Zambezi National Park Game Drive: Small-Group Big Five Safari near Victoria Falls
A focused three-hour game drive through Zambezi National Park puts you near waterholes where elephants, buffalo and other Big Five congregate. Small groups, experienced guides and dawn or dusk departures make this a high-value wildlife outing close to Victoria Falls.
The Experience
Before You Go
Time your drive for golden hours
Choose early morning or late afternoon departures for cooler temperatures and the best wildlife activity and light for photos.
Bring binoculars and a telephoto lens
Animals often cluster at distant waterholes; optics improve sightings without requiring close approaches.
Wear neutral, muted clothing
Avoid bright colors that can spook wildlife and attract insects; light layers help with temperature swings.
Follow the guide's safety rules
Remain seated in the vehicle and keep limbs inside—guides prioritize safety around unpredictable animals.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Stand quietly at lesser-used riverbank viewpoints near smaller pans for intimate bird and hippo encounters.
- •Ask guides to stop at small roadside hides—these often reveal skittish species and fresh spoor away from main waterholes.
Wildlife
- •Elephant
- •Lion
Conservation Note
Operators and park management emphasize staying on designated tracks and minimizing disturbance at waterholes; anti-poaching and habitat protection remain central to the park’s conservation efforts.
The park protects riverine and floodplain habitats along the Zambezi and lies adjacent to Victoria Falls; the local Tonga people have long historic ties to the river’s resources.
What to Bring
BinocularsEssential
Close distant wildlife and scan the riverline without disrupting animals.
Camera with telephoto lensEssential
Capture detailed images of game at waterholes from the vehicle.
Sun hat and sunglassesEssential
Protect against strong low-angle sun during dawn and dusk drives.
Light, neutral clothing and a windbreaker
Layer for cool mornings and dusty or breezy conditions; neutral tones reduce disturbance.
Common Questions
Will I see the Big Five on this drive?
Sightings are common near waterholes—elephant and buffalo are frequent; lions and leopards are possible but not guaranteed. Guides maximize opportunities but wildlife movements are natural and unpredictable.
What time are the drives?
Operators typically run early morning and late afternoon/evening drives to coincide with peak animal activity and favorable light for photography.
Is the tour suitable for children or people with limited mobility?
The tour is advertised as suitable for all fitness levels and wheelchair accessible options exist, but check with the operator about vehicle access and specific needs before booking.
Are drinks and snacks provided?
Many small-group tours include bottled water, snacks and sometimes alcoholic beverages; verify inclusions when you book.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
3 hours
Location
Victoria Falls, Matabeleland North
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Light activity level; participants should be able to board a safari vehicle and sit for the duration with occasional short walks to hides.
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