Overview
Zambezi National Park occupies roughly 56,000 hectares along the southern bank of the Zambezi River in Matabeleland North Province, Zimbabwe. It sits immediately upstream (west) of Victoria Falls town, making it one of the most accessible wilderness areas in southern Africa — you can be on a game drive within minutes of checking into a Victoria Falls lodge.
The park is defined by two distinct environments: the broad, reed-fringed floodplain of the Zambezi itself and a drier woodland interior dominated by mopane, teak, and acacia. This combination supports a notable range of wildlife. Elephant are present in large numbers and are frequently seen drinking along the riverbank. Lion, leopard, buffalo, and a recovering population of white rhino mean the park can legitimately claim Big Five status, though sightings are never guaranteed.
Because Zambezi National Park shares an open border with Botswana's Chobe National Park across the river, and sits adjacent to the broader Kavango–Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA), it functions as part of a much larger ecosystem. Wildlife — particularly elephant — moves freely across these boundaries, and many visitors combine both parks in a single trip.
The park is managed by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks). Admission fees and regulations are set by ZimParks; verify current rates directly with them or at the gate before entry, as fees change periodically.
Before You Go
Visas
Zimbabwe operates a visa-on-arrival system for many nationalities, and the KAZA UniVisa allows multiple entries between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Requirements change, however. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official Zimbabwe Department of Immigration (zimimmigration.gov.zw) well before travel.
Health
- Malaria is present year-round in this region. Consult a travel medicine clinic about prophylaxis before departure.
- Yellow fever vaccination may be required if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk — verify with your airline and the Zimbabwean immigration authority.
- Bring adequate supplies of any prescription medication; the nearest well-stocked pharmacy is in Victoria Falls town.
- Medical facilities in Victoria Falls town are limited. Serious emergencies may require evacuation to Bulawayo or Johannesburg. Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is strongly advised.
What to pack
- Neutral-coloured, lightweight clothing for game drives (avoid bright colours and white)
- Sturdy, closed-toe shoes for walking activities
- High-factor sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat
- Insect repellent (DEET-based recommended for malaria areas)
- Binoculars — essential for birdwatching and spotting distant wildlife
- A warm layer: mornings on the river can be surprisingly cold, even in the dry season
Getting There
By Air
The most practical entry point is Victoria Falls Airport (VFA), which receives scheduled flights from Harare, Johannesburg, and several other regional hubs. Check current airline routes and schedules as services change seasonally. From the airport it is a short drive to both Victoria Falls town and the park's main entrance.
By Road
Victoria Falls town is connected to Bulawayo by a sealed road (approximately 440 km). The drive takes around five to six hours under normal conditions. The road is generally in reasonable condition but verify the current state before travel, as maintenance can be inconsistent. From Botswana, the Kazungula border crossing connects Kasane to Zambia and Zimbabwe via ferry or road bridge — check current border crossing procedures before travelling.
Crossing into Botswana (Chobe)
If you plan to combine Zambezi NP with Chobe National Park in Botswana, the Kazungula border post is the main crossing. Day-trip packages crossing from Victoria Falls into Chobe are offered by multiple tour operators in town. Confirm all border documentation and vehicle cross-border permits with your operator or rental company in advance.
Getting Around
Most visitors explore Zambezi National Park by guided game drive using an operator's vehicle, which is the most practical option for first-time visitors. Self-drive is permitted; a 4WD vehicle is strongly recommended, particularly after rains when tracks can become deeply rutted.
The main road through the park runs roughly parallel to the Zambezi River and offers frequent elephant and buffalo sightings. There are no fuel stations inside the park — fill your tank in Victoria Falls town before entry.
Boat-based game viewing and fishing trips on the Zambezi are available through licensed operators based in Victoria Falls. These trips provide a completely different perspective on the floodplain wildlife and are particularly good for hippo, crocodile, and waterbirds. Confirm operators hold current ZimParks permits.
Walking safaris led by licensed professional guides are offered by some camps and operators. Distances in the park are relatively modest, and a knowledgeable guide adds significant value — both for safety around dangerous game and for interpretation of tracks, plants, and smaller wildlife.
Where to Stay
Accommodation options in and around Zambezi National Park range from exclusive riverside camps to lodges in Victoria Falls town that offer daily transfers into the park.
Inside the Park
ZimParks operates campsites and basic chalets along the Zambezi riverbank. These are functional rather than luxurious, and facilities vary — contact ZimParks directly to confirm current availability, rates, and booking procedures. The riverbank setting is outstanding.
Victoria Falls Town (Gateway)
Victoria Falls town, a few kilometres from the park gate, has a wide spectrum of accommodation from budget backpacker lodges to high-end safari lodges. Staying in town gives easy access to the park, to the Falls themselves, and to a broader range of restaurants and services. Several upmarket lodges offer inclusive game-drive packages into Zambezi NP.
