Summary Location: Zimbabwe is situated in the vibrant region of Southern Africa.

The primary gateway for international travelers is Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport located in Harare.

The optimal period for exploration is during the dry season from May to October, when animals congregate near water sources, making it perfect for thrilling safaris.

Must-visit spots: Hwange National Park, Mana Pools, Victoria Falls, and Lake Kariba.

Exciting activities include game drives, walking safaris, canoeing, and birdwatching.

Encounter majestic creatures like elephants and lions as you explore the untamed landscapes.

Stay in a variety of luxurious lodges, adventurous mobile camps, and unique houseboats.

Reasons to Visit Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe boasts a rich history with a kingdom that dates back to the 11th century, mysterious caves filled with tranquil pools explored by US Navy divers, the largest artificial lake by volume in the world, and the most magnificent waterfall on the planet. This captivating landlocked country is the perfect safari haven for adventurous souls, renowned for its stunning landscapes, boundless natural beauty, an almost flawless climate, welcoming and friendly locals, and extraordinary wildlife experiences that are among the finest on the planet.

Zimbabwe is home to two World Heritage Sites – Victoria Falls and Mana Pools – yet the adventure does not stop there: Hwange’s abundant wildlife, Matobo’s stunning leopards, the breathtaking isolation of Gonarezhou, and the spectacular sunsets over Lake Kariba await to be discovered. No matter your choice of destination for a safari, Zimbabwe promises to be an exhilarating experience.

What’s the allure?

The country’s incredible wildlife, exceptional guiding expertise, and diverse national parks – not to mention the breathtaking Victoria Falls – are what draw countless safari enthusiasts to this destination each year. The country is deeply committed to preserving its natural beauty, boasting an impressive array of expansive reserves.

Zimbabwe’s safari guides are renowned globally for their exceptional training and expertise. The course spans a minimum of five years, encompassing a thrilling array of subjects, from mastering the Latin names of various birds, plants, insects, and animal species to acquiring essential first aid skills, honing advanced driving techniques, and engaging in weapons training. The challenge is immense, with estimates suggesting that in certain years, merely five percent of the incoming class reaches the final written exams. The remarkable expertise and enthusiasm for the wilderness, paired with the playful spirit of Zimbabweans, elevate Zimbabwean guides to the pinnacle of their profession.

The nation’s dedication to preserving its natural beauty also connects it to two vast cross-border parks. The Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA) spans an area as vast as France, encompassing the breathtaking Victoria Falls, the majestic Hwange, and the stunning Lake Kariba. The Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park spans an area comparable to the Netherlands or Taiwan, encompassing the stunning Gonarezhou. These transfrontier areas highlight the strong collaboration among Southern African nations such as Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia to protect natural and historic migratory routes for wildlife and sustain their traditional environments.

Alongside game drives, nature walks, and water-based safaris in the national parks, Zimbabwe presents a wealth of exciting outdoor activities for those seeking adventure.

Wherever your journey takes you in Zim – whether it is the exhilarating rush of Vic Falls or the serene dry bush of Hwange – the Milky Way will always be your companion, the sun will rise to welcome you each morning, and the warm hospitality of Zimbabweans will be a delightful constant.

Where to Explore What to Discover: The Ultimate Safari Spots in Zimbabwe

The Realm of Giants: Hwange National Park

The renowned and frequently explored park is Hwange (pronounced ‘wang-gee’), covering an impressive area of over 14,600 square kilometres / 5,850 square miles. It serves as a sanctuary for 107 mammal species and boasts more than 400 recorded bird types, with many gathering at Mandavu Dam during the dry season in the middle of the year. If you’re eager to witness elephants, look no further than the region surrounding Nyamandhlovu Pan, a name that translates to ‘Meat of the Elephant’ and is home to an impressive population of 45,000 to 60,000 of these magnificent creatures. Hwange pairs perfectly with Victoria Falls, given their proximity to one another. This is likely the ultimate destination to encounter the Big 5 – elephant, rhino, leopard, lion, and buffalo – in Zimbabwe, though sightings of rhinos are quite infrequent.

The Sacred Terrain: Matobo National Park

This is said to be the site of Ophir, the legendary land from which King Solomon sourced ivory, gold, and rare birds. Today, it stands as a sanctuary where the rare black and white rhinos are reclaiming their place in the wild. The granite outcrops serve as an ideal setting for encountering Zimbabwe’s reputedly highest concentration of leopards, alongside raptors such as the majestic black and bateleur eagles that soar and swoop through the skies. One of its most renowned attractions features the ‘balancing rocks’, where astonishingly large boulders are arranged in a line, standing tall without any mortar or supports. Discover the wonders of Matobo.

Hidden Gem: Gonarezhou National Park Nestled in the southern part of the country,

Gonarezhou (‘gone-a-rez-who’) is a destination waiting to be explored. The stunning red sandstone Chilojo Cliffs stand as the most famous landmark, offering a dramatic backdrop for late afternoon sundowners during game drives, glowing red in the setting sun. Another highlight is Chivilia Waterfalls, where the waters rush with exhilarating speed during the summer rainy season.

The Golden Child: Mana Pools National Park is a realm brimming with excitement and exploration.

Back up north, Mana Pools is regarded as one of the most stunning reserves on the planet. The proximity to the Zambezi River creates expansive pools that teem with diverse wildlife and offer thrilling activities such as canoe safaris – an excellent opportunity to encounter hippos, elephants, crocodiles, and a variety of aquatic birds like herons, jacanas, and terns. It’s a prime destination in Southern Africa for encountering the elusive endangered wild dog, also known as ‘painted wolves’.

