Safari Tours to Zimbabwe - Iconic Landscapes, Legendary Wildlife & Authentic Safaris

Victoria Falls – Start or End Your Safari at One of the World’s Natural Wonders

Very few sights in the world match the majesty of Victoria Falls, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya or “The Smoke That Thunders”. Spanning just over 1.7 kilometres in width and plunging over 100 metres into the Zambezi Gorge, the falls are a breathtaking spectacle of sound and spray.

Visitors can explore both the Zimbabwean and Zambian sides of the falls, but Zimbabwe offers more direct views and easier access to surrounding safari parks. From scenic helicopter flights and sunset Zambezi cruises to bungee jumping, white water rafting or simply walking the misty forest trails, Vic Falls offers something for everyone, from adventure seekers right through to honeymooners.

It’s also a well connected hub, making it an ideal place to begin or end your safari. Making it an ideal part to include in any custom safari tour.

Hwange National Park

Just a few hours from Victoria Falls lies Hwange National Park, which is Zimbabwe’s largest and best known game reserve covering over 14,600 km². It’s a land of wide horizons and rich biodiversity, best known for its vast elephant herds, numbering between 45,000 and 60,000 and impressive populations of lion, buffalo, giraffe, cheetah and over 400 species of birds.

Hwange’s landscapes range from open grasslands and mopane woodlands to seasonal pans that attract wildlife during the dry season (especially from June to October). You’ll often find large herds congregating around waterholes, many of which are located near safari camps offering spectacular viewing without needing to venture far.

What truly sets Hwange apart though is its quiet, uncrowded nature giving you a true sense of wilderness. Many camps also sit on private concessions, allowing for walking safaris, night drives and a slower, more intimate connection to the land.

Mana Pools National Park – Zimbabwe’s Wild Soul

If you’re drawn to untamed wilderness and extraordinary up close encounters then Mana Pools will speak to your soul. Set along the lower Zambezi River, this UNESCO listed park is famed for its floodplains, river pools and open forests, and of course for its remarkable walking and canoe safaris.

Here it’s not uncommon to find elephants standing on their hind legs to reach fruit in the trees or to drift past pods of hippos and crocodiles while paddling the Zambezi. It’s also one of the best places in Africa to spot painted wolves (African wild dogs), a critically endangered species. What makes Mana so special is its lack of development, due to no permanent structures inside the park, no fences and fewer visitors than other locations.

There’s More to Explore Beyond the Main Parks

Lake Kariba & Matusadona National Park

Lake Kariba, the world’s largest man made lake by volume, offers a unique blend of safari and relaxation. Enjoy sunset cruises, fishing trips, and houseboat safaris while spotting elephants and buffalo along the shores. The adjacent Matusadona National Park is a remote gem known for its rugged beauty and lion prides.

Matobo National Park

Steeped in legend and geological wonder, Matobo is a land of ancient granite boulders, sacred caves, and dramatic views. It’s home to a high concentration of leopards and raptors, as well as black and white rhinos making a quiet comeback.

Great Zimbabwe Ruins

Step back in time at the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, the remains of an 11^th century kingdom that once hosted over 20,000 people. Built without mortar, these stone structures offer a fascinating glimpse into pre-colonial African civilization, and are the namesake of the country itself.

Sample Itinerary for a Classic Zimbabwe Safari

Days 1–2: Victoria Falls - Arrive in Victoria Falls and explore the majestic waterfall, then unwind on a sunset Zambezi River cruise with drinks and wildlife sightings.

Days 3–5: Hwange National Park - Head to Hwange National Park for thrilling game drives, where you’ll encounter elephants, lions, giraffes, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

Alternative to Hwange: Mana Pools - Journey to Mana Pools for guided walking safaris and peaceful canoe trips, staying in an intimate riverside bush camp surrounded by untouched wilderness.