Pioneers Lodge
Its location provides the perfect blend of tranquillity and accessibility, though there is no escaping the rumble of the Smoke That Thunders.
As you walk the brickwork paths through the lush gardens of manicured lush lawns and shady mature trees, you will pass two curvaceous swimming pools before finding your generously proportioned modern room.
You’ll dine in the cool of the high-ceilinged restaurant or out on the terrace overlooking palms and cycads. The atmosphere of the surroundings may be nostalgic and elegant, but the menu is far from stuffy, so you will find plenty of tempting dishes to help refuel after a day of adventure. Then, it will be time to unwind further in the cosy lounge or in the bar.
- Wander through the beautiful gardens of the lodge. You will normally find a happy family of ducks and a few stalking chameleons.
- Spend a day experiencing the visceral effects of Victoria Falls. Their thundering power is awesome, as is their beauty and scale. A guide will also introduce you to the delights of the surrounding forests that you might otherwise overlook.
- The spectacle of the falls from the air is unforgettable, so consider taking a helicopter ride. If you fly over Pioneers Lodge, you will see its impressive array of solar panels, cleverly hidden atop its colonial roofs.
- Explore the wildlife possibilities of the surrounding protected areas. Game drives in the early morning and late afternoon give the best chance of seeing members of the Big Five. We also recommend a walking safari.
- Thrilling adventure possibilities abound at Victoria Falls. Whitewater rafting and bungee jumping are normally high on the agenda.
- Engineering buffs, and those who don’t get vertigo, will love to take a tour of the Victoria Falls Bridge. The steel girders hold a central arch spanning more than 150 metres.
Within a private reserve adjacent to a quiet area of spectacular Hwange, known for its enormous elephant population, Bomani is a luxurious tented experience. Moreover, it is fun, diverse, and it is genuinely part of the local community.
There are few other safari destinations that offer the sheer diversity of landscapes that Zimbabwe does. The cascading waters of Victoria Falls and forested banks of the Zambezi River contrast with the arid open plains of Hwange and the rugged mountain terrain of Matusadona. Together, they create a completely unique safari experience.
Camp Hwange is an opulent safari retreat, in a prime location.
Somalisa Acacia is the sister property of Somalisa Camp and is situated just a ‘stone’s throw’ from the main camp.
Imagine views overlooking the broadly drifting Zambezi River and stretching beyond to the 2,000 ft peaks of the Rift Valley escarpment. Ruckomechi is an intimate camp with just such spectacular views and situated on a large, private concession within Mana Pools. Ancient forests and wetlands stretch behind the camp, and in front is the massive escarpment of Africa’s Great Rift Valley.
Ilala Lodge is the perfect base from which to visit and explore majestic Victoria Falls.
Surrounded by cliffs, rivers and wildlife in huge numbers, Chilo Lodge offers exciting safari experiences in pristine Zimbabwean wilderness. At this magical lodge you can watch elephant crossing rivers right from your bed, before spending the day walking through the bush accompanied by exceptionally knowledgeable guides.
Pioneers Lodge combines the charm of colonial styling with the undoubted advantages of modern construction to meet the demands of today’s traveller, all within serene gardens close to the incredible Victoria Falls.
From mysterious baobab groves, to the arid sands of Hwange, the balancing rocks of Matobo, and the awesome Zambezi River as it rages over Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe is a country that serves up all that could be hoped for in an African holiday destination.
Luxurious and exclusive, Camelthorn Lodge’s great appeal is the comfort provided by its small collection of permanent villas, each with an elevated game-viewing balcony. The thatched main building surrounding an enormous tree is a stylish hub from which to start your adventures.
Jozibanini Tented Camp in Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park, offers an immersion in the remote African bush for its intrepid guests. The location may be unspoilt, but you don’t have to be because there’s plenty of comfort in the rustic raised tents and great food to complement a true safari experience.
For unforgettably close encounters with massed-ranks of elephants, Nehimba is unsurpassed. In the dry season, they are drawn in their hundreds to the waterhole at the centre of the lodge and have even claimed ownership of the swimming pool.
Aberfoyle Lodge promises a sublime blend of adventure and relaxation in the breathtaking highlands of Zimbabwe. Spend the morning sliding down waterfalls or zip lining through the forest canopy, and the afternoon on a tranquil river cruise, a glass of something cool in hand and the cheerful sounds of waterbirds in your ears.
