Discover the Best Safari Lodges in Zimbabwe

Nov 10, 2025 0

Nothing captures the wild heart of Africa quite like a safari on the expansive plains of Zimbabwe. Thanks to conservation success stories, a resurgence of investment in new lodges and camps, and fantastic value for money, Zimbabwe is now THE place to go on safari. Travel to this long time safari destination and you will see why it has been a favorite for decades.

Joyfully, many organizations are working to recover biodiversity and combat poaching, throwing open the door for the tourism needed to buoy conservation efforts. Each of our top selections for best Zimbabwe safari camps and lodges is downright luxurious, but more importantly, they’re committed to the well-being of wildlife, uplifting Zimbabweans, and supporting local communities.

Here are a few highlights that your expedition might include:

Victoria Falls - Considered one of the most impressive waterfalls in the world and also ranks as one of the natural wonders of the world; a magnificent sight.
Hwange National Park - On a signature Zimbabwe safari here you will see much of the trademark African prairie wildlife, including lions, elephants, dogs, and other wildlife.
Mana Pools National Park - A great place to get out on the water in canoes or pontoons to see the water-dwellers or try your hand at fishing.
Matobo National Park - Home to Nanke Cave, the Matabele village, and other fascinating cultural and natural highlights.
Mandavu Dam - An excellent point from which to view the surrounding landscapes and get a great spot for wildlife watching.
Game Drive - Buckle up for adventure as you explore on the search for lions, elephants, and perhaps even the rare black or white rhino- the highlight of any great Zimbabwe safari!

How to plan your trip to Zimbabwe | The Travel Planner Uncensored

Vegetation map of Hwange National Park.

Hwange National Park: A Safari Paradise

Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe's largest conservation area with an elephant population that rivals that of Botswana's Chobe National Park, the biggest on the planet. If you love these gentle giants, you won't be disappointed with a safari in Hwange - there are about 40,000 to 50,000 ellies living in the park! Established in 1930 and roughly the size of Connecticut, Hwange National Park is the oldest and largest in Zimbabwe. You’ll find a mix of open grassland savannas and woodlands creating a varied landscape; on the Ngamo Plains, safari-goers are treated to superb big cat sightings.

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Top Lodges in Hwange National Park

Somalisa Expeditions Tented Camp: Secluded in the depths of Hwange National Park amongst a grove of acacia trees stands Somalisa Expeditions Tented Camp. At the intimate, six-tent Somalisa Expeditions, elephants gather at the small pool. As one of the more intimate Hwange camps, it features a handful of Meru-style tents that ooze 20th century charm. Venture out on exhilarating game drives and guided hikes with expert guides to witness the area's wildlife; keep an eye out for lion, giraffe, leopard, and hyena to name a few.
Davison's Camp: Davison's is nestled within a prolific wildlife pocket of Hwange and overlooks one of the best-loved waterholes for the area's elephant and buffalo herds.
Verney's Camp: Verney's Camp is situated in a very exclusive part of Hwange that is not frequented by other safari-goers and regular park visitors. This amphitheatre-like safari camp is built around a busy waterhole and fringed by teak forest.
Linkwasha Camp: This safari camp lies in the wildlife-rich south-eastern corner of Hwange, on the edge of the famous Ngamo Plains - a magnet for large numbers of game all year round. Shaded by leadwood trees, Linkwasha’s tented suites offer views of the camp’s water hole. Linkwasha has been designed to be as eco-friendly and energy-efficient as possible while not compromising guests' creature comforts. Dressed in earthy neutrals, mixed textures, and Ndebele accents, the stylish camp reflects a contemporary African aesthetic. Linkwasha’s nine oversized tented suites take refuge in the shade offered by leadwood trees and boast patio views of the busy waterhole. By day, spy on wildlife from the sunken blind, luxuriate in a poolside cabana, explore the 34,000-acre Linkwasha-Makololo Private Wilderness Area during twice-daily game drives, or venture out on foot for a guided bush walk.
The Hide Lodge: The Hide Lodge as a whole is one of the luxury safari camps in Hwange National Park which overlooks a favoured waterhole. Known as the former royal hunting grounds of the Ndebele kings, Hwange is well-established as a place of abundant game, a fact which is well highlighted here. The Private Hide falls under the greater lodge and is a great choice for a family safari in Hwange. It's an intimate safari camp where children of all ages are welcome and you'll enjoy perks like private dining, a private vehicle and guide, as well as a private plunge pool.
Little Makalolo Camp: The legendary ‘Little Mak' offers superb privacy for guests who prefer smaller safari camps. Small indeed-counting just six tents-checking into Little Makalolo Camp means arriving as a stranger but departing as friends. At this intimate property, a high-quality of service is delivered with the warmth of a first-name basis. A classic bush camp at heart, the property trades in the currency of unfettered, soul-stirring wildlife encounters. Being in a private concession also means that you'll be able to go on spot-lit night game drives and guided walks to experience Hwange's ecological diversity up close. With its intimate layout and comfortable family unit, Little Makalolo welcomes younger explorers.
Deteema Springs Camp: With a collection of springs on one side and Deteema dam on the other, this Hwange National Park camp is a hotspot for wildlife. The cover provided by teak and mopane forests and the odd boulder attract a host of plains game, endangered African wild dogs, and Hwange's iconic elephants. While well-appointed canvas tents and solar power ensure continued comfort back at camp, exhilarating safari adventures await away from home base.
Somalisa Acacia Camp: Located by its sister property, Somalisa Camp, along the Kennedy vlei line means ample action on game drives and exciting sightings of big game. Between guided walks and game drives, discover each suites' private deck and relaxing hammock or enjoy a refreshing dip in the communal plunge pool.

