Zimbabwe: A Safari Experience Like No Other
Zimbabwe is home to an abundance of wildlife. Tens of thousands of elephants, herds of buffalo, and protected rhinoceros thrive in natural environments. Since the 90s, Zimbabwe has had a reputation for training Africa’s finest safari guides who accompany you on extraordinarily diverse safaris.
And the option to enjoy a more relaxed safari pace is one of our favourite things about Zimbabwe. Paddle leisurely along the Zambezi River by canoe, soar above the plains spotting wildlife by helicopter or simply unwind on the viewing deck of a luxurious safari camp, watching the wildlife come to you.
This diversity makes it a great home for a wide range of wildlife including lion, leopard and wild dog, but Hwange is perhaps best known for its elephant population which is one of the most dense in the world.
Hwange is a vast area, so if you want to minimise internal travel or take a slower pace, combine a stay in the north of the park with some time in the remote south of the park.
This national park is a great safari destination if you don’t like light aircraft flights as you can travel into the park by road from Victoria Falls. And don’t miss a journey on the Elephant Express Rail Car.
Best Time To Visit: July to November
Little Makalolo is a beautiful and remote base for viewing the herds of elephants, buffalo, the full range of plains game and predators.
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.
The beauty, wildness, and important biodiversity here have earned it the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Uncover the spectacular allure on impressive walking safaris, while the breadth of the Zambezi River is perfect for canoeing.
Watch the famous “dancing” elephant, which stand on their hind legs to reach the upper branches of the towering trees.
Top Tips:
Mana Pools location along the Zambezi River allows for an exceptional variety of activities including game drives, bush walks, canoeing, river cruises and fishing - this makes Mana Pools ideal for a longer stay and we would recommend 4-5 nights as a minimum.
If you are only visiting one safari camp in Mana Pools, opt for one that overlooks the Zambezi River.
Best Time To Visit: June to November
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.
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.
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.
All of the Big Five are present in Matusadona, but the park is perhaps best known for its lion and black rhino populations, which you can expect to encounter in complete privacy thanks to the small number of safari camps in the park.
The safari experience in Matusadona is wonderfully diverse as you set off on game drives and guided walks, discover dinosaur fossils or perhaps spend a lazy afternoon exploring the Kariba shoreline by boat.
Matusadona is remote - the best way to get there is by light aircraft. After a safari in Matusadona, consider a relaxing few days on the opposite side of the lake at Kariba Safari Lodge.
If you are interested in the history of Lake Kariba and Matusadona, visit Fothergill Island where you can hear tales of the exceptional bravery of Rupert Fothergill and the Operation Noah team.
Best Time To Visit June to October
Musango Camp is located in a superb position for game viewing, on the southern shore of Lake Kariba close to Matusadona National Park.
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.
Visiting at full moon, the light of the moon through the spray produces a lunar rainbow, or moonbow. Victoria Falls is a force of nature like no other.
Enthralling from both sides of the Zambian-Zimbabwean border, the most exhilarating views are from the Zimbabwean side.
There is so much to experience at Victoria Falls from helicopter flights to white water rafting, river cruises, fishing, abseiling and even game viewing, chat to your travel designer about the ideal length of stay to experience all this natural wonder has to offer.
Victoria Falls can be a great location at which to start or end your holiday. If you want to enjoy a little relaxation, consider staying somewhere like Matetsi, a sumptuous safari lodge set on a private game reserve just a short drive from the bustle of Victoria Falls.
Best Time To Visit: Year-round
A member of the Leading Hotels of the World, the Victoria Falls Hotel is the most famous -and certainly grandest - heritage hotel in Zimbabwe.
Ilala Lodge is the perfect base from which to visit and explore majestic Victoria Falls.
We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been creating luxury tailor-made safaris to the timeless savannahs of Africa. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you, every time.We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been creating luxury tailor-made safaris to the timeless savannahs of Africa. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you, every time.
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.
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.