Zambezi National Park Game Drive | Big 4 Safari Right Next to Victoria Falls
Duration
3 Hours
Tour Begins At
Victoria Falls
Tour Type
Safari & Wildlife Tour
Most visitors don't realise that one of Zimbabwe's most accessible game parks is immediately next to Victoria Falls. Zambezi National Park borders the town to the west, covering 56,000 hectares of riverine forest, open savanna, and wildlife-rich floodplain along the upper Zambezi River. You can be on a game drive in Big 4 territory within 10 minutes of leaving your Victoria Falls hotel.
This is the ideal addition to a Victoria Falls itinerary for anyone who wants wildlife without the logistics of a Chobe day trip or an Hwange overnight safari. Three drive options are available, morning, afternoon, or evening (with bush dinner under the stars).
What You'll See
Zambezi National Park is part of the KAZA Transfrontier Conservation Area, the world's largest cross-border conservation zone, and wildlife moves freely between it, Chobe, Hwange, and the surrounding areas. The park holds:
| Species | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| African Elephant | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Near-certain, large herds near the river |
| Lion | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very commonly seen |
| Buffalo | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Large herds in dry season |
| Giraffe | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Near-certain |
| Zebra & Impala | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Near-certain |
| Leopard | ⭐⭐ Lucky sighting |
| Wild Dog | ⭐⭐ Occasional, territory overlaps with Hwange pack ranges |
| Kudu, Sable, Waterbuck | ⭐⭐⭐ Common antelope species |
| Birdlife (400+ species) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Exceptional, especially along the river |
The drive from Victoria Falls to the park entrance passes through the Zambezi wildlife corridor, elephants, buffalo, and giraffe are regularly spotted on the roadside even before you enter.
Drive Options
Morning Game Drive, 6:00am to 9:00am
The best time for predator activity. Lions are often still moving at dawn, and the cool morning air brings animals to open ground. The 3-hour morning drive includes a bush breakfast, a proper meal served in a scenic spot inside the park. From $85/adult.
Afternoon Game Drive, 3:00pm to 6:00pm
As the heat of the day eases, animals become active again. The golden afternoon light is excellent for photography and the river areas attract wildlife coming to drink. Includes snacks, water, and soft drinks. From $85/adult.
Evening Game Drive + Bush Dinner, 4:00pm to 8:00pm
The most atmospheric option. As day turns to night, nocturnal species become active, this is when leopard, hyena, civets, and genets are most often spotted. The drive ends with a 3-course bush dinner served beneath the African stars with the sounds of the night all around you. From $140/adult.
Pricing Summary
| Drive | Adults (13+) | Children (5–12) |
|---|---|---|
| Morning drive (with breakfast) | $85 | $45 |
| Afternoon drive (with snacks) | $85 | $45 |
| Evening drive (with 3-course dinner) | $140 | Contact us |
National park entry fee: $18/person, payable separately on the day.
What's Included
✅ Return hotel transfers from Victoria Falls
✅ Guided game drive in open 4×4 safari vehicle
✅ Meal as per your chosen slot (breakfast / snacks / 3-course dinner)
✅ Water and soft drinks
✅ Professional licensed guide
❌ National Park entry fee ($18/person, payable at gate)
❌ Tips for guide (optional)
❌ Alcoholic drinks (available for purchase on board during morning/afternoon drives)
Why Choose Zambezi National Park Over Chobe or Hwange?
| Factor | Zambezi NP | Chobe | Hwange |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distance from Vic Falls | 5 minutes | 1.5 hours | 3 hours |
| Duration | Half day | Full day | Full day |
| Cost (adult) | $85–$140 | $180 | $240 |
| Border crossing | No | Yes | No |
| Big 5 present | Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo (no rhino) | Elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo | Elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo |
| Best for | Short itineraries, budget-conscious, early morning add-on | Wildlife + river combo experience | Maximum elephant + wildlife density |
Zambezi National Park is the right choice if your time is limited, your budget is tighter, or you want a wildlife experience without a full day commitment. It's also ideal as an evening
Best Times to Visit the Zambezi National Park Game Drive
Planning the perfect game drive in Zambezi National Park is all about timing. To truly immerse yourself in the park's vibrant wildlife, it's essential to visit during the optimal seasons.
