Mosi-Oa-Tunya national park gates.

Mosi-Oa-Tunya national park gates : Mosi-Oa-Tunya national park, is located in the southern Zambia, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a home to the mighty Victoria Falls, one of the world’s largest waterfalls. The park spans 66 square kilometers and is divided into two sections. The park comprises two sections: the Victoria Falls area and the wildlife section. The park offers the stunning views of the Victoria Falls as well as opportunities for the wildlife spotting including white rhinoceros, sable antelopes and among many others plus the variety of the bird species. Visitors can hike, take a scenic drive, or enjoy a bout tour to experience the park’s natural wonders. The local name ”Mosi-Oa-Tunya” means ”The smoke that thunders”, aptly describing the mist and the roar of the falls, creating an unforgettable safari experience for visitors.

Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park boasts an impressive biodiversity despite its relatively small size, the park is a home to over 460 bird species including the rare Taita falcon and the iconic African fish eagle and among many others. The wildlife section of the park supports a variety of mammals like the white rhinoceros, sable antelopes, kudus, giraffes, zebras and among others plus other smaller creatures like the hyrax, mongoose, and warthog and among many others. The park’s vegetation ranges from mopane and miombo woodlands to grasslands and aquatic plants, providing habitat for the numerous reptiles, amphibians and the insects. The Zambezi River which forms the park’s boundary is a home to hippos, crocodiles and over 75 species of fish, adding to the park’s remarkable biodiversity. This unique blend of flora and fauna creates a rich and dynamic ecosystem, making Mosi-Oa-Tunya a fascinating safari destination for the nature enthusiasts.

Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park gates.

The gates of Mosi-Oa-Tunya National park serves as the entry and the exit points for the tourists to the park, controlling access to the park’s natural wonders, including the Victoria falls and the wildlife areas. The gates symbolizes the transition from the outside world into a protected area, where the visitors can experience the park’s unique biodiversity and the natural beauty. The park expects visitors to respect its rules and regulations, designed to preserve the environment and ensure a safe and enjoyable safari experience, as they pass through the gates, entering a zone of conservation and sustainability.

The gates also serve as a checkpoint for the park authorities to monitor visitor numbers, collect entrance fees, and provide information, thereby supporting the park’s management and conservation efforts.

South Gate (Main Gate).

The south gate also known as the main gate, is the primary entry point to Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, is located near the park’s headquarters. This gate is the most commonly used as entrance providing access to the Victoria Falls area, the wildlife section, and the park’s scenic routes.

 

The south gate is well-signposted and easily accessible by road, with the ample parking and the facilities for ticket sales, information, and security checks. Visitors entering through the South gate can access the park’s main attractions, including the Victoria falls viewing areas, the rainforest and the wildlife sections, making it a convenient and popular starting point for exploring the park’s natural wonders.

North Gate (Zambezi Gate).

The North Gate, also known as the Zambezi Gate, is a secondary entry point to Mosi-Oa-Tunya national park, located near the Zambezi River. This gate provides access to the park’s northern areas, including the riverfront, the old Drift picnic site and the scenic routes along the Zambezi River. The North Gate is ideal for the visitors who want to explore the park’s riverine ecosystems, enjoy a picnic or barbecue, or take a bout tour on the Zambezi River. Although the North gate is less frequented than the South Gate, the North Gate offers a more secluded and peaceful entry point, allowing visitors to experience the park’s natural beauty in a more serene and the tranquil setting.

Old Drift Gate.

The Old Drift Gate is a secondary entry point to Mosi-ao-Tunya national park is located near the Old Drift picnic site and the Zambezi River. This gate provides an alternative entry point for the visitors who want to access the park’s northern areas, including the riverfront and scenic routes along the Zambezi River. The Old Drift Gate is particularly convenient for the visitors staying at nearby lodges or campsites, offering east access to the park’s riverine attractions and activities like boat tours, fishing and the picnic areas. Although it’s smaller and less frequented than the South Gate, Old Drift Gate still offers a secure and regulated entry point, with basic facilities for ticket sales and the security checks.

Best time to visit Mosi-Oa-Tunya national park.

The best time to visit Mosi-Oa-Tunya national park is during the dry season from May to October that’s when the weather is mild and sunny, making it ideal for perfect wildlife viewing, hiking, scenic drives and among others. During this time, the Zambezi River is at its lowest level, allowing for better views of Victoria Falls and easier access to the devil’s pool and other riverine attractions.

The dry season also coincides with the peak tourist season, offering the wider range of activities and tour options. However, if your prefer fewer crowds and lower prices, consider visiting during the wet/shoulder season (April to May or September to November) when the weather is still pleasant and the park is less crowded.