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Zimbabwe

Wild beauty, ancient stories, and some of Africa’s finest guides.

Tucked between rivers and neighbours, Zimbabwe is a land of contrasts - vast wilderness, deep history, and raw, natural drama. From the thunder of Victoria Falls to the stillness of the Matobo Hills, it’s a place where every horizon feels like a story waiting to unfold.

Zimbabwe, a landlocked jewel in Southern Africa, is bordered by South Africa, Botswana, Zambia and Mozambique. It is defined by two great rivers: the Zambezi to the north and the Limpopo to the south, which frame a landscape of dramatic contrasts and natural beauty.

Home to five UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Mana Pools National Park, Victoria Falls, Matobo Hills National Park, Great Zimbabwe, and the Khami Ruins National Monument – Zimbabwe offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and breathtaking wilderness. Beyond these iconic sites, the country boasts renowned destinations such as Hwange National Park and Lake Kariba.

Accommodations in Zimbabwe’s national parks are typically well spaced, allowing for a sense of privacy and exclusivity even in peak season. The country offers excellent game viewing, particularly during the dry season from June to October, and is known for having some of the most experienced safari guides in Africa.

With a blend of wildlife, scenery and culture, Zimbabwe is ideal for travellers seeking well-rounded experiences – whether it’s the thrill of a walking safari through remote wilderness, a serene river cruise on the Zambezi, or immersive cultural encounters in local communities.

© Nyamatusi Camp, Mana Pools

National Parks and Areas to Visit in Zimbabwe

From riverside camps to hidden valleys, these are the places we love most in Zimbabwe.

Tap through to explore each area and the stays we recommend.

© Camp Hwange Zimbabwe

Hwange National Park

Zimbabwe’s flagship safari destination, Hwange offers excellent wildlife viewing, easy access from Victoria Falls, and year-round appeal for seasoned travellers and first-time safari-goers alike.

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© Victoria Falls Hotel Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls

An iconic natural wonder and adventure hub, Victoria Falls is easily paired with Hwange or Chobe, and offers international flight access, luxury lodges, and unforgettable activities on land and water.

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© Fothergill - Matusadona - Zimbabwe

Lake Kariba & Matusadona

Lake Kariba blends safari, scenery, and serenity, set against the striking Matusadona escarpment and known for giant crocodiles, fish eagles, and a slower-paced, water-based safari experience.

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© Matobo Hills Khayelitshe House

Matobo Hills

A land of granite kopjes, ancient rock art, and white rhino tracking, Matobo offers a deep connection to culture, history, and nature in one of Zimbabwe’s most distinct and spiritual landscapes.

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© Tembo Plains Camp Mana Pools

Mana Pools

On the banks of the Zambezi River, Mana Pools is known for thrilling walking and canoeing safaris, dramatic scenery, and incredible wildlife in one of Africa’s wildest and most photogenic regions.

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Great Zimbabwe & Lake Mutirikwi

Step off the classic safari route and explore the stone ruins of Great Zimbabwe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, paired with peaceful lakeside views and cultural experiences near Lake Mutirikwi.

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Gonarezhou & Save Valley

Vast, wild, and little-touched by tourism, Gonarezhou and Save Valley offer adventurous travellers remote landscapes, strong conservation stories, and some of Southern Africa’s best-kept safari secrets.

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Wildlife in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s Wildlife: A Rich and Diverse Safari Experience

Zimbabwe is a top safari destination, home to the renowned Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino (both black and white), and buffalo – along with an impressive array of other wildlife. Cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and crocodiles can all be spotted across the country’s parks and reserves. Its diverse habitats support an extraordinary variety of antelope species, including sable, roan, kudu, nyala, and eland.

Zimbabwe is also one of the best places in Africa to see endangered species like African wild dogs and cheetahs in the wild. Mana Pools is famous for its unique elephant behaviour – like bulls balancing on their hind legs to feed from tall trees – while Hwange is known for its vast elephant herds. Bird enthusiasts are also well catered for, with over 500 species recorded nationwide. Because Zimbabwe’s national parks are typically uncrowded, sightings are often private – without a queue of vehicles competing for a view – allowing for a more intimate and authentic safari experience.

With wildlife-rich national parks like Hwange, Mana Pools, Gonarezhou, and Matobo, Zimbabwe offers some of the continent’s most rewarding and memorable safaris.

