Why Visit Zimbabwe?
Formerly known as Rhodesia, The Republic of Zimbabwe was established as an independent African country in 1980.
Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in southern Africa known for its dramatic landscape and diverse wildlife, much of it within parks, reserves and safari areas. On the Zambezi River, Victoria Falls make a thundering 108m drop into narrow Batoka Gorge, where there’s white-water rafting and bungee-jumping. Downstream are Matusadona and Mana Pools National Parks, home to hippos, rhinos and birdlife.
But while these views have won international fame, Zimbabwe is so much more than Victoria Falls: it is one of Southern Africa‘s most rewarding big game safari destinations.
The best time to visit Zimbabwe is from May to September. It can, however, be visited at any time of the year. The best wildlife viewing time is in the Dry season, May to October, when animals congregate around the rivers and waterholes. This is especially true in Hwange where the artificially pumped waterholes attract many animals, including big herds of elephant. The best time to see Victoria Falls is also from May through September.
Best Time
May to September (all parks), February to May (to visit Victoria Falls)
High Season
July to October
Low Season
November to April, October to January (there will be very little water in Victoria Falls – lowest levels being November / December)
Best Weather
April, May and September (pleasant temperatures; the short afternoon rains of April rarely affect your safari)
9 nights Let’s Experience Zimbabwe
Hwange National Park, Lake Kariba, Mana Pools National Park
6 nights Zimbabwean Abundant Concessions
Hwange National Park and Mana Pools National Park
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What to See in Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls
Zimbabwe has an entire National Park named after its most prided waterfall – the Victoria Falls National Park.
The area of the Victoria Falls National Park is a lush forest is filled with ferns, vines and woodlands. Animal life in the park includes various species of antelope, hippos, elephants and buffalos.
Another wonderful Zimbabwean reserve; the Zambezi National Park is a fantastic place to experience one of Africa’s most prominent rivers – the Zambezi river. It’s the largest river flowing into the Indian Ocean and, of course, the home to the Victoria Falls.
Activities: tour of the falls, game drives, microlight flight, white-water rafting, swimming under the Victoria Falls, stream train journey, helicopter flight, gorge swing, river cruises, canoeing, day trip to Chobe National Park
Victoria Falls and Zambezi National Parks
Zimbabwe has an entire national park named after its most prided waterfall – the Victoria Falls National Park.
The area of the Victoria Falls National Park is a lush forest is filled with ferns, vines and woodlands. Animal life in the park includes various species of antelope, hippos, elephants and buffalos.
Another wonderful Zimbabwean reserve; the Zambezi National Park is a fantastic place to experience one of Africa’s most prominent rivers – the Zambezi river. It’s the largest river flowing into the Indian Ocean and, of course, the home to the Victoria Falls. Bright blue African skies contrasting with the lively green landscapes and sparkling waters creates one of the most picturesque views imaginable. With many luxury travel lodges in the area, visitors can enjoy the African scenery in comfort.
Activities: tour of the falls, game drives, microlight flight, white-water rafting, swimming under the Victoria Falls, stream train journey, helicopter flight, gorge swing, river cruises, canoeing, day trip to Chobe National Park
Hwange National Park
Hwange National Park is the largest, most popular game reserve travel destination in the country. The park boasts an impressive variety of wildlife, with no shortage of antelope and even predators such as cheetahs and lions.
More than any other animal, the Cape wild dog population in Hwange National Park stands out. One of the largest groups of wild dogs find refuge within the park’s borders. In southern Africa, only the Kruger National Park has a similarly impressive population of this rare, timid predator.
Activities: day and night game drives, swimming, bird watching, star gazing
Matusadona National Park & Lake Kariba
Situated in the north of Zimbabwe, a large area of Matusadona National Park’s terrain runs along the shores of Lake Kariba. As the world’s largest manmade water body, Lake Kariba offers a unique travel experience in its own right. Visitors can expect to see hippos in and around the lakeside areas. Inland, towards the park’s conservation areas, there’s no shortage of game to see. Expect to see elephants, rare antelope species, zebras and buffalo, as these are just some of the animals that dwell within the park.
Activities: game drives, canoeing, guided walks, star gazing, swimming, bird watching, fishing, house boats on Lake Kariba, Lake Kariba boating safaris
Mana Pools National Park
Mana Pools National Park offers stunning views of the Zambezi River as it flows through the luscious Zambezi valley. Wildlife flourishes in the park’s jungle-like terrains and grasslands. Exploration options include safari drives, walking tours and even canoe expeditions.
The park contains four large pools, called ‘manas” in the native Shona language, meaning a full English translation of the park’s name would be “Four Pools National Park”.
Activities: game drives, canoeing, guided walks, star gazing, swimming, bird watching
Gonarezhou National Park & Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve
Gonerezhou National Park is about 5050 square kilometres in size. Located in the south-east of the country, the park is a remote location where visitors can enjoy a true escape from everyday life. The park is known for having an established population of Cape wild dogs. Other animals such as buffalo, gazelle and zebras are just a few of the many herbivorous species living in Gonerezhou.
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