Early towns, safari parks as well as a lively history of culture and local traditions make Zimbabwe a very good Safari destination. Zimbabwe safari and holidays offers tourists a variety of places to visit, adrenalin adventures and several options for overnights.
5 Days Zimbabwe Safari: Hwange National Park, Victoria Falls & Zambezi River
7 Days Zimbabwe Safari: Hwange, Victoria Falls, Zambezi & Lake Kariba
10 Days Zimbabwe Safari: Victoria Falls, Hwange, Lake Kariba & Mana Pools
9 Days Zimbabwe Safari: Victoria Falls, Hwange, Lake Kariba, and Mana Pools
13 Days Zimbabwe Safari: Victoria Falls, Hwange, Lake Kariba, Mana Pools & Eastern Highlands
16 Days Zimbabwe Safari: From Victoria Falls to Mana Pools, Kariba, Matobo Hills, and the Eastern Highlands
20 Days Zambia and Zimbabwe Safari: Victoria Falls, South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, Hwange, Mana Pools, Lake Kariba & Matobo Hills
5 Days Zimbabwe Heritage Tour
2 Days Eastern Highlands Abseil Zimbabwe
Best of Zimbabwe 8-Day Safari
Budget Zimbabwe 7-Day Safari
There are many tourist attractions in Zimbabwe, which include wildlife safari parks, Victoria Falls, botanical gardens and also beautiful suburbs. Looking for a great and also updated Zimbabwe travel guidebook, proficient travel and tour agents can assist you in choosing how to spend a Zimbabwe safari holiday, where to go, where to stay and the activities you’ll enjoy doing.
Why Choose Zimbabwe For Your Safari
A Zimbabwe safari suits travellers who want walking safaris, canoe expeditions on the Zambezi, and close encounters with Africa’s largest elephant herds in parks that remain far less visited than comparable East African destinations. Budget safaris cost from around $325 per person per day, mid-range options run $500 per day, and high-end lodges reach $700 to $1,800 per person per day in peak season. Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in southern Africa, bordered by Zambia to the north, Mozambique to the east, South Africa to the south, and Botswana to the west, with the Zambezi River forming most of its northern boundary.
The country’s safari offer is anchored by three parks of genuine international standing: Hwange National Park for Big Five game drives and extraordinary elephant concentrations, Mana Pools National Park on the Zambezi floodplain for walking and canoeing safaris, and Victoria Falls as the adventure and cultural hub. Matobo Hills National Park, with its black and white rhino tracking on foot, and the ancient ruins of Great Zimbabwe add historical and cultural dimensions that few southern African safari circuits can match.
Zimbabwe receives a fraction of the visitor numbers of Kenya or Tanzania, which means game drives in Hwange and walks in Mana Pools proceed with very few other vehicles or people in the same area. The guiding standard in Zimbabwe is widely regarded as among the highest on the continent, driven by a long-standing culture of professional foot guiding with armed, licensed rangers. For travellers who value quality guiding and low visitor density over the widest possible species list, Zimbabwe consistently delivers.
Where To Go On Safari in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe’s main safari zones cluster around three distinct geographic areas: the northwest covering Victoria Falls and Hwange, the north covering the Zambezi Valley and Mana Pools, and the south covering the Matobo Hills and Great Zimbabwe. Each area is separated by significant distances, and itineraries combining two or more zones require internal flights or long road transfers.
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls is the principal gateway to Zimbabwe safaris and a major wildlife and adventure destination in its own right. The falls drop 108 metres into a 1.7-kilometre-wide gorge along the Zambezi and are shared between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Victoria Falls National Park charges an entry fee of $30 per person for international visitors. The town of Victoria Falls has a wide range of accommodation and serves as the transit point for Hwange safaris, Chobe connections into Botswana, and Zambezi activities including white-water rafting, bungee jumping at the bridge, and helicopter flights over the falls. Day tours from Victoria Falls to Hwange cost approximately $220 per person.
Hwange National Park
Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest national park, covering 14,600 square kilometres of varied terrain from Kalahari sandveld to mopane woodland. It holds the largest elephant population of any park in Africa, with estimates regularly exceeding 45,000 animals. Big Five sightings are reliable, with lion, leopard, and wild dog all present alongside enormous elephant and buffalo herds. Park entry fees for day visitors are $20 per person per day, reduced to $10 for guests staying inside the park. Hwange is roughly two hours by road from Victoria Falls, and most safari camps are in the eastern or northern sections of the park, closer to the permanently pumped artificial waterholes.
