April 27, 2024
Explore Zimbabwe with Indigo Safaris
Zimbabwe is a beautiful country with superb safari parks and extraordinary people. Big smiles will greet you wherever you go and Zimbabwean guides are known to be the best in Africa, due to their extensive training programs and their enthusiasm for wildlife and conservation. Because the country's past political problems, visitor numbers are still low outside of Victoria Falls, depsite being home to some of the best wildlife experiences in Africa.
Discover Zimbabwe’s Sub-destinations
From vast national parks to legendary rivers and waterfalls, each region reveals a different side of Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe offers a diverse collection of safari regions, each with its own character and style of exploration. Together, they create a rich and varied safari experience.
Safari Tours in Zimbabwe
Carefully crafted journeys designed to showcase Zimbabwe’s most rewarding wildlife and landscapes.
Explore our curated Zimbabwe safari tours, carefully designed to showcase the country’s most iconic landscapes and wildlife. From classic safari combinations to multi-country journeys, each itinerary is tailored to your interests, pace, and travel style.
Type
Activity
Style
Price
Sort
Botswana & Zimbabwe – 7-day Land, River & Falls Safari – Tailored Fly-in
Africa
7 days
Zimbabwe – 4-day Victoria Falls Safari with Zambezi Sands – Tailored Driven
Africa
4 days
Zimbabwe – 3-day Victoria Falls with Samanzi – Tailored Driven
Africa
3 days
Zimbabwe – 8-day Zambezi to Hwange Journey – Tailored Fly-in
Africa
8 days
Southern Africa – 9-day Victoria Falls, Cape Town & Kruger Low-key Safari – Tailored Driven
Africa
9 days
Southern Africa – 9-day Victoria Falls, Cape Town & Kruger Classic Safari – Tailored Driven
Africa
9 days
Southern Africa – 9-day Victoria Falls, Cape Town & Kruger Deluxe Safari – Tailored Driven
Africa
9 days
Zimbabwe – Voluntourism and Safari 2027 – 14 days at Victoria Falls, Mlevu Rhino Camp & Jozibanini
Africa
14 days
Zimbabwe – Voluntourism and Safari July 2026 – 14 days at Victoria Falls, Mlevu Rhino Camp & Jozibanini
Africa
14 days
Zimbabwe – 4-day Hwange Safari with Sable Valley Lodge – Tailored Fly-in
Africa
4 days
Zimbabwe – 11-day Hwange Elephant Extravaganza and Rhino Sanctuary Safari
Africa
11 days
7-day Zimbabwe Hwange Elephant Explorer and Rhino Sanctuary Safari
Africa
7 days
Seasons of Wilderness, Wonder, and Warmth
Why Visit Zimbabwe?
No doubt many people have heard of Zimbabwe's number one attraction, Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural World Wonders. But not many people are aware of Zimbabwe's wildlife treasures, including Hwange National Park, Lake Kariba, Matopos and the very special Mana Pools safari. Those are the main safari areas where you have the chance to be led by highly qualified guides on foot, by vehicle or by boat, searching for animals and imparting their knowledge every step of the way. Each game reserve offers different landscapes, wildlife and safari activities, which is why we recommend to combine at least two parks for your Zimbabwe safari.
- 🐾 Big Five Bonanza
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Zimbabwe is a haven for the iconic Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo.
- 🐾 Beyond the Big Five
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Zimbabwe's magic extends far beyond the Big Five. Keep your eyes peeled for cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, and a multitude of antelope species.
- 🐾 Unique Encounters
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Embark on a walking safari in Mana Pools and get up-close (safely, of course) with wildlife. Canoe safaris on the Zambezi offer a thrilling perspective, with elephants cooling off meters away from your boat.
Choosing Where to Go in Zimbabwe
Each reserve has its own story to tell.
Zimbabwe’s parks and waterways cover very different ground, from the granite koppies of Matobo (Matopos) to the floodplains of the Zambezi, and travellers planning a trip often want more detail before deciding where to base themselves. The five guides below cover Zimbabwe’s main national parks alongside Victoria Falls and Lake Kariba.
Hwange National Park
Hwange is Zimbabwe’s largest national park, covering around 14,600 square kilometres and lying roughly two hours’ drive from Victoria Falls. A Hwange Safari is known for its elephant herds, alongside lion, leopard and the endangered African wild dog, with several lodges built around waterhole hides for close wildlife viewing. Terrain shifts through the year, from waterholes that concentrate game in the dry months to lush growth and migratory birds during the rains.
Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
Victoria Falls safari, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, or the smoke that thunders, stretches 1,708 metres across the Zambezi River and stands roughly twice the height of Niagara Falls. On the Zimbabwe side, visitors can combine views of the falls with white-water rafting, helicopter flights, canoe trips upstream and rhino viewing at Stanley and Livingstone Game Reserve. The Victoria Falls Hotel, the country’s oldest, sits close to the falls and reflects the area’s colonial-era history.
Mana Pools National Park
Mana Pools is a UNESCO World Heritage Site covering around 2,000 square kilometres along the Zambezi River, with floodplains, channels and sandbanks shaped by the river’s course. The park supports large elephant and buffalo herds alongside lion, wild dog and around 380 recorded bird species, and is one of the few parks in Zimbabwe where walking safaris and canoe expeditions are widely available. You can find more information our Mana Pools safari page.
