Home > Destinations > Destination: Zimbabwe
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Zimbabwe, Southern Africa, will provide you with remarkable encounters with both people and wildlife. The cities are vibrant, and the parks and reserves take you off the beaten track to discover rugged wilderness, breathtaking views, and spectacular wildlife. Explore the Zambezi River and its magnificent Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, come face-to-face with awe-inspiring wildlife in private reserves, or soak up the beauty of one of Zimbabwe’s national parks, such as Mana Pools National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the end of the day, retreat back to your luxury lodge, handpicked by the safari experts at Ker & Downey Africa.
Zimbabwe is a great destination for Big Five safaris. Elephants, lions, and buffalo are regularly seen, while rhinos and leopards are present but rarely encountered. Hwange and Mana Pools offer a great diversity of wildlife, with great opportunities to spot big game animals. Giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest are also frequently spotted in the savannah plains and along the banks of the Zambezi. Look out for special sightings of the brown hyena, bat-eared fox, and sable antelope. Browse our luxury safari lodges and bespoke packages in Zimbabwe and experience the trip of a lifetime.
A year-round destination, the mighty Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and is one of Africa’s most sought-after attractions. This jaw-dropping spectacle is traditionally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya meaning “The Smoke that Thunders”.
The Zambezi National Park in Zimbabwe is a lesser-known gem situated on the doorstep of the world-famous Victoria Falls boasting a diverse array of extraordinary wildlife.
Mana Pools National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Zimbabwe’s most pristine and biodiverse parks, bustling with extraordinary wildlife.
Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest national park, best known for its abundance of wildlife, including the iconic Big Five and endangered African wild dog.
Harare
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UTC+02:00
Zimbabwe can be visited throughout the year, as it boasts a moderate climate. The best game viewing is experienced during the dry season between May and October.
Although a lot of visitors can be expected at Victoria Falls between July and October, Zimbabwe’s parks and reserves rarely experience crowding.
There are limited visitors to Zimbabwe during the wet season between November and April. At this time, the parks are green, and the vegetation is dense, providing you with a more exclusive safari experience.
The best weather is during the months of April, May, and September when temperatures are moderate and afternoon showers rarely interfere with game viewing.
Some of the best destinations to explore on a luxury safari in Zimbabwe include:
Zambezi National Park Zimbabwe
The Zambezi National Park in Zimbabwe is a wilderness sanctuary characterized by its diverse landscapes and rich wildlife. Situated along the Zambezi River, just before the Victoria Falls National Park, it offers stunning scenery, thrilling game drives, and opportunities to see elephants, lions, leopards, and hippos. Many other smaller species of game can also be seen, ensuring a thrilling experience. There is also superb fishing along the mighty Zambezi River and excellent bird-watching opportunities.
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls, one of the world’s largest waterfalls, is a natural wonder located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. Known locally as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” (the smoke that thunders), it plunges dramatically into the Zambezi Gorge, creating a mesmerizing display of mist and rainbows. Visitors can enjoy thrilling viewpoints, scenic cruises, and adventurous activities like bungee jumping and whitewater rafting nearby. Visiting Victoria Falls is a must-visit during a luxury safari in Zimbabwe.
Hwange National Park
Hwange National Park is the largest natural reserve in Zimbabwe, covering around 14,600 square kilometers. A visit to this great park offers the experience of a lifetime with a breadth of wildlife that is simply outstanding, including a 40,000-strong population of tusker elephants. Watching these magnificent beasts gather around the park’s many watering holes is a highlight not to be forgotten during a luxury safari in Zimbabwe.
Matusadona National Park, Zimbabwe
Located in northern Zimbabwe, the Matusadona National Park is a remote wilderness that captivates visitors with its outstanding natural beauty and rugged landscapes. Walking safaris abound here, as do boat safaris along the 2,000-kilometre shoreline of Lake Kariba. Elephants, buffalos, and hippos are abundant here, as too are lions, waterbucks, and crocodiles.
Gonarezhou National Park
Located in the remote southeast corner of Zimbabwe in Southern Africa, the Gonarezhou National Park offers a complete immersion in nature, boasting over 5,000 square kilometers of pristine wilderness. The park is the second largest national park in Zimbabwe and is home to the iconic Chilojo Cliffs. It is also home to a vast herd of elephants – more than 11,500 of these gentle giants freely roam. The park is the result of a conservation partnership, which, in 2021, resulted in the re-introduction of 29 black rhinos, offering visitors the opportunity to glimpse these magnificent beasts.
Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve
This private concession spans some 130,000 hectares and is teeming with wildlife, including the endangered black rhino, white rhino, and Africa’s Big Five. The reserve is consistently rated as one of the best reserves in Africa, thanks to its fabulous wildlife, spectacular views, and fascinating rock formations. Not only is it rich in wildlife, but it is also steeped in history, including being home to more than 100 rock art sites that date back 2,000 years.
If you wish to experience a luxury Zimbabwe safari in any of the above destinations, Ker & Downey Africa will be delighted to assist you. Contact our team today.
You can expect to see a diverse array of wildlife in Zimbabwe’s national parks, along the mighty Zambezi River, and in private concessions and reserves, either on foot or in a private game vehicle, including:
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