19 Best Safari Lodges & Camps in Zimbabwe

Lake Kariba, Matusadona National Park:

1. Bumi Hills Safari Lodge

Set on verdant hills bordering Matusadona National Park that overlook the tranquil waters of Lake Kariba, Bumi Hills offers a secluded safari experience in a game-rich region without foregoing modern-day luxury and comfort. Tastefully decorated rooms resemble those of a 5-star hotel, while boasting picturesque views of the majestic landscape below. Opulent lodgings are complemented by a host of activities to fill your days – from sunset cruises on the lake to searching for lions on game drives.

Highlights:

• Spectacular views of Lake Kariba & Zambezi escarpment
• Private, game-rich concession
• Sunset cruises on the lake
• Ngwana Club for kids' entertainment
• Animal tracking experiences

Best for…

Family & romantic getaways.

2. Changa Safari Camp

Hidden among the Mopane woodlands on the shores of Lake Kariba, the charming Changa Safari Camp exudes a rustic elegance that blends luxury and homeliness. The eco-conscious camp is constructed from all-natural materials and draws inspiration from the surrounding wilderness. Traditional canvas tents are stylishly decorated with African textiles and local hand-carved furnishings. Serene and remote, Changa Camp offers an authentic safari experience in one of Africa's extraordinary safari destinations.

Highlights:

• Boat safaris on Lake Kariba
• Fresh, gourmet dining
• Picturesque views of the lake
• Wildlife roams close to camp
• Guided bush walks, photography safaris & fishing
• Boat trips to Sanyati Gorge

Best for…

Family vacations.

3. Musango Safari Camp

Musango lies on a private island, rewardingly placing you next to the wildlife-rife Matusadona National Park and on Lake Kariba, one of the best places for an African river safari. The rustic-chic tents made of natural stone, thatch and canvas face east, bringing you impeccable views of the daily rising sun. Here, safaris take any form you please; day and night game drives, cruises on Lake Kariba, or a relaxed afternoon spent on the two-story viewing deck within the camp. The big game country means you're bound to catch sight of elephants and buffalos, wandering about not too far off, without having to leave Musango.

Highlights:

• Right on the shoreline of Matusadona National Park for stellar game viewing
• Explore the National Park and Lake Kariba on foot, safari vehicle or boat
• Child-friendly with age-appropriate children's activities available
• Enjoy sunset cruises on Lake Kariba
• Exclusive and private, ideal for couples
• A range of land and water activities such as guided walks, cultural visits, fishing expeditions and sailing tours

Best for…

Families, couples & honeymooners.

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Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve:

4. Singita Pamushana Lodge

Perched on a sandstone ridge above the Malilangwe Dam sits the slice of paradise that is Singita Pamushana Lodge. Elegant thatch-and-stone buildings pay tribute to the surrounding landscape with its earthy colour palette, while local handcrafted woodwork and furnishings adorned with fabrics featuring traditional patterns are a nod to the lodge's African roots. Whether you're indulging in Michelin star-worthy meals under a canopy of stars, taking in the awe-inspiring view while soaking in the infinity swimming pool or having a heavenly massage on your private veranda, you'll experience the African wilderness in style at Pamushana.

Highlights:

• 5-star dining in various locations & extensive wine cellar
• Visit ancient San rock art sites
• Spectacular views of Malilangwe Dam & Wildlife Reserve
• Sundowner cruises on the dam
• Reliable black rhino sightings

Best for…

Family vacations.

Hwange National Park:

5. Little Makalolo

Off the beaten track and hidden away in thick, lush forest, Little Makololo brings you a truly authentic safari experience. Classic canvas tents blend perfectly into the surroundings while providing a luxury bush experience and evenings are spent around an open fire where stories come to life in the dark after you've enjoyed a dinner by lantern. In the day, hides provide the perfect spot to view game in stealth, and with Hwange all around, there'll be plenty of wildlife to be seen when you head out on a game drive. If you're looking to try something a little more out of the ordinary, a night spent under the African skies at the romantic Madison Pan star bed promises a magical night surrounded by nothing but the wild.

