Zimbabwe Safaris
Travel Information
When to visit
Zimbabwe can be visited throughout the year. Game viewing is best in the dry winter months of May to October, peaking towards the end of that period as wildlife becomes increasingly drawn to limited perennial water sources. Victoria Falls is most impressive over April to September.
Visas and paperwork
US citizens with a valid passport can obtain a visa upon arrival at any international airport or overland border.
Did You Know?
In 1855, the Scottish explorer David Livingstone became the first European to visit Victoria Falls declaring that “scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight”. More evocative names in various local tongues include Mosi-oa-Tunya (Smoke that Thunders), Shungu Namutitima (Boiling Water) and Chongwe (Place of the Rainbow).
Highlights
The world’s largest and arguably most spectacular waterfall, mile-wide Victoria Falls also ranks as the undisputed adrenaline capital of southern Africa. Highlights include one of the world’s tallest bungee jumps, rafting Grade V rapids in the raging Zambezi Gorge, and canoeing past hippos and other wildlife in the more placid waters above the falls.
Another must for adventurous travelers, Mana Pools National Park offers the opportunity to canoe, walk or drive through a pristine wilderness area inhabited by dense populations of lion, elephant, buffalo and other large wildlife.
Other world-class attractions include the vast and wildlife-rich Hwange National Park, the mysterious stone ruins of Great Zimbabwe, and the surreal rock formations and wealth of prehistoric rock art that characterize Matobo National Park.
As recently as the 1990s, Zimbabwe was one of Africa’s most popular destinations, combining magnificent one-off attractions such as Victoria Falls and the medieval ruins at Great Zimbabwe with a great selection of safari reserves and world-class tourist amenities. More recently it has been relatively neglected by tourists, thanks mainly to an ongoing trend of post-millennial political autocracy and economic mismanagement. Despite this, Zimbabwe remains a safe, friendly and enjoyable country, one that can boast five sensational UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and that is well worth exploring beyond the ever-popular Victoria Falls.
Photo Highlights
Practical Information
Practical Stuff
Getting there
The most popular port of entry with tourists is Victoria Falls. Regular flights connect Victoria Falls International Airport to other regional hubs such as Johannesburg and Cape Town. It is also easy to cross overland from Zambia. There are also international flights to the larger Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, which stands outside the capital city Harare.
Health and safety
The main risk is probably Malaria, which is most prolific in low-lying regions during the wet summer months, though it is advisable to take prophylactic drugs whenever you visit. The political instability that has haunted Zimbabwe over the last two decades has not manifested as violence against tourists. Crime is mainly confined to major urban areas that or seldom visited by tourists. Nevertheless, some caution is advised after dark in Victoria Falls town.
Itineraries
* Pricing is based on a group of 4 guests traveling together, and with each guest sharing accommodations with one other guest (i.e. double occupancy). Also, the cost per person will vary depending on the season / month of travel – for example, pricing will be higher during dates between Christmas Eve & New Year’s Day, as well as during other peak travel times.
What’s on the Menu
Zimbabwe’s cuisine is hearty, flavorful, and closely tied to its rich agricultural lands and traditional cooking methods. Guests can enjoy local specialties such as sadza (maize porridge) served with savory stews, grilled meats, or leafy greens like muriwo. Freshwater fish from Lake Kariba and the Zambezi River—bream, tilapia, and kapenta—are often grilled or prepared in tomato-based sauces.
Many lodges add a refined touch to these traditional dishes while offering Western comfort options to suit all palates. Breakfasts typically feature tropical fruits, pastries, cereals, and eggs to order, while lunches and dinners may include roast meats, pasta, vegetarian dishes, and seasonal salads.
Zimbabwe’s fertile soils produce an abundance of fresh vegetables and fruits—mangoes, guavas, pawpaw, and citrus—which often appear in both savory meals and desserts. South African wines and local beers complement the dining experience.
In Zimbabwe, every meal is an opportunity to savor the country’s warm hospitality, fresh ingredients, and a mix of rustic tradition with contemporary elegance—whether enjoyed in a riverside lodge or under the African night sky.
Explore Other Destinations
Zimbabwe Travel Questions
Is Zimbabwe good for walking safaris?
Yes. Zimbabwe is widely regarded as one of Africa’s premier walking safari destinations.
Professional guides undergo rigorous training, and walking safaris allow guests to explore tracking, smaller ecosystems, and wildlife behavior from ground level.
Mana Pools is particularly famous for this immersive experience.
How many days should I spend on safari in Zimbabwe?
We recommend:
- 3–4 nights in a national park such as Hwange or Mana Pools
- 2 nights at Victoria Falls
A 7–10 day itinerary allows for wildlife immersion plus waterfall exploration.
Zimbabwe also pairs seamlessly with Botswana or Zambia.
Why choose Zimbabwe for safari?
Zimbabwe is one of Africa’s most authentic and guide-driven safari destinations. It is known for exceptional walking safaris, highly trained professional guides, and uncrowded wildlife areas.
Zimbabwe offers:
- Strong Big Five sightings
- Intimate safari camps
- Rich conservation heritage
- Access to Victoria Falls
It is ideal for travelers seeking a more traditional and immersive safari experience.
Is Uganda suitable for luxury travelers?
Yes. Uganda offers high-end eco-lodges with:
- Forest-view suites
- Private butler service at select properties
- Spa treatments
- Personalized trekking coordination
- Helicopter transfers in premium itineraries
Luxury in Uganda emphasizes immersion, sustainability, and comfort in remote settings.
When is the best time to visit Zimbabwe for safari?
The best wildlife viewing occurs during the dry season:
- May–October: Wildlife concentrates around water sources
- September–October: Peak predator activity
Victoria Falls is most dramatic between February and May when water flow is highest.
Seasonal timing depends on whether your priority is wildlife density or waterfall volume.
What are the best safari areas in Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe’s top safari regions include:
- Hwange National Park – Known for large elephant herds and predator activity
- Mana Pools National Park – Famous for walking safaris and canoe experiences
- Victoria Falls – One of the world’s largest waterfalls
These regions can be combined for a diverse wildlife and scenery experience.
What wildlife is Zimbabwe most known for?
Zimbabwe is particularly known for:
- Large elephant populations in Hwange
- Walking safari encounters in Mana Pools
- Strong lion populations
- River-based wildlife along the Zambezi
It offers high-quality wildlife viewing with fewer crowds than some neighboring countries.