Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park: The Hidden Gem Next to Victoria Falls

While most visitors rush to Victoria Falls and then immediately book helicopter flights, white water rafting, and sunset cruises, they miss one of Zambia's best-kept secrets: Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. This compact 66-square-kilometer park surrounds the Zambian side of Victoria Falls and offers unique wildlife experiences you won't find anywhere else—including the rare opportunity to walk among white rhinos.

"Mosi-oa-Tunya" translates to "The Smoke That Thunders" in the local Lozi language—the traditional name for Victoria Falls. The park provides an intimate wilderness experience just minutes from Victoria Falls town, combining waterfall access with genuine safari encounters in a walking-friendly environment.

Why Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is Special

Unique Advantages

Walking Safaris:

• One of few parks where you can walk among wildlife
• No vehicles required for much of the park
• More intimate wildlife encounters
• Excellent for photography

White Rhino Tracking:

• Home to reintroduced white rhino population
• Guided tracking experiences available
• Conservative success story
• Rare opportunity in Southern Africa

Proximity to Victoria Falls:

• Located right next to the falls
• Easy to combine falls and safari in one day
• No long drives required
• Walkable from some accommodations

Less Crowded:

• Far fewer visitors than Zimbabwe side
• Intimate, uncrowded experiences
• Better wildlife viewing (animals less disturbed)
• More personal attention from guides

Zambezi River Frontage:

• Beautiful river views
• Riverine wildlife
• Unique ecosystem
• Different from typical savanna parks

Wildlife in Mosi-oa-Tunya

The White Rhinos

The park's star attraction is its white rhino population. These magnificent animals were reintroduced to the area as part of conservation efforts after being locally extinct.

White Rhino Facts:

• 5 individuals currently in the park
• Successfully breeding
• Protected by armed anti-poaching units
• Habituated to human presence (safe walking encounters)
• Best viewed on guided rhino tracking experiences

Rhino Tracking Experience:

• Duration: 2-3 hours
• Led by professional guides with armed rangers
• Track on foot following rhino signs
• Get remarkably close to these giants
• Learn about conservation efforts
• Photography opportunities excellent
• Cost: $65-85 USD per person

Best Time for Rhino Tracking:

• Early morning (6-9 AM) when cooler
• Rhinos most active
• Better tracking conditions
• Optimal photography light

Other Wildlife

While rhinos are the headliners, the park supports diverse wildlife:

Large Mammals:

• White rhino (star attraction)
• Giraffe (commonly seen)
• Zebra (plentiful)
• Buffalo (small herds)
• Wildebeest
• Warthog (everywhere!)
• Various antelope species

Along the Zambezi:

• Hippopotamus (large pods)
• Crocodiles
• Monitor lizards
• Water birds

Primates:

• Vervet monkeys
• Baboons (troops common)

Notably Absent:

• No lions, leopards, or large predators
• This allows safe walking safaris
• Animals more relaxed
• Better for families with children

Birdwatching

Mosi-oa-Tunya is excellent for birds:

• Over 400 species recorded
• Riverine species along Zambezi
• Raptors abundant
• Unique spray-zone species near falls
• African finfoot (rare sighting)
• Numerous waterbirds

Park Activities

Walking Safaris

The park's compact size and lack of large predators make it perfect for walking safaris:

Standard Walking Safari:

• Duration: 2-4 hours
• Professional guide required
• See multiple species
• Learn about ecology, tracking, plants
• Great for photographers
• Cost: $40-60 per person

What to Expect:

• Walk at natural pace
• Stop frequently for viewing/photos
• Learn tracking skills
• Understand animal behavior
• Appreciate smaller details
• Much more intimate than vehicle safaris

Best Times:

• Early morning (6-9 AM)
• Late afternoon (3-6 PM)
• Avoid midday heat
• Better wildlife activity

Game Drives

For those preferring vehicles or wanting to cover more ground:

Vehicle Safari Options:

• 2-3 hour game drives
• Morning or afternoon
• Access all park areas
• Better for less mobile visitors
• Can combine with walking portion
• Cost: $50-80 per vehicle

