Zimbabwe offers travelers beautiful scenery, fantastic wildlife and fascinating history. Visitors can see the Big 5, ply the waters of the mighty Zambezi River, see the spectacular Victoria Falls and enjoy an active safari that includes walking, canoeing and more. Safari guides in Zimbabwe are exceptional. Their certification requirements are the toughest on the continent, which translates into excellent safari experiences for travelers.
While Victoria Falls has been and remains a top destination in Southern Africa, many of Zimbabwe’s national parks and reserves receive far fewer visitors than more well-known parks such as Kruger and the Serengeti. This means visitors in the know can choose Zimbabwe not just for its wonders and wildlife, but also for a more exclusive safari.
Visitors to Zimbabwe usually have Victoria Falls at the top of their wish lists. One of the most famous natural wonders in the world, the Falls feature a 300-foot drop where an average of 38,400 cubic feet of water flows over every second. It is the largest falling curtain of water in the world! Guests can enjoy a walking tour of the Falls to see its many natural features, relaxing and beautiful river cruises, scenic flights, canoeing and kayaking and even game viewing. For adrenaline seekers, white water rafting, bungee jumping, the gorge swing and a visit to Devil’s Pool on the very edge of the Falls will have their hearts racing.
From the incredible wildlife of Hwange, Mana Pools and the remote Gonarezhou National Park to the impressive ruins of Great Zimbabwe and the rock art of the Matobo Hills, Zimbabwe offers travelers many riches. But with so much to see, how do you choose what to do with your vacation time? Here we share our top Zimbabwe safari itinerary that will let you see some of the country’s best sights in less than two weeks.
Our Best of Zimbabwe safari hits some of the country’s top highlights. You’ll enjoy excellent game viewing, dramatic scenery and adventurous activities over 11 days. Highlights include time at Victoria Falls, where you will enjoy a private tour of the Falls and also choose from the myriad other activities available in the area; world-class game viewing in Hwange National Park, which is home to large numbers of elephants and many other species; Matobo National Park, one of Southern Africa’s most interesting and breathtaking rock landscapes and home to one of the highest concentrations of rock art in the world; and exploring the natural beauty and prolific wildlife of Mana Pools, set along the great Zambezi River. Throughout your safari, you can choose from luxury accommodations such as Victoria Falls River Lodge and Amalinda Lodge, or opt for deluxe accommodations including Bomani Tented Lodge and Big Cave Camp.
Pro tip: Zimbabwe offers a variety of active adventures for those who are keen to get moving on safari. Among the many choices, our Journey Specialists love riding mountain bikes through traditional Ndebele villages from Amalinda Lodge!
Zimbabwe is a destination unto itself, but also an easy add-on to a Southern Africa safari. If you only have a few days to visit, Victoria Falls offers the most options in a short time. Our Victoria Falls Highlights Tour lets you experience a wide range of activities, whether you want to learn about local culture, enjoy a sunset cruise, take a helicopter flight over the Falls or just relax in your outstanding accommodations while taking in the beautiful scenery. It is the perfect way to end any safari in the region.
The thundering Victoria Falls and mighty Zambezi River will reward every traveler, and those who want to go deeper can take in the magical landscapes of Matopos, the thriving rhinos of Malilangwe and the open savanna of Hwange National Park, teeming with animals.
Talk with a Journey Specialist to find the right mix of Zimbabwe highlights for your own customized safari, then subscribe to our newsletter below for more safari stories and travel inspiration.
Photos courtesy AAC Tanzanite Circle member Steve B., AAC Marketing Director Beth McCabe, Victoria Falls River Lodge, Hilary W., Great Plains Conservation, Matetsi, AAC Tanzanite Circle member Rob W. and Anisha B.