From Victoria Falls: Game drive and Rhino walk (Zambia)

If you’re craving an authentic wildlife experience that combines the thrill of a safari with the intimacy of walking alongside some of Africa’s most endangered animals, the Game Drive and Rhino Walk in Zambia could be just what you’re looking for. While many visitors focus on the iconic Victoria Falls, this tour offers a rare chance to get up close and personal with the white rhinos, an experience that’s both exhilarating and educational.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the opportunity to approach rhinos at just 10 meters is extraordinary. Second, the balance of a gentle game drive with a personalized walking safari means you get to see diverse wildlife without feeling rushed. Lastly, the knowledgeable guides and well-organized logistics make this a smooth, memorable adventure.

The only caveat? Since the tour involves walking close to wild animals, it’s not suited for those who prefer a more relaxed or less physically involved safari. But for adventurous souls eager to see Zambia’s wildlife intimately, this offers a truly unique perspective. It’s best suited for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone looking to add a bit of thrill to their Victoria Falls trip.

Key Points

• Close encounters with white rhinos at just 10 meters away make this tour special.
• The Mosi oa Tunya National Park in Livingstone offers both game drive and walking safaris.
• Flexible pacing allows you to set your own walking speed during the rhino walk.
• The tour is well-organized, with professional guides and smooth border crossings.
• Priced at $165 per person, it provides good value for the opportunity to see endangered animals up close.
• The experience includes hotel pickup and drop-off, simplifying travel logistics.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting from Victoria Falls

Your day begins with hotel pickup, which is convenient, especially if you’re staying on the Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls. The tour is offered by Journey Beyond Nature Safaris, known for their professional handling of wildlife tours. After a short drive, you’ll cross the border into Zambia, a process that takes approximately 20 minutes with the guidance of your dedicated escort—an aspect appreciated by travelers like Carsten, who noted the “superb organization” and attentive border formalities.

The Journey to Mosi oa Tunya National Park

Once in Zambia, the drive to the park is quick—around 15 minutes—giving you a brief but scenic introduction to the area. The park is divided, with Victoria Falls on one side and wildlife on the other, creating a natural and protected habitat for various species.

The Game Drive: Wildlife Sightings in Motion

Your first activity is a 30-minute game drive, where your guide will look out for animals like impalas, monkeys, hippos, warthogs, and perhaps even elephants, buffalos, and giraffes. This quick safari helps set the scene, giving you a taste of the park’s diverse fauna. As Susan Corinne pointed out, the guides are very informative and allow ample time to enjoy the animals, making it more than just a quick drive.

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The Highlight: Rhino Walk

After the drive, you’ll transition to the main event—the two-hour Rhino Walk. This is where the experience becomes truly extraordinary. Walking at a leisurely pace—one set by you—you’ll track the white rhinos on foot. The fact that these rhinos are used to human voices, thanks to ranger accompaniment, means you’ll get very close—up to 20 meters—without disturbing them. The chance to photograph and ask questions while observing these endangered animals up close is what makes this tour a rare find.

Carsten’s review emphasizes this, sharing that they saw a group of six rhinos, noting how the rangers took them to a spot where they could observe them safely. The intimacy of the walk allows for a richer connection with the wildlife, unlike the typical viewing from a vehicle.

Returning and Logistics

After the walk, you’ll be transported back to the Zambia-Zimbabwe border, completing the round trip. The whole experience, including border formalities and transfers, is designed to be seamless, allowing you to maximize your sightseeing time without stress.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included:

• A game drive in Mosi oa Tunya National Park
• The unforgettable Rhino Walk
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• A professional safari guide

Not included:

• Visa fees (if required)

The price of $165 per person offers solid value, especially considering the intimate nature of the walk and the rarity of such close animal encounters. Remember, visas are not included, so plan accordingly if you need one.

Practical Tips for Your Tour

• Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking, as you’ll be on foot for about two hours.
• Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen—the Zambian sun can be relentless.
• A camera and binoculars are essential for capturing the moment and spotting wildlife at a distance.
• Light, comfortable clothing helps deal with the heat, especially if you’re visiting during warmer months.
• Don’t forget your passport, as border crossing is part of the tour, and be aware that visa costs are not included.
• Keep your pace relaxed—this is a leisurely walk, allowing for questions and photo opportunities.

Authentic Insights from Previous Travelers

The reviews highlight a few key nuances that help set expectations. Carsten’s account points out that the guides and rangers are not only knowledgeable but also friendly, making the experience feel safe and personal. He also appreciated that the rangers took him on a short walk to see the rhinos, which added an extra layer of adventure.

Susan Corinne praised the timeliness and informative nature of the guide, as well as the ample time to observe the animals, which is crucial for a meaningful safari experience. She emphasizes that the rhinos are large and majestic, making the close-up views all the more impressive.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want more than just a typical safari. If you’re eager to see white rhinos at close range on foot, enjoy a flexible, intimate adventure, and appreciate well-organized tours, this is a great choice. It’s especially suited for those who are comfortable walking in the wild and want to combine wildlife with the thrill of a border-crossing adventure.

It’s also a terrific add-on for anyone staying in Victoria Falls and looking to explore Zambia’s wildlife scene without committing to a full-day safari. While it’s reasonably priced, the real value lies in the rarity of the close-up encounters and the professional guidance throughout.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a compelling mix of early morning adventure, wildlife encounters, and cultural crossing—all wrapped into one meaningful experience. The chance to walk alongside white rhinos, one of Africa’s most endangered species, makes it a memorable highlight.

It’s well-suited for those who seek authenticity and a personal connection to wildlife, rather than just observing animals from a distance. The smooth logistics and knowledgeable guides make this a comfortable yet adventurous outing, worth considering if you’re in Victoria Falls and want to step closer to nature.

If you’re after an experience that combines the thrill of wildlife viewing with a touch of adventure, this tour delivers on both fronts—delivering moments that you’ll treasure long after your trip ends.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour involves walking close to wild animals, so it’s best suited for older children who can handle walking and are comfortable in outdoor environments. Always check with the operator about age restrictions.

How close do I get to the rhinos?
You’ll get within approximately 10 meters, allowing for fantastic photo opportunities and a very personal view of these majestic animals.

What animals might I see on the game drive?
Expect to see impalas, monkeys, hippos, warthogs, and possibly elephants, buffalos, and giraffes, depending on the day’s sightings.

How long does the entire tour last?
The tour includes border crossing, game drive, rhino walk, and return, typically taking about half a day, with flexible timing.

Is there any risk involved in walking close to rhinos?
The walk is conducted under the supervision of experienced rangers, and the animals are accustomed to human voices, making it safe when following guides’ instructions.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection, camera, binoculars, and light clothing are recommended. Remember your passport for border formalities.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans shift.

This White Rhino Walking Tour from Victoria Falls offers a rare, close-up look at one of Africa’s most iconic and endangered species. Combining wildlife, adventure, and ease of logistics, it’s an experience that’s hard to match for genuine, personal encounters with nature.

You can check availability for your dates here: