Home to a diversity of wildlife, including Africa's second largest population of elephants and the always cheeky vervet monkeys, Zimbabwe is an often overlooked safari hotspot where natural beauty is endless.
The landlocked country in southern Africa boasts spectacular landscapes and attractions, from Victoria Falls to Hwange National Park. But other than sightseeing, what else can you do while exploring?
With a near perfect climate and friendly locals, Zimbabwe safari holidays are your answer.
Here is what a safari experience is like, the ideal time to visit and best places to safari in Zimbabwe.
Shelley, pictured in the middle, during her Zimbabwe safari trip in 2022.
What is an Authentic Safari Experience Like in Zimbabwe?
Our Africa Travel Specialist, Shelley Phillips, recounts her wonderful Zimbabwe safari trip from 2022:
"A safari in Zimbabwe is now up there with the likes of Zambia and Botswana, which are both renowned for their exclusive experiences and stunning scenery. The game species here are abundant and professional guides top notch; I was especially blown away with the amazing sightings and array of lodges. Not only that, but in terms of accessibility, the light aircraft flight network in Zimbabwe now links up the various regions and lodges within the country, making the logistics of getting around much easier."
– Shelley Phillips, Africa Travel Specialist
When is the Best Time to Visit Zimbabwe for a Safari?
The best time to visit Zimbabwe for a safari is between May and October – the dry season.
Black rhino seek shade under large rocks and trees; herds of elephant splash and sprout from their trunks at diminishing watering holes; and colourful birdlife glide through the blue skies. These warm, sunny days and cool, moonlit nights provide the most optimal conditions for a safari trip. Whether you're on a walking safari, horseback safari or photographic safari, there's a wide variety of wildlife to spot – especially now the flora has thinned out and the animals seek for hydration.
From Hwange National Park and Victoria Falls to Lake Kariba and Mana Pools, the dry season completely transforms the landscapes – so you can fit more game viewing into each and every day of your adventure.
What are the 7 Best Places to Safari in Zimbabwe?
1. Hwange National Park
Hwange National Park safaris merge sub-tropical sand flats of the Kalahari in the south with dense, lush teak forests and granite hills in the north. The largest park in the country, Hwange National Park saw rhino successfully reintroduced to these fascinating ecosystems back in 2022 by Imvelo Safaris. After being transported 17 hours across Zimbabwe, the two white rhinos were the first to make Hwange their home for decades. By visiting Imvelo Ngamo Wildlife Sanctuary today, you can now see the Big Five!
There are also plenty of Hwange National Park activities to sink your teeth into during a Magical Zimbabwe Safari. Whether visiting in the green season or dry season, embark on an early morning game drive to spot a pride of lions lazing underneath lush acacia trees; ride on the restored elephant express to see abundant wildlife such as buffalo herds; and watch bird species soar high above your tented camp.
2. Victoria Falls
Any visit to Zimbabwe is almost incomplete without Victoria Falls holiday experiences. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most popular activities to do in Africa full stop. Experience jaw-dropping views while traversing a misty chasm and hear the curtain of water crashing down into the depths below.
One of the best things to do in Victoria Falls is visit Zambezi National Park. Beautiful mopane woodlands and forest areas harbour African wild dogs and giraffes as well as crocodiles and hippos. In addition, the population of waterbuck, bushbuck, impala and sable antelope freely roam these varied landscapes.
Since the Victoria Falls straddle both Zimbabwe and Zambia, you're perfectly placed to experience many safari adventures, including at Chobe National Park less than 62 miles away. Not only that, but other fun Victoria Falls activities include visiting Batoka Gorge and Devil's Pool, two immense natural attractions.
3. Matetsi Private Game Reserve
Across the 136,000-acre Matetsi Private Game Reserve in the Victoria Falls area, Matetsi Safari Lodge boasts truly amazing wildlife encounters and high-end accommodation. Mammal species such as giraffe stride graciously through the lush vegetation. Clawless otters and bat-eared foxes also roam freely.
During your walking safari, discover the amazing conservation and community work the lodge has done. Over the course of six years, the team have re-established a vital road network to stop poaching and promote game viewing while also introducing 16-solar powered boreholes to create life-giving waterholes. Now, as a result, you can ultimately enjoy a more authentic African safari experience.
4. Lake Kariba
Listen to the high-pitched, gull-like cries of resident fish eagles ringing out across the beautiful scenery of shimmering waters fringed by mountains and forests. Truly, Lake Kariba safari holidays are nothing short of exceptional. While embarking on a serene boat journey, you'll spot everything from antelope lapping up the fresh water to Nile crocodiles thrashing about on the distant sandy banks.
Lake Kariba is also home to Bumi Hills Safari Lodge, which perches magnificently on top of a hill above the southern shore. Enjoy the infinity pool that spills over into the vast view of an island-dotted, inland sea.
5. Mana Pools
Located northeast of Lake Kariba, Mana Pools is a must-see region of Zimbabwe. The Mana Pools National Park, a recognised UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers undisturbed wildlife watching wonder with its dramatic scenery and game viewing such as wild dogs, birdlife and the Big Four.
In addition to Mana Pools National Park, the work carried out by African Bush Camps at Nyamatusi Camp is simply inspiring. Their mission is to partner with local communities to improve quality of life and implement conservation tactics to help provide wildlife with a better environment to thrive in.
6. Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve
A biodiverse habitat in the southeast of the country, Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve has a globally significant population of both white rhino and black rhino. The Malilangwe Trust which introduced the beautiful beasts in 1998 has now developed a blueprint that creates harmony between conservation initiatives and community development. As such, the wildlife here have a sustainable sanctuary to live in forever.
Malilangwe roughly translates to 'call of the leopard'. So, as you can imagine, there's a healthy variety of these solitary animals throughout the pristine 100,000-acre bushveld. Not only that, but at just 124 miles from the South Africa border, you can enjoy the ultimate African experience by combining the two.
7. Matobo Hills
Southern & Eastern Zimbabwe holidays offer a wide range of activities for you to delve into, from birdwatching to game drives and so much more. In Matobo Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, discover beautiful renditions of giraffes and white rhinos left by Bushmen across the unique 3000 rock art sites.
Also in Matobo Hills is Matobo National Park, famous for its high concentration of eagles, including black eagles, African hawk eagles and the rare Cape eagle owls soaring through the skies up above. While on a Matobo safari, you'll spot everything from zebra to common duiker and monkeys. On top of this, the list goes on, making Matobo National Park one of Zimbabwe's best places for authentic game viewing.
Discover Adventurous Safaris in Zimbabwe
If you're planning a trip to southern Africa, why not experience a safari in Zimbabwe while you're there? By speaking with our expert Travel Specialists, we can help you create your ultimate holiday. In the African wilderness, there's a world of wonderful wildlife experiences to discover – whether it's Victoria Falls, Matobo National Park or Mana Pools.
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