Zambezi National Park, along with Victoria Falls National Park, spans an impressive area of 56,000 hectares. The northern boundary of the park is defined by the magnificent Zambezi River, which also serves as the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia for a significant portion of its course. The Zambezi National Park is home to a diverse range of larger mammals, such as elephants, lions, buffalo, and leopards. Additionally, one can observe herds of sable antelope, eland, zebra, giraffe, kudu, waterbuck, and impala, along with numerous smaller game species.
The Zambezi River hosts more than 75 species of fish and is renowned for its bream and fighting tiger fish. Zambezi National Park in Zimbabwe features two primary areas for game viewing. The Zambezi River Game Drive features a limited network of roads along the river, accessible through the main gate of the park. Additionally, the 25-kilometer Chamabondo Game Drive is located in the southern part of the park, starting approximately 5 kilometers outside of Victoria Falls town, just off the main road to Bulawayo. The roads are fairly well maintained.
Size of Zambezi National Park
Zambezi National Park is situated upstream of Victoria Falls along the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe. In 1979, it was separated from Victoria Falls National Park and spans an area of 56,000 hectares. The park is divided by a road leading to Kazungula, creating a riverine side and a Chamabonda Vlei side.
Location of Zambezi National Park
The northern boundary of the park is defined by the magnificent Zambezi River, which simultaneously serves as the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia for a significant portion of its course.
What to do in Zambezi National Park
Game drives
The Zambezi River Game Drive features a comprehensive network of roads that run alongside the river, accessible via the main gate of the park. Additionally, the 25-kilometer Chamabondo Game Drive is located in the southern section of the park, starting approximately 5 kilometers from Victoria Falls town, just off the main road to Bulawayo. The roads are in decent shape; however, be aware that the park is closed after heavy rainfall.
Fishing safaris
More than 75 species of fish can be found living in these waters. The Tigerfish stands out as the most coveted, celebrated for its reputation as perhaps the ultimate fighting freshwater fish. This species is formidable, capable of reaching weights of up to 33 lbs. (15 Kg).
Boat cruise
Boat trips can be arranged from Victoria Falls to Zambezi National Park, offering opportunities to see wildlife such as elephants, buffalos, and remarkable birdlife.
Best Time to visit Zambezi National Park
Zambezi National Park is ideally visited from June to September, as the mild temperatures and lack of rain create a welcoming environment, evident in the rise of visitor numbers during this period. One advantage of visiting during this period is that, with no standing water present, wildlife is naturally attracted to the river for hydration. The vegetation is less dense, which significantly enhances the ease of game viewing. Mosquitoes are limited during this period. Nonetheless, the Wet Season spanning from November to April provides the finest birding opportunities!
Weather of Zambezi National Park experiences warm to hot temperatures. The warmest period takes place between October and March. From April to September, temperatures decrease, with June and July being the coldest midwinter months. The dry season, spanning from April to October, features sunny weather and clear skies. The Wet season, spanning from November to March, features clear mornings accompanied by afternoon showers.
Dry Season – April to October – Winter
April
The temperatures decrease, especially at night. Rainfall is becoming increasingly rare.
May, June, July, and August
The winter months are at their coldest during this time. The daytime temperatures reach approximately 27°C/81°F, while at night and during the early morning, the temperature drops to about 11°C/52°F. Make sure to pack warm clothing for the early morning game drives.
September and October
The drought comes to a close as the initial rains make their appearance by late October. During the day, temperatures can soar, exceeding 31°C/88°F. October is the warmest month, featuring an average daytime temperature of 34°C/93°F.
Wet Season – November to March – Summer
November
The rain increases, though it won’t fall daily. The heat can become quite oppressive due to elevated humidity levels and average daytime temperatures that typically linger around 34°C/93°F.
December, January, and February
The three wettest months see rain occurring on average every two days. Nevertheless, it is rare for it to rain all day long. Typically, mornings are dry, followed by brief yet intense showers in the afternoons. On rare occasions, there may be a light drizzle that lasts for several consecutive days.
The average daytime temperatures reach 33°C/91°F, whereas the night and early morning temperatures typically hover around 16°C/61°F.
March
The average temperatures during the day and night range from 33°C/91°F to 15°C/59°F as the Wet season draws to a close.
Getting to Zambezi National Park
Victoria Falls and Zambezi National Parks are situated on the southern bank of the Zambezi River. Travelers have the option to drive by car, covering a distance of 440 kilometres northwest from Bulawayo or crossing through the Kazungula Border Post with Botswana, located 90 kilometres to the west. The Victoria Falls Border Post is located just metres away from the Falls, providing convenient road access from Zambia.
The route from Bulawayo to the Falls is fully paved, and the roads surrounding the Falls are easily accessible for all vehicle types. Victoria Falls features an international airport that offers flights from Harare as well as numerous regional and worldwide destinations.
