There is a singular beauty about Zimbabwe; it is a land-locked country blessed with fertile soils, mineral wealth and wonderful scenery.
Two major rivers form Zimbabwe’s northern and southern boundaries: the great Zambezi River cuts along its northern frontier, while the languid Limpopo forms the southern border with South Africa. In between, the country has a variety of habitats, from the granite hills of the Matopos to the majestic mountains, lush forests and beautiful rivers of the Eastern Highlands.
The Zambezi has an exceptional variety of spectacular scenery as well as one of the world’s natural wonders: the Victoria Falls, which is included on a Zimbabwe safari tour. Then National Parks along the Zambezi are legendary, offering superb wildlife viewing.
Along the Botswana border the easternmost tongues of the Kalahari sands creep into the country and mix with the teak forests of the interior, so that desert-adapted animals share the same habitat with woodland species. Hwange National Park is home to some of southern Africa’s last great elephant, buffalo and sable herds. This area also offers Zimbabwe’s best summer game viewing.
Where To Stay
These are some of our favorite lodges and places to stay around Zimbabwe
Tembo Plains Camp is tucked away into a thick riverine forest on the edge of the Zambezi River. It lies in the private 128,000-hectare Sapi Private Reserve, east of Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park. The Camp is a unique combination of canvas and stone walls. The semi-circular walls inside each tented suite isolate the bath and shower from the bedroom and indoor lounge areas. Outside, a pack-stone wall design referencing those Zimbabwe Ruins continues along the back of the guest bedroom. It gives you a greater sense of privacy, which is often an issue in tents.
The Sapi Reserve is now recognised as one of the finest wildlife destinations in Africa today. The camp has unrestricted access to this fantastic wildlife sanctuary and, should you wish, access to the neighboring Mana Pools National Park. Therefore, guests can explore a combined range of over 337,000 hectares of prime, protected wilderness. The Sapi Reserve is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and a core area of the middle-Zambezi biosphere reserve.
Activities: Morning & Afternoon Game Drives, Boating Safari, Canoeing, Walking Safari
Budget: $$$ (Luxury)
Upstream of the iconic Victoria Falls, on the banks of the Zambezi River, lies Old Drift Lodge. The lodge boasts luxury accommodation overlooking the pristine Zambezi National Park, a mere 7 kilometers from the mighty Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Old Drift Lodge is nestled within a wild paradise frequented by elephant, buffalo, herds of sable, eland, zebra, giraffe, kudu, waterbuck and impala.
Activities at Old Drift Lodge are carefully curated to provide a well-rounded safari experience that combines the excitement of wildlife encounters, the natural beauty of the Victoria Falls area, and the serenity of the African bush. Guests can tailor their stay to suit their interests and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Activities: Morning & Afternoon Game Drives, River Safari, Guided tour of the Falls, Cultural Visits, Sundowner Cruise
Additional Cost Activities: Helicopter Flight Over the Falls, White Water Rafting, Bungee Jumping, Zip Line, Gorge Swing, Bike Tours
Budget: $$$ (Luxury)
Revel in the space and privacy of Linkwasha’s nine expansive tented suites, which overlook a waterhole frequented by thirsty herds of buffalo and antelope. The main area opens out to tiered decks that lead down to the camp’s pool, where it’s a first-come-first-served affair, as elephants often quench their thirst here on hot afternoons.
Linkwasha is positioned on the edge of Hwange National Park’s productive Ngamo Plains, an area renowned for some of the best year-round game viewing on Earth. During summer, the plains teem with wildlife, and in winter they gather in abundance at the many Wilderness-supported waterholes throughout the park.
Activities: Morning & Afternoon Game Drives, Photography Hide, Conservation Experience
Budget: $$$ (Luxury)
The Wallow Lodge embodies the authentic essence of tented accommodation, reimagined from a luxury safari perspective. Panoramic views of the Masuwe River form the backdrop of the main area, seamlessly incorporating the unrushed rhythm of nature into vast, open-space interiors. The furniture is earthy and sophisticated, brought to life with splashes of colour. The effect is captivating yet calming and epitomizes the inherent unpredictability of Africa.
Sixteen suites are thoughtfully placed to capture the best views of the Masuwe River and surrounding wilderness. The imaginative use of canvas evokes a classic safari atmosphere, accentuated with all the modern creature comforts. Each room is raised beneath the shade of ancient riverine trees, and from this elevated vantage point, guests can enjoy uninterrupted views of the river from their private balcony. The décor and attention to detail strikes a perfect balance between contemporary, homely touches without detracting from the surrounding wilderness.
Activities: Morning & Afternoon Game Drives, Cocktails & Canapes on the Batoka Gorge, Guided tour of the Falls, Cultural Visits
Additional Cost Activities: Sunset River Cruise, Helicopter Flight Over the Falls, White Water Rafting, Bungee Jumping, Zip Line, Gorge Swing, Bike Tours
Budget: $$ (Mid-Range)
Our Suggested Itineraries
This magnificent safari incorporates some of the highlights and best game viewing regions of Zimbabwe including the spectacular Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world and a superb sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi River above the falls. Hwange National Park is the country’s biggest reserve, home to a profusion of wildlife, including giraffe, lion, zebra and approximately 40 000 elephants. It provides a sanctuary for all the country’s endangered species, including a population of wild dogs thought to be among the most sizeable surviving groups on the continent. Matusadona National Park is situated on the shores of Lake Kariba. With this ready water source, buffalo, waterbuck, zebra, and even impala have thrived and with them the predators.
Finally, the life-giving power of the Zambezi River makes Mana Pools National Park one of Zimbabwe’s most lush and flourishing regions, designated as the country’s second World Heritage Site and known as one of the continent’s premier game-viewing regions. Canoe trips provide a unique and memorable way for visitors to experience the area’s striking scenic beauty and diverse fauna, while guided walks are a great way to take its pristine riverside forests.
Explore Here: HIGHLIGHTS OF ZIMBABWE – 9 DAYS
This superb safari concentrates on the spectacular Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world as well as the northern and southern regions of the vast Hwange National Park (5,500 square miles) offering vastly different eco-systems with varying terrain and topography. Terrain ranges from desert dunes and savannah lands to rocky outcrops and sparse forests. Hwange is the country’s biggest reserve, home to a profusion of wildlife, including giraffe, lion, zebra and approximately 40 000 elephants. It provides a sanctuary for all the country’s endangered species, including a population of wild dogs thought to be among the most sizeable surviving groups on the continent.
Explore Here: SPIRIT OF ZIMBABWE – 9 DAYS
Experiences
These are some of the experiences on offer in Zimbabwe
Awards and Accolades
