Zambezi National Park

Zambezi National Park stretches 50 km upstream and inland from Victoria Falls, along the Zambezi River towards Kazungula.

The Zambezi National Park is located upstream from Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, stretching for some 50 kilometres along the Zambezi River.

This beautiful gem of a National Park is little known, despite its proximity to the world-famous Victoria Falls.

Split off from the Victoria Falls National Park in 1979, the 56,000 hectares of pristine wilderness and wildlife habitat has been a National Park in its own right ever since.

Major Attraction:

Tour of Victoria Falls

Embark upon a leisurely 10-minute stroll from Ilala Lodge Hotel to enjoy the Falls at your own pace, or simply visit the Ilala Lodge Hotel Activity Centre to arrange a guided tour. The team will be sure to put you in touch with only the best and most experienced tour guides.

Ra-Ikane River Cruise

Relive the historical journey taken by David Livingstone by exploring the mighty Zambezi River aboard the Ra-Ikane. Named after his guide, the boats are full of old world charm, setting a romantic and intimate scene whilst you sit back, relax and take in the surrounding views. With a maximum of 16 seats available, the Ra-Ikane offers a unique vantage point for viewing birdlife and wildlife up-close on the islands along the river. This is unquestionably an activity to add to your bucket list when in Victoria Falls.

Wildlife:  A wide variety of animals – including giraffe, lion and leopard – have access to the park from surrounding areas. Rhino is absent, leopard is rarely seen and lion numbers are increasing. Elephant and buffalo are common on the banks of the Zambezi River. The river is teeming with hippo and crocodile while the park has a good number of resident antelopes, including waterbuck and bushbuck.

Getting There

By Air

If you have flown into the Victoria Falls Airport and are staying at one of the private safari lodges within the park, most of them will pick you up from the airport. If not, private transfer can be arranged.

 If flying into Livingstone or Kasane Airports, there are a few lodges that will pick you up, but more likely, you will need to get a private transfer in.

By Road

Self-drivers drive into Victoria Falls town via the Bulawayo Road or Mosi-oa-Tunya Road, and then turn into Park Way Drive in the middle of town. This road will take you through the centre of town and then out all the way to the Zambezi National Park entrance gate. Park fees will be required for individuals as well as vehicles.

Where to Stay: Upstream along the Zambezi River Drive, there are 25 numbered picnic sites where self-drive day visitors are able to picnic or fish (with correct fishing permits). These sites are attractively situated along the banks of the river, many of which are sheltered beneath the beautiful shady trees like the Natal Mahogany.

There are several privately-owned lodges and camps situated along the Zambezi River within the Zambezi National Park.  These, along with most of the hotels and tour operators in Victoria Falls town, offer guided game drives into the Zambezi National Park.  You can also take a walking safari in the company of an experienced and knowledgeable professional safari guide.