ZIMBABWE

Diverse adventures, resilient spirit and unrivalled safari experiences

HIGHLIGHTS

FAMOUS FOR

Victoria Falls: The world’s greatest sheet of falling water

Hwange: Zimbabwe’s elephant kingdom and flagship national park

Mana Pools: Canoe on the Zambezi and walk with wildlife

WHEN TO VISIT

Dry SeasonJuly to October

Green SeasonDecember to April

Shoulder SeasonApril to May, and November

TRAVEL ADVICE

We’ve put together all the information you need to prepare for your trip to Zimbabwe

WHY VISIT ZIMBABWE

Zimbabwe has it all. A canny safari traveller can be thrilled by the crashing crescendo of the Victoria Falls, enjoy highly productive game drives in northern Hwange and float gently on a houseboat on the limpid waters of Lake Kariba in the space of just a few days. And that’s before you head to more remote regions like Mana Pools and truly off-the-beaten track secrets like the ruins of Great Zimbabwe, the spectacular Chilojo Cliffs along the Runde River, the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve (which is home to one of the most awe-inspiring lodges in the country) and inspiring conservation success story, Gonarezhou National Park. First-timers will love the north while more seasoned adventurers will revel in heading more south.

An aspect that almost everyone who visits Zimbabwe comments is in the patience, good humour, resilience and innovativeness of ordinary Zimbabweans. Despite facing huge challenges, time with Zimbabweans is both humbling and joyful. Zimbabwean safari guides and rangers are generally acknowledged as among the best in the business, with rigorous training and intense discipline that allows the cream of the crop to shine. Add a very moderate climate and gorgeous landscapes and you have a destination that ticks virtually every box. Lodges and camps are generally comfortable without being over the top or extravagant: this is a place where you can rediscover the fun of taking a bucket shower under the stars or really breaking away from technology and getting a genuine digital detox.

MEET OUR ZIMBABWE EXPERTS

Vera: Having lived and travelled in Zimbabwe, it holds a special place in my heart. Mana Pools offers incredible wildlife experiences, adventurous walking safari, beautiful landscapes and unbeatable golden light. I’ve been to Vic Falls five times and still haven’t done everything there is to do! A real hidden gem is Nyanga in the Eastern Highlands, which comprises spectacular mountains, stunning rivers and dense forests, and is a birder’s paradise.

Sabrina: Zimbabwe truly encapsulates the essence of an authentic African safari; from the majestic Victoria Falls, abundant Hwange wildlife, to serene Lake Kariba. Explore untouched Mana Pools, historical ruins, and Gonarezhou’s conservation successes. Experience warm hospitality, exceptional guiding, and comfortable lodgings amidst stunning landscapes for a truly unique and memorable adventure.

ITINERARIES TO INSPIRE YOU

Here are our favourite Zimbabwe Itineraries to inspire you. All of our itineraries can be tailored to meet your specific requirements.

OUR FAVOURITE ZIMBABWE DESTINATIONS

HWANGE

Zimbabwe’s major national park is so huge it clocks in at 14 600km² / 5 700mi² and borders both Zambia and Botswana. It is famous for being an elephant stronghold with large breeding herds and is also a safe haven for at least 106 other animal species and around 400 types of birds. This is probably the only national park in Africa with a regular train service: you can board the Elephant Express to get between some lodges and enjoy a game drive with a difference! There is also a rhino sanctuary that is open to visitors, making this a rare Big 5 destination.

MANA POOLS

Did you know that ‘mana’ means ‘four’ in the Shona language and that there are four large pools of water in Mana Pools National Park? Water plays a big role here as the park borders the Zambezi River Basin, which is bigger than the Sahara Desert. This means ample game, including big populations of elephants and one of the highest concentrations of wild dog in the world. It also means being able to combine game drives and nature walks with canoeing and boating – a sublime combination, especially in hot weather. Mana Pools is part of the official Lower Zambezi Biosphere, known for unparalleled biodiversity.

VICTORIA FALLS

Some might be higher, some might technically be wider but, no matter how you slice it, the Victoria Falls is the biggest waterfall in the world. More than twice the height of and a third of a mile wider than Niagara Falls, Vic Falls is always impressive. Its original name is Mosi-Oa-Tunya, which means ‘the smoke that thunders’. The Falls peak after a build-up of summer rain that swells the Zambezi River: by March and April, the spray is sometimes so dense you can’t see the actual Falls themselves! Visiting this World Heritage Site is an easy add-on to a Zimbabwe safari.

EXPLORE ZIMBABWE

OPTIONS TO EXTEND YOUR ZIMBABWE ITINERARY

Here are a few of our favourite options to add to your Zimbabwe itinerary. These extensions are here for inspiration. We know that time is a precious commodity and we can tailor them to meet your requirements.

WHY BOOK WITH BIGGESTLEAF TRAVEL

  • We are passionate about what we sell

  • The most competitive and flexible rates

  • We offer personalised and customised experiences

  • We have consultants who are fluent in English, Portuguese and German

  • Our consultants specialise in different safari experiences
  • Founded in 2014 with years of experience in the travel industry
  • Our quick response and turnaround times

  • We are the trusted travel agent for clients of some of Africa’s sought-after photographic guides

EXPERIENCE ZAMBIA

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