Highlights:
• Experience a unique night under the African skies at the Madison Pan Star Bed
• A log-pile hide places you in the most ideal game-spotting locations near the bustling waterhole
• Big game are everywhere and trees are filled with over 400 species of bird
• Enjoy staying at one of the few camps in the animal-rich Hwange
• Guided walking safaris are available so you can explore Hwange's beauty on the ground

Best for…

Families & small groups.

6. Somalisa Acacia

Somalisa Acacia seamlessly combines an authentic African safari with a 5-star luxury getaway. Traditional canvas tents and game drives through the wildlife-rich Hwange National Park will delight your inner explorer, while modern amenities and luxe design ensure a comfortable stay. Exuding the romance of a bygone era, one can't help but be transported back in time when soaking in the freestanding copper bathtub with a view of the never-ending bushland ahead of you.

Highlights:

• Elephants congregate at Somalisa Acacia's drinking pool
• Great game sightings from camp
• Intimate & family-friendly
• Ngwana Club keeps kids entertained
• Walking safaris & night drives

Best for…

Families with young kids & small groups.

7. Linkwasha Camp

Simple yet elegant, Linkwasha is arguably Hwange‘s most luxurious safari camp. The camp's minimalist design captures the elegance and style of a contemporary penthouse suite, while still managing to subtly remind guests that they're in the heart of the African wilderness. The exterior of the canvas Meru-style tents does well to give the impression that guests are ‘roughing it'. Inside, however, the tasteful décor and chic furnishings show the camps true luxurious nature. The perfect combinations of these two vastly different worlds makes for a safari experience you'll never forget.

Highlights:

• Sleepouts under the night sky in the star-bed
• Excellent birding
• Great predator action
• Photography hide
• Night drives & guided bush walks in a private concession

Best for…

Safari-lovers & couples.

8. The Hide

A luxury getaway with a quirky twist, The Hide is a charming safari lodge in the heart of the wildlife-rich Hwange National Park. The lodge is geared for family safaris that accommodate the entire brood, with a private suite and exclusive-use villa, as well as special packages that include free board for children under the age of 10. With something for safari-goers of every age, there's no better place spend a family vacation.

Highlights:

• Sleepouts under the stars in the Dove's Nest
• Family-friendly safari camp
• Wildlife-frequented watering hole in front of camp
• Charming, quirky lodge on a private concession
• Reliable big game sightings
• Photography hide

Best for…

Families & small groups.

Mana Pools National Park:

 9. Nyamatusi Camp

Conservation has never been more in vogue and Nyamatusi proves that sustainable living can be glamourous too. Set deep in the Mana Pools National Park, the camp ensures that its sustainability and eco-friendly principles are implemented in every respect.  From the large solar farm that powers the camp to the natural materials used to construct the contemporary main building, Nyamatusi is eco chic. Guests can relax and enjoy the African wilderness knowing that they're having minimal impact on the untamed surroundings.

Highlights:

• Breathtaking views of the Zambezi River
• Canoeing, fishing & guided nature walks
• Eco-friendly luxury camp
• Reliable elephant sightings

Best for…

Couples & romantic getaways.

10. Ruckomechi Camp

Ruckomechi sits on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, an iconic African landmark known for its immense concentration of hippo. This tented camp promises an authentic safari experience in one of Zimbabwe's most famous national parks without foregoing any of the comforts one expects from a luxury vacation. And when you're not enjoying all that Rukomechi has to offer, head out and explore the diverse ecosystem by 4×4 vehicle, boat or on foot.

Highlights:

• Spectacular views of the Zambezi River
• Guaranteed sightings of elephant & buffalo
• Reliable predator sightings
• Sleepouts under the night sky in the star-bed
• Boating & canoeing
• Guided bush walks

Best for…

Families & couples.

