Wild, remote, untouched… Zimbabwe is a destination for clients looking to stay away from the crowds and get off the beaten track. It is the country's wonderful wildlife, the extraordinary level of guiding and varied national parks - along with Victoria Falls - that are most famous, and why thousands upon thousands of safari lovers flock here every year. Plan the adventure of a lifetime.
Why Choose Zimbabwe for Your Safari?
Zimbabwe boasts two World Heritage Sites - Victoria Falls and Mana Pools - but there’s so much more to experience: Hwange’s plethora of wildlife, Matobo’s majestic leopards, the dramatic remoteness of Gonarezhou, and the gorgeous sunsets over Lake Kariba.
World-Class Guiding
Zimbabwe's safari guides are considered among the best in the world thanks to their extremely rigorous training. It takes at least five years to complete the course, which involves everything from learning all the Latin names of birds, plants, insects and animal species to basic first aid, advanced driving skills and weapons training. It is so tough that it is estimated that in some years only five percent of the incoming class make it to the final written exams.
Commitment to Conservation
The country's commitment to conservation also makes it part of two gargantuan cross-border parks. The Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA) is the size of France and includes Victoria Falls, Hwange and Lake Kariba. The Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park is the size of the Netherlands or Taiwan and takes in Gonarezhou.
An Untamed Zimbabwe Safari | Tailor-Made Luxury Safaris
Best Time to Visit Zimbabwe
The beauty of Africa is its infinite complexity and this is equally true of Zimbabwe. The best time to go depends on where you want to go - on safari or to see Victoria Falls. Naturally, almost all travellers would like to do both, which leaves a much smaller window to see both at their best.
Read also: From Hawaiian Village to Landmark
The best time for a Zimbabwe safari is during the dry winter months, from about May to October. The best time to see Victoria Falls in all its glory is from about February to May, or summer to late autumn.
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.
February is a mixed month for visiting Zimbabwe. Depending on the severity of rainfall, dirt roads can sometimes be impassable because of flooding. The water levels of the Zambezi river are high this month, meaning that the falls might be obscured by mist and spray. The high water levels at Victoria Falls are ideal conditions for viewing the world’s largest waterfall.
If you want to see Victoria Falls in full flood, then it's best to start planning about a year in advance. This may seem extreme and unnecessary, but the best accommodation is limited and goes fast. If you leave it very late, you may not be able to secure accommodation at all, as this is a popular regional and honeymoon destination.
Seasonal Considerations
- November: Heralds the start of the rains amidst green vegetation.
- October: High temperatures can be a little unbearable.
- February: A mixed month; potential for flooding and obscured views of Victoria Falls due to mist.
- May, June, July: Ideal for combining high water levels at Victoria Falls with good safari conditions.
- September onwards: Parts of Victoria Falls may be completely dry.
Top Safari Destinations in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is a huge country and first-timers generally visit Victoria Falls, Hwange and Mana Pools as these have the best infrastructure and are easiest to reach.
Read also: Bindura University
Hwange National Park
The most famous and visited park is Hwange (pronounced ‘wang-gee'), which spans over 14 600 square kilometres / 5 850 square miles, and provides a haven for 107 mammal species and more than 400 recorded types of birds, many of which flock to Mandavu Dam during the mid-year dry season. If it's elephants you want to see (there are between 45 000 and 60 000 living in Hwange), then the area around Nyamandhlovu Pan is the place to be - it literally means, ‘Meat of the Elephant'.
Hwange is most commonly combined with Victoria Falls as they are closest to each other. This is supposedly the location of Ophir, the biblical land from where King Solomon got ivory, gold and exotic birds.
Top Safari Camps in Hwange National Park:
- Hwange Bush Camp - Spike Williamson & Dave Carson
- Linkwasha Camp
- Little Makalolo Camp
- Somalisa Expeditions Tented Camp
Mana Pools National Park
Back up north, Mana Pools is considered one of the prettiest reserves in the world. Its location near the Zambezi River gives it large pools that support a plethora of wildlife and activities like canoe safaris - a terrific way to see hippos, elephants, crocodiles and aquatic birdlife like herons, jacanas and terns.
