Victoria Falls & Hwange National Park Safari
Embark on an 8-day Zimbabwe safari, from $5,000 PP. Explore Zambezi National Park and search for African painted dogs in Hwange.
From $6,500 per personMenu
Zimbabwe Safari Holidays
Located between the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers, this landlocked country offers a unique, authentic and unforgettable safari holiday experience with fewer crowds compared to other popular safari destinations. The list of attractions remains undiminished and includes no less than two World Heritage sites - the majestic Victoria Falls and Mana Pools, located on the floodplains of Africa's Great Rift Valley - as well as countless other areas of natural beauty. Mostly blanketed with savannah grassland in its central and western parts, with some tropical evergreen forests around the eastern highlands and rock formations to the north. Game drives and walking safaris are the most popular safari activities in Zimbabwe, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with the Zimbabwe's wildlife. Expect to see the Big Five, as well as a variety of other animals and birdlife.
The Zimbabwe Safari Experience
- Stay within the Painted Dog Private Conservancy adjacent to Hwange National Park
- Enjoy river cruises to Victoria Falls and the surrounding areas
- Take the opportunity to visit local villages to learn about their cultures and traditions
- Witness the second-largest terrestrial migration in Africa, as thousands of zebra, wildebeest and other herbivores flock to the Nxai Pan
- Choose from a variety of activities on offer at the Falls, including bungee jumping, helicopter or microlight flights, guided walks and sunset boat cruises.
Zimbabwe Safaris
Discover Zimbabwe
Immerse yourself in the intense wildlife experience of both Hwange National Park and Mana Pools
From $9,000 per person
Wilderness & Painted Wolves with Nicholas Dyer
Experience the Zimbabwean wilderness with acclaimed wildlife photographer, author and conservationist Nicholas Dyer in search of the Painted Wolves.
From $22,500 per person
Talk to a Zimbabwe Specialist Today
Why Natural World Safaris?
Whether you want to go on a wildlife safari, explore the country's culture, or simply relax on the beach, we can create a safari itinerary that is perfect for you. We are committed to responsible travel and sustainable tourism. Working closely with local communities and conservation organisations, we ensure that our trips have a positive impact on the environment and local people of Zimbabwe.
How Much Does Zimbabwe Cost?
For an 8-day safari in Zimbabwe, we recommend a starting price of $6,500 per person. This will generally include accommodation at two different lodges, transfers and private guides.
When to go to Zimbabwe?
The best time to visit Zimbabwe is dependent on the wildlife you'd like to see as generally speaking, Zimbabwe is a year-round destination. You should consider what your main focus is to ensure we create the ideal itinerary to accommodate your plans. As an emerging destination, peak travel months are still much less busy than other popular safari locations in Africa.
Where to Stay in Zimbabwe?
Many of Zimbabwe’s lodges were left to age gracefully during its previous period of unrest, however there are some small local operators that continue to promote their country and offer a select few tourists the country’s true colours. Zimbabwe is also renowned for the quality of its guides and they go through a very extensive training process to become successful. We use only the best and can promise that whether you are staying in a luxury tented camp on the Zambezi River or a rustic lodge in Hwange, you are in safe hands.
Zimbabwe Travel Inspo
Mana Pools National Park
Expansive wilderness plains with no road access, the delightfully remote Mana Pools national park was designated in 1963 and has developed as an untouched environment only explored on foot, with much of the game species you are likely to encounter completely at ease with human presence. Such is the protected beauty of the park, with no physical boundaries keeping wildlife in or out, that it was announced a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. The park itself is a network of long and twisting ox-bow lakes and pools that are formed where the mighty Zambezi slows its pace after crashing through the Victoria Falls, meandering through the Lower Zambezi Valley. The river is spread across a flattened floodplain stretching as far as the distant hills of the escarpment and reflecting the many islands and sandbanks where copious animals and birds roam. This is especially so in the dry season, from June to October, when herds of thirsty elephants and buffalo make their way from the Lower Zambezi National Park to the pools, where pods of hippo, crocodiles, kudu, wild dog, leopard, lion and cheetah may be found, drawn in by the sweet water. Canoe safaris are popular in the lower Zambezi area, spending a few days floating down meandering waters, dodging hippo pods as you go.
