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Where to go on safari in Zimbabwe?
Safari areas of Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is considered one of the best safari destinations in Africa with some of the best safari guides. We love Zimbabwe because each area is completely different offering such diverse safari experiences. Combine that with the best safari guides in Africa and you have a dream safari destination.
Hwange National Park
Hwange National Park is one of Zimbabwe’s top wildlife safari destinations. With its proximity to Victoria Falls, it makes an easy add-on to a visit to the falls. Renowned as the best place in Africa to see large herds of elephants, a safari Hwange will not disappoint. During the dry season months of September and October it is not uncommon to have over 1,000 elephants come and drink at 1 waterhole within 24 hours. Being on the very edge of the Kalahari Desert, Hwange has a mixed habitat which attracts a wide range of animals from the desert adapted gemsbok to water dependent animals like elephants and buffalo. Hwange is also renowned for its rarer animals like sable and roan that live in mopane woodlands.
Predators are present in good numbers with good prides of lions being the dominant big cat. Cheetahs are often seen out in the open vleis, although they are shyer. Leopards enjoy the woodlands where they can use the thicker bush to stalk their prey. Wild dogs are present in the park but cover huge distances on a daily basis and so sightings are sporadic.
What makes Hwange so special are the pumped waterholes that maintain the wildlife through the harsh dry months. A series of man-made waterholes are scattered through the park and during the dry season are where the animals congregate, making it easier to know where to look.
Our favorite safari camps in Hwange include the award winning Somalisa Camp which has one of the most active waterholes in the whole of the park. Elephants even drink the water from the swimming pool. Their sister camp, Somalisa Acacia is our top pick for families as they accept kids of all ages.
Victoria Falls
Located on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, the mighty Zambezi River plunges 120 meters into the Batonka Gorge below. At the peak of waterflow, the Victoria Falls are a mile of falling water, one of the greatest sights in the world. Knowing when to visit the Victoria Falls is key when planning your safari to Zimbabwe, so the below guide should help with this.
The catchment area for the Zambezi is in the highlands of Zambia which means it takes a couple of months after the rains to see the full effect of the floods. From January through to April the falls are rising as the water from rains start to flow into the Zambezi in bigger volumes. From May through to about July the falls are at the highest and the best place to see the falls in all their glory is from the air. Get up in a helicopter over the falls to fully appreciate the sheer size and volume.
Seeing the falls from the ground is exciting as you get drenched by the spray, but the sound and power is felt as you walk along the soaked walkways and viewpoints, but don’t expect to see the falls as the spray is intense.
From August the floods subside, and the falls start to dry up with September and October the lowest months with a few trickles. The Zimbabwean side is the best at this time as the main falls are still flowing. A unique activity during these months is the opportunity to swim in the Devil’s Pools and peer over the edge of the falls, 120meters down into the gorge below.
On the Zimbabwean side there are several accommodation options ranging from hotel, B&Bs to luxury riverside safari lodges.
Lake Kariba
Downstream from Victoria Falls, the Zambezi River was dammed to create hydroelectricity for both Zimbabwe and Zambia. This created one of the world’s largest manmade dams that stretches for over 270kms and is over 50kms wide in some places. Along the shores of Lake Kariba are some of the best wildlife viewing in Zimbabwe. Wedged in between the lake and escarpment is a thin floodplain that attracts good herds of elephants and buffalo that in turn attract lions.
Lake Kariba is often seen as a destination to visit if you have the time, but this is far from the truth. Lake Kariba must be a place you include in your safari to Zimbabwe. It offers a slightly more relaxed safari experience as the animals remain on the floodplain for most of the day. The option for water activities is also an appeal.
For those looking for an exciting experience, tiger fishing is exceptional here. Regarded as one of the one fiercest freshwater fish, tiger fish put on a big fight.
Our pick of safari lodges on Lake Kariba is Bumi Hills Safari Lodge, located on a ridge with incredible views out over Lake Kariba towards Zambia. Great game viewing, some of the best guides in Zimbabwe and so much to do, you will love Bumi Hills.
Mana Pools National Park
Mana Pools National Park is one of the iconic wildlife reserves and safari destinations in Africa. Regarded as one of the wildest parks in Africa, the best way to fully appreciate the park is by getting out on foot and exploring the floodplain forests with your expert guide. Situated downstream from Lake Kariba and wedged in the Zambezi Valley, Mana Pools looks across to the Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia.
The park is renowned for its impressive floodplain forests and thin undergrowth which allows for some of the best walking safaris in Africa. The wildlife here has become accustomed to seeing people on foot and so are generally more relaxed. It is not uncommon to have elephants walk within meters of guests on a walking safari. Lions and wild dogs are both approachable on foot making for some exciting safari experiences.
Canoeing along the Zambezi River is one of the other adventure activities on offer from the safari camps. Paddling around islands, through channels and getting a waterside view of the animals as they come down to drink offers a different perspective.
