Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park

Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park

The national park is situated on the upper Zambesi river. It also includes the world-famous Victoria Falls. The river separates Zambia and Zimbabwe. The Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park is very small by area. It is just 66 sq. kilometers in size. About 12 km of the Zambesi river from one border of the national park. The park is adjacent to the city of Livingstone. There are two distinct sections for the national park. The section where you see the wildlife which is called the wildlife section. The other is the land that is close to the falls.

Attractions In Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park

The main attraction is the national park itself. There are various animals that you can see in the park. There are giraffes, zebras, impalas, warthogs and Cape buffaloes. But the main attraction of the park is the rhinos. Here you can see the Southern White Rhino. Though the numbers reduced due to poaching, they have now increased due to excellent surveillance and conservation programs. You can see African elephants crossing the river and walking through the forest. Hippos and crocodiles can be seen on the river banks.

In the falls section of the national park, you can see many rare plants and trees as they are sustained by the spray from the falls. Some bridges help you see the falls from different angles. You can go to a section of undeveloped area jutting into the river just before it becomes the Victoria Falls. Many places in the forest contain walking trails which offer you views of a great variety of birds.

What To Do At Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park?

As with any national park, the game drive is what most people come here for. Because of the small size of the park, it is possible to see more animals within a short drive. Most of the hotels and lodges in the area will offer you game drives which usually last around two-and-a-half hours. You are also allowed to take your car around the park where you can spot the animals. There are rhinos, buffaloes, antelopes, giraffe, wildebeest, and zebras in the park.

Walking safaris are also arranged by the park guards. You may get a chance to see the white rhinos from far during the walking safaris.

Reaching Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park

You can reach the national park from Livingstone which is the closes city. Most of the lodges and tour operators will provide transport to the park. You can also drive in your car from the city to the park and also inside the park. Livingstone has got an airport where you can fly in from Lusaka, which is the capital of Zambia.

When Should You Visit Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park?

The best time to visit the park is from May to September. This is also the best time for seeing Lake Victoria falls. The high season at the park is between July and September when the rates can be pretty high. January to June is the lean season when the rates will be the lowest. October to December months are not advisable as the falls will be down to a trickle and the weather is very hot and humid.