Mana Pools National Park
Mana Pools National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the southern bank of the Zambezi River in northern Zimbabwe. It is internationally recognised as one of Africa’s finest walking safari destinations, where unguided walking among big game is permitted for experienced visitors. The park is defined by its seasonal floodplain pools left behind when the Zambezi retreats, which attract extraordinary concentrations of wildlife from June onwards. Canoe safaris along the Zambezi, sleeping on river islands, and walking with armed guides among elephants and lions are the defining activities. Daily conservation fees were updated to $24 per person per day in 2026. Mana Pools is accessible by road in a 4WD during the dry season, or by light aircraft from Harare or Victoria Falls.
Matobo Hills National Park
Matobo Hills National Park near Bulawayo in southwestern Zimbabwe covers 424 square kilometres of extraordinary granite kopje formations sculpted by millions of years of erosion. It holds the highest density of black eagles in the world, one of Africa’s densest rhino concentrations, and the grave of Cecil John Rhodes at World’s View. Rhino tracking on foot with armed rangers is the signature activity. The park is also rich in San Bushman rock art, with thousands of documented sites across the hills. Park entry fees are $15 per person per day for international visitors. Bulawayo is connected to Harare by daily flights, and the park is 45 minutes from the city.
When Is the Best Time To Visit Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe has a single dry season from May to October and a wet season from November to April. Wildlife viewing peaks during the dry season as vegetation thins and animals concentrate around waterholes and permanent water sources. The wet season brings lush vegetation, excellent birding, and lower lodge rates, but some camps close and access roads into Mana Pools become difficult or impassable. May to June and September to October are widely considered the choice months, offering strong game viewing without the peak-season crowds and prices of July and August.
May to June: Dry Season
May and June mark the beginning of the dry season in Zimbabwe. Vegetation is still reasonably green from the rains but is beginning to thin, improving sightlines for game drives and walks. Temperatures are comfortable with cool mornings and warm afternoons. Lodge rates at this time are typically lower than the July to September peak, and park visitor numbers are lower. Walking safaris in Mana Pools open as roads dry out, and the first large elephant concentrations begin gathering at Hwange’s waterholes. This window is favoured by experienced Zimbabwe repeat visitors for its combination of value, comfort, and strong game viewing.
Dry season
The dry season’s middle and end phases produce Zimbabwe’s best game viewing. Hwange’s elephant herds reach their largest concentrations around the artificially pumped waterholes in September and October, with thousands of animals drinking at a single site simultaneously. Mana Pools’ Zambezi floodplain is at its driest and most productive for walking and canoeing in August and September. Lodge rates and demand peak during July and August, with the best properties booking out months in advance. Early morning game drives require warm layers as winter temperatures drop significantly at night, particularly in the Hwange area.
October is Zimbabwe's hottest month before the
October is Zimbabwe’s hottest month before the rains arrive, with temperatures regularly exceeding 38 degrees Celsius in the low-lying Zambezi Valley. The heat produces the most dramatic wildlife concentrations of the year as water sources dwindle to their minimum. Elephant, lion, and predator activity around Hwange’s waterholes and Mana Pools’ remaining pools can be extraordinary during this period. Game drives are best conducted in the early morning and late afternoon. October also marks a transition point when some camps begin to close and access roads may become challenging as the first rains arrive late in the month.
Wet season
The wet season transforms Zimbabwe’s parks into productive birding destinations as migratory species arrive from November. Many Mana Pools camps close from December to April, and the 4WD tracks into the park’s interior become impassable. Hwange and Matobo remain accessible year-round and offer low-season rates. The wet season produces newborn animal sightings and rich green vegetation that suits photographers interested in landscape work. Malaria risk is higher during the wet months, and prophylactic medication is strongly advised for travel from November to April.