Dry Season (May to October):
The best time to experience a game drive in Zambezi National Park is during the dry season. During these months, the bush is less dense, making it easier to spot animals as they gather around remaining water sources. Predators like lions and cheetahs are more active, and you may even glimpse elephants crossing the Zambezi River. The weather is also pleasant, with cooler mornings and warm afternoons, ideal for long days outdoors.
Wet Season (November to April):
The wet season transforms the landscape into a lush, green paradise. While the heavy rains can make some areas inaccessible, this time is magical for bird enthusiasts. Migratory birds flock to the area, bringing vibrant colors and fascinating birdwatching opportunities. This is also the calving season for many animals, providing a chance to see adorable young wildlife.
Shoulder Seasons:
April and November are transition months offering a mix of experiences from both the wet and dry seasons. Visitors during this time can enjoy smaller crowds and a variety of wildlife activities.
Whichever time you choose to visit, the Zambezi National Park promises a thrilling game drive experience with unforgettable encounters. So, align your visit with these seasons, and get ready for an extraordinary African safari adventure.
Tips for an Unforgettable Safari Experience
Embarking on a game drive through Zambezi National Park promises adventure and awe, but making the most of your safari requires some preparation. Here are essential tips to ensure your experience is nothing short of unforgettable.
1. Choose the Right Time: Wildlife is most active during the early morning and late afternoon. Plan your game drive during these periods to maximize your chances of spotting a diverse range of animals.
2. Dress Comfortably: Wear neutral-colored clothing to blend into the environment, as bright colors can scare away animals. Light, breathable fabrics and layers are ideal due to fluctuating temperatures.
3. Pack Essential Gear: Bring a pair of binoculars and a good-quality camera with a zoom lens to capture stunning wildlife photos. Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent to protect against the elements.
4. Respect Wildlife: Maintain a safe distance from animals, avoiding sudden movements or loud noises. This not only ensures your safety but fosters a respectful wildlife viewing experience.
5. Engage with Your Guide: Guides are knowledgeable about the park and its inhabitants. Ask questions and learn from their insights to deepen your understanding of the ecosystem.
6. Stay Patient and Observant: Wildlife viewing requires patience. Animals might not appear immediately, so stay alert and enjoy the natural surroundings while you wait.
7. Follow Park Rules: Adhering to park regulations helps preserve the habitat and ensures the safety of both visitors and wildlife.
By integrating these tips into your safari plan, you’ll create lasting memories while supporting conservation efforts in this stunning natural setting. Enjoy the awe-inspiring beauty of Zambezi National Park to its fullest!
Zambezi National Park is the right choice if your time is limited, your budget is tighter, or you want a wildlife experience without a full-day commitment. It's also ideal as an evening add-on alongside a morning at the falls, the 4pm to 8pm evening game drive with bush dinner is one of the most atmospheric things you can do in Victoria Falls.
Our Guests' Favourite Moments
"The elephants are literally right next to the road before you even get into the park, we were just driving from the hotel and had to stop for a herd crossing. That set the tone for an incredible morning game drive."
"We did the evening drive with bush dinner and it was magical. Watching the stars come out with the sounds of the bush around us while eating a proper meal, nothing like it."
"Best value safari we did on the trip. $85 and we saw lions, elephants, giraffe, buffalo. No border crossing, no full day commitment. Just three hours of proper Africa."
Book Your Zambezi National Park Game Drive
Book online using the button above, or contact us directly:
📧 info@maxadventuretrails.com
📱 WhatsApp +263774183027
Combine with: Lunar Rainbow Night Tour → on a full moon evening | Boma Dinner → after the afternoon drive | Victoria Falls Guided Tour → in the morning
from
$85
Tour Start Date
{{ start_date_html }}
Tour End Date
{{ end_date_html }}
Last Booking Date
{{ last_booking_date_html }}
{{start_date_html}}
{{type.desc}}
{{type.display_price}} per person
Extra prices:
({{type.price_type}})
{{type.price_html}}
({{type.price_type}})
{{ type.price }}%
{{ formatMoney(type.price) }}
- {{total_price_html}}
- {{pay_now_price_html}}
You might also like
Featured
6%
Victoria Falls
2H
from
$150
$140
Victoria Falls
2H
from
$40
from
$85
