No longer Cinderella – Introducing Zambezi National Park

Over the last few years there has been an explosion of activity in this once sleepy backwater close to Victoria Falls. There have a raft of new game lodges opening up on the river banks. For years the Zambezi National Park was considered the small, somewhat inconsequential step-sister, to the bigger and brasher Chobe National Park.

• Chobe had the brand name. Chobe was in Botswana which is far better known than Zimbabwe.
• Chobe offered both land and water activities which is attractive to people wanting to have a varied safari experience. Chobe had safari lodges to suit all pockets (within a Botswana safari context).

But over the years Chobe has almost become a victim of its own success. It is now very busy in the park. So perhaps the ugly step-sister analogy is too unfair. But people have been starting to look elsewhere. Meanwhile there is no denying that some fairy godmother has turned the Zambezi National Park into a princess. And not just for one night!

Where is the Zambezi National Park?

The Zambezi National Park has a stunning location being between Victoria Falls and the border with Botswana (i.e. en route to the Chobe National Park).

It also borders a river. But this time it’s the mighty Zambezi River (which the smaller Chobe River of Botswana runs into). It is a sizeable park, being 55,000ha. (To put that into perspective, the Sabi Sands adjacent to the Kruger is only 62,000ha). And, although it is not as vast as Chobe, , most Chobe visitors stay in a much smaller area close to the river anyway, because of the limited road network further south.

 

Wildlife in the Zambezi National Park

And the wildlife is surprisingly good for such a lesser-known park. Although it may not boast as much wildlife diversity, the beauty of being in this park is the ability to get close to game sightings. You are likely to spot buffalo, elephant, lion, and leopard. And of course other wildlife such as kudu, impala, sable, eland, warthog, and zebra.

And let’s not forget the advantage that the mighty Zambezi River brings. You’ll catch a glimpse of crocodile, waterbuck, and many pods of hippo when game viewing close to the banks of the river.

Advantages of Zambezi National Park:

Close to Victoria Falls

Typically it is only 45 to 90 minutes from Victoria Falls to most lodges in the Zambezi National Park. This means that you can visit the Falls from your lodge. This is usually offered as an included activity, especially if you stay for 3 nights. Or you can spend 1 night at the Falls and then continue here for your safari experience. Without losing a precious vacation day to travel.

Much Quieter

It is much quieter compared to the Chobe National Park where you are jostling for sightings with loads of other vehicles. And it is more peaceful than the busy town of Victoria Falls. Here the constant hum of helicopters flying over the Falls can be heard.

Bush Walks and Night Drives

Bush walks are a wonderful way to experience the bush on a whole new level. You won’t just discover the tracks and signs of larger wildlife, but will also learn about smaller creatures, trees and plants… and all with your senses (sight, smell, taste, sound and touch)!

And this park also allows for night drives, an activity that is not on offer in all national parks. This is the perfect way to get a glimpse of nocturnal animals (like the elusive leopard, genet, porcupine, honey badger and giant eagle owl). The big cats tend to be more active at night and you may find yourself following lions on the hunt.

Ultra-luxurious Lodges

Chobe has no ultra-luxurious lodges, because it is a national park and thus you cannot describe it as exclusive. But that’s not the case for the Zambezi where there are several upmarket and uber-deluxe lodges to choose from.

Canoeing

If you like to be active, you’ll enjoy the fact that many of the lodges offer canoeing on the Zambezi River, with its gentle, but nevertheless, exhilarating rapids.

Easy to combine with the Okavango Delta

As the park lies on the route between Victoria Falls and Kasane Airport (for flights into the Okavango), it’s easy to include in a safari itinerary.

Where to stay in Zambezi National Park (in order of distance from Victoria Falls)

Old Drift Lodge

This is a stunning new lodge with 12 rooms on the banks of the river. Old Drift (and Victoria Falls River Lodge) lie close to the town and so there would be no need to split your stay. Thus its fair to say that you can have the best of all worlds. But its also fair to say you won’t have that true sense of wilderness either.

Cedarberg Offer: Offers a 3 for 2 stay in the Green Season and also a great 4 night Combo offer the Elephant Camp

Victoria Falls River Lodge

Slightly more romantic in feel to Old Drift with private plunge pools. Plus there’s the option to push the boat out, literally and metaphorically, by heading out to stay at one of their ultra-romantic Island Treehouse suites on a private island

Mpala Jena Camp

Mpala Jena is a luxurious boutique safari camp positioned along the beautiful tree-laden banks of the Zambezi River. The camp epitomizes ‘barefoot luxury’ with scalloped thatched roofs, soft sand floors and a beach bar overlooking the pool and river. A cool, calming colour palette compliments light natural textures and sets the scene for slow, in-the-moment living. It is part of the Great Plains portfolio so it makes a great combination with their Botswana camps

Chundu Island Camp

Now we are starting to get away from it all. Chundu Island, as it name indicates, is on its own private island in the Zambezi River. From now on we’d recommend either staying 3 nights or combining with a night at the Falls themselves. Perfect for romantics! And also one of the more affordable options.

Zambezi Sands River Camp

All these lodges have stunning settings but this is one of my personal favourites. There is a section of rapids close by so you see both the languorous side of the river and its more dramatic side. Plus the guys here like to get their clients out and about so they encourage bush walks and canoeing as well as game drives and boat cruises.

Note: This lodge is currently closed as it is being revamped by new owners. Watch this space!

Tsowa Safari Island

Tsowa Safari Island is located 40km upstream from the Victoria Falls, in the Zambezi National Park, Zimbabwe. This is a 16 bed luxury modern day Explorer style tented camp on a pristine island in the middle of the Zambezi River.

The camp is fringed by forest amongst a cluster of century old baobabs. It has an open-air dining area flowing onto a sunken fire-pit, and the main lodge is linked to the pool which also has a river view. As with Chundu island, its relative inaccessibility means that its prices are a little keener than at the other lodges.

Matetsi Victoria Falls

Until Mpila Jena came along, Matetsi was the queen of the river and to be frank, it may still be! With a stunning river setting in its own private concession of 55,000ha, you are guaranteed a superb wilderness and game-viewing experience. Top that with contemporary 120sqm suites each with its own pool and expansive deck overlooking said river, and Matetsi is hard to beat if you are looking for a top-end lodge.

Tip: If you are NOT staying 3 nights here, I would advise a night near town perhaps at the Stanley & Livingstone or Elephant Camp, as it is a solid 90 minute drive away.

Cedarberg Offer: Honeymooners – Stay 2 nights and one spouse pays only 50% (other spouse pays full rate)

“Introducing Zambezi National Park, the Cinderella of Victoria falls” is written by Safari Specialists Cedarberg Africa

Cedarberg Africa is a travel and safari company specializing in tailor-made itineraries in Southern Africa. As we have special rates with all the hotels and game lodges, booking through us will cost no more than booking direct. And sometimes less. So our expertise and knowledge comes at no extra cost to you!

Remember that we can tailor-make any holiday for you, so if some of these ideas sound great, but you’re not too sure of others, then contact us and we will plan the perfect getaway for you.