Best Safari Camps in Mana Pools:
Read also: Wild Horizons Zimbabwe
- Camp Mana - Steve Bolnick
- Vundu Camp - Nick Murray
Gonarezhou National Park
Way down south of the country, Gonarezhou (‘gone-a-rez-who') is off the beaten track. Its most famous landmark is the stunning red sandstone Chilojo Cliffs, which provide a dramatic backdrop to late afternoon sundowners on game drives and glow red in the setting sun.
Top Safari Camps in Gonarezhou National Park:
- Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge - Clive Stockil
Lake Kariba and Matusadona National Park
Lying on the southern shore of Lake Kariba, Matusadona is one of the best places to visit in Zimbabwe. Taking its name from the Matuzviadonha Hills, this remote region is accessible only by light aircraft, 4×4 convoy or boat and is considered one of the country's hidden gems.
Top Safari Camps in Lake Kariba and Matusadona National Park:
- Musango Safari Camp - Steve & Wendy Edwards
- Bumi Hills Safari Lodge
Victoria Falls
Probably the biggest attraction in Zimbabwe and the classic end-point to a safari. The Falls, traditionally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya or ‘the Smoke that Thunders', are the largest in the world when you combine their height and width.
Matobo National Park
Today, it is a protected area where highly endangered black and white rhinos are making a comeback. Its granite outcrops are the perfect hunting grounds for Zimbabwe's reportedly highest concentration of leopards, as well as raptors like soaring and swooping black and bateleur eagles.
One of its most famous sites are the ‘balancing rocks', where improbably large boulders are stacked up in a row, without mortar or supports.
Planning Your Zimbabwe Safari
Costs
Even though we have been in the safari game since 1998, it's very hard for us to give a single figure when it comes to costs. There are so many variables to consider, such as the time of year you're travelling, how long you're staying, and whether you prefer comfortable or luxurious accommodation. We can, however, supply ballpark figures that help with formulating a budget.
For accommodation, a Zim safari will cost you in the range of $600 to $3,250 per person sharing per night, depending on the level of comfort.
All-Inclusive Costs
All our Zimbabwe safari costs are all-inclusive, which means that meals, most drinks, park fees and taxes are included in the rate for accommodation, and you don't get any ‘surprises' when you leave. We also prefer to book and arrange excursions or activities as part of your itinerary for the same reason.
Activities
If you are interested in more unusual activities like seeing ruins or caves, then bear in mind that accommodation around these attractions is very basic and extremely limited, and there may be long driving distances if flights or airstrips aren't available. Visiting these areas will take a lot of planning so be sure to mention them upfront when consulting with your Africa Safari Expert.
Safety and Peace of Mind
It is no secret that Zimbabweans have survived huge political turmoil, starting with colonisation in the 1800s. By the 1990s, then-president Robert Mugabe was desperate to hold onto power and by the early 2000s had embarked on an ambitious but ill-fated land redistribution programme to help empower ordinary Zimbabweans.
We are happy and confident to say that Zimbabwe has definitely come through this challenging period of the early 2000s. Since our inception in 1998, we have kept hundreds of thousands of safari lovers safe. We do this by regularly travelling to the countries we recommend and by keeping in constant touch with our vast network of contacts on the ground.
In a nutshell: yes, Zimbabwe is safe to visit.
Zimbabwe Safari Camps: A Table Summary
| Destination | Highlights | Top Safari Camps |
|---|---|---|
| Hwange National Park | Large elephant population, diverse wildlife | Hwange Bush Camp, Linkwasha Camp, Little Makalolo Camp |
| Mana Pools National Park | Zambezi River, canoe safaris, abundant wildlife | Camp Mana, Vundu Camp |
| Gonarezhou National Park | Chilojo Cliffs, remote wilderness, Big Five | Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge |
| Lake Kariba & Matusadona | Petrified trees, tranquil waters, birdlife | Musango Safari Camp, Bumi Hills Safari Lodge |
| Victoria Falls | World's largest waterfall | Mpala Jena Camp, Matetsi River Lodge, Palm River Hotel |
Conclusion
Popular articles:
tags:
