Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park was created to protect not only the wildlife but also one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World – the Victoria Falls. The Mosi oa Tunya national park is the smallest Park in Zambia covering an area of 66 square kilometres.
The park is situated in Livingstone and was declared a National Park in 1972. Wildlife to be seen here includes rhino, elephant, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, impala, and baboon just to mention a few.
Mosi-oa-Tunya is one of Zambia’s smallest national parks. It has two parts: the Victoria Falls World Heritage National Monument Site; and the Mosi-oa-Tunya Game Park. The falls are deservedly one of Africa’s top attractions.
The game park is a tiny wildlife sanctuary with a big range of animals. More a zoo, than a wilderness area, this might be worth a visit if you have a few hours to spare – especially if you aren’t going to any of the proper Zambian parks. White rhino is kept in a separate enclosure and can be tracked on foot.
The tiny park offers a good introduction to Zambia’s wildlife. There are elephant, buffalo, giraffe and zebra, as well as many of the common antelope species. Some white rhino have been re-introduced and started breeding successfully.
They are kept in a separate enclosure for extra protection and guided walks to see them are available. There are no large predators.
The park is situated along the bank of the upper Zambezi – one of Africa’s most impressive rivers. It includes the Victoria Falls and stretches to 12km upstream above the falls.
The scenic highlight is obviously the waterfall itself. The drive along the river offers stunning views of this mighty waterway, especially in the early morning, when a thick carpet of mist hangs above the water.
Mosi-oa-Tunya’s diminutive size makes it less vulnerable to changes in the climate, which means you can see wildlife here at any time of year.
That said, conditions are far more comfortable in the drier months (May to October), and it’s easier to see animals as the vegetation has receded. This is also when the flow of the Zambezi River is at its greatest; making Victoria falls that much more spectacular.
Attractions
Victoria falls in one of Africa’s top attractions
Game Park with lots of animals in small area
Self-drive or guided drives available
Guided walking safari to see rhino on foot
Where to stay
Protea Hotel by Marriott Livingstone is a Livingstone hotel located on the outskirts of the city, the tourism capital of Zambia. We sit adjacent to the Falls Park shopping and entertainment complex, so there is never a shortage of things to do around.
Protea Hotel by Marriott Livingstone offers deluxe rooms with air-conditioning, tea/coffee making facilities, electronic safes, electronic door locks, telephone and DSTV. There is an in-house restaurant, bar, swimming pool and two conferencing facilities.
The famous Victoria Falls is a mere 10kms from the hotel, making Protea Hotel by Marriott Livingstone the perfect venue for sight-seeing and more.
Nearby leisure activities include bungee jumping, white water rafting, fishing, helicopter rides, golf, game viewing, gorge swing, a crocodile park and many more.
Oriental swan hotel
Located in Livingstone, less than 1 km from Livingstone’s reptile park, Oriental Swan Hotel offers free Wi-Fi. The property is about 2.3 km from the Railway Museum and 2.4 km from the Livingstone Railway Museum. The restaurant serves African cuisine.
All rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kettle, a spa bath, free toiletries and a desk. The private bathroom includes a hairdryer.
The hotel serves a buffet or Asian breakfast.
The Oriental Swan Hotel has a hot tub.
The staff at the 24-hour reception speaks English and Chinese.
The property is 3.2 km from Livingstone Museum and 18 km from Victoria Falls National Park.
Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara
Located on the banks of the Zambezi River, the Royal Livingstone Hotel is named after the legendary explorer who named Zambia’s iconic waterfall in honor of his queen.
Paying tribute to this glorious era, our hotel evokes Victorian elegance and colonial traditions in impeccable style, and offers unforgettable adventures.
All of our luxury rooms and suites feature a private veranda with mighty Zambezi River views. The sights and sounds of river life can be soaked up as you laze in a hammock, enjoy a massage in a waterfront gazebo, or cool off in the pool.
Sip refreshments in a lounge that displays the paintings of Sir David Livingstone, and savour African and European fine dining, followed by nightcaps under the stars with the finest Livingstone hotel in the region.