Experience an unforgettable safari in Victoria Falls with an exciting game drive through the wild landscapes of Zambezi National Park. Located just a short drive from Victoria Falls town, Zambezi National Park offers visitors the opportunity to experience authentic African wildlife without having to travel far from the Falls.
Travel through the park in an open 4×4 safari vehicle accompanied by a professional guide who will help you discover the animals, birds, tracks and fascinating landscapes of the African bush. Keep your eyes open for elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, kudu, impala, warthogs and many other species.
Choose a morning game drive for the best chance of experiencing the bush as it comes alive, or enjoy an afternoon safari when the landscape takes on the warm colours of the African sunset.
A safari in Victoria Falls is an ideal addition to your holiday, especially if you want to combine the spectacular Victoria Falls with an authentic African wildlife experience.
When most people think of Victoria Falls, they picture the spectacular waterfall and the mighty Zambezi River. However, the area surrounding the Falls is also home to an impressive variety of African wildlife.
Zambezi National Park is located just outside Victoria Falls town, making it possible to enjoy a genuine wildlife safari without spending an entire day travelling to a distant national park.
The park covers approximately 56,000 hectares together with the adjoining Victoria Falls National Park and includes about 40 kilometres of Zambezi River frontage. Zambezi National Park is home to four of Africa’s Big Five: elephant, lion, buffalo and leopard.
Your game drive takes you into this wilderness in a specially equipped 4×4 safari vehicle. With an experienced guide leading the way, you will explore the park’s roads and tracks while looking for wildlife and learning about the ecosystem.
Unlike visiting a zoo or enclosed wildlife attraction, this is a genuine wilderness experience. Animals move freely through their natural environment, meaning every game drive is different.
You never know what you might encounter around the next bend.
Discover a Thrilling Safari in Victoria Falls
A safari in Victoria Falls offers a wonderful combination of wildlife, scenery and adventure.
As you travel through Zambezi National Park, your guide will help you look for animal tracks, identify different species and explain the behaviour of the wildlife you encounter.
Elephants are among the most memorable animals you may see. Herds can sometimes be encountered moving through the bush or near the Zambezi River.
You may also encounter buffalo, giraffes, zebras, kudu, impala and other antelope species. Lions and leopards are present in the park, although sightings of wild animals can never be guaranteed.
This is an important part of the safari experience. Wildlife is free to move wherever it chooses, so every drive is unique.
Your guide may spend time following tracks, checking likely wildlife areas or stopping to observe animals from a safe distance.
The result is an experience that feels much more like exploration than simply sightseeing.
What Wildlife Can You See on a Safari in Victoria Falls?
Zambezi National Park supports a diverse range of wildlife.
The park’s official information lists four of the Big Five: elephant, lion, buffalo and leopard. It is also home to sable, kudu, impala, zebra, giraffe and numerous smaller wildlife species. More than 400 bird species have been recorded in the park.
African Elephants
Elephants are among the most iconic animals of the Zambezi region. Seeing a herd moving through the bush is often one of the highlights of a game drive.
Lions
Lions inhabit Zambezi National Park, although sightings are never guaranteed. Your guide will look for signs such as tracks and other clues that may indicate recent activity.
African Buffalo
Large herds of buffalo can be encountered in suitable areas of the park. These powerful animals are an impressive sight from the safety of your safari vehicle.
Leopards
Leopards are present in the park but are considerably more elusive than many other species. Spotting one requires patience, a trained eye and some luck.
Giraffes
Giraffes are another possible sighting as they browse among trees and shrubs. Their height makes them relatively easy to spot when they are in open areas.
Zebra and Antelope
The park supports several antelope species, including kudu and impala, as well as zebra and other wildlife.
Birds
Bird enthusiasts will also find plenty to enjoy. More than 400 bird species have been recorded in Zambezi National Park, making a game drive an excellent opportunity for birdwatching and wildlife photography.
Why Choose a Safari in Victoria Falls?
Incredible Wildlife Close to Victoria Falls
One of the biggest advantages of a safari in Victoria Falls is convenience. Zambezi National Park is only a short drive from Victoria Falls town, so you can enjoy a wildlife experience without spending hours travelling to the safari destination.
Authentic African Wilderness
The park is a genuinely wild environment where animals roam freely. Game drives provide an opportunity to experience this wilderness from an open 4×4 safari vehicle.
Expert Local Guides
Professional guides accompany the game drives and help you understand the animals, vegetation, tracks and ecology of the area. Experienced guides can also help locate wildlife and explain animal behaviour.
Perfect for Short Victoria Falls Holidays
If you only have two or three days in Victoria Falls, a game drive is an excellent way to add a safari experience without committing to a multi-day safari.
Excellent for Photography
The combination of wildlife, river landscapes and African bush makes Zambezi National Park a rewarding destination for photography.
Choose Your Perfect Safari in Victoria Falls
Game drives are generally offered in morning and afternoon departures.
Morning Safari in Victoria Falls
An early morning safari in Victoria Falls is an excellent choice for travellers who enjoy cooler temperatures and the atmosphere of the African bush at sunrise.
