Stanley and Livingstone Private Game Reserve
Fifteen minutes from the roar of Victoria Falls, black rhinos browse under armed protection in a 4,000-hectare private reserve. Named after the explorers David Livingstone and Henry Morton Stanley and bordering Zambezi National Park, the Stanley and Livingstone Private Game Reserve brings a Big Five safari within easy reach of one of the best-known Zimbabwe tourist attractions.
The name recalls the famous meeting of the two explorers at Ujiji on Lake Tanganyika in 1871, when Stanley is said to have greeted the long-missing missionary with the words "Dr Livingstone, I presume?". The reserve itself is a much more recent creation, set up on former farmland and restocked with wildlife, and its rhino programme has become an important part of conservation efforts around Victoria Falls.
Why visit the reserve?
Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and both black and white rhino live here, guarded by a dedicated anti-poaching unit. As private land, it allows off-road and night drives as well as guided walks.
Because the reserve is compact and well managed, wildlife sightings are reliable, and rhinos in particular are seen far more easily than in the large national parks. Mixed woodland, open grassland and seasonal pans support giraffe, zebra, sable, kudu and a wide variety of birds, making each drive varied.
Getting there and around
The reserve is about 10 kilometres south-east of Victoria Falls town via Old Ursula's Road; lodges arrange transfers and all activities are guided.
Victoria Falls Airport is only around 20 minutes away by road, so the reserve works well for travellers arriving or departing on the same day. Self-drive game viewing is not permitted.
Highlights not to miss
- Rhino tracking: With experienced guides, often following fresh tracks on foot for the final approach.
- After-dark drives: Leopards, hyenas, genets and bush babies – non-residents can join the game drive with bush dinner.
- Bush walks: Tracks, plants and birds on foot, learning how animals and people use the bush.
- Waterhole hides: Elephants and buffalo at close range, especially in the late dry season.
Practical tips
Rooms are few, so book early; many guests pair one or two nights here with the Falls and a Zambezi sunset cruise.
Bring warm layers for early-morning and night drives in winter, when temperatures in open vehicles can drop sharply. Malaria precautions are advisable year-round.
Best time to visit
June to October offers the best game viewing, and from June to August the Falls are still full while the spray has eased.
The green season from November to March brings newborn animals, migratory birds and lush scenery, often at lower lodge rates.
Accommodation and food
A handful of luxury lodges with pools and fine dining overlook busy waterholes; meals and activities are usually included.
The intimate scale of the lodges makes for personal service, with dinners served on the deck or in the bush and sundowners overlooking the waterholes.
How does it compare to other Zimbabwe tourist attractions?
Far smaller than Hwange, it wins on rhinos, exclusivity and convenience for short stays.
For a wilder, larger-scale safari, combine a stay here with a few nights in Hwange or across the border in Botswana's Chobe.
In summary
Luxury and rhino conservation on the Falls' doorstep – two nights here round off any Victoria Falls trip.
