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Victoria Falls, known by the locals as Mosi-oa-tunya or "the smoke that thunders," is Zambia's most important tourist attractions. At 66km², it is one of the smallest parks in the country, protecting the riverine area above the Falls, as well as white rhino and some other animals.
Need Advice?The Falls section of the national park includes the rainforest opposite the Eastern Cataract, created by the waterfall's spray. It contains rare plants like pod mahogany, ebony, ivory palm, creepers, and lianas.
This sanctuary is where you will find the last remaining white rhino of Zambia. Other animals here include zebra and giraffe, and the occasional elephant. On a game drive along the Zambezi, you will see plenty of hippo wallowing in the shallows and crocodiles basking on the river's edge. Also, bushbuck, vervet monkeys, and bird species such as the coppery sunbird and the rare Taita falcon.
The park is relatively small so the roads can get quite congested during game drives. If you'd like a more exclusive experience, hop on a canoe that meanders lazily through the park. It is also a great way to experience the lush rainforest vegetation that flourishes in the waterfall's spray.
The Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is home to an Elephant Encounter and Lion Project. Both are conservation projects aimed at creating a holistic experience that conserves animals and teaches visitors about them and what it takes to protect them. Here you can interact with elephants and walk with lions.
In addition to the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park has quite a bit to offer. An exceptional element is the presence of endangered white rhinos within the tiny park.
In addition to the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park has quite a bit to offer. An exceptional element is the presence of endangered white rhinos within the tiny park.
Mosi-oa-Tunya Park is on the banks of the upper Zambezi River in Zambia. Guests will be welcomed at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and assisted in transferring to a cross-border flight to Livingstone in Zambia. The airport is conveniently close to the park – approximately 10km – but the drive can take up to half an hour.
Guests will be transported from Livingstone Airport in a private air-conditioned vehicle by an experienced guide. The drive to the various lodges in the area is an excellent way for visitors to familiarize themselves with the environment. It also acts as an opportunity to spot some wild animals before arriving at your accommodation.
When you plan to visit the area depends on what it is that you would like to see. If you are primarily visiting the Victoria Falls sections of the park, it is best to visit during March and April when it is in full flow. If you are planning to walk along the Falls to one of the various attractions, such as the Boiling Pot or the Devil's Pool, it is likely to be inaccessible during full flow.
The wildlife section of the park like many other parks around Southern Africa, the wildlife section of the park is best to visit in the dry months when the animals converge around water sources which offers guests the best opportunity to see them. Winter evenings can get cold, primarily due to the presence of the waters. Summers are hot and sometimes humid, with storms occurring occasionally.
Mosi-Oa-Tunya is another World Heritage Site-recognized name for Victoria Falls. The term "Victoria Falls" was given to the massive waterfall by Dr. David Livingstone, the great explorer, scientific investigator, and anti-slavery crusader. Livingstone set eyes on the waterfall on 16 November 1855 and decided that it was so magnificent it should be honored with the name of his Queen Victoria. He later wrote: "No one can imagine the beauty of the view from anything witnessed in England. Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight."
There are a lot of archaeological sites close the Victoria Falls. The oldest predates Homo sapiens, containing stone artifacts used by Homo habilis some 3 million years ago. Middle and Late Stone Age weapons, jewelry, and digging tools from between 50 000 and 2 000 years ago are also present. The Iron Age pottery, stone, and iron artifacts follow the Stone Age artifacts. The first bridge over the Falls was completed in 1905, allowing railway, road, and travel on foot. The bridge is constructed of steel and is 198 meters long. It is the only rail link between Zambia and Zimbabwe and one of only three road links between the countries.
There has been a lot of trouble with the park's rhinos, as they are intensively hunted for their horns by poachers.
Other species include the Angolan giraffe, Grant's zebra, warthog, buffalo, and impala. African elephants cross the river, and dangerous species like hippos and Nile crocodiles line the river banks. Chacma baboons and vervet monkeys are common and entertain with all their antics. Lesser known species like klipspringers and clawless otters are also present. An astounding 450 species of birds, including 35 raptors, can be found in the park. Plenty of avid bird watchers come here, especially for rare species like the African finfoot.
The park may be small, but it encompasses Victoria Falls and 12km of the Zambezi River frontage. It is at the narrowest section of the river, so animals like the African elephant cross here at the Old Drift. The settlers lived in the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries.
The waterfall creates a rainforest that is the perfect environment for rare species, such as the ivory palm. In drought, the vegetation suffers as it depends on the constant spray from the waterfall. The surrounding areas are primarily mopane woodland, miombo woodland, Rhodesian teak woodland, and scrubland savanna. The river pours through various gorges, of which the first is the one the river falls into at Victoria Falls. Five others are named simply second, third, fourth, fifth, and lastly, the Songwe Gorge. Each gorge represents a site where the falls previously fell as they do now at the first gorge.
At Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, visitors will come to understand why "The Smoke that Thunders," Victoria Falls, is so impressive. The Falls are one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the Modern World and are truly spectacular to behold. The earth reverberates with the sheer power they cascade through the passageways down the cliffs, and a light mist fills the air around you. Sometimes, when the light is just right, you can see a circular rainbow amidst these swirling veils. It is impossible to articulate - a mesmerizing experience.
The spray of Victoria Falls can be seen from up to 60 km away. The abundance of water gives life to such a diverse range of animals that the wildlife corridor of the park will keep you enthralled as soon as you lift your eyes from the Falls. Open vehicle game drives with experienced rangers occur in the mornings and late afternoons. Armed rangers accompany walkings safaris. Birders will be incredibly impressed with the variety of species.