The bush is beginning to wake up, birds are active and many animals may still be moving around after the night.
Depending on the operator and departure time, the morning experience can include a light breakfast, tea, coffee and mineral water.
Afternoon Safari in Victoria Falls
An afternoon game drive provides a completely different atmosphere.
As the day cools, wildlife may become more active, while the changing light creates excellent opportunities for photography.
Some afternoon game drives include refreshments or snacks and a stop to enjoy the African sunset.
What to Expect on Your Safari in Victoria Falls
Your adventure begins with collection from your Victoria Falls accommodation, depending on your booking.
You will then travel to Zambezi National Park and board an open 4×4 safari vehicle.
Before entering the park, your guide will explain what to expect and provide instructions for remaining safe around wildlife.
Once inside the park, the game drive begins.
Your guide will drive along established tracks while searching for wildlife. Because animals are free to move throughout the park, there is no fixed route that guarantees particular sightings.
This is what makes a safari in Victoria Falls exciting.
One moment you could be watching a herd of impala, and the next your guide may spot elephants disappearing into the woodland.
Your guide will also point out interesting plants, birds, animal tracks and other signs of wildlife that you might otherwise miss.
Typical game drives last approximately 3 hours, although the exact duration can vary depending on the operator and transfer arrangements. Current Victoria Falls operators advertise morning and afternoon game drives of around three hours, with some quoting approximately four hours including transfers.
What Is Included in a Safari in Victoria Falls?
Depending on the booking option, your game-drive package can include:
- Return transfers from Victoria Falls accommodation
- Professional safari guide
- Open 4×4 safari vehicle
- Guided game drive in Zambezi National Park
- Drinking water
- Morning tea, coffee and light breakfast on selected morning departures
- Snacks and refreshments on selected afternoon departures
National park fees are generally separate from the activity price and should be clearly stated in your booking information.
What to Bring on Your Victoria Falls Safari
To make the most of your safari in Victoria Falls, we recommend bringing:
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Sunscreen
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Comfortable outdoor clothing
- Comfortable closed shoes
- Warm layers during the cooler months
Morning and afternoon temperatures can vary considerably, so dressing in layers is particularly useful during the cooler season.
The Best Time for a Safari in Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls can be visited throughout the year, but wildlife viewing conditions change with the seasons.
During the wetter months, vegetation can become thicker and wildlife may be more dispersed. Heavy rainfall can also affect road conditions and wildlife movements.
During the drier months, animals may become easier to locate around remaining water sources and open areas.
For daily game drives, early morning and late afternoon are particularly popular because temperatures are generally more comfortable and the light is excellent for photography.
Your guide will always make decisions based on current conditions and safety.
Combine Your Safari in Victoria Falls with Other Adventures
One of the best things about visiting Victoria Falls is the variety of experiences available.
You can combine your safari in Victoria Falls with a guided tour of Victoria Falls itself, giving you the opportunity to experience both the waterfall and the surrounding wildlife.
Other popular combinations include:
- Victoria Falls Guided Tour + Game Drive
- Game Drive + Zambezi River Sunset Cruise
- Game Drive + Helicopter Flight
- Game Drive + Victoria Falls Adventure Activities
- Victoria Falls + Chobe National Park Safari
- Victoria Falls + Hwange National Park Safari
For travellers who want a more extensive wildlife experience, we can also arrange multi-day safari packages to destinations such as Hwange National Park and Chobe National Park.
An Unforgettable African Wildlife Experience
A safari in Victoria Falls gives you the opportunity to experience much more than the famous waterfall.
Just outside town lies a vast African wilderness where elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, antelope and hundreds of bird species can be found.
The combination of easy access, professional guides and genuine wildlife encounters makes a Victoria Falls game drive an excellent addition to your Zimbabwe holiday.
Whether this is your first safari or you are an experienced wildlife traveller, every drive offers something different.
You might watch elephants moving through the woodland, discover fresh tracks on the road, photograph a giraffe against the African sunset or simply sit quietly and listen to the sounds of the bush.
These are the moments that make a safari memorable.
Book Your Safari in Victoria Falls
Ready to experience the African wilderness?
Book your safari in Victoria Falls with African Fairytale Tours & Safaris and discover the wildlife of Zambezi National Park with an experienced local guide.
We can arrange your game drive together with Victoria Falls tours, airport transfers, accommodation and other activities, making it easy to build a complete Victoria Falls itinerary.
Whether you are travelling as a couple, family, group or solo traveller, contact us to check availability and add an unforgettable wildlife experience to your Victoria Falls holiday.
Highlights
- xplore Zambezi National Park, just minutes from Victoria Falls
- Experience an authentic safari in Victoria Falls in an open 4x4 vehicle
- Search for four of Africa's Big Five: elephant, lion, buffalo and leopard
- Discover more than 400 recorded bird species
- Choose between an early morning or afternoon game drive
- Travel with a professional and knowledgeable safari guide
- Enjoy excellent opportunities for wildlife photography and birdwatching