Due to the thick black cotton soil that makes up the floodplain, Mana Pools closes during the rainy season from December to the end of March when it is impossible to drive. From April the park starts to dry, and the animals start moving towards the floodplain where there is permanent water. Please note that in October, it is the best time for game viewing, but it can be uncomfortably hot.
Mana Pools is one of the best places in Africa to see the highly endangered wild dogs. Several packs live on the floodplain hunting impala and baboons. Because they are used to seeing people on foot, it offers a rare opportunity to track and see them whilst on a walking safari.
We love Mana Pools, and we are sure you will as well. There are several safari camps we recommend. For us, the best choice is the rustic Zambezi Expeditions, located on the river’s edge within the park. A small camp with friendly staff and some of the best safari guides in the country. Nyamatusi and Nyamatusi Mahogany offer a more luxury option on the river and located in a wilderness area bordering the park. Kanga Camp is unique in that it is located inland away from the river, but during the peak of the dry season, offers some of the most incredible game viewing right in camp.
Matopos Hills National Park
Matopos Hills National Park is a small national park just outside Bulawayo. Even though it is a small park, it certainly packs a punch with lots to see and do in the area. Visually, the Matopos are a stunning landscape of granite boulders balancing precariously on top of each other as if a breeze could blow them over. Walking this incredible landscape reveals hidden caves that are works of art. The caves of the Matopo Hills offer guests some of the best-preserved San Bushmen paintings.
Wildlife within the Matopo Hill National Park cannot compete with the larger parks like Mana Pools and Hwange, but what Matopo Hills is able to offer is some of the best rhino tracking in Africa. Having the ability to track both black and white rhino on foot is a special experience and for this a visit to Matopos is a must.
Gonarezhou National Park
Is the far south-east corner of Zimbabwe, bordering Mozambique is the Gonarezhou National Park, a huge, truly wild reserve. It is the second largest national park in Zimbabwe and due to its location has a wide range of landscapes and habitats. The park is home to good numbers of lion, cheetah, wild dog, buffalo and giraffe, but Gonarezhou is most famous for its large elephants.
Chilo Gorge is the best lodge in the Gonarezhou and offers guests an incredible experience perched above the river. They also offer the option of a mobile camp inside the park for the more adventurous.
The Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve is a 130,000 Acre private reserve near Gonarezhou. Here Pamushana is the only property offering some of the most exclusive safaris in Zimbabwe, in search of the Big 5.
Zimbabwe is considered one of the best safari destinations in Africa with some of the best safari guides. We love Zimbabwe because each area is completely different offering such diverse safari experiences. Combine that with the best safari guides in Africa and you have a dream safari destination.
Hwange National Park
Hwange National Park is one of Zimbabwe’s top wildlife safari destinations. With its proximity to Victoria Falls, it makes an easy add-on to a visit to the falls. Renowned as the best place in Africa to see large herds of elephants, a safari Hwange will not disappoint. During the dry season months of September and October it is not uncommon to have over 1,000 elephants come and drink at 1 waterhole within 24 hours. Being on the very edge of the Kalahari Desert, Hwange has a mixed habitat which attracts a wide range of animals from the desert adapted gemsbok to water dependent animals like elephants and buffalo. Hwange is also renowned for its rarer animals like sable and roan that live in mopane woodlands.
Predators are present in good numbers with good prides of lions being the dominant big cat. Cheetahs are often seen out in the open vleis, although they are shyer. Leopards enjoy the woodlands where they can use the thicker bush to stalk their prey. Wild dogs are present in the park but cover huge distances on a daily basis and so sightings are sporadic.
What makes Hwange so special are the pumped waterholes that maintain the wildlife through the harsh dry months. A series of man-made waterholes are scattered through the park and during the dry season are where the animals congregate, making it easier to know where to look.
Our favorite safari camps in Hwange include the award winning Somalisa Camp which has one of the most active waterholes in the whole of the park. Elephants even drink the water from the swimming pool. Their sister camp, Somalisa Acacia is our top pick for families as they accept kids of all ages.
Victoria Falls
Located on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, the mighty Zambezi River plunges 120 meters into the Batonka Gorge below. At the peak of waterflow, the Victoria Falls are a mile of falling water, one of the greatest sights in the world. Knowing when to visit the Victoria Falls is key when planning your safari to Zimbabwe, so the below guide should help with this.
The catchment area for the Zambezi is in the highlands of Zambia which means it takes a couple of months after the rains to see the full effect of the floods. From January through to April the falls are rising as the water from rains start to flow into the Zambezi in bigger volumes. From May through to about July the falls are at the highest and the best place to see the falls in all their glory is from the air. Get up in a helicopter over the falls to fully appreciate the sheer size and volume.
Seeing the falls from the ground is exciting as you get drenched by the spray, but the sound and power is felt as you walk along the soaked walkways and viewpoints, but don’t expect to see the falls as the spray is intense.
