Sight guide · Victoria Falls · Zimbabwe
Visiting Zambezi National Park
Starting just upstream of town, this national park runs along the Zambezi and inland into mopane woodland.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Harvey Barrison from Massapequa, NY, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0
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Quick answer
Zambezi National Park is a nature spot in Upper Zambezi riverfront, Victoria Falls. Allow 3–4 hours; it is mid-priced. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Nature
- Area
- Upper Zambezi riverfront
- Time needed
- 3–4 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- nature, kids, outdoors and photo spot
- Best months
- May–July
About Zambezi National Park
Starting just upstream of town, this national park runs along the Zambezi and inland into mopane woodland. Game drives here regularly see elephants, buffalo, giraffe, sable antelope and plenty of birds, and lions and leopards are sometimes seen.
Tip: Book an early-morning drive, when animals are most active and the light is soft.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 3–4 hours.
- Cost: Mid-priced.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Upper Zambezi riverfront, riverside lodges among trees upstream of the falls along Zambezi Drive.
Best time to visit Zambezi National Park
Zambezi National Park is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- June: 25°C (77°F) highs, about 0 rainy days, busy crowds.
- July: 25°C (77°F) highs, about 0 rainy days, very busy crowds.
- May: 28°C (82°F) highs, about 0 rainy days, busy crowds.
When to visit Victoria Falls has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Victoria Falls itinerary visits Zambezi National Park on day 2, together with Zambezi sunset cruise, The Big Tree and The Boma dinner and drum show.
- No. 9 of the 14 sights in our Victoria Falls things-to-do list.
- Day 2 of the 5-day plan.
- One of the picks in outdoors in Victoria Falls.
- A family favourite in Victoria Falls with kids.
Near Zambezi National Park
Also in Upper Zambezi riverfront, so you can walk between them:
- The Big Tree — 20 minutes, free
- Zambezi sunset cruise — 2–3 hours, mid-priced
- Upper Zambezi canoeing — half a day, expensive
If you like Zambezi National Park
- Victoria Falls rainforest (Zimbabwe side) — Victoria Falls Hotel and the bridge, 2–3 hours
- Knife-Edge Bridge (Zambia side) — Livingstone riverfront (Zambia), 1–2 hours
- Lunar rainbow visits — Victoria Falls Hotel and the bridge, 1–2 hours
Staying near Zambezi National Park
Stay in Upper Zambezi riverfront ($$$) to walk here: riverside lodges among trees upstream of the falls along Zambezi Drive. All areas to stay in Victoria Falls.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Zambezi National Park?
Plan 3–4 hours. With The Big Tree nearby, it fits a half-day in Upper Zambezi riverfront.
+Is Zambezi National Park free?
No, it is mid-priced. Tickets are usually available on the day.
+When is the best time to visit Zambezi National Park?
May–July for the most comfortable weather. Book an early-morning drive, when animals are most active and the light is soft.
+Do I need to book Zambezi National Park in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.
+Is Zambezi National Park good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Victoria Falls. Victoria Falls works well for families with school-age children: the rainforest walk, river cruises, game drives and The Boma are all family-friendly, although many adventure activities have minimum ages.