10 Best Zimbabwe Safaris for 2022-2023

Name: Zimbabwe Tours & Travel
Brand: Adventure Life
Rating: 4.9 (396 reviews)

Tour seldom-visited regions in Zimbabwe on this 8-day safari tour. Stay in Matobo Hills, a World Heritage Site where rhino tracking is possible and granite boulders dot the landscape. Tour the Great Zimbabwe Monument and continue south to Gonarezhou National Park. Experience a Zimbabwe walking safari and game drives in this wild region.

Zimbabwe Explorer

10 Days from $6,019

Explore two of the most popular National Parks in Zimbabwe on this 10-day safari adventure tour. Visit Mana Pools & Hwange National Parks and witness thundering Victoria Falls. Along the way you'll visit rural villages, spot the Big 5 on game drives, and explore the Zambezi River.

North Zimbabwe Adventure

7 Days from $6,196

Travel to the shores of Lake Kariba along the Zambezi River and enjoy game drives in Mana Pools National Park on this active 7-day safari tour of Zimbabwe. Experience both land and water activities as you spot wildlife in these two lesser-traveled destinations and finally visit the impressive Victoria Falls.

Classic Hwange Safari

6 Days from $2,834

This Classic 6-day Zimbabwe safari includes tours of Hwange National Park and of the thundering Victoria Falls. Enjoy stays at Gorges Lodge and the traditional safari-style camp of Bomani Tented Lodge as you go on game drives in Hwange National Park. This classic Zimbabwe safari can easily be paired with Botswana or South Africa tours.

Remote Hwange

3 Days from $975

Enjoy a 3-day stay at this rustic and remote Hwange National Park safari camp during your Zimbabwe trip. For those with adventurous hearts, access a part of the park seldom visited. Enjoy game drives and take part in unique safari experiences such as waterhole pump runs, an elephant look-up blind, and mountain biking safaris on your Zimbabwe trip.

Hwange National Park

4 Days from $2,054

Stay 3 nights in the heart of Hwange National Park at Nehimba Lodge. Enjoy a true Zimbabwe safari experience with game drives, walking safaris, and other excursions in Hwange National Park, which holds some of the healthiest populations of wildlife in Zimbabwe. This can be booked as a stand-alone safari tour or added on to any Zimbabwe tour.

Castles of Matobo Hills

4 Days from $1,865

Go on safari in Zimbabwe and add this 4-day Castles of Matobo Hills extension to your trip to the Matobo National Park. Wander the rocky landscape of this unique area, track black or white rhino, spot game on safari, and learn about the history and inhabitants of this unique region in Zimbabwe.

Victoria Falls & Hwange

6 Days from $2,083

Experience a taste of the two most popular attractions in all of Zimbabwe on this short 6-day tour to Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park. Stay in the hotel closest to the Falls and take in its spectacular sight! Go on safari in Hwange National Park. Stay in a tented safari camp and go on game drives on this classic Zimbabwe safari tour.

Victoria Falls Quickstop

2 Days from $364

Stay in a Victoria Falls hotel as a stopover to your Zimbabwe tour. Included in your one night hotel package are transfers to and from Victoria Falls town. Guided tours may be arranged in Victoria Falls, or other adventures such as whitewater rafting on the Zambezi, guided wildlife spotting tours, or even bungee jumping!

Elephant herd crossing the Chobe river at sunset

Chobe National Park & Kuzuma Forest Reserve

7 Days from $4,128

This 7-day safari is at the crossroads of Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Botswana, beginning with a stop to view the beautiful Victoria Falls before heading on a Botswana safari visiting iconic Chobe National Park and Kuzuma National Forest, where you will see one of the largest herds of elephants in Africa and enjoy game viewing by land and by river cruise.

10 Best Cruise + Safari Trips to Zimbabwe for 2022-2023

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Hidden Zimbabwe	$5379	8	Jul 28, 2022	Tour seldom-visited regions in Zimbabwe on this 8-day safari tour. Stay in Matobo Hills, a World Heritage Site where rhino tracking is possible and … 0
Zimbabwe Explorer	$6020	10	Jul 28, 2022	Explore two of the most popular National Parks in Zimbabwe on this 10-day safari adventure tour. Visit Mana Pools & Hwange National Parks and witness … 0
North Zimbabwe Adventure	$6196	7	Jul 28, 2022	Travel to the shores of Lake Kariba along the Zambezi River and enjoy game drives in Mana Pools National Park on this active 7-day safari tour of … 0
Classic Hwange Safari	$2834	6	Jul 28, 2022	This Classic 6-day Zimbabwe safari includes tours of Hwange National Park and of the thundering Victoria Falls. Enjoy stays at Gorges Lodge and the … 0
Remote Hwange	$976	3	Jul 28, 2022	Enjoy a 3-day stay at this rustic and remote Hwange National Park safari camp during your Zimbabwe trip. For those with adventurous hearts, access a … 0
Hwange National Park	$2054	4	Jul 28, 2022	Stay 3 nights in the heart of Hwange National Park at Nehimba Lodge. Enjoy a true Zimbabwe safari experience with game drives, walking safaris, and … 0
Castles of Matobo Hills	$1866	4	Jul 28, 2022	Go on safari in Zimbabwe and add this 4-day Castles of Matobo Hills extension to your trip to the Matobo National Park. Wander the rocky landscape of … 0
Victoria Falls & Hwange	$2084	6	Jul 28, 2022	Experience a taste of the two most popular attractions in all of Zimbabwe on this short 6-day tour to Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park. Stay … 0
Victoria Falls Quickstop	$364	2	Jul 28, 2022	Stay in a Victoria Falls hotel as a stopover to your Zimbabwe tour. Included in your one night hotel package are transfers to and from Victoria Falls … 0
Wildlife and the Falls	$13695	13	Aug 7, 2022	Enjoy a stay in Johannesburg, a 4-day African river safari aboard the Zambezi Queen, 2 nights in Victoria Falls, 2 nights in Johannesburg and 3 … 0

