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A Zimbabwe safari is not just about spotting animals from the back of a vehicle. It is about waking up to birds calling outside your tent, watching elephants gather around a waterhole, following a guide through untouched bush and ending the day beneath a sky filled with stars.
Zimbabwe has some of Southern Africa’s most memorable wilderness areas, from the vast landscapes of Hwange National Park to the waterways of Mana Pools and the dramatic scenery of Victoria Falls. The country’s tourism authorities also highlight destinations such as Gonarezhou, Matobo Hills and the Eastern Highlands, showing that Zimbabwe offers much more than a single safari circuit.
For travellers who want comfort alongside adventure, Luxury safaris in Zimbabwe can make the experience even more special. Instead of choosing between wilderness and comfort, you can have both — spending the day exploring the bush and returning to a beautifully located lodge or tented camp in the evening.
Zimbabwe sometimes sits in the shadow of better-known African safari destinations, but that can actually be part of its appeal.
The country offers huge areas of wilderness, diverse habitats and a strong tradition of guided safari experiences. Hwange, Mana Pools and Gonarezhou are among the country’s major wildlife destinations, while Victoria Falls adds a completely different experience to the trip.
There is also something wonderfully unhurried about travelling through Zimbabwe. Rather than trying to see everything in a few days, you can build a journey around two or three destinations and give yourself enough time to appreciate each one.
For many visitors, Hwange is the natural starting point for a Zimbabwe safari.
The park is famous for its large elephant population and diverse wildlife. During the dry season, animals become increasingly dependent on remaining water sources, which can make waterholes excellent places for wildlife viewing. Zimbabwe Tourism Authority information identifies August through early November as particularly strong months for game viewing in Hwange as water becomes scarce.
You may encounter elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards and many other species during game drives.
But Hwange is not only about big animals. The park also supports an impressive variety of birdlife, making it worthwhile for travellers who enjoy photography and birdwatching.
Depending on the camp and season, safari activities can include:
Morning game drives
Afternoon game drives
Night drives
Guided walking safaris
Waterhole viewing
Birdwatching
Cultural experiences
Bush meals and sundowners
Some luxury camps also sit within private concessions, providing a more intimate safari setting.
For example, Somalisa Camp in Hwange offers game drives, night drives and walking safaris, along with opportunities for cultural visits. Its setting also allows guests to experience wildlife around a nearby elephant pool.
Mana Pools has a personality of its own.
Located along the Zambezi River, the national park is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its wilderness, wildlife and river environment. Visitors can experience game drives, guided walks and canoeing, among other activities.
A canoe safari can completely change the way you experience the African bush.
Instead of driving along a track, you are moving quietly along the river, with wildlife visible along the banks. Hippos and crocodiles inhabit the waterways, while elephants, buffalo and other animals can be found around the floodplains.
For photographers and experienced safari travellers, this quieter style of wildlife viewing can be one of the highlights of a Zimbabwe trip.
You cannot really plan a Zimbabwe holiday without considering Victoria Falls.
Known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, or “The Smoke That Thunders,” Victoria Falls is one of the country’s defining attractions. The Zimbabwean side provides extensive viewpoints through the rainforest, where visitors can experience the scale and sound of the Zambezi plunging into the gorge.