Wild & Wonderful
ZIMBABWE SAFARIS
Discover Zimbabwe’s most iconic destinations.
Few countries in Africa can claim such diverse attractions, from the magnificent spectacle that is Victoria Falls and the incredible wildlife, predators and large herds of elephants in Hwange to the wild dogs and acrobatic elephants of Mana Pools and more. Experience this beautiful country with its gorgeous sunsets, dramatic landscapes, ancient civilisations, and a plethora of activities for yourself.
Zimbabwe has another card up her sleeve – their safari guides are among the best in Africa. Undergoing rigorous training and written exams, the Zim safari guides use their knowledge, combined with their wonderful warmth, sense of humour and passion for the bush to delight safari-goers, many of whom return time after time.
Safari in Zimbabwe can be as short as a few days in Hwange, or a full Highlights tour of Zimbabwe. you can also combine your trip to Zimbabwe with a visit to Botswana’s Chobe National Park and Okavango Delta. Stay in Victoria Falls or on the Zambia side in Livingstone. The combination options are many.
Chat to us about your Zimbabwe Safari
WHERE TO GO ON A ZIMBABWE SAFARI
Zimbabwe has no shortage of incredible places to visit. The national parks showcase the excellent wildlife of the area with game drives, walking safaris, canoeing and motorised boating. A safari to Zimbabwe is as real and rewarding as you get. Plus there are fewer tourists that visit compared to other countries in Africa, providing an intimate and authentic safari experience. Here are the national parks and highlights. For inspiration check out our Classic Hwange Safari and our Best of Zimbabwe Safari.
Hwange National Park
As Zimbabwe’s largest national park, a Hwange Safari will enthral all safari-goers and should be at the top of your safari bucket list. Over 100 species of mammals can be found in Hwange, with regular predator sightings of lions, cheetahs and leopards. Wild dogs are also found in Hwange. With over 50000 elephants, Hwange is well known for its huge herds that roam the savanna of the park. Hwange offers a range of safari lodges in private concessions as well as public areas for camping.
Hwange is very easy to access, it is a quick flight or an easy drive from Victoria Falls. And while it is a superb safari destination, it does not attract the crowds found in the high seasons of other places in Africa. Hwange’s dry season from July to October all but guarantees wildlife sightings as the animals gather around the waterholes as the park has no permanent natural water sources. The Green season offers a unique trip with beautiful backdrops and large numbers of migratory bird species.
Mana Pools National Park
Zimbabwe’s prettiest park, Mana Pools National Park is in the far north of the country and offers a truly remote and rugged safari experience.. This superb destination showcases the Zambezi River, which is the border with Zambia, as well as beautiful landscapes of river pools, baobab trees, riverine forests and floodplains. There is a plethora of wildlife and birdlife and Mana Pools is one of the best places to see the endangered wild dogs.
Mana Pools is like no other wildlife destination, it offers an immersive safari, with unfenced safari camps and a chance to see the wildlife in a different manner. Spend hours gliding quietly on a canoe, where you can see hippos, huge herds of elephants, aquatic birds and much more. Take a walking safari in Mana Pools where you could see an elephant on its hind legs, stretching up for that tasty branch. Nowhere else can you enjoy such a closeup and personal encounter with wild elephants.
Victoria Falls
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Victoria Falls is an impressive, powerful waterfall that cascaded down a 100m drop over a 1.7km wide cliff, churning up the legendary spray. Called Mosi-oa-Tunya or The smoke that thunders, the spray is visible for miles. Victoria Falls is the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia and you can visit both sides to enjoy all the view stops. No holiday to Zimbabwe would be complete without a stay in Victoria Falls.
Vic Falls is the adventure capital of Zim and the whole of Southern Africa – bungee jump, bridge swing, zip line, helicopter flights, microlight flights, elephant orphanage visits, game drives in the Zambezi National Park, sunset cruises, birding cruises, canoe trips, walking safaris, stone statute market visits and more await!
Read more about a Victoria Falls Safari and our 10 Best Victoria Falls Hotels on the Zimbabwe side
Matusadona National Park
Onwards to Etosha National Park! Located on the southern border of Etosha is the private Ongava Reserve, just outside of Anderssons Gate. Ongava concentrates on conservation with the Ongava Research Centre, which takes a deeper look into Rhino genetics and boasts an interactive visitors centre. Guests can
Spend 3 nights at Anderssons at Ongava on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis so you can head into the Etosha National Park on your own. Or upgrade to the fully inclusive rate and enjoy guided drives in Etosha and on the reserve, guided walks and rhino walks.
Each luxurious suite at Anderssons at Ongava uses natural elements to create a spacious area with a large private deck offering panoramic views of the landscape. Each room has an ensuite with both indoor and outdoor showers. There is a waterhole, and photographic hide which provided eye-level views of the prolific wildlife that comes to drink, and a pool for guests to enjoy.
Lake Kariba
Lake Kariba is the world’s largest man-made lake by volume and offers a magical combination of water-based activities as well as wildlife viewing. Numerous houseboats are found on Lake Kariba and it’s one of the best ways to see the area, as you cruise along the shores of the lake. Fishing trips to catch tigerfish and bream is immensely popular on Lake Kariba. You can also explore the lake in canoes and small tender boats if you stay in one of the hotels on the shoreline.
Matobo National Park
South of Bulawayo, The Matobo Hills are a picturesque part of Zimbabwe. The Matobo National Park protects part of the Matobo Hills area, which is a collection of small hills, granite outcroppings that loom over the land and balancing boulders. A high diversity of flora is found in this area with a plethora of bird species, along with a large concentration of leopards who love the hills. Rhinos are found here and can be tracked on a walking safari. Rare antelope like the sable along with kudu and eland can be found here. There are no lions or elephants here which makes it easy to stroll around on your own. This is also the gravesite of Cecil John Rhodes and a Shangaan Memorial.
Gonarezhou National Park
This is Zimbabwe at its most remote and wild. The landscape of Gonarezhou is a mix of open stretches of grasslands, dense woodlands and spectacular, winding river gorges. It is one of Zimbabwe’s least visited parks which is a shame as it is a lovely place to visit. Wildlife is great and the birdlife is prolific, but its real charm lies in its remote, unspoilt wilderness that few tourists visit.
Gonarezhou National Park forms part of The Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, which combines South Africa’s Kruger National Park to the south and Mozambique’s vast Limpopo National Park. All three parks are huge but combined they are truly impressive and allow greater freedom of moment for animals along ancient migration paths.
Great Zimbabwe Ruins
Africa’s second-largest stone archaeological site, the Great Zimbabwe Ruins gave its name to Zimbabwe upon its independence in 1980. It dates back to around 1100AD and is believed to be created by the Sena people as an important trading centre, along with being the political and religious centre for generations. At its height, this thriving city was believed to house over 20000 people.
Located in the south Masvingo Province, any self-driving safari to Zimbabwe should include a visit here. It is near enough to Gonerzhou and Matobo to include both on your trip. It is well worth the detour.
