Zambezi National Park Accommodation

Rising from the wetlands of northern Zambia and winding through four countries before rushing into the Indian Ocean, the mighty Zambezi River is arguably best experienced in Zimbabwe. As it moves downstream, its waters give life to Victoria Falls, feed Lake Kariba and have—for thousands of years—carved the iconic Mana Pools into shape.

As the river snakes into Zimbabwe, it skirts along the banks of the Zambezi National Park, a conservation area only a few kilometres upstream from Victoria Falls. Together with the smaller Victoria Falls National Park, Zambezi National Park covers about 56,000ha and offers game drives and thrilling half-day canoe trips on the river. The park has two notable game-viewing routes: one is accessed from the main gate outside the Victoria Falls town and expands into a network of roads along the riverbanks, while another starts about five kilometres outside the town and winds for 25 kilometres through the park’s southern section.

Travellers have the chance of spotting mammals both big and small on any of the park’s game drives. Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, sable antelope, eland, waterbuck, and more roam the mopane woodlands. The Zambezi River itself is home to 75 species of fish—including tigerfish and bream—making it an ideal game-fishing destination.

Highlights

• The Zambezi River is the fourth largest river in Africa and winds through a total of four countries before it reaches the Indian Ocean
• In Zimbabwe alone, the Zambezi moves along Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba, and the Mana Pools National Park
• The Zambezi River is home to 75 species of fish, including bream and tigerfish
• The Zambezi National Park is home to a vast range of wildlife: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, sable antelope, eland, waterbuck, and smaller wildlife