Zimbabwe

A Zimbabwe safari has far more to offer beyond the excitement of the Victoria Falls: superb wildlife sanctuaries, mysterious mountain retreats, open plains and lush floodplains...

Overview

For many visitors it would be inconceivable to visit Africa without experiencing the Victoria Falls. This vast curtain of surging water plunges into the Zambezi gorge below, and is a remarkable sight. Yet a safari in Zimbabwe has far more to offer than just the Victoria Falls. Between the two great rivers of the Zambezi and the Limpopo lies superb wildlife sanctuaries, ruins of ancient civilizations, and mysterious mountain refuges. Plus scenic landscapes and the watery paradises of Lake Kariba & Mana Pools. All demonstrate the variety and charm of Zimbabwe.

In recent years this beautiful, but troubled country, has experienced much political instability, hardship and poverty. However this is now a good time to enjoy a Zimbabwe safari. Visitor numbers are low, the safari lodges have reinvested and refurbished and are offering great value for money. Furthermore vital tourism revenue ensures that Zimbabwe’s wildlife continues to be protected.

Features

Why you may love it

  • Superb quality of guiding on a Zimbabwe safari.
  • Friendly service ethic is pervasive.
  • High quality of walking safaris in Zimbabwe.
  • Small intimate camps in remote locations.
  • Focus is on the game-viewing experience not the interior design!
  • Easy connections by air to the main safari destinations.

Where to go in Zimbabwe

These are some of the best rated places to visit in Zimbabwe based on popularity and experience rating by our travelers

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Victoria Falls

The Zimbabwean side of the Victoria Falls offers some of the finest views of the falls and the little town of Victoria Falls remains safe and tranquil.

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Hwange

A Hwange safari offers spectacular big game country only two hours drive south from Victoria Falls.

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Mana Pools

Mana Pools, with its beautiful wooded floodplains is synonymous with canoeing safaris and wilderness game-viewing.

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Lake Kariba

Enjoy this watery wilderness combining the beauty of Lake Kariba with superb big game sightings in Matusadona National Park.

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Matobo

See the dramatic granite boulders of this beautiful scenic area & enjoy walking, guided rock art tours and game drives.

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Explore the Zimbabwe map

When to visit Zimbabwe

 

Mid November to March

Summer in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe has a summer rainfall so this is not an ideal time to visit and some areas, such as the Mana Pools, actually close due to seasonal flooding. Nor is it an ideal time for Victoria Falls, especially in November and December, as the flow of water over the Falls is at its lowest. But if you are visiting at this time, the Zimbabwean side has the most water. Plus, as the summer rains continue, the flow increases dramatically.
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AVG RAINFALL 156 mm
MAX TEMP 29.4 ℃ / 85 ℉
MIN TEMP 18.6 ℃ / 66 ℉
 

April to May

Autumn in Zimbabwe

The summer rains stop leaving behind a lush and green landscape. Some of the camps start to open again in the Mana Pools. And it’s traditionally the time of more reasonable safari prices in Zimbabwe. The flow of water over the Victoria Falls is at its maximum which means exciting viewing experiences but not great photos as your camera can get soaked!
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AVG RAINFALL 53 mm
MAX TEMP 28.4 ℃ / 83 ℉
MIN TEMP 14 ℃ / 57 ℉
 

June to August

Winter in Zimbabwe

Traditionally this is the best time to visit as the dry season continues. During the dry season the bush is less dense and the animals flock to the rivers for water. It’s also the best time to see Victoria Falls.
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AVG RAINFALL 3 mm
MAX TEMP 24.8 ℃ / 77 ℉
MIN TEMP 7.4 ℃ / 45 ℉
 

September to mid-November

Spring in Zimbabwe

This is still an excellent time for a safari as the dry season continues. Temperatures heat up quickly in September and October prior to the start of the summer rains. And the flow of water over the Victoria Falls starts becoming noticeably less.
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AVG RAINFALL 45 mm
MAX TEMP 33.2 ℃ / 92 ℉
MIN TEMP 18.8 ℃ / 66 ℉

Popular tours & safaris

We arrange trips to more than 100+ destinations throughout the African continent.

