The Ultimate Guide To A Zimbabwe Safari: Major Attractions, Top Destinations, Things To Do, And More

From elephants standing upright on their hind legs to world-class walking safaris and some of the best African wild dog viewing on the planet, Zimbabwe has no shortage of amazing safari experiences to offer visitors.

The safari guides in Zimbabwe are praised in the tourism industry as some of the best-trained and most skilled guides on the entire African continent. And, along with its neighbor Zambia, this country is also the site of the legendary Victoria Falls - one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

If you've been considering going on safari in Zimbabwe, you'll certainly find some useful information below.  

Here we've provide an overview of Zimbabwe as a safari destination in order to give you some insights that will help you plan your trip.

If you'd like to request a free Zimbabwe safari recommendation that fits your specific needs, click here.

Major Attractions In Zimbabwe

Some of the biggest attractions for safari-goers in Zimbabwe include:

  • The Big 5 - Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino (both black rhino and white rhino). Second-highest number of elephants in the world, after Botswana.
  • Painted wolves - Hwange and Mana Pools National Parks are known as two of the best places to see the endangered African wild dog (also known as the painted wolf).
  • Upright elephants - Mana Pools is famous for its elephant bulls that stand onto their hind legs in order to reach tasty pods in the upper branches of tall trees. This intriguing behavior is fascinating to watch as an animal the size of an elephant doesn't look like it has the capability of standing on two legs.
  • Walking safaris - Among Africa's walking safari destinations, Zimbabwe's national parks rank among the very top. The guides here are exceptionally skilled at tracking animals on foot and reading their behavior and are renowned for their ability to consistently produce breathtaking walking safari experiences for their clients.
  • Victoria Falls - This is Africa's largest waterfall by height and width, and one of the largest in the world. It is located on the Zambezi River, along the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, and never fails to leave visitors absolutely breathless the first time they lay their eyes on it.
  • Medieval ruins - Great Zimbabwe is the site of the ruins of a large stone city that was the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe in medieval times from the 13th to the 15th Century. The city, which is a national monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, covers an area of 7.22 sq. km (2.8 sq. mi) and is estimated to have housed over 18,000 people. It is one of the most fascinating archeological sites in Africa
  • Ancient rock art - A few places in Zimbabwe have rock paintings that were made thousands of years ago, providing some fascinating insights into what life was like for the area's inhabitants ages ago.

Top Safari Destinations In Zimbabwe

Hwange National Park

Zimbabwe's largest and most popular national park. The Big Five are present, including both black and white rhinos (although rhinos are rare). One of Africa's largest African wild dog and elephant populations are found here. Like some parts of northern Botswana, lions here are known to occasionally kill elephants (mostly calves and sub-adults).

There are good numbers of sable and roan antelope as well. Located on the eastern fringes of the Kalahari Basin, it is also the only park in Zimbabwe where certain Kalahari specials such as brown hyena and gemsbok can be seen.

Mana Pools National Park

This is one of the best places in Africa to go on a walking safari. Along with Hwange, it is also renowned as one of the top destinations for African wild dog viewing. Sightings of leopard, lion, and elephant are also very frequent and top-notch here. Mana Pools only has 4 of the Big 5 however, with rhinos being absent.

Some elephant bulls in Mana Pools, and the neighboring Lower Zambezi NP in Zambia, are famous for their habit of standing upright onto their hind legs in order to reach food in the upper branches of tall trees.

Gonarezhou National Park

Zimbabwe's second-largest national park. This park is also a Big Five destination, although only one rhino species is present (black rhino). The park has some very dramatic landscapes, including vast woodlands, huge cliffs, and stunning rock formations.

In the local Shona language, "Gonarezhou" means "place of many elephants." And it is a fitting name because like Hwange, this park is home to an incredibly high density of elephants, including some of Southern Africa's last great tuskers.

Located in Zimbabwe's remote southeastern corner, on the border with Mozambique, Gonarezhou is part of a 35,000 sq. km (13,514 sq. mi) transboundary conservation area known as the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Park. This area, referred to as a "Peace Park", includes parks in South Africa (Kruger) and Mozambique (Limpopo, Banhine, and Zinave).

Malilangwe Game Reserve and Save Valley Conservancy

These two reserves border Gonarezhou National Park to the northeast and are also home to the Big Five (including both black and white rhinos).

A healthy population of African wild dogs is present and rare white lions are also seen here periodically. Game drives and walking safaris are available to visitors, and angling (tiger fishing) is also offered at Malilangwe.

More than 100 rock art sites dated at over 2,000 years old are present at Malilangwe. Lodges in this area are set up to provide an exclusive safari experience, with limited visitor numbers at any given time and therefore no crowds at sightings.

