Victoria Falls & Surrounds

The area around Victoria Falls is much more than just a magnificent waterfall. There is a wide variety of activities to choose form, and plenty of wildlife to see.

The unique blend of the Zambezi River, the dense rainforest, and the surrounding bushveld makes it a fantastic destination for a wide variety of animals, from the Big Five to a huge number of bird species.

The wildlife in this area can be found in a few key locations: right within Victoria Falls town, inside the national parks on the Zimbabwean side, and along the Zambezi River itself.

Wildlife Found Within Victoria Falls Town and The Falls Rainforest

It is a true testament to the abundance of nature here that you can often encounter wildlife just by walking around the town.

• Warthogs: It is very common to see these amusing animals, with their tails held high, grazing on the manicured lawns of hotels and guesthouses.
• Primates: Troops of baboons and vervet monkeys are a constant presence. While entertaining to watch, it is important to remember they are wild animals and not to feed them. Baboons, in particular, can be quite bold when it comes to food.
• The Victoria Falls Rainforest: As you walk the path opposite the Falls, the dense vegetation is home to smaller mammals such as bushbuck, banded mongoose, and various bird species.
• Elephants: A very special sighting is to see elephants passing through town, as they follow ancient migratory paths that have been used for centuries. This often happens at night or in the early morning, so a bit of luck and vigilance is needed.
• Birdlife: The town and rainforest are a haven for birds, from colourful species like the Schalow’s turaco with its striking red and green plumage, to various hornbills, sunbirds, and kingfishers.

Wildlife in the Zambezi and Victoria Falls National Parks

For more serious game viewing, the adjacent Zambezi National Park and Victoria Falls National Park offer a more traditional safari experience. These parks are easily accessible from town and are home to a wide range of animals.

The Big Five: While a full Big Five sighting is never guaranteed, all five of these iconic species are present here:

• Elephant: Large herds of African elephants are common, especially along the riverbanks. It is a fantastic sight to see them come down to drink and bathe in the Zambezi River.
• Buffalo: Herds of African buffalo are frequently seen, often grazing in the open grasslands near water.
• Lion: Healthy lion prides are present, though they can be more elusive than in some of the larger parks.
• Leopard: As with most places, the leopard is the most challenging to spot, but it is present in the park’s more wooded and rocky areas.
• Rhinoceros: A small, highly protected population of rhino has been reintroduced, and sightings are rare but a possibility.

Other Predators: Apart from the big cats, you may also encounter spotted hyena, and if you are very lucky, the highly endangered African wild dog. Cheetah and various smaller predators like jackals and servals are also found here.

Plains Game and Antelopes: The parks are home to a good variety of other mammals, including giraffe, zebra, kudu, waterbuck, impala, sable antelope, and tsessebe.

Wildlife on the Zambezi River

The Zambezi River itself is a vital ecosystem and a hotspot for wildlife viewing.

• Hippos and Crocodiles: The river is teeming with hippopotamus and Nile crocodiles. You will see hippos in their pods, grunting and jostling for space, and crocodiles basking on the sandy banks or lurking stealthily in the water.
• Riverine Birds: For birding enthusiasts, the riverine areas are particularly rewarding. You can spot the iconic African fish eagle, various kingfishers, herons, egrets, and a huge number of other water-dependent birds. The spectacular African skimmer and Carmine bee-eater are also seen at certain times of the year.
• Animals at the water’s edge: River cruises are one of the best ways to see elephants and other animals coming down to the river to drink as the sun sets, providing incredible photographic opportunities.

World-class Safari Experiences at Chobe National Park and Hwange National Park

Given that your clients are already at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, it is an excellent base from which to explore (or travel to) two of Southern Africa’s most renowned wildlife destinations: Chobe National Park in Botswana and Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. Both offer distinct and spectacular safari experiences, making them highly recommended add-ons for any wildlife enthusiast.

• Chobe National Park (Botswana): Chobe is world-famous for its enormous elephant population. It is common to see hundreds, if not thousands, of these majestic animals, especially along the Chobe Riverfront during the dry season. Nontheless, Chobe is home to the Big 5. The park also boasts significant numbers of buffalo, often seen in vast herds, which attracts lion prides for the hunt. Be sure to include guided game drives and the iconic Chobe River cruises for a unique animal viewing experience.
• Hwange National Park (Zimbabwe): Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest and arguably its most diverse national park, located about a 2.5-hour drive from Victoria Falls. It offers a more traditional and immersive safari experience, often requiring an overnight stay (or more) to truly appreciate its vastness and incredible wildlife. Hwange is renowned for its massive elephant herds, rivalling even Chobe in numbers, particularly around its many pumped waterholes during the dry season. It is also an excellent park for predator sightings, boasting healthy populations of lion, leopard, cheetah, and a significant, protected population of the endangered African wild dog.

Combining a visit to Victoria Falls with either or both of these parks creates an unparalleled Southern African adventure for your clients.

Adrenaline-Pumping Adventure Activities:

• Bungee Jumping, Gorge Swinging, and Zip-lining: Experience the ultimate thrill by leaping off the Victoria Falls Bridge (111 meters high) or swinging/ziplining across the Batoka Gorge.
• White Water Rafting: The Zambezi River offers some of the wildest white-water rafting in the world, with Grade 5 rapids.
• Devil’s Pool (seasonal): For the adventurous, swim in a natural infinity pool right on the edge of the falls.
• High-Speed Jetboat: Experience an exhilarating ride below the Falls.

Scenic & Wildlife Experiences:

• Helicopter or Microlight Flights (“Flight of Angels”): Get a breathtaking aerial view of the majestic Victoria Falls, the Zambezi River, and surrounding landscapes. Some flights also offer game viewing opportunities over Zambezi National Park.
• Zambezi River Cruises: Enjoy tranquil sunset cruises on the Zambezi River above the Falls, often spotting hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species. Dinner cruises are also available.
• Guided Tour of Victoria Falls Rainforest: Explore the Zimbabwean side of the Falls with a qualified guide, learning about its history, flora, and fauna, and stopping at various lookout points. Lunar Rainbow tours are available during full moon nights.

Cultural and Other Activities:

• Boma Dinner & Drum Show: An unforgettable evening of traditional African food and entertainment.
• Traditional Village Tour: Interact with local villagers and learn about their culture.
• Zambezi Tram Tour: A scenic journey to the Victoria Falls Bridge, including drinks and canapés.
• Shopping: Explore lively craft markets and a modern shopping mall for souvenirs.

Safari & Game Viewing Opportunities:

• Zambezi National Park: Located just a short drive from Victoria Falls town, this 57,000-hectare unfenced national park is home to elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, and various plains game like kudu, impala, and bushbuck. The Zambezi River forms its northern border, teeming with crocodiles and hippos.
• Chobe National Park (Botswana):
  • A popular destination to combine with your travels to Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park in Botswana is renowned for having one of the largest concentrations of wildlife in Africa, especially its massive elephant population.
• Hwange National Park:
  • A popular destination to combine with your travels to Victoria Falls. Hwange National Park isZimbabwe’s largest and most historical game reserve, located less than 2.5 hours away. Hwange is home to over 100 mammals, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo), and is particularly known for its large elephant herds and predator sightings.