The Enigmatic Treasure: Matusadona National Park

Nestled along the southern shore of Lake Kariba, Matusadona stands out as a remarkable destination in Zimbabwe. Named after the Matuzviadonha Hills, this secluded area can only be reached by light aircraft, 4×4 convoy, or boat, making it one of the country’s best-kept secrets. It serves as a sanctuary for endangered black rhinos, elephants, buffalo, and the famous Matusadona lion prides.

The Roaring Cascade: Victoria Falls

Undoubtedly the most captivating highlight in Zimbabwe and the quintessential conclusion to an exhilarating safari. The Falls, often referred to as Mosi-oa-Tunya or ‘the Smoke that Thunders’, stand as the largest in the world when considering both their height and width. Powered by the Zambezi River, they offer a variety of thrilling activities such as white-water rafting, trips to Livingstone Island, swimming in Devil’s Pool at the edge, along with bridge swinging, bungee jumping, and sunset cruises.

The stunning Riviera of Zimbabwe: Lake Kariba

Dammed to supply hydroelectric power to Zimbabwe and Zambia, Kariba is affectionately referred to as ‘the Riviera of Zimbabwe’ due to the numerous upscale houseboats that grace its shores. It is an incredible destination for birdwatching, and Spurwing Island – named after the African spur-winged goose – stands as a testament to this. Spurwings are renowned for their thrilling dives to catch fish and are incredibly sociable, frequently forming lively communities of up to 50 birds. Kariba is an often overlooked gem and an excellent spot for a ‘beach holiday’ surrounded by the thrill of safari country.

Magnificent remnants of Great Zimbabwe

The local Shona people are believed to have constructed the Zimbabwe Ruins around the 11th century, skillfully dry-packing thousands of stones into elaborate patterns, towers, and staircases. During the 13th to 15th centuries, this expansive site, covering 1,780 acres or 722 hectares, was home to at least 20,000 people. Once a bustling trading hub for the Kingdom of Mutapa or Munumatapa, it now stands as a celebrated World Heritage Site. The ruins hold such significance that they lend their name to the country: ‘dzimba’ translates to ‘houses’ and ‘mabwe’ to ‘stones’, together forming ‘Zimbabwe’ or ‘Great Houses of Stone’.

Zimbabwe is an expansive country, and newcomers typically explore Victoria Falls, Hwange, and Mana Pools, as these destinations offer excellent infrastructure and are the most accessible. Exploring other locations in this remote region presents challenges and is best suited for seasoned adventurers.

Timing: The Ultimate Season to Explore Zimbabwe

The allure of Africa lies in its endless intricacies, and Zimbabwe embodies this truth perfectly. The ideal time to visit really hinges on your destination – whether you are seeking the thrill of a safari or the breathtaking views of Victoria Falls. Almost all travellers would love to experience both, creating a limited opportunity to witness each at its peak. This is due to the fact that one – the Falls – relies on rain, while the other – peak-season safari – thrives in its absence!

Peak Safari Season

The ideal season for an unforgettable Zimbabwe safari is the dry winter period, spanning from May to October. Numerous factors contribute to this:

The greenery opens up dramatically, revealing the wildlife with greater clarity.
As several water sources dwindle, the remaining ones become more accessible, allowing for easier discovery.
The climate offers a refreshing coolness during the day, creating an inviting atmosphere.
It is usually more enjoyable since there are less pesky insects around.
This period aligns with the bustling holiday season in the northern hemisphere, making it essential to book in advance to ensure you secure your accommodation and flights.

Victoria Falls at its Peak

The ideal period to witness the breathtaking beauty of Victoria Falls is from approximately February to May, spanning from summer to late autumn. This is due to:

The Zambezi River nourishes the Falls, drawing its life from distant rains that cascade down from the Angolan Highlands. Months pass as the first summer rains begin their journey in November, slowly making their way to Batoka Gorge by February.
The rainy season stretches until around March or April, ensuring that the Falls are refreshed during this time.

When the Falls reach their peak, they present a unique challenge for visibility and photography. The staggering 500,000 litres / 132,000 gallons of water cascading over the edge generates a thick mist, making it difficult to capture their beauty. The roar of the water adds to the experience, earning the Falls the traditional name Mosi-oa-Tunya, or the Smoke that Thunders. If you decide to visit, think about taking a thrilling ride in a helicopter or, for the more adventurous, a microlight to fully grasp the immense scale of the Falls and capture stunning photos.

The powerful flow and elevated water levels during this season can render water activities such as white-water rafting perilous, so keep this in mind when making your reservations. Swimming in Devil’s Pool or visiting Livingstone Island could prove to be quite perilous, as the water flows with intense ferocity. These activities take place from around August to December, during the Low-water Season, when the levels have receded to ensure a safer experience.

Experience the Ultimate Blend: May to July

If you are eager to experience Vic Falls at its most magnificent and enjoy an exciting safari, plan your visit for May, June, or July. Following this, the safari experience will enhance, but the Falls will start to diminish, and you will not witness the complete cascade of water. Before this, the Falls will be at their peak, but for newcomers, the experience of observing wildlife may present some difficulties.

If you venture here starting in September, you might discover that many sections of the Falls are entirely parched. By October, while the safari will be fantastic, the Zambian side of the Falls will reveal bare rock, and the rest will be significantly diminished.