Zambezi National Park, National park along Zambezi River in Matabeleland North Province, Zimbabwe
Zambezi National Park is a protected area along the Zambezi River in northern Zimbabwe, covering woodlands, savannas, and floodplain habitats that change with the seasons. The river forms the park's northern boundary and creates varied landscapes for wildlife.
The area became a separate national park in 1979 when it was established independently from Victoria Falls National Park to focus on wildlife conservation. This division created a dedicated management zone for the river corridor's ecosystem.
The park lies in the Zambezian and Mopane woodlands ecoregion, with a southern strip of Zambezian Baikiaea woodland. Its name comes from the Zambezi River, which forms the northern boundary; the Chamabonda Vlei side takes its name from the vlei, or shallow seasonal wetland, on the southern side of the Kazungula road. Lodges inside the park overlook the river.
The main gate leads onto the Zambezi River Game Drive, a road network along the river; the 25 km Chamabondo Game Drive starts 5 km south of Victoria Falls town, off the A8 road, and enters the wilder southern sector. A road to Kazungula bisects the park, separating the riverine side from the Chamabonda Vlei side.
The park's waters support about 75 fish species, including tiger fish that draw the interest of anglers and wildlife watchers. This aquatic diversity attracts more than 400 bird species that depend on the river and its surroundings.
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