If you're looking to blend thrilling safari moments with a powerful conservation story, then a game drive and rhino walk in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is an absolute must.
Nestled along the banks of the Zambezi River near the world-famous Victoria Falls, this UNESCO-listed park might be small in size, but it's big on wildlife and unforgettable experiences.
T
he Game Drive: Into the Wild We Go
Our adventure began just after sunrise. The air was crisp, the light golden, and our guide’s energy was infectious. We boarded a rugged safari vehicle, cameras ready and eyes scanning the bush.
Within minutes, the park came alive.
We spotted giraffes towering over acacia trees, buffalo grazing in the open grasslands, and impalas darting gracefully through the thickets. Birdsong filled the air—hornbills, kingfishers, and fish eagles adding their soundtrack to the journey.
Our guide shared stories of each species, pointing out subtle signs—fresh tracks, broken branches, distant calls—drawing us deeper into the language of the wild.
Th
e Rhino Walk: A Heart-Pounding Encounter
Then came the moment we’d been waiting for.
We parked the vehicle and stepped into the bush with an armed ranger and our guide. The energy shifted. Every crunch underfoot felt louder. Every rustle sparked anticipation.
After a short walk, there they were: a family of white rhinos, peacefully grazing in the morning light.
Seeing these critically endangered giants on foot was a humbling, almost spiritual experience. You’re not separated by a screen or a vehicle—you’re on their turf, a respectful visitor in their world.
We kept a safe distance, watching in silence as the rhinos grazed, flicked their ears, and occasionally glanced our way. The ranger explained the park’s intensive protection program, which includes 24/7 monitoring to safeguard these precious animals from poaching.
Mor
e Than Just Sightseeing
This wasn’t just a tick-off-the-list safari. It was an intimate lesson in conservation, a chance to connect with nature on a deeper level. Mosi-oa-Tunya is the only park in Zambia where you can see rhinos, and walking among them felt like stepping into a living story of hope and resilience.
What You Need to Know Before You Go:
Best time to visit: Dry season (May to October) for easier wildlife spotting.
Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, binoculars, sunscreen, and your sense of wonder.
Safety first: Always follow your guide’s instructions—especially during the rhino walk.
Book early: Rhino walks are guided and regulated to ensure the animals’ safety, so spaces can be limited.
Final Thoughts
From the roar of distant lions to the quiet power of walking with rhinos, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park offers a safari that’s both intimate and impactful. It’s a reminder that wildlife doesn’t just exist for us to see—it exists for us to protect.
So if you’re planning a trip near Livingstone or Victoria Falls, don’t miss this chance to experience wild Zambia up close and personal.