Game Drive and White Rhino Walking Safari in Livingstone

This review covers a highly-rated safari experience in Livingstone, Zambia, that combines a traditional game drive with a rare opportunity to walk alongside white rhinos. While I haven’t personally been on this exact tour, the glowing reviews, detailed itinerary, and professional guides suggest it’s a fantastic choice for wildlife lovers wanting an authentic, memorable adventure.

What we love about this experience is the intimate wildlife encounters it offers, especially the chance to walk close to endangered white rhinos — an extremely rare chance in Africa. The knowledgeable guides, like Goliath and Keith, are frequently praised for their passion and insight. The value for money seems solid, considering the combination of a game drive, walking safari, and close-up animal sightings. One potential consideration is the short duration—around three hours—which might not satisfy those seeking a full-day safari, but it’s perfect for a quick, impactful outing.

This tour is ideal for adventurers with limited time, wildlife enthusiasts eager for close-up sightings, or anyone looking for a safe yet exhilarating experience with some of Africa’s most iconic animals. It’s also suitable for travelers taking a trip near Victoria Falls, especially those crossing from Zimbabwe, thanks to the seamless border transfers mentioned in reviews.

Key Points

• Unique Experience: The only tour offering a combination of game drive and walking with white rhinos.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Goliath, Keith, and Joey are praised for their knowledge and friendly approach.
• Wildlife Encounters: Close-up views of white rhinos, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and more.
• Good Value: At $85 per person, it includes park entry, snacks, bottled water, and parking fees.
• Short but Impactful: The 3-hour timeframe offers plenty of wildlife without taking up your whole day.
• Small Group: Limited to 15 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park: Starting Point of Your Adventure

The tour begins with a 2-hour game drive through the scenic Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. You’ll hop into an open 4×4 vehicle, which is ideal for spotting wildlife up close and capturing photos without glass barriers blocking your view. This part of the safari is designed to give you a broad snapshot of the park’s ecosystem, with many reviewers noting the guides’ extensive knowledge about animals and flora.

Guides like Goliath and Joey are commended for their friendly demeanors and their ability to share fascinating facts about the park’s inhabitants. Svetlana from reviews highlights how Goliath’s insights about flora and fauna enrich the experience, making every sighting more meaningful. The small group size—capped at 15—means you’ll get more personalized attention and better chances to ask questions.

The Highlight: Walking with White Rhinos

The standout feature of this tour is the short but thrilling walk to track and observe white rhinos. Depending on where the rhinos are located during your drive, you’ll be asked to disembark and follow the guides on foot. This close proximity allows for extraordinary photo opportunities and a deeper connection to these majestic yet vulnerable creatures.

Reviewers like Lauren and Robin describe the rhino walk as “magical,” with Robin emphasizing that guides Goliath and Keith are “very knowledgeable, pleasant, and helpful,” explaining details about each animal and their environment. The security measures, including walking with armed rangers, provide peace of mind, even in the wild.

Wildlife Watching and Photo Opportunities

During the tour, expect to see a variety of animals, including giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, warthogs, and elephants. Camilo describes how elephants joined the rhinos during his safari, which, although limiting closer views of rhinos, added to the overall thrill. Goliath’s explanations about the ecosystem and animal behaviors keep the experience engaging, and many guests mention how safe they felt throughout the walk, thanks to the professionalism of the guides and rangers.

Transportation and Timing

The tour includes pickup from your lodging or preferred spot, with seamless transfers from Zimbabwe if you’re crossing the border, as noted in reviews. The activity is available in both the morning and afternoon, giving flexibility to fit into your schedule. The total duration is approximately 3 hours, making it a compact but enriching experience.

Reviewers like Winny and Lauren praise the punctuality and courteousness of guides like Philip, Keith, and Goliath, which enhances the overall trip. Snacks and bottled water are included, so you stay refreshed during the quick but packed adventure.

The Value of the Tour

At $85 per person, the price strikes many as reasonable, especially considering the close-up encounters with white rhinos and the guided insights. The tour also covers parking fees and snacks, adding to its convenience. When you consider the rarity of walking so close to endangered rhinos in the wild, the experience offers significant value — as Svetlana notes, “very smooth border transfers” and all-inclusive costs make it straightforward to enjoy wildlife without surprises.

What the Reviews Say

Guest feedback paints a picture of exceptional guides—Goliath, Keith, Joey, and Phillip—who ensure safety, share interesting facts, and create a fun, educational atmosphere. “The guides shared facts about the local area, ecosystem, and animals,” says Howard. Camilo mentions, “Joey was an excellent knowledgeable guide providing a lot of interesting information.”

Many reviews also express how memorable and “magical” the rhino walking segment was, with Robin describing it as “not to be missed.” Several travelers emphasize the small group size and personalized attention as major pluses, allowing more interaction and better sightings.

Practical Details and Considerations

• Duration: Around 3 hours, perfect for a quick yet impactful safari.
• Price: $85 per person, including park fees, snacks, and bottled water.
• Best time to go: Morning or afternoon, with flexible scheduling.
• Group size: Max 15 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.
• Transport: Pickups are available from lodging or preferred spots, including border transfers from Zimbabwe.
• Weather considerations: The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to rain or poor conditions, you’re offered an alternative date or a full refund.
• Safety: Walking with armed rangers makes the rhino walk safe and secure.
• Additional costs: Dinner is not included, so plan accordingly if you want a full day out.

If you’re passionate about wildlife and want a close-up experience of white rhinos, this tour offers excellent value. The knowledgeable guides make every moment informative and engaging, turning a simple game drive into a meaningful encounter with nature.

The short duration makes it perfect for those with limited time but who still crave a genuine wildlife adventure. Plus, the small-group format ensures you’ll get plenty of attention and the chance to ask questions, making it both educational and fun.

However, if you’re seeking a full-day safari or are traveling with children under a certain age, you might want to explore other options. Still, for a quick, high-impact outing with some of Africa’s most iconic animals, this safari hits the mark.

This game drive and white rhino walking safari in Livingstone is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts looking for a breathtaking close-up experience at a reasonable price. It suits those who enjoy guided tours with expert knowledge, appreciate small groups, and want a safe yet exciting way to see elephants, giraffes, zebras, and, most importantly, the critically endangered white rhinos.

It’s a great choice for travelers crossing from Zimbabwe or staying near Victoria Falls, offering a quick but meaningful wildlife fix. If your goal is to go beyond typical safaris and get close to the animals, especially the white rhino, this tour could be the highlight of your trip.

For those who value professional guides, authentic moments in nature, and a well-organized, budget-friendly experience, this safari delivers on all fronts. Expect a memorable, educational adventure that leaves you with stories—and photos—to cherish forever.

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from your lodging or preferred spot, including seamless border transfers if you’re coming from Zimbabwe.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 3 hours, making it a perfect short outing.

What animals can I expect to see?
You’ll likely see elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, warthogs, and, of course, white rhinos.

Can I choose the time slot?
Yes, departures are available in the morning or afternoon, and you can select your preferred time.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but very young children should be considered with safety in mind. Check with the provider for specific age restrictions.

What does the tour include?
Park entry fees, parking fees, bottled water, and snacks are included. Dinner is not.

Is walking with rhinos safe?
Yes, guides and armed rangers accompany you during the walk, ensuring safety while allowing close-up views of the rhinos.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to 15 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

What happens if the weather is poor?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to rain or other conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This safari experience in Livingstone combines the thrill of a game drive with the rare chance to walk with white rhinos, making it a must-try for wildlife lovers wanting a close-up encounter in Zambia.