Wildlife and Bird Watching at Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is renowned for its breathtaking beauty, but it’s also a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers. The rich biodiversity surrounding the falls offers visitors the chance to see a variety of animal species and an impressive array of birdlife. At Nextgen Safaris, we provide guided tours that take you into the heart of this natural wonder, ensuring you have the best opportunities to experience the wildlife and bird watching at Victoria Falls.

Wildlife and Bird Watching at Victoria Falls Overview

The area around Victoria Falls, encompassing national parks in both Zambia and Zimbabwe, is teeming with wildlife and bird species. The lush vegetation and abundant water supply create an ideal habitat for a wide range of animals and birds. Our guided tours are designed to immerse you in this vibrant ecosystem, with experienced guides to help you spot and identify the various species.

Wildlife Watching

Mammals

Elephants

Overview: Victoria Falls is home to large herds of elephants. These majestic creatures are often seen near the river, especially during the dry season when they come to drink and bathe.
Best Viewing Spots: The banks of the Zambezi River and surrounding national parks.

Buffaloes

Overview: Buffaloes are another common sight around Victoria Falls. These robust animals often graze in the grassy areas near the water.
Best Viewing Spots: Open savannas and floodplains near the river.

Antelopes

Overview: Various species of antelopes, including impalas, kudus, and bushbucks, can be seen in the area.
Best Viewing Spots: Woodlands and open plains in the national parks.

Big Cats

Overview: While more elusive, big cats such as lions and leopards inhabit the region. Sightings are rare but thrilling.
Best Viewing Spots: Dense bush areas and during early morning or late evening safaris.

Other Notable Animals

Hippos and Crocodiles: Commonly found in the Zambezi River.
Baboons and Monkeys: Frequently seen in the forested areas and near tourist sites.
Warthogs and Zebras: Often spotted grazing in open areas.

Bird Watching

Victoria Falls is a paradise for bird watchers, with over 400 species recorded in the region. The diverse habitats, from riverine forests to open grasslands, support a rich birdlife.

Notable Bird Species

African Fish Eagle

Overview: This iconic bird, with its distinctive call, is often seen perched near the water, scanning for fish.
Best Viewing Spots: Along the Zambezi River and in the national parks.

Taita Falcon

Overview: A rare and endangered species, the Taita Falcon nests in the gorges around Victoria Falls.
Best Viewing Spots: The cliffs and gorges near the falls.

Pel’s Fishing Owl

Overview: This elusive nocturnal bird can occasionally be spotted hunting along the riverbanks.
Best Viewing Spots: Dense riverine forests along the Zambezi.

Trumpeter Hornbill

Overview: Known for their loud calls, these birds are frequently seen in the forested areas.
Best Viewing Spots: Riverine forests and woodlands.

Sunbirds

Overview: These small, colorful birds are attracted to the flowering plants around the falls.
Best Viewing Spots: Gardens and areas with abundant flowering vegetation.

Guided Tours with Nextgen Safaris

Wildlife Safaris

Overview

Our wildlife safaris take you deep into the national parks surrounding Victoria Falls, offering close encounters with the region’s diverse wildlife.

Highlights

Game Drives: Experience the thrill of a game drive in open safari vehicles, guided by our expert trackers and guides.
Walking Safaris: For a more intimate experience, join a guided walking safari to track animals on foot and learn about the smaller flora and fauna.

Practical Information

Duration: Half-day to full-day tours.
What to Bring: Comfortable clothing, binoculars, camera, hat, sunscreen, and water.
Health and Safety: Participants should be in reasonable physical health. Inform our team of any medical conditions.

Bird Watching Tours

Overview

Our bird watching tours are led by experienced ornithologists who will help you spot and identify the diverse bird species in the area.

Highlights

Early Morning Tours: Birds are most active in the early morning, making this the best time for sightings.
Specialized Equipment: We provide high-quality binoculars and birding scopes for enhanced viewing.

Practical Information

Duration: Half-day to full-day tours.
What to Bring: Binoculars, camera, field guide (if you have one), comfortable clothing, hat, sunscreen, and water.
Health and Safety: Participants should be in reasonable physical health. Inform our team of any medical conditions.

Best Time to Visit

Dry Season (May to October): The best time for wildlife viewing, as animals gather around water sources. The weather is cooler and the vegetation is less dense, making it easier to spot animals.
Wet Season (November to April): This is the best time for bird watching, as many migratory birds are present. The landscape is lush and green, and there are fewer tourists.

