Safari in Zimbabwe

safari guiding here is considered the gold-standard

Zimbabwe is a genuine backwater, with top quality safari reserves that attract far fewer visitors than they should. The safari guiding here is second to none.

Almost the whole of Zimbabwe lies at an elevated altitude, with a predominant, broad ridge running across the country from southwest to northeast.

It is bordered by the great Zambezi River to the north and the Limpopo to the south with a high central plateau which forms a watershed between the river systems.

Despite being within a tropical region, the higher than average altitude causes a subtropical climate. Zimbabwe is predominantly savannah with forests to the eastern border which receive the heaviest and most prolonged rainfall.

It is best known for the Victoria Falls, but also offers some of the most earthy, authentic heart-pumping safari on the continent.

The top safari area is Hwange which is conveniently close to Victoria Falls. Another great safari area is Mana Pools which is famed for its high octane walking and canoe safaris.

Unfortunately the long-running political turmoil has caused the country to become something of a safari backwater. But the key areas of interest have always remained open and perfectly safe for safari travel. Since around 2016 visitors numbers have started to return to normal.

In fact Zimbabwe offers some of the most spirited and authentic safari in Africa, underpinned by superb guiding; the ZimPro licence is still very much the gold standard in the safari world.

If you find lions when out on a drive, don’t be surprised if you are invited to get out and approach them on foot. A good safari here can make other countries seem rather tame by comparison.

The most popular area in Zimbabwe is the Victoria Falls, backed up by some superb safari locations, including Hwange, Mana Pools, Matobo, Matusadona and Gonarezhou.

Most areas in Zimbabwe are very seasonal and careful planning is extremely important.

The best time to visit Zimbabwe is during the May-Oct dry season, when the wildlife in the safari areas is focused around the waterholes and rivers, making the animals easier to find.

Within that period, May-Jul is pleasantly cool at night, but the animals may not yet be fully migrated back into water.

Towards the end of that period, Oct-Nov the wildlife should be at its strongest, but the weather is likely to be uncomfortably hot, especially at night. Bear in mind that most camps do not have air-conditioning.

Getting around

The main safari hub for the safari areas of northern Zimbabwe is the town of Victoria Falls, whose international airport has regular connections with Johannesburg and Cape Town.

It is also possible to fly internationally into the capital Harare (for Mana Pools) and Bulawayo (for Matobo).

Once in Zimbabwe, the quality camps are most commonly accessed by light aircraft. Hopping around the country has become an integral part of the safari experience, it’s extremely convenient and can provide some fabulous low altitude wildlife viewing.

Some connections are more commonly done by means of private overland transfers, notably the route which connects Victoria Falls, Hwange, Matobo, Great Zimbabwe and Gonarezhou.

Where to stay

Zimbabwe contains around fifty good quality accommodation options. A dozen or so are in the Victoria Falls area, the remainder are mostly safari camps and lodges out in the bush. Most areas have a choice between earthy bush camps and high-end luxury lodges.

best for wildlife during the May-Oct dry season