ZambiaVictoria Falls' Hidden Gem
Zambezi National Park offers riverside wildlife sightings and luxury villas, while the nearby town of Victoria Falls has grown into a city with a mix of tourism and wildlife.
Global Newsflix 2 min read
The Victoria Falls, also known as Mosi-ao-Tunya, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the seven natural wonders of the world, with a 1,700-meter-wide cascade that straddles Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Savanah Du Preez, the camp manager at Mpala Jena Private Villas, says the nearby town of Victoria Falls has grown from a small town to a city, with a range of shops, restaurants, and tour operators.
Despite the growth of tourism, the area still belongs to the wildlife, with Zambezi National Park encircling the town and offering sightings of elephants, leopards, and other animals.
A boat transfer from Kalambezi jetty to Mpala Jena villa can be a safari in itself, with sightings of elephants swimming across the river.
The park's 56,000 hectares are home to a range of wildlife, including baboons, wild buffalo, and giant baobabs, such as the 1,200-year-old 'Big Tree'.
Gerald Sibanda, a guide, says leopards can still be seen at night, and the park offers a range of wildlife sightings and experiences.
The luxury villas at Mpala Jena safari camp offer a high-end experience for tourists, with a range of amenities and activities available.
Key facts
- The Victoria Falls is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
- Zambezi National Park encircles the town of Victoria Falls and offers wildlife sightings.
- The park is home to a range of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and baboons.
- Mpala Jena Private Villas offers luxury accommodation and safari experiences.
Three perspectives
Neutral
The growth of tourism in Victoria Falls has brought a range of benefits and challenges, with the town struggling to balance its development with the need to protect the surrounding wildlife and environment. The situation is complex, with different stakeholders having different interests. The impact of tourism on the local community and environment will be important to watch.
Positive
The development of luxury villas and safari camps, such as Mpala Jena, has brought new economic opportunities to the area and provided a high-end experience for tourists. The conservation efforts in Zambezi National Park are also a positive step, with the park providing a safe habitat for a range of wildlife.
Negative
The growth of tourism has also brought challenges, including the risk of over-development and the impact on the local environment and wildlife. The town's infrastructure is struggling to keep up with the influx of tourists, and the area is at risk of losing its natural charm.
Your week in news, every Wednesday
The biggest stories of the week for your edition, in your inbox every Wednesday morning, your time. Free, and you can unsubscribe at any time.