Best Victoria Falls Wildlife Encounters

A large part of Victoria Falls’ charm lies in its untamed spirit; the sense that adventure lurks around every corner – and it does!

It isn’t uncommon for elephants to roam the outskirts of our town (or along the banks of the Zambezi in front of our hotel), nor is it unusual for guests to see all sorts of visitors, like warthogs and various species of buck, on our lawns. At night, you’ll hear the surrounding bush come alive with nocturnal bird calls and even the odd grunting of hippos in the distance.

Here at The Palm River Hotel, we are incredibly proud of our natural surroundings, which set us apart from other luxury hotels around the world. We wish for all our guests to experience the beauty of Victoria Falls, and enjoy the seamless blend of nature and luxury that a stay on the banks of the Zambezi River provides.

With that being said, some of you might want to get even closer to the wildlife that Zimbabwe is famous for. Below we list some of our favourite wildlife encounters and safaris near Victoria Falls.

Starting close to home, our hotel group operates a fleet of luxury river cruisers that dock right in front of The Palm River Hotel, allowing you to experience the Zambezi River directly from the source.

These elegant vessels, the Ra-Ikane I, II, and III, were inspired by David Livingstone’s exploration boat, the Ma-Robert, and are named after the legendary guide Lazarus Ra-Ikane, who played a crucial role in the discovery of Victoria Falls.

Our Ra-Ikane fleet offers a variety of cruises—breakfast, lunch, sunset, and private charters—allowing guests to soak in the stunning scenery and wildlife from the comfort of spacious flat decks designed for up to 16 passengers.

Image Credits: Instagram | @lifeintrips & @raikanerivercruise

The unique hull design enables our guides to get you close to the riverbanks, providing an intimate experience with nature. Each cruise takes guests on a scenic circular route around the islands, showcasing the majestic beauty of both the upper and lower Zambezi River.

Naturally, the river is home to many wild animals like hippos, which you’ll see sporadically popping their heads out of the shallows – twitching ears and all.

The banks are also home to many different buck species, buffalo, giraffe and the odd crocodile sunning itself on the bank. Birders are in for a real treat as this region of Zimbabwe is known for its rich birdlife. Be sure to pack your binoculars and prepare for a wonderful excursion out on the water – reminiscent of old-world travel when the pace of life was more leisurely.

When the wildlife comes to you…

We can’t stop marveling at these gorgeous shots (see directly below) by Sarah McLaughlin, taken right here on our grounds.

Every day at The Palm River Hotel promises an exciting opportunity to see wildlife.

To see more of Sarah’s content, follow her personal Instagram handle @sjmac22 or her photography page Through the Lens Collection.

Guests of The Palm River Hotel are perfectly positioned to embark on unforgettable safari adventures near Victoria Falls. Feel free to come and speak to us at reception and we’d be happy to put a game drive, game walk or day excursion together for you, complete with return shuttles and everything you need for a seamless experience of Victoria Falls’ wildlife.

Three popular national parks near Victoria Falls include:

1.) Zambezi National Park: Approximately 5 km from Victoria Falls, the Zambezi National Park spans over 56,000 hectares. It is characterised by its diverse ecosystems, including savannahs, riverine forests, and wetlands, offering plenty of game-viewing opportunities.

2.) Hwange National Park: About 100 km away, Hwange is Zimbabwe’s largest national park, famous for its elephants and other wildlife.

3.) Chobe National Park (in Botswana): Located around 80 km from Victoria Falls, Chobe is renowned for its large elephant population and excellent game viewing opportunities.

WHICH ANIMALS CAN I SEE?

These parks offer incredible opportunities for wildlife viewing, making them a paradise for nature lovers and photographers alike!

Zambezi National Park

• Elephants: Often seen near the riverbanks
• Buffalo: Large herds can frequently be spotted
• Lions: Known for their territorial roars at night
• Leopards: More elusive, but sometimes seen during evening drives
• Hippos: Common in the river, especially at dusk and dawn
• Crocodiles: Often basking on riverbanks
• Antelope species: Such as kudu, impala, and waterbuck
• Birdlife: Over 400 species, including fish eagles and herons

Hwange National Park

• African Elephants: One of the largest populations in the world
• Lions: Frequently seen, particularly in prides
• Wild Dogs: An endangered species, occasionally spotted
• Zebra: Often seen grazing in large herds
• Giraffes: Commonly found roaming the plains
• Buffalo: Large herds congregate around water sources
• Various Antelope: Including sable, roan, and eland
• Birdlife: Rich variety, including raptors and migratory species

Chobe National Park

• Elephants: Renowned for their large numbers
• Buffalo: Commonly found in large herds
• Leopards and Lions: Present but more challenging to spot
• Giraffes: Frequently seen browsing on trees
• Hippos: Abundant in the river
• Crocodiles: Common along the riverbanks
• Extensive Birdlife: Particularly around the river, including pelicans, storks, and kingfishers

Victoria Falls is a wonderful destination for animal lovers and quality wildlife encounters are to be found within close proximity to our hotel.

For a comprehensive Activity List of all the activities we offer (including rates) click here.

Begin your holiday journey by browsing our website and selecting your ideal suite.

You can secure your dates by emailing our friendly reception team at onlinereservations@palmriverhotel.com or making use of our online booking platform.

We look forward to sharing in the spirit of adventure with you here in Victoria Falls!