Matusadona National Park

Located on the shores of Lake Kariba, there are plenty of elephant, hippo, buffalo and other wildlife here and the game viewing is generally good. 4 of the Big 5 are present (no rhino).

The birding is also quite good in this park. Game drives, boat safaris, and walking safaris all available.

Matobo National Park

This park only has three of the Big Five, with lion and elephant being absent. Both black and white rhinos are present and these can be tracked on foot quite successfully. Its rocky wooded hills are said to support the highest density of leopards in Zimbabwe, although they are generally wary of people and not easy to view.

The park's dramatic rock outcrops, granite formations, and caves contain numerous rock paintings from prehistoric times, which have earned it UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

Zambezi National Park

This park is perfect for combining with a visit to Victorial Falls as it is located just up river, very close to the falls. Four of the Big Five are present (rhino are absent), although elephant and buffalo are the most commonly seen.

Lion and leopard sightings are less  frequent. There are decent numbers of other wildlife such as hippo, giraffe, greater kudu, waterbuck, impala, and Nile crocodile.

The densely forested banks of the Zambezi River can be explored on a game drive track that follows the river for about 50 km (31 mi). The mighty river can also be explored by boat cruise or canoe ride. Walking safaris are available too. Wildlife viewing/photography hides are present at some of the waterholes.

Victoria Falls National Park

This park protects the world-famous Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwean side. The other side of the river, in Zambia, is also a national park (Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park). The falls can be admired on the ground or from the air in a helicopter ride. Seeing this mighty waterfall from the air is an awe-inspiring experience you are unlikely to ever forget.

Another thrilling experience to be had at the falls is a swim at the very edge of the falls in either Devil's Pool or Angel's Pool, which are open when the water levels are low enough to swim. From these natural rock pools, you can lean over and look at the 354-foot drop below from the very top of the falls.

    Things To Do On Safari In Zimbabwe

    The following are just some of the activities available to safari-goers in Zimbabwe. The list is not exhaustive. Availability of specific activities depends on the destination you visit and/or the tour operator you travel with.

    • Standard game drives - includes morning game drives, afternoon game drives, and full day game drives
    • Night game drives
    • Walking safaris
    • Horse riding safaris
    • Cycling safaris
    • Birding safaris
    • Hide photography
    • Boat safaris
    • Sport fishing (angling)
    • White water rafting on the Zambezi River
    • Visit Victoria Falls - walk along its width, take a helicopter ride over the falls, swim in Devil's Pool or Angel's Pool
    • Remote camping safaris - including mobile camping and fly camping
    • Bush breakfasts, bush lunches, bush dinners
    • Sundowners
    • Cultural tours
    • Go on a guided hike to remote ancient rock art sites
    • Visit the medieval ruins at Great Zimbabwe

    Best Times Of Year To Visit Zimbabwe

    Zimbabwe is best visited in the dry season (May to October) when the wildlife viewing is at its best, as animals congregate near water sources and are hence easier to see. The temperature is also cooler and more pleasant in the dry season.

    The rainy season (November to March) is a great time to visit if you're keen on birding, as this is when most resident birds are breeding and the Palearctic migrants are present as well. Note, however, that days are often quite hot and malaria risk is fairly high during the wet months.

    What To Carry On Your Zimbabwe Safari

    Here are some of the key things to pack for your Zimbabwe safari.

    • Sunscreen is useful to carry, especially in October just before the rains as the sun can be intense.
    • A hat and sun glasses also come in handy.
    • Wear comfortable clothing and anticipate mostly warm weather, but it can get cold in the evenings and early mornings so pack some warm layers too.
    • Comfortable walking shoes and open shoes. Carry hiking boots if you plan to do a walking safari.
    • Insect repellent can also come in handy (although lodges, hotels, and tented camps have mosquito nets in the rooms).
    • Some people also like to take anti-malaria drugs too - please consult your doctor.
    • Any other medication you may need depending on your specific medical situation (please consult your doctor).
    • You'll have plenty of great photographic opportunities so a camera is always great to have.
    • Binoculars can help spot distant wildlife, and if you're a birder you already know these are a must-have for you.

    Other Basic Facts About Zimbabwe

    • Size - 399,757 sq. km (154,347 sq. mi)
    • National/Official Language - 16 official languages: English, Shona, Ndebele, Chewa, Chibarwe, Kalanga, Koisan, Nambya, Ndau, Shangani, Sotho, Tonga, Xhosa, Tswana, Venda, and Sign Language.
    • Official Currency - Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG/ZWG)
    • Capital City - Harare
    • Rainy Season - November to March

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