When to Visit Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is a year-round destination, but your ideal travel time depends on what kind of experience you’re seeking.

The dry season – from April to October – is the most popular for safaris, offering superb wildlife sightings, clear skies, and easy access to parks. The green season – from November to March – brings dramatic skies, lush landscapes, and excellent birding opportunities.

Here’s a month-by-month guide to help you plan the perfect time for your journey.

April – May: Autumn

The Start of the Dry Season

  • Weather: Rainfall tapers off, and temperatures cool. Expect warm days (24–28°C) and crisp mornings (10–14°C).
  • Safari Highlights: The landscape begins to open up as vegetation thins, making wildlife easier to spot.
  • Why Go: Ideal for travellers seeking fewer crowds, lower early-season rates, and beautiful post-rain greenery.
  • Great For: Game drives, photography, and pairing with Victoria Falls at near-peak flow.

June – August: Winter

Clear Skies and Prime Game Viewing

  • Weather: Dry, sunny days (22–26°C) with cold mornings and evenings—sometimes below freezing in Hwange and high-altitude areas.
  • Safari Highlights: Wildlife gathers near permanent water sources. Visibility is excellent as bush thins out further.
  • Why Go: Peak walking safari conditions and fantastic predator sightings.
  • Great For: Photographers, families, and first-time safari-goers.

September – October: Spring

Intense Heat and Spectacular Wildlife

  • Weather: Very hot days (30–35°C+), warm nights.
  • Safari Highlights: Animals are highly concentrated around waterholes—especially elephants, big cats, and wild dogs.
  • Why Go: This is peak safari season across the country, particularly for Hwange and Mana Pools.
  • Great For: Hardcore safari enthusiasts, private guiding, and exclusive lodge experiences.

November – March: Summer

The Green Season

  • Weather: Afternoon thunderstorms, hot and humid days (28–32°C), and warm nights.
  • Safari Highlights: Baby animals, dramatic skies, and outstanding birdlife (over 500 species recorded).
  • Why Go: Fewer travellers, vibrant scenery, and attractive off-season rates. Ideal for birders and photographers who enjoy atmospheric landscapes.
  • Considerations: Some lodges close (especially in remote areas like Mana Pools and Gonarezhou); access can be limited due to rains.
  • Great For: Returning travellers, birding safaris, and those seeking solitude.

Regional Climate Highlights

Hwange National Park

Hwange’s best game viewing takes place during the dry season, from July to October, when animals gather around pumped waterholes. Days are warm and dry, while nights can be crisp in winter. The green season (November to March) brings vibrant vegetation, migratory birds, and fewer crowds – though wildlife sightings can be more sporadic due to thicker bush.

Mana Pools & Zambezi Valley

From May to October, the park is at its most accessible and rewarding, with game concentrating along the Zambezi floodplains. Dry-season walking and canoe safaris are superb during this time. The region becomes challenging in the wet season, with many camps closed from November to April due to flooding and limited access.

Victoria Falls

Water levels at the Falls are at their most dramatic from March to May, just after the rains. Between June and August, views become clearer as the water flow recedes – ideal for photography and pairing with safaris. October tends to be hot and dry, with lower water levels on the Zimbabwean side, but it’s still a vibrant tourism hub year-round.

Lake Kariba & Matusadona

Kariba is a year-round destination, but the dry months (June to October) offer the best game viewing on land and by boat, as wildlife gathers along the shoreline. October can be extremely hot, while the green season offers still waters, brilliant sunsets, and good birding – though access to some camps may be limited by rains.

Gonarezhou National Park

Gonarezhou is best visited between May and October, when roads are dry and wildlife gathers near rivers and pans. This remote, rugged park is at its most accessible during the cool, dry months – ideal for walking safaris and off-the-grid exploration. The wet season (November to March) transforms the landscape into a lush, green wilderness but makes access difficult, with some camps closing entirely due to impassable roads.

Matobo Hills

Matobo is a year-round destination, with moderate temperatures and rewarding cultural and wildlife experiences throughout. The dry season (May to September) is best for rhino tracking, hiking, and exploring the park’s famous granite kopjes and rock art sites. Rainfall from November to March brings greenery and excellent birding, though some trails can become slippery.

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