What is the Average Cost of a Safari to Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe safari costs are structured by the type of safari experience, park location, and accommodation tier. Daily rates range from $325 per person per day at the budget level to $500 mid-range and $700 to $1,800 for high-end lodge stays in Hwange or Mana Pools. A 9-day Victoria Falls, Hwange, and Mana Pools circuit at the luxury level with andBeyond starts from around $5,915 per person. Daily conservation fees in Mana Pools, Sapi, and Chewore were updated in 2026 to $24 per person per day, subject to the addition of VAT on tourism services introduced in 2026.
Budget Package
Cost range: $325 per person per day. Covers Zimbabwe National Parks self-catering chalets and camping at parks accommodation inside Hwange and Matobo, combined with basic lodge stays near Victoria Falls. National Parks accommodation is functional rather than comfortable and requires self-catering or picnic meals. Budget options are most practical for self-drive travellers with their own 4WD and camping equipment. A week-long budget circuit staying in National Parks accommodation across two to three parks can be completed for $800 to $2,000 per person excluding vehicle hire.
Budget Package
Cost range: $500 per person per day. Covers mid-tier lodges and permanent tented camps adjacent to Hwange, standard accommodation near Victoria Falls, and a mix of guided game drives and activities. A 4-day Victoria Falls and Hwange package at this level costs approximately $999 to $1,500 per person. Most mid-range lodges include all meals and activities in the quoted rate, which simplifies budgeting. The mid-range market in Zimbabwe offers good value relative to comparable southern African destinations.
Luxury Private Safari
Cost range: $700 to $1,800 per person per day. Covers high-end camps inside Hwange, Mana Pools, and the Zambezi Valley private concessions. Leading properties include Somalisa Camp and The Hide in Hwange, and Nyamatusi Camp and Chikwenya in Mana Pools. A 10-night luxury circuit covering Hwange, Mana Pools, and Matobo costs approximately $9,000 to $15,000 per person. This tier competes directly with Botswana and Tanzania in price, and at which Zimbabwe’s exceptional guiding represents strong value.
Permit and Entry Fees
Bungee jump at the Victoria Falls Bridge: $160 per person. White-water rafting on the Zambezi: $120 per person. Helicopter flight over the falls: $165 per person. Full-day Hwange game drive from Victoria Falls: $220 per person. Victoria Falls National Park entry: $30 per person (international). VIP gate access to the falls: $174 per person. Moonbow or moonlight falls viewing: $116 per person, available only on specific lunar dates.
What To See in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe’s elephant population in Hwange is the largest concentration of this species in any single national park on the continent. Estimates of the park’s elephant population regularly exceed 45,000, and the artificial waterholes pumped by the park authority draw multiple herds simultaneously during the dry season. Watching hundreds of elephants moving to and from a waterhole in late afternoon is one of southern Africa’s most repeated but consistently arresting wildlife experiences.
Mana Pools is internationally known for its habituated elephant bulls that have learned to stand on their hind legs to reach food sources, a behaviour rarely observed elsewhere. The park’s floodplain pools fill seasonally and then contract during the dry season, trapping fish and drawing fish eagles, herons, storks, and predators in concentrated feeding activity. African wild dogs are regularly tracked and observed in Mana Pools, which holds one of Zimbabwe’s most reliable wild dog populations.
The black and white rhinos of Matobo Hills can be tracked on foot with armed rangers. White rhino sightings are frequent due to the population’s density within the park, and the tracking experience, done on foot through the kopje granite landscape, is substantively different from vehicle-based rhino viewing in other parks. The rock art of the Matobo area, attributed to San hunter-gatherer communities who lived here for thousands of years, is among the most accessible and best-preserved in southern Africa.
Victoria Falls is the world’s largest waterfall by combined width and height, measuring 1,708 metres across at full flow and producing a spray column visible from 50 kilometres away. The best time to view the falls in their full volume is from February to May, when the Zambezi is at peak flow. By September and October, the water level drops and some sections run dry on the Zimbabwean side, but visibility into the gorge improves markedly. The falls can be viewed from both the Zimbabwean and Zambian sides, with the Zimbabwean side generally considered the better viewing position for the main curtain.
