zambezi National Park in Zimbabwe is a lesser-known gem situated on the doorstep of the world-famous Victoria Falls boasting a diverse array of extraordinary wildlife.

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Everything you need to know about Zambezi National Park

Zambezi National Park in Zimbabwe is a small but scenic wildlife destination. It split off from Victoria Falls National Park in 1979. The park boasts four of the Big Five amongst dense mopane woodlands and riverine forests along the magnificent Zambezi River. The park covers an area of around 56,000 hectares (140,000 acres) and offers a real African bush experience right on the doorstep of Victoria Falls.

Where is the park located?

The Zambezi National Park is located just a few kilometers upstream from Victoria Falls town. The northern border of the national park is formed by the mighty Zambezi River which also forms the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia for much of its length.

About the park

What type of wildlife will we see?

The park is home to four of the Big Five. There are regular sightings of elephant and buffalo, and less common sightings of lion and leopard. Other animals include giraffe and zebra, as well as a variety of antelope like impala, sable and waterbuck. The Zambezi River is teeming with hippos and crocodiles, as well as over 75 different species of fish, including the famous tiger fish – a big drawcard for avid fishing enthusiasts.

The park is also a birder’s paradise. It is home to over 400 species including specialty birds. For example, the Pel’s fishing owl, African skimmer, collared palm thrush, lanner falcon, goliath heron, African finfoot, rock pratincole and long-toed lapwing.

Top experiences to enjoy at Zambezi National Park

Canoe safaris on the iconic Zambezi river are a popular activity. It is a great way to get up close and personal with the inhabitants of the river. Guided game drives and walking safaris are also on offer.

For the more adventurous, the national park has a range of remote camping sites and viewing platforms that can be hired for overnight camping. There are no facilities here, so overnight campers need to be completely self-sufficient.

There are also a number of sites situated beneath beautiful trees along the banks of the Zambezi where self-drive day visitors can picnic or fish – provided they have the correct permits.

When to visit

The dry season occurs from April to September and optimal wildlife viewing between the months of June to September. During this time, the Zambezi River becomes clogged with animals coming to drink. They are perfect suspects for lurking crocodiles, hippos and other predators. The bush also thins out during this time, making it easier to see animals.

The wet summer months from November to April see the landscape transform into lush greenery. There is a strong presence of newborn animals and migratory birds.