General Advice
- Book well in advance for the peak dry season (June–September), when demand across the wider Victoria Falls area is high.
- If you are combining Zimbabwe and Botswana, some operators run multi-country itineraries staying on both sides of the river.
- Verify all accommodation bookings directly with the property — third-party listings are not always current.
Things to See & Do
Game Drives
The park's river road is among the most reliably productive game-drive routes in Zimbabwe. Large elephant herds are common, particularly near the water in the dry season. Lion are present but wide-ranging; sightings require patience. Buffalo herds can be spectacular in size. Leopard are most often encountered in the woodland interior.
Birdwatching
Zambezi National Park sits within one of Africa's most important bird areas. The riparian forest and reed beds support African fish eagle, various kingfisher species, herons, storks, and the striking Carmine bee-eater (a dry-season breeding colony is present in the area). Birding is excellent year-round but the wet season brings in migrants.
Fishing
The Zambezi is renowned for tigerfish, one of freshwater Africa's most prized sport fish. Bream, vundu, and other species are also present. Licensed fishing trips can be arranged through Victoria Falls operators. Verify current fishing regulations and licensing requirements with ZimParks before fishing.
Boat Cruises on the Zambezi
Sunset cruises are popular and offer reliable sightings of hippo pods, Nile crocodile, and waterbirds. Multiple operators run these from the Victoria Falls waterfront — choose one with a current operator licence.
Victoria Falls (Adjacent)
Although technically outside the national park, Victoria Falls is immediately adjacent and an essential visit. The Falls are best viewed from the Zimbabwean side during the mid-to-high water period (February–May), when volume is at its peak; the dry season exposes more rock but reduces the curtain effect. Entry to the rainforest viewpoint area is managed separately by ZimParks.
Practical Information
Money
- US dollars are widely used in Victoria Falls town for tourism services; confirm the position on local currency before travel as monetary policy in Zimbabwe changes.
- ATMs are available in Victoria Falls town but reliability can vary. Carry sufficient USD cash as backup.
- Credit cards are accepted at larger lodges and some restaurants, but not universally.
Connectivity
Mobile network coverage (Econet, NetOne) is present in Victoria Falls town and along main roads. Inside the park, coverage becomes patchy. Download offline maps before entering.
Park Entry
Pay entry fees at the gate. Bring USD cash as a precaution. Fees are set by ZimParks and change periodically — verify current rates at zimparks.org.zw or at the gate.
Emergency Contacts
For medical emergencies in Victoria Falls town, ask your accommodation for the nearest clinic or hospital contact. For park emergencies, ZimParks rangers are the first point of contact. Carry your travel insurance emergency evacuation number at all times. Do not rely on finding a number in the field — note it down before you go.
Electricity
Zimbabwe uses the Type G (British three-pin) plug. Voltage is 220–240V. Power cuts (load-shedding) occur — most lodges have backup generators.
Safety
Zambezi National Park contains dangerous wildlife. Elephant, hippo, buffalo, lion, and crocodile are all present and can be lethal if approached incorrectly. Follow all instructions from your guide without question, never leave a vehicle unless directed by a licensed walking guide, and maintain a respectful distance from all animals.
Hippos are responsible for a significant number of human fatalities in Africa annually. They are most dangerous on land at night and in the water when a boat passes between a pod and the shore. Follow your boat operator's guidance carefully.
At night in camp or in Victoria Falls town, do not walk in unlighted areas, as large animals (including elephant) move through both the park and the town periphery after dark.
Petty theft occurs in Victoria Falls town, as in any tourist hub. Keep valuables secured, avoid displaying expensive equipment unnecessarily, and use your accommodation's safe for passports and large amounts of cash.
For the latest travel advisories, check your government's official foreign travel advice site before departure.
Local Culture & Etiquette
The Victoria Falls area has deep historical significance for the Lozi and Ndebele peoples, among others, and the Zambezi River has supported communities along its banks for millennia. The name 'Victoria Falls' is the colonial-era name; the Kololo name Mosi-oa-Tunya ('The Smoke That Thunders') is widely used and preferred by many Zimbabweans and Zambians.
Greeting people respectfully goes a long way. A simple 'Sawubona' (Ndebele) or 'Hello' is always appreciated. Bargaining is accepted at craft markets but should be done good-naturedly — the livelihoods of local artisans depend on craft sales.
Photographing people always warrants a polite request first. This is both courteous and, in some situations, expected. Be sensitive around traditional ceremonies or sacred sites, which may not be open to outsiders or cameras.
Tipping is customary in the tourism sector. A rough guide: 10–15% at restaurants if service is not included; a daily tip for safari guides and camp staff is standard practice — ask your operator for current norms, as these vary. Tips in USD are typically preferred.
