Explore the wild beauty of Zambezi National Park on a game drive that brings you into close contact with elephants, buffalo, lions, and numerous other species just minutes from Victoria Falls town. This accessible safari experience offers excellent wildlife viewing without the need for long-distance travel, making it perfect for fitting into a busy itinerary.

Zambezi National Park stretches along the Zambezi River upstream from Victoria Falls, covering 56,000 hectares of diverse habitat including riverine forest, mopane woodland, and grassland plains. The park is especially known for its large elephant and buffalo herds, and during your game drive, you'll have excellent chances of encountering these impressive animals. Lions are regularly spotted, particularly during the dry season when they concentrate near water sources, and leopards, though elusive, are also present in the park.

Game drives are offered at different times—early morning drives (departing around 6am) coincide with the most active period for predators and offer the best chance of spotting lions hunting. Afternoon drives usually depart around 4pm and extend into the sunset hour, providing spectacular lighting for photography and the opportunity to see elephants coming to the river to drink. The riverfront areas are particularly rewarding, with hippos visible in the water, crocodiles sunning on the banks, and countless bird species including African fish eagles, kingfishers, and herons.

Your professional guide drives an open-sided 4x4 safari vehicle, providing unobstructed views and excellent photography angles. They use their experience and knowledge of animal behavior to track wildlife and position the vehicle for optimal viewing while maintaining safe distances. Throughout the drive, they'll share insights about the ecosystem, animal interactions, and conservation efforts in the park. Whether you choose a morning or afternoon drive, the 3-4 hour experience offers authentic African safari atmosphere with the convenience of being close to town.

Professional guide picks you up from hotel in open-sided 4x4 safari vehicle (best for viewing and photography). Drive to Zambezi National Park (15 minutes from town). Morning drives (6am start) focus on predator activity when lions hunt and animals are most active. Afternoon drives (4pm start) extend through sunset with spectacular light and animals coming to river. Drive slowly through diverse habitats—riverine forest, mopane woodland, grasslands. Elephant and buffalo herds virtually guaranteed, often in large numbers. Good chances of seeing lions, especially dry season when they concentrate near water. Possible sightings: leopard, wild dogs, giraffe, zebra, warthog, various antelope. Riverfront stops reveal hippos, crocodiles, water birds. Guide tracks animals using experience, spoor reading, and sometimes radio communication with other guides. Stop for sundowner drinks on sunset drives. Duration 3-4 hours. Bring binoculars (often provided), camera with zoom lens, layers for cool mornings.

Morning drives require very early start (5:30am pickup) but reward you with best wildlife activity and photography light. Afternoon drives include sunset viewing and drinks. Wear neutral colors (khaki, green, brown)—avoid bright colors and white. Bring hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera with good zoom. Layer clothing as mornings can be cool, afternoons hot. Park entry fees usually included. Suitable for all ages including children. Bring binoculars if you have them. Sit on raised seats for best views over bush. Rain rarely cancels game drives—animals often more active after rain. Dry season (May-October) offers best wildlife viewing as animals concentrate near water.

Dry season (May-October) offers best wildlife viewing—animals concentrate near water, vegetation is lower allowing better visibility, and roads are in better condition. November-April (wet season) has lush scenery, baby animals, migrant birds, but wildlife more dispersed and harder to spot. Within any season, early morning and late afternoon are optimal. Full moon periods can affect predator activity (lions hunt more at night, less active during day).

Book morning drive for your first day to maximize time for other activities. Or do sunset drive your last evening for perfect farewell to Victoria Falls. Sit in the back row of vehicle for 360-degree views and easiest camera positioning. Bring fully charged camera and spare battery—you'll take hundreds of photos. Ask guide about recent sightings before departing. Don't be disappointed if you don't see every animal—safari is about the whole experience, not just ticking boxes. The guide's knowledge adds huge value—ask questions about ecology, animal behavior, conservation. Bring small backpack for water, snacks, camera equipment. Consider doing both morning and afternoon drives on different days—very different experiences. Combine with helicopter flight same day for diverse Victoria Falls experience. This is the easiest, most convenient safari option and makes a perfect introduction to African wildlife or nice addition to adventure-focused itinerary.