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Zambezi National Park Zimbabwe flag

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Starting from

$450PP

Overview

Zambezi National Park is a national park located upstream of Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe. Most of the park is within the ecoregion of Zambezian and Mopane woodlands, while a small portion in the south is within the Zambezian Baikiaea woodlands. It is a great destination for a day trip from Victoria Falls. For a real bush experience, you can stay in one of the lodges overlooking the Zambezi River inside the park. A wide variety of larger mammals may be found within the Zambezi National Park including elephants, lions, buffalo and leopards.

High Season
June to October
Best Time to Go
June to October

Pros & Cons

  • Delightful view along the Zambezi River
  • Excursion spots accessible
  • Incredible half-day or road trip from Victoria Falls
  • Fantastic birding objective
  • Just three of the Big Five are consistently seen
  • Limited road network
  • Travel by 4WD essential
  • Can be crowded, especially on the weekends

Map in Zimbabwe

Zambezi National Park map

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Wildlife & Animals

The Zambezi National Park plays host to a wide assortment of larger mammals including African elephants, lions, Cape buffalo and leopards. In addition to these alluring individuals from the "Big 5," there are herds of sable antelope, common eland, common zebra, Southern giraffe, greater kudu, waterbuck and impala.

Elephant

Elephant

Common
Hippo

Hippo

Common
Buffalo

Buffalo

Common
Giraffe

Giraffe

Common
Lion

Lion

Occasional
Crocodile

Crocodile

Common
Hyena

Hyena

Common
Leopard

Leopard

Rare

Wildlife Highlights

Elephants and buffalo are common on the banks of the Zambezi River. The river is overflowing with hippos and crocodiles while the park has a lot of resident antelopes, including waterbuck and bushbuck. Wild dogs are available in the park and the ideal opportunity to see them is from May to August, which is their denning season. Chacma baboons can be observed sitting in palm trees close to the waterway and watch out for the provinces of grouped mongooses which run around the undergrowth.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

The Zambezi has very seasonal wildlife viewing. The best time to visit the Zambezi National park is in the Dry season from July to October when water is inadequate and animals gather to drink around the Zambezi River. At this time the vegetation is also thinner making sightings easier. Victoria Falls is at its best from May to September.

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Birds

Over 400 species of birds have been recorded within the Zambezi National Park. Pel's fishing owl, African skimmer, collared palm thrush, lanner falcon, goliath heron, African finfoot, rock pratincole and long-toed lapwing are considered to be among the speciality birds of the park. Migratory birds are present from November to April.

African skimmer

African skimmer

1
African finfoot

African finfoot

1
Lanner Falcon

Lanner Falcon

1
Goliath heron

Goliath heron

1

Best Time for Birding

The Zambezi offers a great birding experience throughout the year. However, the best time to visit is during the wet season from November to April. It is also the time when migratory birds from Europe and northern Africa are available and a lot of birds can be seen in breeding plumage. The Dry season is best for wildlife viewing and occurs from June to October.

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Best Time to Visit – Zambezi National Park

The Zambezi has very seasonal wildlife viewing. The best time to visit the Zambezi National park is in the Dry season from July to October when water is inadequate and animals gather to drink around the Zambezi River. At this time the vegetation is also thinner making sightings easier. Victoria Falls is at its best from May to September.

High Season
June to October
Low Season
Seasonal rains can affect access in some areas
Best Weather
Typically during dry months; check local patterns
Worst Weather
Peak of Wet season; very hot months vary by region

May to October (Dry Season)

  • Less vegetation and animals concentrate around water, making them easier to spot
  • The skies are clear, rain is rare, and there are fewer mosquitoes
  • Even though most tourists visit during the Dry season, the parks still feel uncrowded, except for the bustling Chobe riverfront area
  • Early morning and evening drives are cold in June, July and August

November to April (Wet Season)

  • The scenery is greener, and there are lower rates during this season
  • Although wildlife is easier to spot in the Dry season, you'll still see plenty
  • There are many newborn animals and migratory birds
  • Except for January and February, rains seldom interfere with your trip
  • During January and February, the rains can be continuous for days
  • It gets very hot in October and November
  • Some lodges and camps close down during part of the Wet season

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Activities

Explore popular activities available in and around Zambezi National Park.

Birding Safari

Birding Safari

Eager bird-watchers won't be disappointed on an African safari! This gray crowned crane was seen in the core of the Serengeti, Tanzania.
Boating Safaris

Boating Safaris

Explore the aquatic wildlife by boat, canoe, dhow or kayak. In Botswana, it is feasible to go down the Okavango Delta in a burrow kayak called a moko.
Canoe Safaris

Canoe Safaris

Canoe safaris offer a feeling of excitement, adventure, and engagement. In Botswana, it is possible to go down the Okavango Delta in a dugout kayak.
Cultural

Cultural

It is possible to take part in a cultural safari if you desire to spend your time visiting local schools, clinics, orphanages, and markets.
Farm Visits

Farm Visits

An incredible addition to any safari is taking the time to visit some of the local farms or plantations and sample some local produce.
Fishing

Fishing

Fishing safaris are especially famous in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Mozambique. River, lake and deep ocean fishing are all possible in Africa.
Game Drives

Game Drives

A game drive is an adventure that involves viewing wildlife from the comfort of a 4x4 open vehicle, providing you with a true safari experience.
Hot Air Balloons

Hot Air Balloons

A hot air balloon safari is a must-do adventure activity. It's easy to see why being inspired across the African landscape is such a memorable experience.
Night Drives

Night Drives

Night game drives provide an opportunity to observe wildlife in action at night. Predators like lions, hyenas, and leopards become active at night.
Photography

Photography

Photography safaris are frequently led by experienced photographers who are dedicated to capturing the best shot possible.
Sightseeing

Sightseeing

Market visits are worthwhile before or after a safari. Locally made and sourced items make excellent souvenirs and great way to keep memories alive.
Walking Safaris

Walking Safaris

A safari bush walk is the best way to get some exercise and experience nature up close. Set out on an adventure with the wild inhabitants of Africa.
Yoga

Yoga

Yoga, Pilates and mind/ body safaris are growing in popular. It is possible to begin the day with an hour or two of yoga prior to going on a game drive.

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