Victoria Falls
The spectacular Victoria Falls are the most visited attraction in Zimbabwe and understandably so. The Falls are almost one mile wide and offer some of the most impossibly scenic viewpoints in the continent, with a mist spray that can reach almost 400 metres high after the water has plummeted 110 metres into the Batoka Gorge before continuing its journey.
What to Expect from a Trip to Zimbabwe
Client Reviews
Rated 4.9/5 based on 7 customer reviews
- —Shannon Yrigoyen who travelled on Waterfalls & Wildlife Safari in April 2023
From our first encounter with Phoenix to our last flight from Zimbabwe the trip was FLAWLESS! The Simbavati group is excellent. We loved both locations, but Camp George was over and above. The room, spa service and wildlife were superb. At River Camp, we enjoyed multiple up close encounters with rhino and elephants. It was unbelievable.
- —Cheryl McGriff who travelled on City, Safari & Vic Falls Adventure in April 2023
The lodges and experience as a whole was fantastic. We were led through the process from planning to returning home. It was definitely a bucket list trip. We would go again tomorrow if we could!
- —Stephen Jenks who travelled on Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls, Hwange & Matobo Safari
Our destination specialist was very helpful with planning the trip and was also very responsive. The quality of sightings was overall very good. I was able to see some lions and a rare caracal at Nehimba and the rhino experience at Matobo Hills was amazing. Overall, I was extremely happy and I thank you very much for putting together such a memorable trip.
- —Eric Dunipace who travelled on Madagascar, Zimbabwe & South Africa Safari
Overall the trip was great, especially Tswalu. We'd love to travel again - NWS does a superior job organising and detailing our trips and the logistics required. I highly value their expertise and knowledge of adventure travel locations.
- —Margaret Ainsley who travelled on Zimbabwe: Big Five & Waterfalls Safari
This is my third trip with NWS and they are always just wonderfully organised. The guides in the destinations are always perfect. The planning is also impeccable. Would definitely go on another trip with NWS.
- —Joan Washam who travelled on Tailor-made Zimbabwe Safari
The trip of a lifetime. Amazing camps, guides, and accommodations. Ellen was excellent in trip planning and guidance. Thank you, NWS.
- —Cassandra Costello who travelled on Best of Zimbabwe Wildlife Safari
I'd travel with Natural World Safaris again because they put together a beautiful trip for us. The lodges were all 5-star, king-size beds, gourmet meals, and guides whose knowledge was amazing. They identified all the birds we saw, knew all the animals, their habits and mating seasons. And they were able to answer all of our questions. It was quite amazing!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are flights, visas, vaccinations required/arranged for Botswana?
International flights to Botswana are typically booked separately, while internal charter flights are often included. Many nationalities do not require a visa for short stays. Recommended vaccinations may include routine vaccines and malaria precautions, depending on season and travel history. We always recommend you speak to your doctor or a health professional about vaccinations and malaria tablets well in advance of your safari. There are specialist travel clinics that are trained in the area, and they can keep you up to date with the current advice as it often changes. For up to date information, please head to one of the following sites: In the UK - Fit for Travel & In the USA - CDC (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention)
Is Zimbabwe safe for tourists?
Zimbabwe is a safe country to visit, especially on the main tourist routes.
There is an issue with petty theft, as with lots of destinations around the world, so we would recommend you take care not to display any valuables and be discreet when withdrawing money from the cash machines. Do not walk around at night; use a taxi service or a hire car.
Whilst on safari, you must listen to your guide who will take your safety as paramount. You will be in wilderness areas around wildlife, so be sensible with your decisions and you will remain safe.
What languages do they speak in Zimbabwe?
The three main languages in Zimbabwe are English, Shona and Ndebele. Pretty much everybody has a good grasp of English, so communication is not generally an issue.
What are the currencies of Zimbabwe?
The official currency of Zimbabwe is the Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL). The country has gone through various changes in its currency system over the years, including periods of hyperinflation and the use of foreign currencies like the United States Dollar (USD) and the South African Rand (ZAR). However, as of June 2019, the government reintroduced the Zimbabwean Dollar as the sole legal tender.
Can you drink the tap water in Zimbabwe?