What To Do in Zimbabwe
Walking safaris are Zimbabwe’s most distinctive activity and the reason many experienced safari travellers return repeatedly. In Mana Pools, unguided walking among wildlife is legally permitted for visitors who sign a disclaimer at the park gate, but the standard experience uses armed ranger guides who walk clients through the floodplain among elephant, buffalo, and lion. The quality of walking guiding in Zimbabwe is consistently rated among Africa’s best, driven by the country’s professional safari guide licensing system, which requires several years of field training before full qualification.
Canoe safaris on the Zambezi in Mana Pools are multi-day expeditions that paddle through hippopotamus territory and camp on river islands. Canoe trips typically run between two and seven days, with paddling done in stable double canoes guided by professional river guides. Clients paddle alongside elephants drinking at the bank, crocodiles resting on sandbanks, and extraordinary waterbird concentrations along the river margin. This activity operates only during the dry season, when river levels and current are manageable, from June to October.
Game drives at Hwange’s waterholes follow a different structure from the open-vehicle drives of the Mara or Serengeti. Many Hwange camps position permanent hides overlooking pumped waterholes that attract wildlife at predictable times, typically late afternoon and at night. Night drives at Hwange are among Africa’s most productive for leopard, hyena, genet, and other nocturnal species, as the waterhole draws animals throughout the dark hours that are invisible on daytime drives.
Great Zimbabwe National Monument near Masvingo in southern Zimbabwe is one of sub-Saharan Africa’s largest pre-colonial stone structures, built between the 11th and 15th centuries as the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe. The stone enclosures, built without mortar from precisely fitted granite blocks, demonstrate a level of construction sophistication that was unknown to European visitors when they first encountered the site in the 19th century. It is not a safari park in the wildlife sense, but a significant historical site that fits naturally into southern Zimbabwe itineraries combining Matobo Hills and the southeast.
Where To Stay in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe’s accommodation spans National Parks self-catering facilities at the budget end through to intimate luxury tented camps at the top. The mid-range and luxury lodge market has developed substantially over the past decade, with Hwange and Mana Pools now offering properties that are competitive with the best in East Africa for guiding quality and wilderness access. Most lodge rates in Zimbabwe are fully inclusive of accommodation, all meals, and all activities, which simplifies comparison with partially inclusive rates elsewhere.
In Hwange, leading mid-range properties include Ivory Lodge and The Hide. At the luxury end, Somalisa Camp in the private Somalisa Concession and Linkwasha Camp in the Linkwasha Concession are consistently rated among Africa’s best safari camps. Both operate in exclusive concessions that limit vehicle numbers per sighting and permit night drives, activities not available in the main park. Victoria Falls town has a complete range from backpacker hostels to the landmark Victoria Falls Hotel, which dates to 1904.
In Mana Pools, leading properties include Nyamatusi Camp, Vundu Camp, and the mobile camping operations that move through the park’s concession areas following the wildlife. Mana Pools accommodation is primarily tented with basic facilities; the park’s remote character precludes large permanent structures. Guests are warned that unescorted movement outside tented accommodation at night is not advised due to the uncontrolled wildlife population.
Book Hwange and Mana Pools camps for July
Book Hwange and Mana Pools camps for July and August at least six to nine months ahead, as quality camps in both areas run near capacity during peak season. Confirm whether your camp is inside the national park boundary or in an adjacent private concession, as concession camps permit night drives and off-road driving. Confirm that your safari rate is fully inclusive of all meals, activities, and park fees, as some lower-tier operators quote accommodation separately from activities and park fees. For Mana Pools, confirm the camp’s opening and closing dates for 2026, as some camps close as early as October 31 and do not open until June 1. Ask your operator which type of walking experience is available at your specific camp, whether armed guided walks, professional guide-led walks, or self-guided walks, as the distinction matters considerably for the experience.
How Long To Stay in Zimbabwe
A minimum of five days is needed for a Victoria Falls and Hwange combination. Two nights in Victoria Falls allows a full day at the falls with one activity, and three nights in Hwange gives two full days of game drives and potentially a night drive. This short format works well for travellers combining Zimbabwe with South Africa, Botswana, or Zambia on a broader southern Africa circuit.
Seven to ten days is the most widely recommended format for a Zimbabwe-focused safari. A standard itinerary might allocate two nights at Victoria Falls, three nights in Hwange, and three nights in Mana Pools, connected by short charter flights. This covers Zimbabwe’s signature experiences: falls viewing, elephant concentrations, walking safaris, and the Zambezi River.
