6 Best Places to Visit in Zimbabwe
Bordered by the countries of Mozambique, Botswana, Zambia and South Africa, Zimbabwe is a prime destination for those seeking a true, immersive African travel experience. You’ll be spoilt for choice when deciding on where to go in Zimbabwe. Between the country’s vast conservation areas such as the enormous Hwange National Park, and the lake-and-river destinations of Matusadona or Mana Pools, multiple Zimbabwe destinations deliver on great game viewing and spectacular topography. Zimbabwe national parks provide exquisite environments largely devoid of other visitors and then there’s the wonder of Victoria Falls.
Read our Zimbabwe safari guide to find out everything you need to know about planning your ideal Zimbabwe safari.
1. Victoria Falls: Adventure Activities, Safaris & Iconic Scenery
The best time to visit Zimbabwe for an unforgettable experience is when Victoria Falls is at peak flow. Add a visit to your bucket list and discover the many reasons why it’s considered a Natural Wonder – from the immense falls, the unique towering column, and the incredible beauty of the surrounding scenery, Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe is a truly magical travel destination.
What’s more, the town of Victoria Falls Zimbabwe is known as Africa’s ‘adventure capital’ thanks to the wide range of activities on offer. Enjoy scenic flights, bungee jumping, white-water rafting, game viewing and Zambezi River cruises, plus access to places of interest such as local markets and traditional villages.
2. Hwange National Park: Classic Game Viewing & Bird Watching
Hwange is considered Zimbabwe’s most famous big game reserve and is home to an abundant population of wildlife making it a haven for those seeking an unforgettable safari experience. Located a few hours’ drive from Victoria Falls, the array of immersive camps in Hwange make for a perfect base to rest your head in between game viewing. Hwange National Park is also home to the densest concentrations of elephant after Botswana’s Chobe National Park, and is an excellent destination for Africa’s big predators.
3. Mana Pools National Park: Beautiful Wilderness Area & Canoe Safaris
Wild, remote and little-visited Mana Pools lies along the majestic Zambezi River, its forests and floodplains home to large herds of elephant, rare antelope and plenty of plains game. Its rivers are filled with hippo and crocodile, tigerfish and bream, and there is an abundance of Mana Pools lodges to call your safari home for the duration of your stay. Best explored on drives, guided walks and canoe expeditions, Mana Pools is a genuine wilderness area that delivers an exciting, off-the-beaten-track safari experience. Mana Pools is the place to go to see the best of Zimbabwe’s big game viewing.
4. Matusadona National Park & Lake Kariba: Lakeside Living, Big Game & Fishing
Kariba’s magical setting and tranquil atmosphere are as famous as its wildlife. Flanked by conservation areas, the lake attracts animals both big and small: hippos splash about in the shallows, elephant and antelope graze at the water’s edge, and African fish eagles perch on dead tree branches. Adjoining Matusadona National Park offers game drives, guided walks and boat safaris as well as tiger fishing and the best Kariba sunsets.
5. Gonarezhou National Park & Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve: Pure Big 5 Wilderness, Phenomenal Diversity & Scenery
Zimbabwe’s crowd-free south is home to the Big 5 and rugged Gonarezhou is sure to impress alongside the exclusive experience of Malilangwe, a private reserve bordering the park. Apart from the stunning scenery, visitors can expect to see rhino, elephant and buffalo plus big cats and wild dogs. The birdlife is truly amazing: Malilangwe has recorded 400 species of birds and boasts one of the world’s greatest concentrations of raptors, including 14 species of eagle.
6. Zambezi National Park: Game Drives & River Cruises, Close to Victoria Falls
Just upstream of Victoria Falls lies the Zambezi National Park, a wild and game-rich reserve stretched out along the broad, smooth-flowing Zambezi River. Drawing fewer visitors than neighbouring Chobe National Park in Botswana, this largely unknown reserve offers fantastic dry-season game viewing without the crowds: expect large numbers of elephant, buffalo, hippo and giraffe but keep an eye out for lion, leopard and even wild dog. The birdlife along the river is superb, and we’d highly recommend a river safari. If you’re staying in Victoria Falls, a day game drive around Zambezi National Park will give you a quick and easy taste of Zimbabwe’s diverse wildlife.
