Morning or Afternoon Game Drive In Victoria Falls

If you’re heading to Victoria Falls and craving a close-up encounter with African wildlife, the Game Drive in Stanley and Livingstone Private Reserve is worth considering. This 3 to 4-hour excursion offers a chance to spot iconic animals like rhinos, elephants, lions, zebras, and giraffes in a well-maintained reserve. While it may not be an all-day safari, the experience promises engaging guides, scenic landscapes, and a relaxed atmosphere—perfect for travelers who want a taste of Africa’s wild side without sacrificing comfort.

What truly sets this tour apart are the expert guides, the opportunity to see rhinos (a highlight for many), and the chance to relax with some local wines and snacks afterward. It’s a flexible experience with both morning and afternoon slots, making it easy to fit into any itinerary. However, keep in mind that group sizes are small, capped at nine travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate but may mean some waiting if the animals are shy.

This tour is ideal if you love wildlife sightings, enjoy scenic drives, and value knowledgeable guides who can share insights along the way. Travelers looking for a quick, quality wildlife experience near Victoria Falls will find this tour hits the mark. That said, if you’re hoping for a full-day safari or a more expansive wilderness experience, you might want to explore other options.

Key Points

• Exclusive wildlife sightings: Rhinos, elephants, lions, zebras, and giraffes in a private reserve.
• Expert guides: Guides share valuable insights into animals and their habitat.
• Flexible timing: Available in morning or afternoon, fitting easily into your schedule.
• Small group size: Max nine travelers for a more personal experience.
• Post-drive relaxation: Enjoy local wines, snacks, and beverages after your drive.
• Cost-effective: At $161 per person, offering a quality game viewing experience.

What to Expect from the Tour

Duration and Timing

Spanning approximately 3 to 4 hours, the tour begins with a pickup from your Victoria Falls hotel. You can choose between a morning or afternoon session, depending on your preference and schedule. The flexibility is perfect, especially if you’re balancing multiple activities. The drive itself typically lasts around three hours, giving plenty of time to see various animals and enjoy the scenery.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Start at Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve: Covering 6,000 acres of wilderness, this private reserve is a prime habitat for numerous animals. The experience kicks off when you’re picked up and transported to the reserve, where your open safari vehicle awaits. The guides are well-versed in local wildlife behavior, and many reviews praise their knowledge and patience—one reviewer mentions their guide’s persistence in finding elusive rhinos, which paid off.

Wildlife Viewing: The open-top vehicles allow unencumbered views—perfect for photography and close-up sightings. You’ll likely see species such as rhinos, which are a significant draw, along with elephants, lions, zebras, and giraffes. One reviewer shared the joy of seeing two black rhinos, describing it as “wonderful,” emphasizing how rare and special such sightings are.

Post-Drive Relaxation and Drinks: After the game drive, many guests enjoy unwinding with drinks and snacks. Unlike the initial description of dinner, reviews clarify that this part typically includes water, soft drinks, or alcoholic beverages, along with delicious snacks like samosas. One reviewer appreciated sipping wine and enjoying appetizers at sunset by the lake, watching elephants and rhinos—highlighting the tour’s relaxing side.

What the Guide Brings to the Table

Guests consistently praise the guides’ expertise, noting their ability to locate wildlife and share interesting facts. One reviewer mentions their guide’s stubbornness in tracking a specific rhino, which paid off with a satisfying sighting. This level of dedication enhances the overall experience, making it not just a safari but a learning journey.

Value for Money

At $161 per person, you’re paying for a well-organized, intimate experience that balances wildlife viewing with some downtime. Considering the small group size, expert guides, and the possibility of seeing rare species like black rhinos, many will find this a good value. The inclusion of drinks and snacks further sweetens the deal, especially given the often high costs of safaris elsewhere.

Practical Details and Considerations

Transport and Group Size

Transportation is provided from your accommodation, making this tour convenient and hassle-free. The group is limited to nine travelers, which ensures more personalized attention from guides and better chances of sightings—smaller groups tend to be less disruptive for wildlife.

Weather and Cancellation

Since the tour depends on good weather, it might be canceled or rescheduled in case of poor conditions. The flexible cancellation policy allows a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours in advance, giving peace of mind when planning.

Booking in Advance

Most travelers book this experience about 87 days ahead, which indicates its popularity and the importance of securing your spot early—especially during peak seasons.

Authentic Experiences from Reviewers

One reviewer describes the tour as “great for rhinos”, indicating that the guide’s dedication can lead to memorable sightings. Another highlights the relaxing experience of sipping wine at sunset, watching elephants and rhinos by the lake—showing how this tour combines adventure with tranquility.

A slightly mixed review mentions some disappointment about the inclusion of dinner, which was not part of the experience, but this is clarified by the tour provider. Transparency about what’s included helps manage expectations, and most guests seem satisfied with the combination of game viewing and leisurely drinks afterward.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This game drive is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts who want a taste of Africa’s big game without committing to a full-day safari. It’s ideal for those seeking a relaxed, small-group experience with knowledgeable guides. Families, couples, or solo travelers will find the intimate setting and flexible timing appealing.

If your goal is to see rhinos, elephants, and lions in a more exclusive setting, this tour delivers. However, if you’re after a broader wilderness expedition or a longer safari, you might want to explore other options.

Final Thoughts

The Victoria Falls Game Drive offers a balanced mix of wildlife encounters, scenic views, and relaxed post-drive enjoyment. For $161, you’re getting a well-organized experience led by passionate guides, with opportunities to see some of Africa’s most iconic animals—including rare rhinos.

The small group size enhances the feeling of adventure and intimacy, making it a memorable addition to your Victoria Falls itinerary. Whether you’re a wildlife die-hard or simply looking to add some safari magic to your trip, this tour provides a worthwhile, authentic experience.

FAQ

Is transportation included? Yes, the tour includes pickup from your hotel in Victoria Falls, making it easy to participate without the hassle of arranging transport.

What animals might I see? Expect to see rhinos, elephants, lions, zebras, and giraffes. Sightings depend on animal activity and weather conditions but guides are skilled at finding wildlife.

What is included in the post-drive experience? Guests typically enjoy drinks, including wine or soft drinks, along with snacks like samosas, in a relaxed setting by the lake.

Can I choose morning or afternoon? Yes, the tour is available in both morning and afternoon slots, allowing flexibility to suit your schedule.

How long does the game drive last? The entire experience lasts approximately 3 to 4 hours, including pickup, drive, and relaxation time afterward.

Is this suitable for children? While most travelers can participate, check with the tour provider for age restrictions or specific family-friendly considerations.

What should I wear? Dress comfortably for the weather, and consider neutral tones to blend in with the environment. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen.

Is there a limit on the number of travelers? Yes, a maximum of nine guests ensures a more personal experience and better wildlife viewing opportunities.

What if the weather is bad? The tour is weather-dependent; in case of poor conditions, it may be canceled or rescheduled with a full refund.

How far in advance should I book? Most travelers book about 87 days ahead, especially during peak seasons, to secure availability.

This game drive near Victoria Falls offers a meaningful taste of Africa’s wildlife in a relaxed, intimate setting. Combining expert guides, scenic drives, and the joy of spotting animals like rhinos makes it a worthwhile addition to any safari or Victoria Falls trip.