Twelve to fourteen days allows the addition of Matobo Hills for rhino tracking, Lake Kariba for a houseboat night, or Great Zimbabwe for cultural context. A Harare entry and exit works well for longer itineraries that include the south. Harare is connected to major hubs including Johannesburg, Nairobi, and London by scheduled flights. The internal domestic network, operated by several charter companies, connects Harare and Victoria Falls to airstrips at Hwange and Mana Pools.
How To Select A Tour Operator in Zimbabwe
The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) licences all tour operators and guides in Zimbabwe. Verify licensing before booking. The Zimbabwe Council for Tourism (ZCT) is the main industry association, and member operators generally adhere to higher standards of operation and accountability than unlicensed alternatives. For Mana Pools walking safaris in particular, operator experience in the specific park and knowledge of the guide team’s qualifications matters significantly.
Zimbabwe’s professional guide licensing system requires candidates to pass multiple field assessments across a multi-year training period. Ask specifically whether your lead guide holds a Professional Hunter and Safari Operator licence from the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority or the Zimbabwe Association of Tour and Safari Operators (ZATSO) guide certification. The distinction between a fully licensed professional guide and a less experienced guide matters practically during walking safari situations.
For Mana Pools canoe safaris, confirm that the operator holds the required Zambezi River guiding permits and that the guide has current river certification. Canoe safari quality varies between operators in Mana Pools, and the best operators employ guides who have spent many seasons on that specific stretch of river. Ask how many years your assigned canoe guide has been operating on the Zambezi in the Mana Pools section.
What To Expect From Zimbabwe Safari Trips
Zimbabwe operates a visa-on-arrival or KAZA Univisa system for most nationalities. The KAZA Univisa at $50 USD covers both Zimbabwe and Zambia, which is the most practical option for itineraries that include Victoria Falls on the Zambian side or Lower Zambezi activities. Single-entry Zimbabwe visas cost $30 to $75 USD depending on nationality and are available on arrival at Harare and Victoria Falls international airports and major land border crossings.
Zimbabwe’s guiding culture, built on decades of professional walking safari training, produces guides who read the bush, not just the species list, and that difference is felt most clearly when you are on foot among animals that have no fence between you and them.
Zimbabwe’s currency situation has been complex and changeable over the years. As of 2026, the country has adopted a stable multi-currency environment using the US dollar for most tourist-facing transactions. All safari lodges, park fees, and major activity operators quote and accept USD. South African rand is widely accepted in Victoria Falls and border areas. Carry USD cash for park fees, tips, and smaller purchases, as card payment infrastructure is inconsistent outside of major hotels and lodges.
Zimbabwe’s road infrastructure varies dramatically by region. The main Harare to Bulawayo highway and the Victoria Falls to Hwange road are in reasonable condition. Secondary roads, particularly in the Zambezi Valley approaching Mana Pools, require a properly equipped 4WD with high clearance and a full spare tyre kit. Travel at night on any Zimbabwean road is not advised due to unlit vehicles, animals on the road surface, and limited road maintenance in rural areas.
How To Get Around Zimbabwe
The main international gateways are Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare and Victoria Falls International Airport. Harare is the hub for connections to the south and east of the country; Victoria Falls serves the northwest safari circuit. Most international visitors fly into one of these two airports and use charter flights for onward connections to the parks.
Domestic charter flights connect Victoria Falls and Harare to airstrips at Hwange Main Camp, Hwange National Park (near Linkwasha), Mana Pools, Kariba, and Buffalo Range near Gonarezhou. Multiple charter operators including Wilderness Air Zimbabwe and Federal Air serve these routes. Charter flight costs average $200 to $400 per person one way depending on the route and aircraft type. For itineraries combining more than two parks, flying between them is the most practical option given Zimbabwe’s road distances.
Self-drive in Zimbabwe is possible and popular among experienced southern African overland travellers, particularly for the Victoria Falls to Hwange road. A 4WD with high clearance is essential for any off-paved-road travel, and spare fuel capacity is advisable outside major towns. Car hire is available in Harare and Victoria Falls from international agencies. Transfers from Harare and Victoria Falls airports to lodges are typically arranged by the operator as part of the package.