Along the upper Zambezi River
in Zambia is Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to the mighty Victoria Falls.
A nature lover’s dream, the area is marked by tall riverine forest, miombo woodland and thick grassland. While relatively small (66 square km), it’s home to numerous antelope species, giraffe, warthog and a variety of birds and smaller animals, as well as crossing elephants. As there are no predators in the park, the animals are very relaxed and can be observed at close quarters.
An oasis of comfort amidst the wilderness, Wilderness Safaris’ Toka Leya Camp is the perfect base for exploring the park and surrounds. Located just 12 km from the mighty Victoria Falls, it overlooks the Zambezi River and some of its islands, offering dramatic views of the spectacular natural surrounds and myriad wildlife.
Luxurious eco-friendly camp
Twelve spacious safari-style tents (including three family tents) are joined together by a wooden walkway at the eco-friendly camp. Each tent includes an expansive private deck for soaking in the breathtaking surrounds, and the communal dining, lounge and bar areas are complemented by a refreshing infinity pool, scenic sundeck and popular pizza oven.
The camp’s location on the banks of the Zambezi makes it the perfect base for an array of activities, from water- and land-based safaris and adventure activities to wellness and relaxation offerings.
A must-do while in the area is of course a visit to Victoria Falls – the largest curtain of water in the world. As if the otherworldly roar and spray of the falls is not enough, the small rainforest on its edge is home to a variety of mammals and birds.
Tracking expeditions
The relaxed mammals and rich birdlife of the Mosi-oa-Tunya Park make land-based game drives a treat, while water-based explorations include sunset or game viewing river cruises revealing an abundance of hippo and crocodile, as well as other river-dwelling species.
For those wanting to get up close and personal with a critically endangered species on foot, Toka Leya offers tracking expeditions of the area’s rhino, which are under 24-hour protection by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife. Guests can travel to the location by vehicle and then track the rhino on foot, accompanied at all times by a National Parks scout.
After encountering the wildlife by vehicle, boat and on foot, adventurous visitors may want to combine their viewing with adrenaline sports the likes of helicopter flights, canoeing, jet boating and white water rafting.
Relax
Meeting the people of Mosi-oa-Tunya is as memorable an experience as encountering its wildlife. Guests can join a cultural tour to one of the nearby villages to learn about and interact with the locals of Zambia in a respectful and insightful way. See a school, homestead and village store, and contribute to the growth of the economy through donation-based support of the schooling and income-generating efforts of the area. Venturing further into the town of Livingstone is another way to immerse oneself in local life, with museums, markets and historic sites blending seamlessly with the modern Livingstone lifestyle.
After all these adventures, whiling away some time in the tranquil Wellness Centre at Toka Leya is a great way to unwind. While there is a gym and the panoramic deck is an ideal spot to practise some yoga or pilates, many prefer to simply lie back, enjoy a spa treatment or three, and process all the splendour they have witnessed in Mosi-oa-Tunya and surrounds.