11. Little Ruckomechi Camp

The younger sibling to Ruckomechi, Little Ruckomechi's location in Mana Pools embodies the essence of the richly diverse national park. The camp is comfortable, contemporary and stylish, making it the perfect respite after a day of ‘roughing it' in the African wilderness. Track big cats through the bushland on game drives before enjoying a sunset cruise down the Zambezi River, snapping pictures of the hippo frolicking in the water as you float by. A true nature-lovers paradise, Little Ruckomechi will not disappoint.

Highlights:

• Great views of the Zambezi River & Zambian foothills
• Exclusive safari experience on a private concession
• Boating & canoeing on the Zambezi
• Incredible game viewing
• Birder's paradise

Best for…

Safari-lovers.

12. Chikwenya Camp

Chikwenya is the quintessential Mana Pools camp. Chikwenya is the quintessential Mana Pools camp. Putting its own stylish twist on the traditional safari tents, the camp has the grandeur of a 5-star presidential suite with its spacious, airy rooms and contemporary décor. The fold-over doors take full advantage of Chikwenya's location, framing the sprawling plains against the backdrop of the Rift Valley escarpment- an incredible view to behold.

Of course, the camp's location in a forest means that there are plenty of opportunities to see wildlife up-close as animals arrive to eat the pods of the Ana trees – here, the safari is all around you taking place every moment as mother-nature and her life move to their own tune.

Highlights:

• Guided walks along the Zambezi River & surrounding forest
• Boat & canoe safaris
• Catch & release fishing
• Night game drives in an exclusive-use area
• Elegant lodge in game-rich region

Best for…

Couples & romantic getaways.

13. Kanga Camp

Kanga Camp is a delight for the more adventurous traveller. Although it boasts lavish suites fitted with every creature comfort known to man, the seasonal camp (April to November) puts a strong emphasis on immersing guests in nature and getting as close as possible to the game that freely roams the camp. Explore nature at its wildest on game drives through Mana Pools or while tracking animals on foot around the private concession. Better yet, enjoy an armchair safari, viewing the vast array of wildlife from the comfort of the viewing deck.

Highlights:

• Luxury lodge in a private concession
• Reliable wild dog, leopard & lion sightings
• Great photography opportunities in the Kanga Hide
• Animal tracking experience
• Overlooks a permanent water pan frequented by animals

Best for…

Adventurous travellers & families with teenagers.

Zambezi National Park:

14. Victoria Falls Island Lodge

Located on the private Kandahar Island only, Victoria Falls Island Lodge is just 20 kilometres (12 miles) upstream from the grand Victoria Falls. Only accessible by boat, Kandahar Island welcomes you with luxuriant ilala palms and mahogany and African ebony trees, the image of a post-card perfect safari haven.

Encapsulating luxury safari living, the lodge's design blends modern elegance with explorer-chic across a range of private riverside villas, exclusive tented suites, and one of a kind treehouse suites which stand tall above the Zambezi. In addition to the world-class service and state-of-the-art amenities, a private deck, a private plunge pool, and astounding river views make this the perfect exclusive safari hideaway for families and groups.

Highlights:

• A secluded camp perfect for a stay away from the crowds
• The luxury Bushtracks Express steam train is within reach for trips to the Victoria Falls
• Enjoy a variety of Zambezi activities such as river rafting, river cruises at sunset, or fishing safaris
• Gorgeous family tents for families with young children and groups travelling together
• Island tree house suites for the ultimate luxury experience and unparalleled views of the Zambezi River

Best for…

Families & small groups.

15. Old Drift Lodge

The elegant Old Drift Lodge sits on the lip of the mighty Zambezi River, offering a luxury safari getaway that will delight avid and first-time safari-goers alike. The contemporary, chic design and tasteful décor of the lodge is complemented by the striking views of the untouched surrounding landscape. Explore this natural wonderland on foot, in a vehicle or by boat. And if you're feeling extra adventurous, take to the sky and get an aerial view of the world's largest waterfall, Victoria Falls.

Highlights:

• Boat safaris & white-water rafting
• 360-degree views of the Zambezi River
• Lunch over Batoka Gorge
• Swim in Devil's Pool
• Guided walking safari
• Scenic helicopter flights
• Vic Falls canopy tours

Best for…

Families, small groups & couples.