Matobo National Park
Matobo (aka Matopos), south of Bulawayo, is Zimbabwe’s oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its granite koppies and inselbergs. It is considered the best place in Zimbabwe to find white and black rhino, tracked by vehicle and on foot, alongside leopard, sable antelope and around 170 recorded bird species. The park also holds San rock art, Cecil Rhodes’ grave and the site known as the View of the World.
Lake Kariba
On the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, Lake Kariba is one of the world’s largest man-made lakes, stretching more than 200 kilometres long and up to 40 kilometres wide. Houseboat safaris, fishing and game drives in neighbouring Matusadona National Park bring sightings of the Big Five alongside hippo, crocodile and fish eagle along the shoreline.
Together, these five guides give a fuller picture of how Zimbabwe’s parks and waterways differ, helping guests choose a base that suits their pace, budget and the wildlife or landscapes they most want to see.
Seasons of splendour in a land of giants and thunder
Best Times to Visit Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is a year-round destination, with each season offering something special—from thundering falls and dramatic game viewing to tranquil rivers and golden light. Here’s our guide to the best times to plan your Zimbabwean adventure.
- 🌿 May to October – Dry Season & Peak Safari Time
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Clear skies and sparse vegetation make for exceptional wildlife viewing in Hwange and Mana Pools. This is the best time for walking safaris and catching large congregations of elephants at waterholes.
- 🌿 June to August – Cool and Comfortable
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Mild temperatures and low humidity make these ideal months for game drives, especially in southern and western parks. It’s also a great time to see big cats on the move.
- 🌿 November to March – Green Season & Birding Delight
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With the arrival of the rains, the landscape transforms into lush greenery. This season is perfect for photographers and birding enthusiasts, as migratory species arrive in abundance.
- 🌿 February to May – Victoria Falls at Full Flow
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For those wanting to witness the awe-inspiring power of Victoria Falls, these months offer the most dramatic water volume and spray—ideal for scenic helicopter flights and boat safaris.
Accommodation Options in Zimbabwe
Indigo Safaris offers a carefully selected range of accommodation across Zimbabwe, chosen for location, quality, and safari experience.
- 🐾 Luxury Safari Lodges
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Elegant lodges positioned in prime wildlife areas, offering refined comfort, attentive service, and exceptional views.
- 🐾 Tented Safari Camps
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Intimate camps that blend seamlessly into their surroundings while providing an authentic safari atmosphere.
- 🐾 Family-Friendly Properties
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Select lodges and camps welcome families, offering flexible accommodation and engaging safari activities.
- 🐾 Boutique Retreats
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Characterful properties that emphasise privacy, personal service, and a strong sense of place.
Helpful answers to guide your planning and prepare you for a seamless Zimbabwe safari.
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Yes. Zimbabwe is widely regarded as a safe and welcoming safari destination. Tourism areas and national parks are well managed, and travellers are supported by professional guides and lodge teams throughout their journey.
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Most travellers can obtain a visa on arrival, depending on nationality. Your Indigo Safaris specialist will confirm current visa requirements during the planning process.
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Zimbabwe is home to the Big Five, large elephant populations, predators such as lion, leopard, and wild dog, abundant birdlife, and diverse riverine species along the Zambezi.
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Yes. Zimbabwe is renowned for its walking safaris and canoeing experiences, particularly in areas such as Mana Pools and along the Zambezi River.
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A Victoria Falls safari can be done year-round. Peak water flow typically occurs from February to May, while lower water levels from August to December allow clearer views of the rock formations.
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Most lodges provide electricity via generators or solar power, with charging facilities available. Wi-Fi is often available in main areas, though connectivity may be limited in remote locations.
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Absolutely. Zimbabwe offers a balance of excellent infrastructure, outstanding guiding, and varied safari experiences, making it an excellent choice for both first-time and seasoned safari travellers
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Yes. Some safari regions in Zimbabwe are considered malaria areas, particularly during the warmer, wetter months. Indigo Safaris recommends speaking with your travel clinic or GP before departure, and your safari consultant will advise on seasonal risk and appropriate precautions based on your itinerary.
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In most safari lodges and camps, drinking water is filtered, treated, or provided bottled and is safe to consume. In towns and cities, it is generally advised to drink bottled or treated water. Your lodge staff and safari guides will always advise on what is safe locally.
Where the Spirit of Africa Comes Alive in Every Frame
Uncover the Soul of Safari in South Luangwa.
Let Indigo Safaris take you into the legendary South Luangwa National Park, the birthplace of the walking safari. Watch leopards prowl beneath ancient trees, elephants wander through camp, and the Luangwa River breathe life into its vast floodplains. This is Africa at its most authentic—untamed, intimate, and unforgettable. Start planning your South Luangwa safari or speak to a safari expert today.
Stories from the Land Where the Smoke Thunders
Step behind the mist of Victoria Falls and deep into Zimbabwe’s wild heart. Our blog brings you stories of adventure, conservation, and cultural discovery — from the lion-stalked plains of Hwange Safaris to the Zambezi’s golden sunsets. Learn when to travel, where to explore, and how to experience Zimbabwe at its most unforgettable.
September 11, 2023
July 16, 2024