Zambezi National Park

Expert Reviews (9)

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Expert

Mike Unwin –

Visited: Multiple times

Mike is an award-winning wildlife writer, former editor of Travel Zambia magazine and author of the Bradt Guide to Southern African Wildlife.

1 person found this review helpful.

Above the Falls

Overall rating

2/5

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Bush Vibe:

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Birding:

Zambezi National Park adjoins the much greater attraction of Victoria Falls. I have enjoyed many nights in the inexpensive National Parks chalets, which are beautifully situated along the river upstream of the falls. Sable antelope still occur in decent numbers in the southern grasslands, and lion are also present. Otherwise this is a place to enjoy the wildlife of the riverbank, not only elephant, hippo and bushbuck, but also smaller mammals such as baboon and banded mongoose. There are also numerous riverine birds, including African finfoot, rock pratincole and African skimmer. Those who enjoy wilderness with few other visitors, and are not too worried about spotting game, will find this park to be an excellent retreat. This is especially so if they are already visiting the Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls, which is, of course, an amazing sight and a major tourist attraction.

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Expert

Ariadne van Zandbergen –

Visited: Multiple times

Ariadne is a renowned African wildlife photographer whose work is featured in many well-known guidebooks and magazines.

4 people found this review helpful.

On the Bank of the Mighty Zambezi

Overall rating

2/5

Wildlife:

Bush Vibe:

Scenery:

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Zambezi National Park is just a stone’s throw away from Victoria Falls. This small park isn’t on a par with Hwange or Zimbabwe’s other fantastic wilderness places, but it makes for an easy outing from Vic Falls if time is limited. With 40km of river frontage, the park’s main feature is the mighty Zambezi. The game-drive circuit gives access to several viewpoints over the water offering chances to see crocodiles, hippos and many waterbirds. The views are always different, but I love coming here early in the morning when the rising mist creates a mesmerizing scene. Although elephants and buffalo are meant to be common, we didn’t see any on our last visit. We did, however, see a pride of lions right next to the road.

Although easily visited on a day trip, an overnight stay is recommended. We treated ourselves to a night on Tsowa Safari Island, a small jungle island in the heart of the park, accessible by boat transfer only. It was a very welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of Victoria Falls and the perfect base for game drives and boat trips away from the crowds.

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