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Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park

Nestled along the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia is a captivating destination that showcases the country’s rich biodiversity and natural beauty. Named after the local name for Victoria Falls, which translates to “The Smoke That Thunders,” this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers visitors the chance to witness breathtaking landscapes and encounter a diverse array of wildlife in their natural habitat.

Mosi oa Tunya: A Unique Wildlife Experience

Despite its relatively small size of 66 square kilometers, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park boasts an impressive variety of wildlife, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts. The park is home to Zambia’s only population of white rhinos, which are closely monitored and protected by dedicated wildlife rangers. In addition to these magnificent creatures, visitors can spot elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, warthogs, and various antelope species, including impalas, waterbucks, and bushbucks.

Predators are scarce in the park, which makes it an ideal location for families and visitors who want to experience wildlife without the concern of large predators nearby. The absence of lions and leopards allows for more relaxed exploration and makes walking safaris particularly appealing.

Mosi oa Tunya National Park: Birding Safaris

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 400 recorded bird species. The riverine forests, open plains, and wetland areas create diverse habitats for a wide range of birdlife. Keen birders can spot African fish eagles, white-fronted bee-eaters, kingfishers, hornbills, and the elusive Schalow’s turaco. The Zambezi River provides an excellent opportunity to observe waterbirds such as herons, storks, and cormorants.
 
Birding safaris in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park offer a specialized experience for bird enthusiasts. Expert guides help visitors identify various species, understand their behaviors, and appreciate the park’s avian diversity. Whether you’re an avid birder or a casual observer, the park’s birdlife never disappoints, especially during the migratory seasons when the variety of species increases significantly.

Mosi oa Tunya National Park: Flora and Scenic Beauty

The park’s vegetation is equally captivating, with distinct ecosystems ranging from riverine forests to open grasslands and mopane woodlands. Towering fig trees, mahogany, and wild date palms line the riverbanks, while acacia and marula trees are scattered throughout the interior. Seasonal wildflowers add vibrant splashes of color during the rainy season, enhancing the park’s scenic appeal.

Exploring the Park: Multiple Safari Options

Visitors to Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park can explore its wonders through various safari experiences, catering to different interests and levels of adventure.

  1. Game Drives: Game drives offer a classic safari experience, with the option to self-drive or join a guided tour with a knowledgeable safari operator. The park’s well-maintained network of roads ensures accessibility throughout the year, even for those with limited off-road experience.

  2. Walking Safaris: For a more immersive experience, guided walking safaris with licensed operators allow guests to explore the park on foot. These safaris provide a deeper understanding of the ecosystem, focusing on animal tracks, plants, and smaller creatures often overlooked during game drives. Walking safaris also offer a rare chance to see white rhinos up close while maintaining a safe and respectful distance.

  3. Boat Cruises: The Zambezi River offers a different perspective of the park’s landscape and wildlife. Boat cruises, especially early morning and at sunset, provide stunning views of the river, its islands, and the spray from Victoria Falls in the distance. Hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds are commonly seen from the boat, along with elephants coming to drink and bathe along the riverbanks.

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park: A Glimpse into History

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is not only rich in natural beauty but also steeped in historical significance. The Old Drift site, located within the park, was the original crossing point for early European settlers and traders in the late 19th century. This area served as a vital link between Southern and Central Africa, with ox-drawn wagons ferrying goods and people across the Zambezi River. The remnants of this historical site offer a fascinating insight into the challenges and resilience of the early pioneers who laid the groundwork for Livingstone’s development.

Unique Selling Points of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park

  • Proximity to Victoria Falls: The park is just a short distance from Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, making it an easy and convenient addition to any visit to Livingstone.
  • White Rhino Encounters: Mosi-oa-Tunya is the only park in Zambia where visitors can see white rhinos in the wild, thanks to ongoing conservation efforts.
  • Family-Friendly Environment: The lack of dangerous predators makes the park particularly suitable for families with young children.
  • Year-Round Accessibility: The park is accessible year-round, with wildlife sightings consistent throughout the seasons.
  • Variety of Safari Options: From self-drive adventures to walking safaris and boat cruises, the park offers diverse ways to experience Zambia’s natural beauty.

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is more than just a wildlife destination; it’s a place where nature, history, and adventure converge. Whether you’re watching elephants by the river, spotting a rare bird, or walking alongside a white rhino, the park promises unforgettable moments for every visitor.
Activity

Anantara Spa

Surrounded by the natural beauty of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, the spa offers open-air treatments on the banks of the Zambezi River.

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Accommodation

Radisson Blu Mosi oa Tunya

Escape the bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in the pristine wilderness of Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park. This remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls and an array of wildlife.

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Plan Your Trip

Perhaps the most accessible national park in Africa’s Eden, Mosi-oa-Tunya is positioned between Livingstone and The Victoria Falls itself. Game viewing is the main attraction in the extended section of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park along the Zambezi River. While Africa’s main predators are absent, the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is a great location to see a wide variety of other wildlife. Visitors can see migratory elephant herds (during drier spells), giraffe, waterbuck, buffalo, impala, wildebeest, zebra, warthogs and many others. A particular highlight will be to find the endangered white rhino, which is heavily protected in the park by rangers. There is even the opportunity to approach these splendid animals on foot with a professionally guided tour. The Mosi-oa-tunya National Park also contains some historical sites left by the first European settlers, including a cemetery and the Old Drift Crossing Point.