Can You See Crocodiles in Victoria Falls?
If you are wondering whether you can see crocodiles in Victoria Falls, the answer is Yes. You’ll definitely see crocodiles in Victoria Falls.
The Zambezi River, which encompasses Victoria Falls, is a den of crocodiles that you will surely see if you take a boat ride on the river.
Today, we’ll share when and where to see crocodiles in Victoria Falls. We’ll also discuss what to expect while seeing them, so you’re adequately prepared for the experience.
We’ve spent the last decade planning African safaris for tourists in Victoria Falls. So, we are well-informed about the nature of crocodiles in Victoria Falls and where to find them.
Seeing Crocodiles in Victoria Falls
This section will cover the places and best times to see Crocodiles in Victoria Falls.
Where to See Crocodiles in Victoria Falls
The following areas in Victoria Falls guarantee encounters with crocodiles:
- Victoria Falls Crocodile Farm
Victoria Falls Crocodile Farm is the largest home of Nile crocodiles in Victoria Falls. This farm is located about 5km away from Victoria Falls and within the premises of Zambezi National Park.
Within the farm grounds is a natural creek, which holds the crocodiles. Giant, shady trees surround every section of the creek, lowering its temperature in order to keep the crocodiles alive.
If you visit the farm during their feeding time, you might catch the huge crocodiles leaping out at the chunks of meat.
The feeding time for crocodiles at Victoria Falls Crocodile Park is between 10:15 am and 3:45 pm.
Brave tourists may try holding the newly-hatched crocodiles and taking pictures with them. Baby crocodiles are harmless, and your photos with them will make your vacation memorable.
Before you leave the Victoria Falls Crocodile Farm, check out the curio shop and get some croc crafts for your friends back home.
- Zambezi River Cruise
If you’d like to see crocodiles swimming freely, instead of being confined to a particular spot, you should book a Zambezi River Cruise. The Zambezi River crocodiles usually appear when the sun sets over the surrounding area, and reflect its vibrant purple colors in the water.
Sit on the boat, sip your favorite drink, and watch the crocodiles swim past as your boat heads upstream. During your trip, you’ll also spot hippos and elephants wading through the water.
You may even catch several owls emerging from the nearby forest.
Once you’ve completed the 5km trip through Zambezi and witnessed the magic, you’ll be taken back to the jetty. Make sure to take beautiful pictures of the sunset and resident animals.
- Chobe National Park
Depending on the number of days you spend at Victoria Falls, you may want to view crocodiles and many other animals at the same time. In that case, you should visit the Chobe National Park to see crocodiles.
It takes about 2 hours to drive from Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park.
The crocodiles at the Chobe National Park are located in the Chobe River. But if you visit the park in hot weather, you may catch them tanning by the riverbank.
The most common croc species in this river is the Nile Crocodile. The average size of the crocodile is 1000 kg, which is similar to the size of an SUV.
Most of the Nile crocodile’s skin is covered in a geometrical arrangement of horny plates attached to the reptile’s skull. The rest of its body comprises a tail and two dorsal keels.
Although most of the crocodiles in the Chobe River are adults, you might still find a few young crocodiles.
Here are some differences between adult and young Nile crocodiles:
| Adult Nile Crocodiles | Young Nile Crocodiles |
| Olive or grey skin | Green and black skin |
| Yellow belly | Straw-yellow stomach |
| Live mostly in swamps and backwaters. | Live mostly on land |
Best Time to See Crocodiles in Victoria Falls
The best time to see crocodiles in Victoria Falls is during the dry season. The dry season in Victoria Falls is between May and October.
In the dry season, the quantity of water in many rivers dwindles significantly. As such, crocodiles are forced to limit their movement to small areas. This makes it easier for tourists to see and take pictures of them.
That said, seeing crocodiles during other Victoria Falls seasons also offers some perks. For instance, the period between December and January is an excellent time for seeing baby crocodiles, as they tend to hatch around that time.
What to Expect When Seeing Crocodiles in Victoria Falls
What to Expect at Victoria Falls Crocodile Farm
- You can only visit the crocodile farm between 8 am and 5 pm.
- The average visit lasts for one and a half hours. However, you can take longer if you want.
- There are no transfers. So, you may have to arrange your transport through and from the park.
- You’ll see indigenous crocodiles.
- There are also lions and snakes at the crocodile farm.
- Your tour guide will show you around all the viewing points and tell you how to feed and care for the crocodiles.
- Baby crocodiles are harmless. So, you can hold and take pictures with them.
What to Expect at Zambezi River Cruise
- Evening cruises are often crowded. Go for the morning cruise if you want some calm while viewing the animals.
- Crocodiles are one of the largest inhabitants of the Zambezi River. So, you’ll likely see different croc varieties and sizes.
- Apart from crocodiles, you’ll see hippos, zebras, elephants, and other wildlife. Indigenous birdlife, like herons and the African fish eagle, also fly around the Zambezi River frequently.
What to Expect at Chobe River
- Catch some crocodiles basking at the river bank.
- Visit the breeding pens and see crocs at different stages.
- Cuddle a young crocodile and even feel its teeth and skin.
- Discover interesting facts about the crocodiles from the knowledgeable tour guides. Such information includes:
- How to tell when a crocodile is pregnant
- Their different levels of strength
- How many steps they take daily
- Their ages, diets, and feeding patterns.
- Keep your distance from the crocodile, and especially from their unhatched eggs, to avoid an attack.
Plan Your Crocodile Encounter in Victoria Falls
Ready to see the crocodiles in Victoria Falls? We can help you book your trip and ensure that you visit all the croc destinations in the area, Fill out our inquiry form to start the booking process.
February 12, 2024