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Victoria Falls is like a magnet for travelers worldwide. People flock here to witness the sheer magnificence of this natural wonder. It’s not just a waterfall; it’s like nature’s masterpiece! It’s one of the seven most incredible spots on Earth and lives up to the hype. Plus, staying here is like a luxury on another level. Top-notch places to stay and so much to do!
Victoria Falls isn’t just in one place. It’s like it straddles two countries, Zambia and Zimbabwe. And guess what? Both these surrounding spots are like safari heaven! To believe it, you’ve got to see their national parks and private wildlife spots. They’re like the VIP sections of nature.
Victoria Falls National Park: Where Nature and Adventure Unite
Victoria Falls (https://africanbushcamps.com/victoria-falls-safari/) , known as the “smoke that thunders,” is a breathtaking sight during the high water season. The nearby 5680-acre Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe is a gem, just a quick seven-minute drive away. This park is top-notch for a taste of both the falls’ beauty and an authentic Big Five safari experience.
This park is situated close to Victoria Falls and offers stunning views from about six kilometers above and twelve kilometers below the cascades. Within its boundaries are a rainforest, riverine bush, and a private Wild Horizons-managed concession—a real treat!
Wildlife enthusiasts won’t be disappointed. The private concession hosts elephant and buffalo herds, while the national park showcases the Big Five and antelopes, crocodiles, zebras, giraffes, and more. And if fishing’s your thing, the Zambezi River boasts incredible Bream and Tiger fish.
Whether you’re exploring the private concession or the national park, there’s plenty to do—game drives, walks among wildlife, bird watching, and visits to the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls. It’s a haven for adventure seekers!
Zambezi National Park: Safari Delights near Victoria Falls
Zambezi National Park is a gem for safari lovers, especially those near Victoria Falls. Spanning a whopping 140,000 acres, it’s like a wildlife wonderland and a top-notch spot in Zimbabwe for the ultimate Big Five safari alongside the thrill of Victoria Falls. Picture a landscape primarily covered in woodlands, with pockets of riverine areas and the famous Chamabonda Vlei, perfect for spotting animals.
Now, let’s talk about the animals! The famous Big Five are hanging out here – lions, rhinos, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes. But it’s not just them; there are many other incredible creatures, too—antelopes, zebras, giraffes, an underwater world with 75 fish species, and a sky full of over 400 bird types!
When you’re in Zambezi National Park, the fun never stops. You can go on daily game drives, take peaceful walks among the wildlife, watch birds chirping around, have cozy picnics in the bush, or even glide along the upper Zambezi River in a canoe. Don’t miss out on visiting Victoria Falls! You can take a guided tour to see the falls up close or hop on a microlight for a breathtaking flight over the cascades.
Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park: Victoria Falls’ Stunning Wilderness
This National Park, home to the incredible Victoria Falls, stretches along the Upper Zambezi River for about 12 kilometers on the Zambian side, right above the falls. Covering 6,600 hectares, it cozies up to Livingstone town and offers two main sections, each with its charm.
First off, The Falls section is accessible by foot or road. It’s like stepping into a rainforest wonderland, showcasing rare plants and famous spots like the Knife-edge Bridge, Boiling Pot, and Rainbow Falls spread across the first and second gorges. Just before the falls, elephants often cross the Zambezi River. In contrast, hippos, crocodiles, klipspringers, otters, and stunning birds like the Peregrine Falcon and Black Eagle make their appearances.
Then, there’s The Wildlife Park, where you’ll spot lively vervet monkeys and baboons. But the real magic lies in its diverse residents—zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, and the rare sighting of rhinos in Zambia. Add the sable antelopes, elands, impalas, warthogs, and a lively bird community. What’s unique here is the absence of predators, making the resident animals relaxed, perfect for observing and capturing memorable moments with your camera.
Hwange National Park: A Wildlife Haven near Victoria Falls
Hwange National Park is like the ultimate safari getaway near Victoria Falls, boasting tons of wildlife and unique places to stay. It’s the largest park in Zimbabwe, covering a massive 3.6 million acres of untouched land. Sitting next to Botswana’s Kalahari Desert, it’s a hotspot for wildlife, especially wild dogs, usually seen more in Botswana. What’s cool about Hwange is how the landscape changes from woodland to grassy areas that flood during the rainy season—perfect for awesome wildlife photos and incredible walking safaris in Africa.
Now, let’s talk animals! Hwange is a bustling home to 100 kinds of mammals and 400 bird species. It’s famous for having many Cape wild dogs and top predators—lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas.
When you’re there, the adventures are endless! You can dive into the local culture, go on game drives every day, walk through the wild on safaris, spot beautiful birds, sleep under the stars, and visit the stunning Victoria Falls. Hwange National Park is a treasure trove of experiences!
Conclusion
The Victoria Falls region isn’t just about the falls – it’s a safari paradise! From Victoria Falls National Park to Zambezi, Mosi-oa-Tunya, and Hwange National Parks, it’s a haven of wildlife wonders. Imagine roaring waterfalls and vibrant ecosystems teeming with diverse animals. Each park offers a unique landscape and thrilling experiences like game drives, wildlife walks, and birdwatching. It’s more than just sightseeing; it’s a journey into untamed nature’s embrace.
FAQs
Why should I consider going on Victoria Falls tours?
Experience Africa’s iconic Victoria Falls—twice the size of Niagara Falls—on thrilling guided tours. From helicopter rides to rafting and encounters with wildlife, it’s an action-packed adventure drawing countless visitors yearly.
Is Victoria Falls among the seven wonders of the world?
Victoria Falls is indeed one of the seven natural wonders of the world. It stands proudly among iconic natural marvels like the Northern Lights, Grand Canyon, Mount Everest, Harbor of Rio de Janeiro, Paricutin, and the Great Barrier Reef.
What’s the reason Victoria Falls is called the Smoke that Thunders?
Locals refer to the falls as Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning ‘The smoke that thunders,’ owing to the dense mist clouds that rise during river floods, drenching everything and everyone in its vicinity.
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This content is brought to you by Meghna Desharj
Photo provided by the author.
