Abundant Wildlife
Zimbabwe harbors an abundance and astounding diversity of wildlife species. Iconic safari favorites include the “Big Five” – lions, African bush elephants, Cape buffalos, leopards, and rhinoceros. Hwange National Park contains one of the largest herds of elephants across Africa. Their massive forms parade across the savanna in familial splendor. Mana Pools National Park serves a crucial floodplain habitat where visitors can observe the sleek forms of African wild dogs hunting fleet-footed impala.
Birdlife
Birdlife also thrives in Zimbabwe with over 600 cataloged species. Twitchers can spot endangered varieties like stately cranes, fierce vultures and raucous hornbills. Expert safari guides gladly impart their wisdom to identify elusive birds amongst the foliage.
Beautiful Landscapes & Scenery
Zimbabwe’s national parks showcase awe-inspiring scenery from weather-hewn rock formations, lush rainforests, gentle rivers and the rumbling spectacle of Victoria Falls. These monumental waterfalls plunge over a mile-wide chasm, casting perpetual rainbows through their mist. Visitors can tour the falls by foot to witness their thunderous power up-close.
Top Safari Destinations & Parks
Zimbabwe harbors a wealth of safari destinations and lodges to match every style and budget:
Hwange National Park
– This park is justly celebrated for remarkable densities of wildlife like elephants along with lions, wild dogs and over 500 species of birds. Linkwasha Camp and Little Makalolo Camp offer intimate, luxury stays in spectacular settings along the edge of a large watering hole.
Mana Pools National Park
– Walking safaris and canoe rides provide thrilling perspectives to observe predators like lions, leopards and wild dogs thriving across the Zambezi River floodplains and islands. Top luxury options: Zambezi Expeditions and Ruckomechi Camp situated right on the riverbank.
Matobo National Park
– Visitors can explore a wonderland of magical domed granite hills and hidden cave paintings left by ancient San people. Gravesites mark the final resting places of colonial explorers like Cecil Rhodes. Comfortable safari camps like Camp Amalinda make perfect bases to explore the park’s history and scenery.
Gonarezhou National Park
- This remote southern park forms part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, harboring high densities of elephants and other grazers. Prime accommodation includes exclusive Chilo Gorge Lodge and tented Gonarezhou Bush Camp.
Over 600 hundred bird species also inhabit Zimbabwe from regal eagles to diminutive bee-eaters to the endangered ground hornbill. Twitchers certainly find their winged match across forests and savannas.
Best Time to Visit
The peak safari season runs July-October when wildlife is most visible gathered around scarce water sources and greenery before the rainy respite. May-July also offers fine wildlife sightings without the crowds in addition to lush Emerald Season scenery when falls run high. February-May frames the iconic Victoria Falls at their rumbling peak cascade.
Signature Zimbabwe Safari Itineraries
Ultimate Zimbabwe & Livingstone
– A grand tour including Hwange National Park, Mana Pools and Victoria Falls combined with Zambia’s Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and cultural sites around Livingstone town.
Zimbabwe’s Gonarezhou, Falls, Hwange & Mana
–Starting from remote Chilojo Cliffs overlooking reclusive Gonarezhou, this specialized 11-day safari includes Great Zimbabwe archeological ruins, thundering Victoria Falls, prolific Hwange and walking safaris across Mana Pools’ islands studded with iconic hardwoods.
With abundant big game, varied birdlife, stunning scenery from granite domes to Victoria Falls’ spray, historical intrigue like Great Zimbabwe ruins, whitewater rafting, village visits and diverse luxury to budget accommodation options, Zimbabwe proffers once-in-a-lifetime bucket-list safari experiences. By selecting ideal parks by specialty, timing ideal seasonal conditions and setting a preferred budget, your dream Zimbabwe safari easily manifests into reality.
