Facts about Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park Zambia

Facts about Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park Zambia

Facts about Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park Zambia. Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is one of the wildlife spectacles of Zambia with its outstanding Victoria Falls curtain that is the longest fall in the entire world located on River Zambezi. The name Mosi-oa-Tunya locally means “ the smoke that thunders” and it is from the Lozi language. Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park was a UNESCO heritage site gazette in 1989. This park neighbors Livingstone town plus farmlands and other wildlife conservation areas.

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Filming in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park

The Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park covers about 23.4 square kilometers of land in Zambia with its opposite neighbor Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe. These two parks are separated by the Songwe Gorge in to which Victoria Falls plunges.

The rich fauna and flora that live in this park attract tourists from world over. A number of wild animals enjoy there day in the environs of Mosi-o a-Tunya National Park some of which include elephants that cross River Zambezi from Zimbabwe in search for greener pastures, vervet monkeys, olive baboons, impalas, zebras, wildebeest, some southern white rhinos that were re-introduced in the park after the latter were poached out. Pods of hippopotami and crocodiles are also residents of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.

 The presence of Victoria Falls on River Zambezi is the highlight of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park plus its spectacular surroundings.

What to Do And See in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park

Victoria falls on River Zambezi

The Victoria Falls on River Zambezi is one of the seven natural wonders that the world celebrates. This curtain of waterfalls which is the longest in the world attracts tourists from all over the world. White at the falls, you may swim in the water towards the falls but this is only done in the dry season when the water level is lower and calm. This daring attempt to swim at the Victoria Falls is not for the faint hearted because of the risks surrounding it.

Game Drives

Even though Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is small in size, taking a game drive in it is always top notch adventure. During the game drive on the tracks of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, you may spot animals like kudus, impalas, zebras, clawless otters, waterbucks, bushbucks, klipspringer, white rhinos, Giraffes and others.

Taking a game drive in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is a great time for a family that wishes to step away from the chaotic city.

Birding Safari

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is one of the closest birding destinations from Livingstone town. During the birds safari in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, you may spot birds like the Taita Falcon, augur Buzzar, blue bellied teals, African black duck, Verreaux eagles and others. These may hang around to catch some fish and others freebies left behind as River Zambezi takes its course.

When is the best time to Visit Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park

The Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is open all year but the most exciting time is when the Victoria Falls are flowing at a faster rate which is April, May, June, July and August. Later on the flow of the River Zambezi is slowed down especially during the extreme dry season when the course of the River lowers.

During the months of October, the water level is lowered to the extent of exposing the underlying rocks which may not be as exciting as when River Zambezi is at full capacity.

 Because of the small size of this park, you can easily trace the wild animals.

How to get to Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park

By road

 The drive from Lusaka the capital of Zambia to Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park may last about 7 hours taking the T1 road. Alternatively, using the route from Kasane in Botswana to Victoria Falls Town in Zimbabwe then taking the old railway bridge to Livingstone in Zambia then connecting to Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is another alternative.

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is about 15 minutes drive from Livingstone town.

By Air

Charter flight arrangements can be made to airstrips close to Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. Advance booking is required so that all necessary planning can be done and others necessary clearances. Contact us.

Which accommodation to book in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park

The categories of accommodations to book on safari in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park are divided into Luxury, mid-range and basic. Some of the accommodations to book on safari in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park include Adrenaline Lodge, Maramba River Lodge, llala lodge hotel, Toka leya camp, Sanctuary Sussi and Chuma,

Does Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park have the big five?

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park has some of the members of the big five that is White Rhinos, herds of elephants, buffaloes but the predators are out of sight in this park. Open your mind to other animals in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in order for you to get a blast from your visit in this park. It is a getaway destination from the chaotic city experience.

How much is the cost of safari in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park?

At Encounter Africa Safaris, we package our safaris according to Up-Market, midrange and basic. The entire quotation of our safaris may be based on factors like the number of activities, number of people travelling with for the safari, safari timing, number of days on safari and others.

The cost of park entrance fees is compulsory for every tourist as this is one way to support the conservation of wildlife in this park.

Are Children allowed to Visit Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park?

Children are allowed to visit Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park as it is one of the best family getaway destinations in Zambia. Since animals are quicker to spot in this park, when with children, ensure they are always under the watch of a responsible adult so that they are not left alone to wander. The Victoria Falls may be stunning to look at but very dangerous for children to get very close to.

Is Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park safe to visit?

The Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is very safe to visit as long as you follow the guidelines of this park. You need to respect the rights of the animals on ground and do not try to provoke them. In the park is a team of well trained Zambia Wildlife Authority ranger guides who often patrol the park to keep the animals and other park dwellers from possible dangers.

When driving through the park, do not hoot at the wild animals as this may stimulate their moods.

In case you travel with children, do not let them close to the rim of Victoria Falls as it may be dangerous.

Why visit the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park

Visiting the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is an opportunity to be just meters away from Victoria Falls which is the longest curtain of fall in the world. The Victoria Falls on River Zambezi is one of the 7 natural wonders in the world. It is a picture perfect location for those desiring a natural setting for photography.

By paying entrance fees to gain access to Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, you contribute to the conservation fund of this park. There is still more money required for park maintenance as human activities are slowly taking over park premises.

If you wish to have chance to see a number of wild animals in their natural setting in a short time, visiting Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, may reward you with this amazing opportunity instead of driving long distances in the park to search for these animals. Get in touch with us.

What are the Rules of safari in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park

• Do not feed the wild animals in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park as they must search for their own food and not depend on human support.
• Calling out on the animals while in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is forbidden because it disturbs the wild animals and may push them into the deeper ends of the park yet others would like to see them too.
• Honor the speed limit while on game drive in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park to prevent accidents on both the animals and the tourists. Driving off track is not accepted unless with permission from Zambia Wildlife Authority.
• Never disturb the wild animals by hooting at them as you may cause them to run away yet other tourists would like to have some moment with them just like you have. When you find them crossing stop and wait for them. Some of them may charge at you when you sound the dangerous vehicle horn.
• Do not come with dogs or other pets into the park as chances of getting infection from the wild animals or the pet may happen which is quite dangerous to conservation.
• Keep all your litter in your car like plastic wraps as these alter the nature of the environment where these animals thrive.
• Carrying ammunition in the park is not acceptable because you may be triggered to use it and kill the wild animals or any one in your company.
• Never pick flowers or trample on the vegetation in the parks as you destroy the environment where animals thrive. Do not pack anything from the park but just take pictures while on safari and leave only vehicle tire prints.
• Retain all official receipts for verification at exit so that you are not inconvenienced
• All the park gates are open from 0700 hrs to 1900 hours
• Provoking the animals of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is forbidden because they also have mood swings that can change at any time. They are wild animals that are not habituated to human presence.

What Packing List To Follow On Safari To Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park

• No need to over pack for a safari to Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park but have only what is necessary for the time in in the park. Carry what you can lift just in case you do not get assistance with your bags.
•  Extra clothes to change into after a long day in the wilderness so as to feel fresh later. Have clothes in wilderness friendly colors that will not attract stinging insects like blue, black, white.
• A pair of binoculars to capture a closer look of the surroundings of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
• especially the different landforms around the city.
• Safari boots especially if you have to walk as the ground is sometimes very hot and also your feet need to be protected from the rough surfaces along the way.
• Insect repellant to keep away biting insects that may cross your way like mosquitoes. Zambia is a tropical country where you may have some harmful insects that may make you uncomfortable with a bite.
• Rainproof proof gears especially during the wet season. During the rainy seasons, it gets so much and may prevent you from proceeding with the visit.
•  A tripod for those taking photos and filming
• Safari hat or cap to protect your head from the dust and buzzing insects
• Sunglasses to protect your eyes from buzzing insects.
• Some warmers because Zambia experiences cold conditions early morning and late afternoon.
•  Foldable drinking water bottle to quench thirst during the Tour in Zambia
• Some clothes to wear while traversing Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park be mindful about the culture of the communities in Zambia so that you do not appear to offend them.
• First aid kit in case of an emergency. It should also contain prescribed medication from a professional doctor.
• Extra batteries fully charged to exchange with in case yours runs low.
• Duffel bag so that you can carry your belongings in case you have to help yourself.
• Backpack to keep together the items you may require during the safari drive in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.
• Some cash to use for on ground purchases as credit cards are not easy to use in Africa because of the lengthy process of collecting money from them.
• Snacks to munch on when you are on tour in case you get hungry.
•  A camera to keep memorable moments while on a visit to Zambia there are many moments that happen
• Flip flops to wear while relaxing at your lodge or hotel
• Extra waterproof light bags to keep in your safari boots after the day in the field so that they do not stain the rest of your belongings in the bag.

For more information, please do not hesitate to contact us.