ZAMBEZI NATIONAL PARK

Accommodation in the park

The Zambezi National Park is on the southern bank of the Zambezi River, upstream from the falls. It was split from Victoria Falls National Park in 1979, so that the town could be extended to the river.

There’s a lodge in the park, immediately on your right as you drive through the gate. A foursleeper self- catering unit costs US$138 (R1 912) per night.

Deeper into the park there are fishing camps (Kandahar, Siansimba, Mpala Jena) and wilderness camps (Chundu, Chomuzi, Siamunungu).

Camping costs US$17 (R236) per person and the facilities are very basic. The fishing camps have cold showers and flush toilets; the wilderness camps have pit toilets and the odd braai place. Maximum of 12 people per camp.

You’re guaranteed to see animals, though: The park is home to elephant, lion, buffalo and leopard, plus herds of sable antelope, eland, zebra, giraffe, kudu and smaller game.

If you’re staying in the park you pay half the normal entrance fee: US$6 (R83) per adult; US$3 (R42) per child aged 6 – 12.

Day visitors pay US$12 (R166) per adult; US$6 (R83) per child aged 6 – 12; free for children younger than 6; plus US$10 (R139) per car. GPS: S17.89999 E25.81710 (park gate) Bookings: 00 263 470 6077; bookings@zimparks.co.zw; zimparks.org Park office: 00 263 13 422 94 ( Tafadzwa)

DRIVE THIS WAY. Tafadzwa Mapfumo (above right) works at the entrance gate to the Zambezi National Park. There are no maps to hand out, but Tafadzwa will show you how to get to your destination, whether it’s a fishing camp like Kandahar (above left) or...