Up-Close Game Drive at Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park — White Rhino Encounters Near Livingstone
Get an intimate game-drive experience at Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, where guides can bring you within camera range of white rhinos, elephants and river-edge wildlife. Short, vehicle-based safaris make this a high-value wildlife encounter near Livingstone and the Zambezi.
The Experience
Before You Go
Bring a telephoto lens or binoculars
Open-sided vehicles and distance-limited approaches mean a 200–400mm lens or 8–10x binoculars improve photos and sightings.
Plan for golden hours
Morning and late-afternoon drives offer cooler temperatures and the best light and animal activity; mid-day can be quiet and hot.
Dress in layers and wear closed shoes
Early starts can be cool while afternoons warm quickly; closed shoes help with stepping on dusty tracks getting in and out of the vehicle.
Follow the guide’s distance rules
Rhinos and elephants can appear calm but are unpredictable — remain in the vehicle unless your guide says otherwise and keep voices low.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Drive sections along the Zambezi shoreline where crocodiles sun on exposed sandbanks
- •Small birding microhabitats near fig trees that host colorful bee-eaters and barbets
Wildlife
- •White rhino
- •Nile crocodile
Conservation Note
Mosi-oa-Tunya is a small but critical protected area for white rhino and riverine species; visitors should minimize noise and avoid off-track driving to reduce disturbance.
The park shares its name with Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya) and protects riverine habitat that has supported local Tonga communities and colonial-era trade routes for centuries.
What to Bring
Binoculars (8–10x)Essential
Helps spot distant or well-camouflaged animals beyond vehicle range.
Telephoto camera lens (200–400mm)Essential
Capture close-up shots from the vehicle without disturbing wildlife.
Wide-brim sun hat & sunscreenEssential
Protects against strong sun during mid-day drives and reflective river light.
Closed-toe shoesEssential
Practical for getting on/off vehicles and walking short distances at stops.
Common Questions
Is hotel pickup included?
Most tours offer hotel or pickup-point transfers in Livingstone; confirm your pickup location and time when booking.
How close will we get to rhinos?
Guides can position you for close photographic views and, in managed situations, you may be within about 10 meters — always under strict guide control.
Are drives safe for children?
Yes, the activity is family-friendly, but children must remain seated and follow guide instructions; check the operator age policy at booking.
What should I bring for photos and storage?
Bring extra batteries and memory cards; open vehicles expose gear to dust, so use protective covers and a lens cloth.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
3 hours
Location
Livingstone, Southern Province
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required — able to climb in/out of an open vehicle and sit for the duration
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