Sunrise/Sunset Experiences

The park offers magical golden hour experiences:

Sunrise:

• Peaceful morning atmosphere
• Wildlife most active
• Perfect photography light
• Cooler temperatures
• Often combined with rhino tracking

Sunset:

• Zambezi River views
• Beautiful evening light
• Animals emerging for evening activity
• Romantic atmosphere
• Often ends with sundowner drinks

Victoria Falls Access from Park

The park includes the Zambian side of Victoria Falls:

Falls Access Included:

• Park entry allows falls viewing
• Multiple viewpoints
• Including famous "Knife Edge Point"
• Combined falls + wildlife experience
• Best value option for Zambia side

Planning Your Visit

Entry Fees and Costs

Park Entry:

• International visitors: $20 USD
• Often included in tour packages
• Valid for single day
• Separate from Victoria Falls-only ticket

Activity Costs:

• Rhino tracking: $65-85
• Walking safari: $40-60
• Game drive: $50-80
• Combined packages available
• Private tours cost more

Best Value:

• Combine multiple activities
• Book package deals
• Share vehicle costs if possible
• Early morning rhino + falls visit

When to Visit

Best Seasons:

Dry Season (May-October):

• Animals concentrate near water
• Better visibility (less vegetation)
• Easier walking conditions
• More predictable weather
• Peak wildlife viewing

Wet Season (November-April):

• Lush, green landscapes
• Baby animals (Dec-Feb)
• Excellent birdwatching
• Fewer visitors
• Lower prices
• Some paths may be muddy

Month-by-Month:

• May-August: Best overall, cooler temperatures
• September-October: Hot but excellent wildlife
• November: Transition, good value
• December-March: Green season, beautiful but hot
• April: Excellent, before peak crowds

How Long to Spend

Minimum:

• 2-3 hours for rhino tracking only
• 4-5 hours for rhino + falls combination

Recommended:

• Half day (4-6 hours) for comprehensive visit
• Full day for relaxed pace, multiple activities

Extended:

• Multi-day for serious wildlife photography
• Stay at park lodges for multiple morning/evening sessions

Booking and Logistics

How to Visit:

1. Organized Tours:

   • Most convenient option
   • Includes transport, guide, fees
   • Book through tour operators or hotels
   • Prices: $100-150 for half-day including rhino tracking

2. Self-Drive:

   • Possible but guide required for rhino tracking
   • Hire guide at park gate
   • Need own vehicle
   • More flexibility

3. Walk-In:

   • Can walk to park from some nearby accommodations
   • Hire guide at gate
   • Best for experienced Africa travelers

Advance Booking:

• Peak season (July-Oct): Book 1-2 weeks ahead
• Shoulder/low season: Can book day before or same day
• Rhino tracking: Advance booking recommended (limited spaces)

Combining with Victoria Falls

Perfect Combinations

Morning Wildlife, Afternoon Falls:

• 6-9 AM: Rhino tracking and wildlife
• 9-11 AM: Victoria Falls Zambian viewpoints
• Afternoon: Rest or other activities
• Best use of one day

Multi-Day Combination:

• Day 1: Victoria Falls Zimbabwe side + activities
• Day 2: Mosi-oa-Tunya wildlife morning
• Day 3: More activities or departure

Full Nature Day:

• Morning: Mosi-oa-Tunya wildlife
• Midday: Victoria Falls
• Afternoon: Zambezi River cruise
• Complete nature immersion

What to Bring

Essential:

• Comfortable walking shoes (closed-toe)
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
• Water bottle
• Binoculars
• Camera with telephoto lens
• Light, neutral-colored clothing

Recommended:

• Long sleeves/pants (sun and insects)
• Insect repellent
• Small backpack
• Field guide books
• Notebook

Leave Behind:

• Bright colored clothing
• Strong perfumes
• Food (attracts animals)
• Plastic bags (noisy)
• Unnecessary valuables