The tap water in some areas of Zimbabwe is fine to drink, and in others it is not. We would recommend you always drink bottled water to be safe during our time away and to eliminate any worry you may have.
How to get around in Zimbabwe?
The distances between national parks is quite large, so we usually recommend light aircraft as being the best way to travel. Not only does this shorten the time you spend transferring, it also gives you a completely different perspective of the stunning landscapes of Zimbabwe. It is possible to do some transfers by four wheel drive vehicle and we always ensure these vehicles are of a very comfortable standard. Whatever the option, we’ll work with you to plan out your full itinerary.
What’s the food like in Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwean cuisine is strongly influenced by Europe, with pasta, rice and potatoes readily available. On safari, you will generally be served European style cuisine with an African twist. Maize is the most common thing to eat and you must make sure you try Sadza, kind of like maize balls that you roll up with your hands and dip in your stew. Trying new and local foods as it is all part of the experience.
What’s the service and accommodation like in Zimbabwe?
You can expect a high level of service at your accommodation and from your guides.
Guides in Zimbabwe are trained to the highest standards, and they go through an extensive training process. The accommodation facilities will obviously vary according to the standard you have booked into, but in general, accommodation is very good. We select our accommodation to the highest standards and levels of comfort, but our foremost priority is the location. A majority of the lodges we choose are in prime wilderness areas, home to some of Zimbabwe’s best wildlife.
What is there to do in Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe is a destination bursting with activities and things to do.
Explore a range of diverse national parks, including Hwange, famous for its huge elephant herds, to Matobo, where you will find a landscape mainly consisting of large granite rocks, home to lots of rhino. You can canoe around Mana Pools National Park, the perfect way to view the wildlife as it comes to drink. There is also, of course, the magnificent Victoria Falls. Arguably better from the Zimbabwean side, from here there is a range of activities to enjoy, including bungee jumping, white-water rafting, abseiling, horse safaris and fishing.
For a more cultural, historical and architectural experience, you can head to the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, built way back in the 11th century. Once the grand capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe, it still stands shrouded in mystery, its huge stone structures thought to be the key to a lost civilisation.
Check out our guide on where to go in Zimbabwe for more information.
What is the best time to visit Zimbabwe for a safari?
The best time to visit Zimbabwe is June to October, when dry conditions make wildlife easy to spot around waterholes in Hwange and Mana Pools. This is also prime time for Victoria Falls, before water levels drop in late winter.
What are the top safari destinations in Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe’s main safari areas include Hwange National Park, Mana Pools, and Matusadona. Hwange is known for huge elephant herds, Mana Pools for canoe safaris, and Matusadona for lakeside scenery and big cats.
What types of safaris are available in Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe offers walking safaris, canoe trips, 4×4 game drives, and photographic safaris. Its guides are among Africa’s most qualified, offering highly educational, small-group experiences.
Can Zimbabwe be combined with other safari destinations?
Yes. Zimbabwe combines easily with Botswana, Zambia, or Namibia via Victoria Falls. Cross-border itineraries offer both land and water-based safaris across southern Africa.
What makes Zimbabwe unique for safari experiences?
Zimbabwe is renowned for its expert guiding standards and intimate, uncrowded camps. It’s one of the few countries where guests can walk or canoe among wildlife with top professional guides.
Why Natural World Safaris for your Zimbabwe Safari?
Wildlife Specialists
Wildlife remains our primary focus and we ensure accommodation is carefully selected as the very best places to stay for front-row wildlife spectacles for the time of the year you are travelling. There is nothing like the sound of elephants' peaceful rumbling or the deep thundering of buffalo hooves on hard ground when they spook, wary of lions that may lie in wait.
Wealth of Experience
Natural World Safaris has a long established pedigree in Africa, starting in 2005 after our CEO and Founder Will Bolsover had spent many years guiding on the continent. We maintain close relationships with our partners on the ground, from lodge owners to frontline conservationists, affording our clients access and opportunities that nobody else can match.
Tailored Safaris
Share your interests with our Destination Specialists and we will match you to the in-country experts, providing you with nothing but the best access and highly experienced wildlife trackers and guides. Safaris are meticulously planned to be seamless in terms of quality and service, with private transfers available throughout.