Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park "The Smoke Which Thunders", is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This is that is home to one half of the Mosi-oa-Tunya — 'The Smoke Which Thunders' — known worldwide as Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River. The river forms the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, so the falls are shared by the two countries, and the park is 'twin' to the Victoria Falls National Park on the Zimbabwean side.

‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ comes from the Kololo or Lozi language and the name is now used throughout Zambia, and in parts of Zimbabwe. The Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is situated along the upper Zambezi River. It includes the Victoria Falls and stretches for about 12 kilometres up the Zambezi River above the Falls.

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park covers 66 km2 (25 sq mi) from the Songwe Gorge below the falls in a north-west arc along about 20 km of the Zambian river bank. It forms the south-western boundary of the city of Livingstone and has two main sections, each with separate entrances: a wildlife park at its north-western end, and the land adjacent to the immense and awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, which in the rainy season is the world's largest curtain of falling water. It extends downstream from the falls and to the south-east along the Batoka Gorges.

It is only 66 square kilometres, but there are plans to extend the Park further up river. Because the Park is small, it affords a wonderfully relaxing drive alongside the river for much of the circular route, and the wide variety of species can be easily seen. The Park provides a home for numerous antelope species, zebra, giraffe, warthog, and a variety of birds and smaller animals. Elephants cross the Zambezi and freely walk through the Park and the surrounding area.

Where is Mosi Oa Tunya National Park

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is situated along the upper Zambezi River. It includes the Victoria Falls and stretches for about 12 kilometres up the Zambezi River above the Falls. It is only 66 square kilometres, but there are plans to extend the Park further up river.

Most international visitors enter Zambia via, Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN), located 14km/9mi from the capital, Lusaka. You can also fly in or out of Livingstone Airport (LVI) (Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport), just outside of Livingstone and close to the falls.

It takes two to three hours to drive (or be driven) around the Mosi-oa-Tunya wildlife sanctuary. Most of the route follows the Zambezi River in this small park with healthy populations of zebra, giraffe, warthog and impala, as well as the occasional elephant that’s wandered across from Zimbabwe. There are no big cats here but there are the eight white rhino, and your chances of seeing them are really good.

What to Do in Mosi Oa Tunya National Park

At Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, visitors will come to understand why “The Smoke that Thunders”, the Victoria Falls, are so attractive. The Falls themselves are one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the Modern World, and they are truly spectacular to behold. The earth reverberates with the sheer power with which they cascades through the passageways down the cliffs, and a light mist fills the air all around you. Sometimes, when the light is just right, you can see a circular rainbow form amidst these swirling veils. It is quite plainly impossible to articulate, but you can be assured that visiting the Falls will be a magnetizing experience, and you will be enticed to visit over and over again.

The spray of the Victoria Falls can be seen from up to 60 km away. The abundance of water gives life to such a diverse range of animals that the wildlife corridor of the park will keep you enthralled as soon as you lift your eyes from the Falls. Open vehicle game drives with experienced rangers are usually conducted in the mornings and late afternoons. Walking safaris are also offered and are accompanied by armed rangers for your safety. Birders will be especially impressed with the magnitude of species that can be spotted.