Victoria Falls is a wildlife lover’s dream! Whether you’re strolling near the falls, cruising the Zambezi River, or heading out on safari, you’ll encounter an incredible variety of animals across land, water, and sky. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
Mammals You’ll Likely Encounter
- Elephants – Often seen near the river or even wandering through town
- Buffalo – Common in Zambezi National Park and along Zambezi Drive
- Lions & Leopards – Lions are more frequent in nearby Hwange National Park; leopards are elusive but present
- White Rhinos – Track them on foot in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park (Zambia)
- Zebras & Giraffes – Frequently spotted grazing near hotels and in open plains
- Warthogs, Baboons & Vervet Monkeys – Regular visitors to town and forest trails
- Antelope Species – Including impala, bushbuck, sable, waterbuck, and eland
Birdwatching Highlights
Victoria Falls is a birding hotspot with over 470 recorded species, including:
- African Fish Eagle, Goliath Heron, Pel’s Fishing Owl
- Hornbills, Fork-tailed Drongos, African Paradise Flycatchers
- Taita Falcon, Verreaux’s Eagle, Half-collared Kingfisher
Reptiles & Aquatic Life
- Nile Crocodiles – Massive and often seen sunning near the riverbanks
- Hippos – Common in the Zambezi River, especially during boat cruises
- Tigerfish – A prized catch for anglers on fishing trips
- Various Lizards & Snakes – Including geckos, spiny-tailed lizards, and both venomous and non-venomous snakes
🌿 Where to Spot Them
- Zambezi National Park (Zimbabwe) – Home to the Big Four (minus rhino), plus wild dogs and rich birdlife
- Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park (Zambia) – Great for rhino tracking and spotting buffalo, giraffe, and antelope
- Hwange National Park – Just an hour away, it’s Zimbabwe’s premier safari destination