Zimbabwe Travel Guide
Visiting Zimbabwe offers a blend of breathtaking natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and wildlife encounters. Home to iconic sites like Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and endless wildlife, this country promises an unforgettable experience. From exploring the vast savannahs of Hwange National Park to embarking on a serene canoe safari in Mana Pools, Zimbabwe has no shortage of adventures.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Zimbabwe is during the dry season, from May to October. This time offers the best wildlife viewing opportunities, as well as warm and sunny weather with cooler nights.
Victoria Falls is best visited from June to aAugust when water levels are lower, allowing for better visibility.
Top regions to visit
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls, known locally as ‘The Smoke that Thunders’, is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Straddling the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, these massive waterfalls are a spectacle you have to see (and hear) to believe.
Hwange National Park
Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe's largest game reserve and one of the country’s top safari destinations. It’s known for its abundant wildlife, including large herds of elephants, lions, leopards, and African wild dogs. The park's diverse habitats provide excellent opportunities for game drives and walking safaris.
Mana Pools National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mana Pools National Park is one of the most well-known game viewing regions in Africa. Located along the Zambezi River, the park is known for its natural beauty, biodiversity, and abundant wildlife. Visitors will encounter hippo, crocodiles, zebra, elephant, and buffalo, along with lion, cheetah, and 350 species of birds Here. The pools themselves are four large pools formed by the river where visitors can watch animals cool off, go fishing or take cano and walking safaris.
Gonarezhou National Park
Gonarezhou—meaning “the place of the elephants”—is the second largest national park in Zimbabwe, located in a remote and unspoiled wilderness. The park is known for its dramatic red sandstone cliffs, particularly the Chilojo Cliffs, which provide stunning vistas over the Runde River valley. In addition to elephants, visitors here will encounter lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, buffalo, and zebras.
Top activities in Zimbabwe
Visit Victoria Falls
There are several ways to take in the wonders of Victoria Falls. Visitors can walk along the rainforest trails to enjoy several viewpoints of the falls, take a guided rainforest walk, or take a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River to see the falls from below. For the more adventurous, you can even bungee jump or go white water rafting in this area, or take a helicopter ride over the falls.
Canoe safari in Mana Pools National Park
A canoe safari in Mana Pools National Park is a unique and serene way to view elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and birds up close.
Discover the Great Zimbabwe Ruins
The Great Zimbabwe Ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing ancient architecture and impressive stone structures. Here, visitors can learn about the history and culture of this medieval city and gain insight into the region’s rich heritage.
Rhino tracking in Matobo National Park
Expert local guides can offer visitors close encounters with black and white rhinos in their natural habitat in Matobo National Park. The walks ensure visitor safety while allowing an intimate look at the magical creatures.
Best hotels in Zimbabwe
Ursula’s Homestead—A cozy escape in Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve.
Matetsi Victoria Falls—Set on the banks of the Zambezi River, Matetsi Victoria Falls offers stylish accommodations and close proximity to the iconic Victoria Falls.
Linkwasha Camp—Situated in Hwange National Park, Linkwasha Camp provides modern comforts and exceptional wildlife viewing experiences in a pristine natural setting.
Pamushana Lodge—Located within the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, Pamushana Lodge blends elegant design with spectacular views of the African bush and its diverse wildlife.
Victoria Falls Hotel—Known as the "Grand Old Lady of the Falls," Victoria Falls Hotel boasts colonial-era charm and a prime location overlooking the majestic Victoria Falls.
Somalisa Camp—Located in Hwange National Park, Somalisa Camp combines contemporary amenities with an authentic safari atmosphere, offering an intimate connection with nature.
Start planning your trip to Zimbabwe
Check out our travel services or fill out our trip design form to start planning your Zimbabwe adventure!