16. Chundu Island

Tranquilly set on one of the Zambezi's picturesque islands, this luxe lodge is all about taking in your gorgeous surroundings – deck views of the Zambezi River, the riverine woods which see regular hippo and elephant visits, and the varying Zambezi National Park terrains. Tents are minimalistic with contemporary details and all the amenities you would find in a 5-star hotel, as well as round-the-clock access to the much-adored bar and pool deck.

Spend the day out in the bush, and after a slow-paced late-noon game drive, settle into the evening with a sunset cruise accompanied by a refreshing cocktail before the night's cold calls for you to gather around the lively boma with a warm beverage in hand.

Highlights:

• Dinner overlooking the Zambezi River
• Close to Victoria Falls
• Water activities include boat safaris as well as kayaking and canoeing for the adventurous
• Zambezi National Park is home to plentiful wildlife, including the African wild dog
• The lodge is fully solar-powered, allowing you to indulge in an eco-conscious safari stay

Best for…

Small groups, honeymooners and couples

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Victoria Falls National Park:

17. The Wallow Lodge

Begin each day with the breathtaking views of water flowing over Batoka Gorge that come with staying at The Wallow Lodge, where the rooms are conveniently placed along the edge of the Masuwe River. Set on a private concession within the Victoria Falls National Park, the Wallow combines sophisticated design with a slightly rugged elegance that reminds you that even with all the finer luxuries in life, you're in the heart of the wild.

From sunset cruises to helicopter safaris over the grand Victoria Falls, you will have premium access to a variety of activities during your stay here. White river rafting on the Zambezi and gorge swings call to the adrenaline-seekers, while slow boat cruises and canapes and cocktails enjoyed on-deck and overlooking Batoka are perfect for those looking to sit back and relax.

Highlights:

• Located on a private concession within Victoria Falls National Park
• You will have access to a range of activities only accessible to guests of the lodge
• Panoramic river views
• Guided tours of the Victoria Falls rainforest can be organised
• Explore the Wild Horizons Wildlife Sanctuary exclusively during morning and evening game drives

Best for…

Couples and small groups.

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18. Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel

It isn't difficult to list the number of benefits of staying within a private reserve, but this boutique hotel is truly something best experienced rather than explained. You'll be surrounded by the 4,000 hectares of land that make up Victoria Falls Private Reserve – home to all members of the Big 5 as well as the rhino conservation experience; being on safari doesn't get more exclusive than Stanley & Livingstone.

Venture out on a morning game drive with a coffee stop or an afternoon one with sundowners, or mix it up and swap out the vehicle for a guided walk. Return to your home away from home, where classic design and neutral tones adapted to make each individual room unique come together to bring an air of modernity to the slightly colonial style. Wind down on your private terrace or enjoy a couples spa treatment – the perfect way to recharge for whatever comes next.

Highlights:

• All Big 5 are present within the Victoria Falls Private Reserve
• Private game drives for an intimate experience and uninterrupted encounters within the private reserve
• Activities include helicopter flips over Victoria Falls, white river rafting, bungee jumping and bridge swinging
• 5-star fine dining & service
• Family friendly with activities for children
• Unforgettable honeymoon experiences for newlyweds

Best for…

Families, couples, and honeymooners.

19. The Elephant Camp

The Elephant Camp is best known for the visits from the pachyderms after which it is named. Guests can experience unforgettable encounters at the Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary, interacting with these gentle giants in an ethical and inobtrusive manner. Largest living land mammals aside, the camp's close proximity to Victoria Falls allows for endless fun activities in Africa's Adventure Capital, from game drives through the national park to ziplining over the falls.

Highlights:

• Uninterrupted views of Victoria Falls National Park bushland
• Ethical elephant encounters
• Canopy tours over the falls
• Boating, canoeing & white-water rafting
• Fine dining over Batoka Gorge

Best for…

Adventurous travellers.