From August the floods subside, and the falls start to dry up with September and October the lowest months with a few trickles. The Zimbabwean side is the best at this time as the main falls are still flowing. A unique activity during these months is the opportunity to swim in the Devil’s Pools and peer over the edge of the falls, 120meters down into the gorge below.
On the Zimbabwean side there are several accommodation options ranging from hotel, B&Bs to luxury riverside safari lodges.
Lake Kariba
Downstream from Victoria Falls, the Zambezi River was dammed to create hydroelectricity for both Zimbabwe and Zambia. This created one of the world’s largest manmade dams that stretches for over 270kms and is over 50kms wide in some places. Along the shores of Lake Kariba are some of the best wildlife viewing in Zimbabwe. Wedged in between the lake and escarpment is a thin floodplain that attracts good herds of elephants and buffalo that in turn attract lions.
Lake Kariba is often seen as a destination to visit if you have the time, but this is far from the truth. Lake Kariba must be a place you include in your safari to Zimbabwe. It offers a slightly more relaxed safari experience as the animals remain on the floodplain for most of the day. The option for water activities is also an appeal.
For those looking for an exciting experience, tiger fishing is exceptional here. Regarded as one of the one fiercest freshwater fish, tiger fish put on a big fight.
Our pick of safari lodges on Lake Kariba is Bumi Hills Safari Lodge, located on a ridge with incredible views out over Lake Kariba towards Zambia. Great game viewing, some of the best guides in Zimbabwe and so much to do, you will love Bumi Hills.
Mana Pools National Park
Mana Pools National Park is one of the iconic wildlife reserves and safari destinations in Africa. Regarded as one of the wildest parks in Africa, the best way to fully appreciate the park is by getting out on foot and exploring the floodplain forests with your expert guide. Situated downstream from Lake Kariba and wedged in the Zambezi Valley, Mana Pools looks across to the Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia.
The park is renowned for its impressive floodplain forests and thin undergrowth which allows for some of the best walking safaris in Africa. The wildlife here has become accustomed to seeing people on foot and so are generally more relaxed. It is not uncommon to have elephants walk within meters of guests on a walking safari. Lions and wild dogs are both approachable on foot making for some exciting safari experiences.
Canoeing along the Zambezi River is one of the other adventure activities on offer from the safari camps. Paddling around islands, through channels and getting a waterside view of the animals as they come down to drink offers a different perspective.
Due to the thick black cotton soil that makes up the floodplain, Mana Pools closes during the rainy season from December to the end of March when it is impossible to drive. From April the park starts to dry, and the animals start moving towards the floodplain where there is permanent water. Please note that in October, it is the best time for game viewing, but it can be uncomfortably hot.
Mana Pools is one of the best places in Africa to see the highly endangered wild dogs. Several packs live on the floodplain hunting impala and baboons. Because they are used to seeing people on foot, it offers a rare opportunity to track and see them whilst on a walking safari.
We love Mana Pools, and we are sure you will as well. There are several safari camps we recommend. For us, the best choice is the rustic Zambezi Expeditions, located on the river’s edge within the park. A small camp with friendly staff and some of the best safari guides in the country. Nyamatusi and Nyamatusi Mahogany offer a more luxury option on the river and located in a wilderness area bordering the park. Kanga Camp is unique in that it is located inland away from the river, but during the peak of the dry season, offers some of the most incredible game viewing right in camp.
Matopos Hills National Park
Matopos Hills National Park is a small national park just outside Bulawayo. Even though it is a small park, it certainly packs a punch with lots to see and do in the area. Visually, the Matopos are a stunning landscape of granite boulders balancing precariously on top of each other as if a breeze could blow them over. Walking this incredible landscape reveals hidden caves that are works of art. The caves of the Matopo Hills offer guests some of the best-preserved San Bushmen paintings.
Wildlife within the Matopo Hill National Park cannot compete with the larger parks like Mana Pools and Hwange, but what Matopo Hills is able to offer is some of the best rhino tracking in Africa. Having the ability to track both black and white rhino on foot is a special experience and for this a visit to Matopos is a must.
Gonarezhou National Park
Is the far south-east corner of Zimbabwe, bordering Mozambique is the Gonarezhou National Park, a huge, truly wild reserve. It is the second largest national park in Zimbabwe and due to its location has a wide range of landscapes and habitats. The park is home to good numbers of lion, cheetah, wild dog, buffalo and giraffe, but Gonarezhou is most famous for its large elephants.
Chilo Gorge is the best lodge in the Gonarezhou and offers guests an incredible experience perched above the river. They also offer the option of a mobile camp inside the park for the more adventurous.
The Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve is a 130,000 Acre private reserve near Gonarezhou. Here Pamushana is the only property offering some of the most exclusive safaris in Zimbabwe, in search of the Big 5.
