What is Mosi-oa-Tunya?

You will hear and see the name Mosi-oa-Tunya often on a Zambian safari. It is the local name for the Victoria Falls. Mosi-oa-Tunya is also the name of the national park just outside Livingstone, Zambia.

What animals can be found in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park?

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is home to hippos, crocodiles, antelope, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, elephants - and Zambia’s only white rhinos. There are no permanent predators in the park.

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

The Falls flow all year round, but they reach peak levels during the dry season between May and September. The summer season, between October and March is lovely, with plenty of migrant birds adding to the spectacle in the region.

Where is Mosi-oa-Tunya located?

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is a small reserve wedged between the town of Livingstone and the Zambezi River, on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The park is just a stone’s throw from the Victoria Falls.

What should I pack for safari in Victoria Falls/Mosi-oa-Tunya

When visiting the Falls, it’s best to wear a rain jacket or a waterproof poncho, as the spray can be drenching. Make sure you have something that will fit over your backpack and camera bags to keep them dry as well.

What does Mosi-oa-Tunya mean?

Mosi-oa-Tunya means ‘the smoke that thunders’ in the local Lozi and Kololo languages spoken in this region of Zambia. It is named for the sound of the water roaring over the Batoka Gorge and the cloud of spray which looks like smoke.

Are Victoria Falls and Mosi-oa-Tunya the same thing?

Yes, Victoria Falls is the English name, and Mosi-oa-Tunya is the local name, for the world’s largest sheet of falling water.

Zambia

Mosi-oa-Tunya

Soul-soothing relaxation meets heart-thumping adventure in one of Africa’s most unique safari destinations at the Victoria Falls.

Home Africa Zambia Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park

The Smoke that Thunders

Africa's fourth-largest river, the Zambezi evokes mystery and adventure renowned across the world. Herds of elephants swim across the Zambezi River, as pods of hippos grunt in pools of consternation and crocodiles bask on the banks. At the Victoria Falls, a staggering eight million litres of water flows into the gorge every second.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Mosi-oa-Tunya at a glance

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park protects Victoria Falls and the precious wildlife of the region. Enjoy game drives along 12 km of wild Zambezi riverfront, through lush riverine forests where the fronds of ilala palms stretch towards the sky, and the mighty river skirts islands where hippos bask on the warm sand.

Key Facts

Habitats

Wildlife

Weather

Mosi-oa-Tunya key facts

Mosi-oa-Tunya is Zambia’s smallest national park, and a delightful introduction to the country’s wildlife, and the magnificent Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dare to take a dip in the legendary Devil’s Pool, with views over the dramatic Eastern Cataract of the Falls.

GEOGRAPHIC SIZE

66km²

BIRD SPECIES

+/- 470

MAMMAL SPECIES

+/- 30

BEST TIME TO VISIT

All year round

WILDERNESS CAMPS

1

Weather

The weather around the falls and the Zambezi is pleasant all year round, with a sub-tropical climate. Nights and mornings on the riverfront can get chilly, 5-10°C (41-50°F) while the spray from the Falls in summer has a welcome, cooling effect when temperatures can reach 35°C (95°F).

DRY SEASON

May to September

SUMMER SEASON

October to April

Key Facts

Mosi-oa-Tunya key facts

Mosi-oa-Tunya is Zambia’s smallest national park, and a delightful introduction to the country’s wildlife, and the magnificent Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dare to take a dip in the legendary Devil’s Pool, with views over the dramatic Eastern Cataract of the Falls.

GEOGRAPHIC SIZE

66km²

BIRD SPECIES

+/- 470

MAMMAL SPECIES

+/- 30

BEST TIME TO VISIT

All year round

WILDERNESS CAMPS

1

Habitats

Wildlife

Weather

The weather around the falls and the Zambezi is pleasant all year round, with a sub-tropical climate. Nights and mornings on the riverfront can get chilly, 5-10°C (41-50°F) while the spray from the Falls in summer has a welcome, cooling effect when temperatures can reach 35°C (95°F).

DRY SEASON

May to September

SUMMER SEASON

October to April

THINGS TO DO

Mosi-oa-Tunya experiences

Lifelong memories await in Livingstone, Zambia’s adventure capital. Marvel at the world's largest falling sheet of water, track Zambia’s only white rhinos on foot, cruise past pods of hippos and crocodiles on the Zambezi, or plunge into the Batoka gorge on the end of a bungee rope.

Explore all experiences

01 / 10

Wilderness Experiences Natural Wonders Victoria Falls

Safari wonders & attractions

There’s something epic awaiting at every one of our destinations. Discover Africa’s top attractions when you safari with us.

Safari wonders & attractions

Botswana, Namibia, Rwanda

Birding

Birding with a knowledgeable Wilderness guide is spectacular across all our regions, with 930 different species for twitchers to tick.

Birding

Botswana, Namibia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Rhino tracking

Experience the thrill of a rhino walking safari.

Rhino Tracking

Namibia, Zambia

Wilderness Experiences Conservation Tree Planting

Conservation experiences

Rewild. Protect. Conserve. Wilderness combines unforgettable wildlife encounters with positive impact experiences.

Conservation Experience

Botswana, Namibia, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Local culture

Learn. Share. Enrich. Wilderness offers unforgettable cultural experiences across eight African countries.

Local Culture

Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Rwanda

Guided walking safaris

Slow down and pay attention to the smaller details of the safari experience on a walking safari with our professional guides.

Guided Walking Safaris

Botswana, Namibia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia

Private safari

Create treasured memories with family and friends on an exclusive private safari across Africa’s most iconic destinations.

Private Safari

Botswana, Namibia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia

Wilderness Experiences Boating Family Fun

Boat safari

View wildlife from the water on a thrilling boat safari, past hippos, sunbathing crocodiles and a dazzling array of birds.

Boat Safari

Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Rwanda

Game drives

Get closer to thrilling wildlife interactions and see creatures big and small on morning and afternoon game drives.

Game Drives

Botswana, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Zambia

Nature drives

Get close to rare wildlife, explore otherworldly landscapes and immerse yourself in uncharted territory on a nature drive.

Nature Drives

Namibia

TRAVEL WITH US

Journey with Wilderness

A Zambian safari is best started on the banks of the Zambezi, the ideal springboard from which to explore the rest of the country. Explore these wild waters before heading to the vast Busanga Plains in Kafue National Park.

See all journeys

MAP

Explore our camp in Mosi-oa-Tunya

Gaze across the Zambezi from Toka Leya, the only Wilderness camp upstream of the Falls on this legendary river. Just a short distance from Livingstone, elephants, hippos, crocodiles and other iconic African wildlife thrive in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, which is also home to the Zambian side of the magnificent Victoria Falls.

Go to Destination Map

FAQ

General

01

JOURNAL

Mosi-oa-Tunya featured stories

This timeless river and waterfall have been inspiring stories for centuries. Have a read of our traveller’s tales, and marvel at award-winning photographs and other updates from Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.

SEE ALL STORIES