Nyanga SkyDeck Retreat is a beautiful property that combines the luxury of an exclusive villa with the excitement and adrenalin of adventure activities. This is somewhere perfect for older families where you’ll wake to misty mountain views before spending the day exploring, ziplining, hiking and swimming. Set deep in the wilderness, this is somewhere you can truly reconnect with nature and one another.
Karabezi Houseboat is one of our favourite choices for groups who want to spend some time relaxing on Lake Kariba. You’ll be on board for three nights, exploring the lake’s smaller creeks, admiring the resident wildlife, fishing for tiger fish, and watching some of the most beautiful sunsets Africa has to offer.
Highlands House is a serene and charming oasis in the centre of Zimbabwe’s busy capital, Harare. Set within beautifully landscaped gardens, this pristine boutique hotel is one of our favourites to finish on after your time on safari.
Kanga Camp is located at the foot of the Zambezi Escarpment in the heart of the Mana Pools National Park on the only private concession within the park.
Hwange National Park stretches from the edge of the Kalahari Desert nearly to Victoria Falls, creating a diverse habitat rich with mammals and birds. Hwange is especially known for its large numbers of elephants – over 40,000 live here.
In the far north of Zimbabwe, Mana Pools National Park comprises the southern bank of the Zambezi River. The floodplains turn into a series of lakes following the rainy season, attracting a marvellous variety of mammals and birds.
The Matobo Hills rest in Zimbabwe’s south, defining the landscape with a range of domes, spires and granite rock formations. Black and white rhino roam the plateaus and kopjes of Matobo National Park.
The mighty Big Five roam the grasslands of Matusadona National Park. You can also see semi-aquatic antelope moving between the shores and river islands, while cheetah and African wild dog are never too far behind.
Equally enthralling from either the Zimbabwe or Zambian side – or from above via helicopter – Victoria Falls is an unmissable natural wonder. Watch as the powerful Zambezi River spills over and drops 350 feet.
Somalisa Acacia Camp is one of our favourite family camps in Hwange National Park. Children will love getting involved in bush life, tracking animals, completing the Junior Guide Programme, and falling asleep under canvas in the dedicated family suites.
Little Makalolo is a beautiful and remote base for viewing the herds of elephants, buffalo, the full range of plains game and predators.
This modern lodge welcomes you to enjoy a true home-away-from-home safari experience.
Camp Amalinda is located in a magnificent setting, built into the side of giant rock formations near the Matopos Hills.
Chikwenya is one of the longest established and most remote safari lodges in Zimbabwe. The lodge is set on the edge of the spectacularly beautiful World Heritage Site of Mana Pools. The surrounding setting is one of open grassland, shallow Zambezi tributaries and some of the most beautiful woodlands in central Africa which makes an ideal habitat for a rich variety of wildlife.
Sitting delightfully on the banks of a remote section of the Mighty Zambezi, Nyamatusi Mahogany Camp is a luxurious homage to the river.
Changa Safari Camp stands head and shoulders above other lodges in the Matusadona National Park and is a prime spot for birding and fishing. It is the park’s newest and most luxurious property set in a remote and secluded location on almost 4km of lakeshore frontage. As it is on its own private concession in the north east of the park, you are assured complete privacy for game viewing.
Bumi Hills Safari Lodge is a beautifully peaceful lakeside retreat that’s perfect for families, couples, singles and groups of friends alike. Set in a wildlife-rich conservancy, you can enjoy plentiful animal encounters on game drives and nature walks.
Musango Camp is located in a superb position for game viewing, on the southern shore of Lake Kariba close to Matusadona National Park.
Victoria Falls Hotel takes you back in time to the early 20th century - very little has changed here since then. Wander through the landscaped gardens, admire the original sepia photographs, and enjoy a cocktail on Stanley’s Terrace.
Mpala Jena is the perfect base from which to explore the Zambezi National Park whilst being within easy reach of the majestic Victoria Falls.
Matetsi River Lodge is one of the finest contemporary properties in Zimbabwe. Superbly situated for exciting wildlife safaris in the reserve and on the river, and for epic sightseeing at Victoria Falls, it ticks every box.