Booking Information

How to Book: You can book your wildlife and bird watching tours through our website, at your hotel, or at our local tour offices in Livingstone (Zambia) or Victoria Falls Town (Zimbabwe).
Price Range: Prices vary depending on the type and duration of the tour. Check our website for detailed pricing and package options.
Cancellation Policy: Check our cancellation policy when booking. We offer a full refund if canceled within a certain time frame before the tour.

Why Choose Nextgen Safaris?

Experienced Guides

Our team of experienced guides and ornithologists are dedicated to providing you with an informative and enjoyable experience. They have extensive knowledge of the local wildlife and bird species and are passionate about sharing their expertise with you.

Safety and Comfort

At Nextgen Safaris, your safety and comfort are our top priorities. We ensure that all our tours are conducted with the highest safety standards and provide comfortable vehicles and equipment.

Personalized Service

We pride ourselves on offering personalized service tailored to your preferences. Whether you’re an avid bird watcher or a wildlife enthusiast, we tailor our tours to meet your interests and ensure a memorable experience.

Conclusion

Victoria Falls is not only a spectacular natural wonder but also a haven for wildlife and bird watching. With Nextgen Safaris, you can explore the rich biodiversity of the area, guided by experts who will enhance your experience with their knowledge and passion. Join us for an unforgettable adventure and discover the incredible wildlife and bird species that call Victoria Falls home.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

All visitors to Africa must have a valid passport with at least 4 consecutive blanks pages. The Government of Tanzania has rolled out an online Visa application portal accessible on internet. Any applicable visa and/or relevant documentation are the responsibility of the traveler. For further information on Visa requirements visitors are advised to contact their nearest Respective Embassy or Consulate.

LANGUAGE: English

TIME: GMT +3

CLIMATE: Southern Africa climate is predominantly tropical. The long rains are from mid-March to late May and the short rains from November to January. The hottest months are from October to February and the coolest months are June to August.

VOLTAGE: 220 Volts/AC50Hz. Sockets are UK style, 3 pin square plugs. Power is from the National Grid in the city/major towns and generator with inverter back up in the Safari Lodges and Camps.

CURRENCY: Foreign currency must be changed at the Bank, Bureau de Change, and Hotel/Safari lodge/Camp/Resort. Major Credit Cards, Master card, Visa, American Express, are usually accepted throughout the country. Where credit cards are accepted, the payment will normally be recorded in US$ regardless of the card’s default currency. However, US$ older than 2009 are only accepted

CLOTHING: Dress is mainly informal and should be comfortable as well as practical. Something warm should be brought along for early morning and evenings. Safari clothes are available from hotels/lodges/camps.

BAGGAGE: Where possible, travel light. Baggage space on safari is limited to medium suitcase or soft bag per person plus reasonable amount of hand luggage. There is 15 Kilogram per person limit on all flights to the wildlife sanctuaries. Excess luggage must be stored in your arrival hotel.

WATER: You will find many different of opinion of what is safe and what is not. We recommend for peace of mind, to drink local Bottled Mineral water. It is important to drink plenty of water especially during the hotter months. We would recommend that guests drink at least 2 to 3 litres of water per day to limit the effects of dehydration.

HEALTH: Southern Africa is a safe and secure destination; however, it is a good idea to take a few precautions. Kindly consult your GP or local doctor at least 6 weeks before you travel, with regards:

Malaria prophylactics. East Africa is a known malaria area and preventive measures are essential. You are advised to take one of the recommended anti-malarial drugs. Be sure to wear long sleeved shorts and trousers after sunset and spray the exposed parts of your body with a mosquito repellent spray. The hotels provide mosquito repellent sachets as part of the room’s amenities in all our locations.

Remember to protect yourself from direct sun rays with sunscreen cream or safari hat.

DIETARY REQUIREMENTS: For those guests with specific dietary requirement, please ensure Imbasa is notified prior to travel so that the respective Hotels and Lodges are informed

GRATUITIES: As a guideline and dependent on how happy you are, we would suggest the following:

The General Hotel/Lodge/Camp Staff – Approximately U$ 10.00 per person per day

Driver Guides – Approximately US$ 15.00 to US$ 20.00 per person per day

PHOTOGRAPHY: Please be careful when photographing public buildings, airports, bridges, the national flag and people in uniform. Ensure that you have sought permission before photographing local people and their villages. If in doubt, please check with your guide.

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