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South Africa & Victoria Falls Adventure

Our South Africa & Victoria Adventure trip is ideal for anyone who's keen for some adventure whilst on holiday. We've included a number of active excursions in Cape Town and Victoria Falls so that...

WHEN Apr - Oct
DURATION 12 Nights
FROM $ 3,775
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Zimbabwe Safari Explorer

This 12 night safari offers four contrasting scenic areas of Zimbabwe. You begin with Victoria Falls and a private concession by the Zambezi River for some game-viewing by vehicle and boat....

WHEN Mar - Aug
DURATION 12 Nights
FROM $ 5,953
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Southern Africa Culture & Wildlife

This 12 night semi-escorted itinerary is ideal for those who are keen to get a well-rounded perspective on Southern Africa - not just the scenic highlights and stunning game-viewing - but also an...

WHEN Jan - Dec
DURATION 12 Nights
FROM $ 4,930
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Zimbabwe Water & Wilderness

This 6 night fly-in safari visits two of the scenic highlights of Zimbabwe – Hwange and Mana Pools National Parks. Add which-ever lodge you wish in Victoria Falls and perhaps also add a 3 night...

WHEN Apr - Nov
DURATION 6 Nights
FROM $ 5,683
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Rovos Rail Victoria Falls to Pretoria Luxury train journey

This delightful 3 or 4 night train journey from Pretoria to Victoria Falls (or vice versa) offers a relaxing interlude within a busy safari itinerary. It passes Hwange National Park where animals...

WHEN May - Sept
DURATION 3 Nights
FROM $ 2,233
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Hwange Explorer

This 3 night safari to Davidson's Camp in Hwange National Park is an ideal add-on to time in Victoria Falls being a comfortable 2 hours drive from Victoria Falls or a short charter flight.

WHEN Apr - Nov
DURATION 3 Nights
FROM $ 1,843
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Loved Zimbabwe

"We really enjoyed the Zimbabwian people, very gentle, smiley people who wish you a good time and want you to love their country. Felt totally safe at all times. The abundance of activities – Walking safari. Canoeing the Zambezi. Fishing on the Zambezi. Sunset cruise. Bird and Butterfly drives. Private breakfast on the banks of the river – Tailor make it all to suit. " Mr & Mrs Leake, UK
Did you know
  • SizeZimbabwe's is three times the size of England.
  • NamePreviously known as Southern Rhodesia

Zimbabwe Articles

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Photo Blog of a recent safari to Victoria Falls and Hwange

Here is a photo blog of a few of my amateur shots from a recent safari to Victoria Falls and Hwange in Zimbabwe. I think it’s useful to show how close you can get to the wildlife. And also the...

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No longer Cinderella - Introducing Zambezi National Park

Over the last few years there has been an explosion of activity in this once sleepy backwater with a raft of new game lodges opening up. For years the Zambezi National Park was considered the...

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Victoria Falls vs Livingstone ? Choosing between the Zambia or Zimbabwe sides

Zimbabwe & Zambia – which side? You may wonder if there is a big difference between staying on the Zambian or Zimbabwean side of the Victoria Falls; i.e. the towns of Victoria Falls vs...

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Botswana vs Zambia vs Zimbabwe - which safari destination is best?

Here we are showing a three-way comparison between Botswana versus Zambia versus Zimbabwe for safaris.This is part of our occasional series when we compare one safari regions or countries to a...

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Zimbabwe Attractions – 10 reasons to visit…

One in a series of blog posts where we attempt to highlight the distinguishing characteristics of a particular country in terms of its appeal to visitors. So here are my top (and highly...

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Best Tours & Things to Do at Victoria Falls

  This post summarizes our top 14 things to do at Victoria Falls. Both on the Zimbabwe side and Zambia side at Livingstone. It doesn’t aim to cover ALL of the Victoria Falls tours on offer. But...

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Sonja Brand

Africa Travel Specialist

Hi I’m Sonja, I’m here to help you plan your ideal holiday experience
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