Top 10 Activities in Zimbabwe
We’ve compiled a list of our favourite experiences to inspire your imagination.
- An Angel’s view of Victoria Falls
- Tea by the Smoke that Thunders
- Rafting the Zambezi below the Falls
- The Pump Run at Hwange
- Canoe the Zambezi
- House Boats and Fish Eagles on Lake Kariba
- Tiger Fishing on the Zambezi
- Wellness, Wildlife and Community at Singita Pamushana
- Discover the Jurassic Landscapes of Matobo
- Wild Dog Tracking in Mana Pools
From the air, the full mile-long sweep of the falls, the thundering depths of the chasm, the bare basalt geology, the glorious rainbows, and the full African setting become apparent. You’ll also see the churning rapids of the Zambezi, the ambition of the Victoria Falls Bridge, and spot game from above the Zambezi National Park.
From the shaded terrace of the Victoria Falls Hotel, looking across lush deep lawns towards the famous arching bridge with the thundering cloud of the falls beyond, you can indulge. There’ll be tiered plates of cakes and scones, along with tea served in silver pots and crisp white napkins. Linen suits aren’t required, except perhaps in your imagination.
This is an experience not only of white knuckles and a raging pulse, of the buffeting of water and endurance, but also of human connection and teamwork as you play your part in negotiating the churning water under the expert instructions of your guide. The power of the water will put you firmly in your place, but you will learn that you can rise to the challenge and become invigorated by the sheer thrill of navigating the raging torrent.
The solution for more than 75 years has been to pump water into 15 waterholes, but this requires rangers to maintain each pump by living in situ. You’ll be playing a vital role when you take part in a “pump run”, delivering much needed food, diesel fuel and company to these isolated individuals. They’ll tell you about their life and show you the wildlife visiting their secluded spot.
From a picnic spot on an island, you can watch the water pass by on its constant journey of replenishment. As the locals will tell you, this is the realm of the river god Nyaminyami: it certainly has the feeling of the divine.
It’s an unforgettable moment to see a regal and bold fish eagle – the national bird of Zimbabwe – silhouetted against a blazing sunset.
This fish has as much intelligence as it has power and aggression, so it is a worthy adversary for even the most experienced of rod-wielding adventurers. Here at Journeysmiths, we will arrange guides with the kind of understanding of the habits of this awesome creature that only comes from years of working in this environment.
A community tour will provide you with insight into local Shangaan culture and you will see first-hand the thriving development programmes that spin out from Pamushana Lodge. Local community wisdom also informs the rituals and treatments of the Wellness programme at the lodge.
The cracks and crevices of this walker’s paradise produce a labyrinth to explore in the footsteps of ancient explorers. For it is here that the bushmen have painted their rock paintings and added a human dimension to the awesome beauty of geological magnificence.
Your expert guide will often recognise particular dogs by their individual markings, and they will introduce you to important behavioural and physical adaptations which contribute to their remarkable 80% success rate when hunting.
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.
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.