Why Go on a Zimbabwe Safari?

Wildlife, Adventures & Stunning Landscapes

Victoria Falls and all its wares might have put Zimbabwe on the international travel map, but this treasure of a country is so much more than an iconic waterfall. Zimbabwe is one of Southern Africa’s most rewarding big game safari destinations, offering off-the-beaten-track adventures in hidden gems, classic safari experiences in big game country, and thrilling activities in Africa’s adventure capital.

Zimbabwe is an authentic, rugged destination, specially recommended for travellers returning to Africa, for an experience remote from much-travelled regions. In addition to delivering superb game viewing in the care of some of the most respected guides in the business, a Zimbabwe vacation offers classic tented camps that are comfortable without being ostentatious, wholesome cuisine, and one of the warmest welcomes in the world, wherever you go.

If this is not enough reason why you should visit Zimbabwe, here are our favourite qualities that the country has to offer:

1. Adventure Activities in Victoria Falls

Aerial view of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.

Few African destinations can compete with Victoria Falls for sheer visual drama. At its full, roaring peak, the ‘Smoke that Thunders’ is one of the continent’s most mesmerising sights, leaving visitors lightly soaked and absolutely exhilarated at the same time. The Falls are on the mighty Zambezi River, which means you can see them from either Zambia or Zimbabwe. Arguably, the best on-foot views are from Zimbabwe’s side – so lovely, in fact, that explorer David Livingstone declared that they must have been gazed on by angels.

But the picturesque view of an angelic waterfall isn’t the only thing Victoria Falls has to offer. This iconic destination is also known as Africa’s adventure capital – a nickname earned for the many exciting pastimes afforded to the thrill-seekers among us.

Water lovers will delight in experiencing the mighty Zambezi River white river rafting, canoeing and on sunset cruises. Or, take to the sky and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Vic Falls with a helicopter or microlight flight (a lightweight aircraft that carries no more than 2 people). Lastly, get your adrenaline pumping while exploring the width and length of the waterfall through bungee jumping, ziplining and gorge swinging.

Highlights:

  • Breathtaking, up-close views of the main waterfall
  • Experience thrilling adventure activities, like white river rafting, ziplining, bungee jumping, gorge swinging and microlight flights
  • Good water flow for most of the year
  • Stay at luxury hotels and lodges within walking distance of the waterfall
  • Discover the vibrant markets and restaurants of Victoria Falls Town

 

2. Incredible Wildlife Sightings

Elephant spotted on a game drive in Zimbabwe.

Victoria Falls is just one of the many beautiful places in Zimbabwe. The Southern African country is also home to 11 national parks, all of which are vast, wonderful and delightfully unpolished. A few of Zimbabwe’s national parks also boast some of the most abundant wildlife populations in Africa.

Zimbabwe’s flagship reserve is Hwange National Park, a short drive from Victoria Falls and home to a full cast of your favourite mammals, from lions, leopards and hyenas to big herds of elephant and buffalo, elegant antelope, giraffe and zebra. Add to these characters the wildlife of the Zambezi River – hippos, crocodiles and shy water buck and you’re on safari in Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park, where activities include game drives, canoe adventures and walking safaris.

Highlights:

  • Enjoy guided safari walks through Hwange National Park
  • Thrilling game drives in the wildlife-rich regions of Zimbabwe
  • Track white rhino on foot in Hwange
  • Boating safaris and sunset cruises on Lake Kariba
  • Spot rare African wild dog in Mana Pools National Park
  • Experience walking excursions and night game drives in Hwange

 

3. Off-the-Beaten-Path Safaris in Zimbabwe’s Hidden Gems

Zebras standing near a baobab tree in Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe’s lesser-known destinations offer some unique experiences that make them well worth the effort of getting there. Fly into Matusadona National Park, set on the shores of Lake Kariba, a haven for rhinos and elephants and home to a thriving lion population. Lucky visitors may even get the chance to tick off both black and white rhinos.

The far-flung wilderness of neighbouring Gonarezhou National Park and the adjoining Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve is hard to beat. This underdeveloped wilderness promises stunning scenery and diverse game viewing. Its remote setting makes this fly-in destination romantically adventurous and immensely rewarding, featuring big-tusker elephants, all the big cats and nearly 400 bird species.

Matobo National Park is one of Zimbabwe’s smaller reserves, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for incredible, untouched natural beauty and an exciting rhino population. The park is named after its signature feature, Matobo Hills – the famous rock formation of balancing rocks in Zimbabwe. It’s amongst Matobo National Park’s balancing rocks here in Zimbabwe that you can find the ancient San (Bushman) paintings and early Stone Age settlements.

Highlights:

  • Incredible safari experiences in off-the-beaten-path safari destinations
  • Reliable Big 5 sightings in Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve
  • See Malilangwe’s rare black rhino
  • Rhino tracking, walking safaris and horse trail experiences in Matobo
  • See 3,000 examples of Khoi rock art and even earlier Stone Age settlements

 

4. Exceptional Luxury Safari Lodges

Couple relaxes in the pool at Bumi Hills, Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe’s lodges, hotels and camps are just as beautiful as the attractive safari destinations they are found in. The wide range of accommodations cater to every type of traveller, from the bush-camper wanting a more authentic experience to the luxury safari enthusiast who prefers the finer things in life.

Whether you’re being sprayed by the downpour of Victoria Falls or enjoying night drives in the exclusive private reserves of Hwange and Mana Pools, there is sure to be a space that meets your every want and need.

Highlights:

  • Spectacular lodges that offer modern-day luxury and comfort
  • Classic hotels that offer the best of yesteryear and present-day delights
  • Authentic, under-canvas tented camps that offer creature comforts
  • Accommodations feature fantastic views of nature in wildlife-rich regions
  • Fresh, gourmet dining and world-class facilities and amenities
  • Superb service with a smile
  • Exclusive-use properties available

 

5. Convenient Travel Logistics

Children view the waterfall at Victoria Falls, Zambia.

Zimbabwe’s location in Southern Africa and reliable flight connections make travel logistics a breeze. This brilliant destination is easily combined with other safari gems, including the world-famous Kruger National Park in South Africa and Botswana’s game-rich Okavango Delta.

And since the other half of Victoria Falls can be found in neighbouring Zambia, you’re just a hop and a skip away from enjoying a walking safari in the renowned South Luangwa National Park.

Round your trip off with some rest and relaxation by the sea. Cape Town’s Blue Beaches are the perfect place to unwind after a week-long safari. Or, maybe you prefer a more paradisical locale? Mozambique’s coast and the tropical islands of Mauritius, Madagascar and Seychelles are ideal choices.

Highlights:

  • Combine multiple destinations in Africa with ease
  • See other popular travel destinations, like the Kruger, Cape Town and the Okavango Delta
  • Enjoy a bush and beach vacation with an island getaway after a safari
What travellers most enjoyed about Zimbabwe

Bird watching

Cultural interactions

Food and wine

Scenery

Sunset cruises and boating

Wildlife and safari