Mosi Oa Tunya National Park
Discover the Wonders of Mosi Oa Tunya National Park: Victoria Falls, Rare Wildlife, and Thrilling Adventures Await
Nestled along the Zambezi River, Mosi Oa Tunya National Park may be Zambia's smallest national park, but it is undoubtedly one of its most captivating gems. Spanning just 66 square kilometers, this compact sanctuary offers an intimate setting to explore nature’s wonders. Within its bounds, visitors are treated to the breathtaking Victoria Falls, the adrenaline-pumping Batoka Gorge, and an ecosystem teeming with diverse wildlife. Each corner of this park reveals another facet of the beauty and adventure that defines Zambia.
A true haven for game enthusiasts and bird watchers alike, Mosi Oa Tunya is home to an impressive array of wildlife. Elephants, giraffes, buffalo, hippos, and even the elusive white rhino roam these lands, making it one of Zambia’s unique spots for photography and observation. Without predatory animals in the vicinity, guests can safely immerse themselves in the park’s stunning riverside landscapes and mopane woodlands, though a professional guide remains essential for safety. The park's birdlife, particularly vibrant in the summer months, offers endless fascination for those who take the time to look skyward.
Whether you are seeking serene riverbank drives, a glimpse of rare wildlife, or the thrill of adventure activities like white-water rafting, Mosi Oa Tunya delivers unforgettable experiences year-round. Each season offers its distinct allure, from the dramatic peak-flow of Victoria Falls in April to the cooler, adventure-friendly days of winter. Small but remarkable in every way, this park is a treasure trove of natural splendor and outdoor excitement waiting to be explored.
Mosi Oa Tunya National Park Facts
- Size: 66 square kilometres
- Location: Upstream of Victoria Falls
- Accommodation: Livingstone Lodges
Where is Mosi Oa Tunya National Park located?
The national park runs from the Batoka Gorge and continues for 12km above Victoria Falls along the Zambezi River (on the Zambian side of the river).
Information On Mosi Oa Tunya National Park
With the park being so small, it offers the ideal opportunity for relaxing game drives alongside the river banks, grasslands, riverine forests and mopane woodlands.
Wildlife includes elephants, giraffe, buffalo, waterbuck, impala, wildebeest, zebra, bushbuck, warthogs, monkeys, baboons, hippos and crocodiles. And let us not forget the rather spectacular birdlife, with birding being best in the summer months.
Of interest, Mosi Oa Tunya is one of the very few destinations in the whole of Zambia, where one can spot and photograph white rhino.
There are no predators in the park, so photographing the surrounding scenery outside of a vehicle is possible; however, just because elephants and hippos are not predators does not mean that they will not seriously injure you or take your life. Please do not get close to these animals without a professional guide to lead the way.
Best Time to Visit Mosi Oa Tunya National Park
Year-round with the following notes;
- Summer months (December to February); Hot, very hot with afternoon thunderstorms, best for birding and high water adventure activities. Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River start heading towards peak flow.
- Autumn months (March to May); slightly cooler with a little less rain, Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River are at peak flow in April (March, April and May are best for viewing the falls at full flow).
- Winter months (June to August); Almost perfect weather conditions, warm during the day and cool at night. Best time for low water Zambezi adventure activities (i.e. white water rafting).
- Spring months (September to November); Temperatures start to climb, with November being rather unpleasant. Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River are at their lowest flow points during this time.
Main Attractions Of Mosi Oa Tunya National Park
- Victoria Falls
- Zambezi River
- Batoka Gorge
- Adventure activities
- Birding
- Self-drive game drives
- Protected white rhino sightings
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