Photography Tips

Wildlife Photography:

• Telephoto lens essential (200mm+ ideal)
• Fast shutter speeds for animals
• Shoot in morning/evening golden light
• Get low for dramatic angles
• Respect animal space

Rhino Photography:

• You'll get surprisingly close
• Wide-angle can include habitat
• Focus on eyes for impact
• Capture behavior and interactions
• Include conservation rangers for context

Falls + Wildlife Combination:

• Two different photography challenges
• Bring wide-angle for falls
• Telephoto for wildlife
• Extra batteries (lots of shooting)
• Memory cards with plenty of space

Safety and Guidelines

Walking Safari Safety:

• Always follow guide instructions
• Stay together as group
• No sudden movements
• Keep voices low
• Never approach animals independently

Rhino Safety:

• Rhinos appear docile but can charge
• Follow ranger positioning
• Stay quiet and still when close
• No flash photography when very close
• Respect safety distances

General Park Rules:

• No littering
• Stay on designated paths unless with guide
• Don't feed animals
• Respect anti-poaching measures
• Support conservation efforts

Conservation and Community

Conservation Success

White Rhino Reintroduction:

• Successful breeding program
• Anti-poaching protection working
• Hope for future expansion
• Regional conservation model

Park Management:

• Zambia Wildlife Authority
• Local community involvement
• Sustainable tourism focus
• Ongoing habitat protection

How Your Visit Helps:

• Park fees fund conservation
• Employment for local guides/rangers
• Anti-poaching operations funded
• Community development support

Responsible Tourism

Be a Responsible Visitor:

• Respect wildlife and habitat
• Follow all park rules
• Support local guides and businesses
• Learn about conservation challenges
• Share your experience to promote the park
• Consider donations to conservation programs

Nearby Accommodations

Inside the Park

Maramba River Lodge:

• Located on park boundary
• River views
• Self-catering and restaurant options
• Walking distance to park activities
• Budget to mid-range
• $100-160 per night

Near the Park

Livingstone Town Options:

• Royal Livingstone: Luxury, adjacent to park
• Avani Resort: Modern, close
• Various budget and mid-range options within 10-15 minutes

Best for Park Access:

• Stay Zambia side for easy park visits
• Many lodges offer park tours
• Some within walking distance

Comparing to Other Parks

vs. Zimbabwe's Zambezi National Park

Mosi-oa-Tunya Advantages:

• White rhino tracking
• Better walking safari opportunities
• More compact (easier to explore)
• Less crowded

Zambezi National Park Advantages:

• Elephant herds common
• Larger area
• More predator sightings possible

vs. Major Safari Parks (Chobe, Hwange, Kruger)

Mosi-oa-Tunya:

• Much smaller
• Walking safari focus
• Rhino specialty
• Combined with Victoria Falls
• Less expensive
• Half-day sufficient

Major Parks:

• Multi-day destinations
• Greater species diversity
• Big Five focus
• Vehicle-based primarily
• Require more time/budget

When to Choose Mosi-oa-Tunya:

• Limited time
• Want walkinging safaris
• Interested in rhino conservation
• Combining with Victoria Falls
• Prefer intimate experiences
• Budget-conscious

Final Verdict

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park shouldn't be missed by anyone visiting Victoria Falls who has even a passing interest in wildlife. The white rhino tracking alone justifies a visit, but the park offers so much more: peaceful walking safaris, diverse wildlife, beautiful Zambezi River scenery, and a conservation success story you can support with your visit.

For the relatively modest cost and time investment (half a day, $100-150), you'll add a genuine safari experience to your Victoria Falls adventure—one that most visitors overlook, making it feel all the more special and authentic.

Ready to Explore Mosi-oa-Tunya?

Add this hidden gem to your Victoria Falls itinerary:

• Browse All Activities
• Chobe Day Trip - Another nearby wildlife experience
• Victoria Falls Guide
• Complete Itinerary
• Contact Us - Book your park visit

Don't miss Zambia's best-kept secret—see you on the rhino trails!