Mana Pools National Park: A Remote Natural Wonder

Most famously depicted by photos of elephants standing on hind legs and twisting their trunks into the fruit-laden branches of albida trees, Mana Pools National Park is a remote natural wonder. Where the lazy serpentine Sapi River meets the wide Zambezi River.

Lodges in Mana Pools National Park

Chikwenya Camp: Chikwenya Camp’s seven tented suites sit tucked amid the shade offered by a grove of albida trees. Located on a private concession on Mana Pools National Park’s wild eastern boundary, wildlife wanders freely through the unfenced property. Game drives bristle with iconic African wildlife, and untamed adventure awaits you on the Zambezi. Pick up a paddle for a canoe safari to spot elephants lumbering down the riverbank, sleeping crocs, and bobbing hippos off in the distance.
Tembo Plains Camp: Hugged by a tight-knit riverine forest, Tembo Plains Camp is situated within Sapi Private Reserve and honors the animal it is named for: elephants. Uniquely, Tembo Plains’ design marries stone with canvas, a nod to the country’s ancient ruins and founders Derek and Beverly Joubert’s zeal for low-impact backcountry adventure. Tembo Plains is the only Relais & Châteaux-associated property in Zimbabwe.
Ruckomechi Camp: Situated on the Zambezi riverbank and ensconced within a private concession, Ruckomechi’s most frequent visitors are perhaps the elephants that sniff out the fruit of its shady albida trees. Ruckomechi’s canvas-cloaked camp has 10 spacious suites (two of which are family suites), complete with ensuite washrooms. Its river-facing pool invites midday respite, and the outdoor fire pit is an inviting space to swap stories while stargazing.
Little Ruckomechi Camp: A few miles downstream, Little Ruckomechi offers a boutique, private paradise. Umbrellaed by towering ana trees, its four breezy ensuite tents appeal to exclusive-use groups, families, and reclusive travelers. It boasts a modest plunge pool and a fire pit encircled by chairs where you’ll dig toes into the sand.

Gonarezhou National Park: A Hidden Gem

Though it’s the country’s second-largest national park, Gonarezhou‘s off-the-beaten-path location in southeastern Zimbabwe preserves its hidden gem status.

Lodges in Gonarezhou National Park

Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge: The EJ Zimbabwe luxury lodge of choice for the area is Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge, founded by Clive Stockil, a pioneer in community conservation. Guests explore the park from different perspectives, some thrilling, others contemplative. Expect big cats, buffalo, hippo, painted impala, birdlife, and the presence of elephants, everywhere. Unmissable highlights include hiking to Chivalila Falls and a full-day excursion to admire the red sandstone Chilojo Cliffs.

Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge.

Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve

If you’re visiting the private Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, you’re exclusively a guest of Singita Pamushana safari lodge. Snug in the 130,000-acre private Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve adjacent to Gonarezhou National Park, it’s an exclusive journey into untouched wilderness with few others to share it with-save for the Big Five and more than 500 bird species. In this wonderous ecosystem, ‘upside-down’ baobab trees, flat-topped acacia woodlands, and ironwood thickets punctuate the landscape, lending cover to the stars of a celebrated comeback story: black rhino. Activities at Singita Pamushan are plentiful (think: game drives, rhino tracking, boating, and tennis) and scheduled at your own ambition.

Lake Kariba: Lakeside Retreat

Counter to Hwange’s pumped water holes, the wildlife that grace the shores of Lake Kariba sip in abundance. The lake came into existence in the 1950s when a dam flooded the valley, corralling wildlife in concentrated numbers onto islands and the southern shore. Exceptional birdlife and the Big Five can be spotted in the area, with the lake offering activities that are a welcome departure from 4×4 game drives.

Lodges Near Lake Kariba

Bumi Hills Safari Lodge: The expansive decks at Bumi Hills overlook Lake Kariba, inviting guests to drink in the expansive views. Backdropped by a dramatic Zambezi escarpment and overlooking the radiant shores of Lake Kariba, it’s hard to turn away from the wide-open vistas afforded by Bumi Hills Safari Lodge. Snug in a private concession near Matusadona National Park, wildlife roams in plentiful numbers, enjoying the lakeshore as much as guests do. Twice-daily game drives are complemented by sunrise and sunset cruising, boat safaris, catch-and-release fishing, and cultural visits.

Matobo Hills: A Cultural and Scenic Landscape

Hugged by an amphitheater of boulders, the four-bedroom Khayelitshe House is an exclusive-use home enveloped by 1,200 acres of private land in the heart of Matobo Hills. A combination of the Ndebele words Ekhaya and Litshe (translation: ‘home in the rocks’), its name is a nod to the granite kopjes that dot this scenic landscape. Off-grid and remote, Khayelitshe House’s design is eco-friendly, and the stylings are charmingly eclectic. Fully staffed, guests can explore the nearby national park, enjoy game drives, guided walking safaris, hike to view ancient rock paintings, track white and black rhino on foot, and visit the burial site of controversial imperialist Cecil Rhodes.

Victoria Falls: The Smoke That Thunders

Translating to “the smoke that thunders,” Mosi-oa-Tunya, or Victoria Falls, needs no introduction. Measuring 5,603 feet wide, the cascade earns the superlative of the world’s “largest curtain of falling water.” For many visitors, it’s the first stop in Zimbabwe or an easy add-on to a South Africa itinerary.

Lodges Near Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls Safari Club: You have to stay here!!!!!! This place must be experienced, it’s exceptional! All staff are incredibly friendly and helpful. The spa is heaven, the food is amazing and not to mention the rooms and location. It was so lovely to arrive after two long flights and walk onto the amazing open reception area with the stunning views over the bush and the water hole … complete with an elephant drinking. Service was amazing, views incredible, we saw elephants and zebra from our porch of our room. We loved it - staff were all so wonderful- engaging, smart, intelligent, helpful and keen to make our stay perfect, which it was. The Vulture Culture talk was brilliant, staff in the Club were friendly and accommodating and room was beautiful with a great balcony view. Animal sightings and view over the national park were amazing!
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge: A piece of Heaven … Relaxation and Calm from the moment you arrive at this outstanding Spa - an absolute hidden gem about 4km from Victoria Falls central. The best holiday ever and we will most definitely be back Just spent three nights here at the end of our South Africa adventure.
Mpala Jena Camp: Visiting Victoria Falls doesn’t mean forsaking a Zimbabwe safari lodge for a hotel in town. Tucked 10 miles into Zambezi National Park, Mpala Jena invites you to quite literally kick off your sandals and embrace barefoot luxury. Mpela Jena is situated in a tree-lined riverside setting and hosts just five breezy canvas tents. Swings, boho hammocks, plush bean bag seats, and fringed patio umbrellas are playful and stylish accents fit for the glossy pages of a magazine.
Matetsi River Lodge: Twenty-five miles upriver from where the Zambezi tumbles over Victoria Falls, family-owned and operated Matetsi River Lodge offers travelers an exclusive hideaway from which to explore the area. Guests visiting this 16-suite, design-forward luxury lodge and villa support ongoing conservation and in-house anti-poaching efforts, all while enjoying the region’s unique blended offering: river adventure, safari, relaxation, and, of course, the iconic cascade.

Planning Your Trip

Wild, remote, untouched… Zimbabwe is a destination for clients looking to stay away from the crowds and get off the beaten track. Make sure to book your safari well in advance to secure your first-choice accommodation. All of our Zimbabwe vacations are tailor made, designed entirely to suit your needs and budgets. Plan the adventure of a lifetime. Our online portal has your itinerary, which you can customize. You’ll be looked after every step of the way.

Best Time to Visit:

Victoria Falls is at its best (full spray) between February and July, but Zimbabwe safari peaks from June through to October.
High temperatures can be a little unbearable in October, but then the rains arrive from November, and camps and lodges start to close in Mana Pools due to accessibility.
The early part of the year is often mixed, with thunderstorms and rain yet also incredible birding and photography opportunities. The wet conditions tend to attract fewer travelers, making for quieter safari tours.

**Zimbabwe Travel Tips**
Tip	Details
Tipping	Definitely tip your guide or ranger (around $15-20 is fine). Most nicer restaurants will include a 10% service charge, but you can include a tip if it's not already on the bill.
Internet Access	Most of our tours of Zimbabwe are safari expeditions or safari camps, so internet access is unlikely.
Power	Zimbabwe's 220-240v power has both Type G British style sockets and Type D Indian Style plugs.
Credit Cards	Our tours are all-inclusive, which means that you don't have to worry about any expenses once you're at your destination. If you want some extra cash for souvenirs or tips, don't count on finding an ATM or business that accepts cards while you're on your expedition.

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