Zimbabwe Luxury

3 Best Luxury Tours, Safaris, and Cruises to Zimbabwe for 2022-2023

Zimbabwe Luxury

A herd of elephants of all sizes make their way across the valley.

Wildlife and the Falls

Johannesburg to Johannesburg
13 Days from $13,695

Enjoy a stay in Johannesburg, a 4-day African river safari aboard the Zambezi Queen, 2 nights in Victoria Falls, 2 nights in Johannesburg and 3 nights at a luxury safari lodge in greater Kruger National Park. Along the way, see the "Big 5" plains animals as you do daily game drives.

Rivers & Rails of Africa

13 Days from $14,895

This 13-day tour combines a stay in Cape Town, a Chobe River cruise aboard the comfortable Zambezi Queen, a safari in Chobe National Park, and a stay at Victoria Falls all in one unforgettable African adventure. Enjoy the rivers and rails as you travel through southern Africa!

A Maasai warrior walks across the African bush

Golden Trails of Africa

17 Days from $16,495

Explore Africa by land and river boat on this 17-day safari cruise! Cruise the Chobe River, visit local villages, take a safari through the Serengeti and Tarangire National Park, and tour Victoria Falls, all from aboard the luxurious Zambezi Queen and a host of luxurious hotels in the heart of wild Africa.

All Zimbabwe Hotels

6 Favorite Zimbabwe Safari Lodges for 2022-2023

All Zimbabwe Hotels

Camelthorn Lodge

Explore Hwange National Park and the Ngamo Plains with a stay at Camelthorn Lodge. Situated along the southern edge of the plains, its close proximity to waterholes and look-up blind offer tremendous wildlife safari viewing opportunities combined with evening comfort.

Nehimba Lodge

Located along the northern region of Hwange National Park on a private concession, the comfortable Nehimba Lodge's tented platforms offer an upscale safari experience along with unique wildlife encounters, particularly with the elephants who frequent the location in the dry season.

Somalisa Camp

Located inside Hwange National Park, Somalisa Camp offers a very comfortable stay for your Zimbabwe Safari. Experience the wildlife of Hwange National Park and enjoy the comfort of en-suite bathrooms and a splash pool as you watch wildlife from the decks of this safari lodge.

Victoria Falls Hotel

Take a step back in time during your stay at the beautiful, historic Victoria Falls Hotel. Built in 1904, the Victoria Falls Hotel was the first hotel to be built in Victoria Falls and recent refurbishments offer guests a beautiful balance of colonial Edwardian charm and modern comforts of a world class luxury hotel. This unique and charming hotel is perfectly positioned within town so you are able to enjoy Victoria Falls to the fullest.

Victoria Falls River Lodge

Victoria Falls River Lodge is the first private game lodge set in the Zambezi National Park. This luxury tented lodge is situated on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River – so close to Victoria Falls one can see the spray in the distance!

Zambezi Sands

Experience a wealth of wildlife viewing opportunities on your Zimbabwe safari with a stay at Zambezi Sands situated inside Zambezi National Park. Relax in a private splash pool on your deck overlooking the landscape of the Zambezi River and her wildlife.

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Top Zimbabwe Cruises for 2022 and 2023

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Wildlife and the Falls

Johannesburg to Johannesburg
13 Days from $13,695

Stars of South Africa

15 Days from $14,495

This two-week adventure combines a stay in Cape Town, a river cruise aboard the Zambezi Queen, and a stay in the private Tintswalo Atlantic game lodge. Experience the best of South Africa with the opportunity to visit national parks, take game drives, and visit Victoria Falls, all in one itinerary!

Rivers & Rails of Africa

13 Days from $14,895

Discover Africa

10 Days from $10,899

From the luxurious Zambezi Queen, this 10-day Africa river cruise showcases the best of South Africa & Botswana, including wildlife viewing, stops in Chobe National Park, and even a visit to the renowned Victoria Falls. You'll see elephants, leopards, lions, gazelles, and buffalo.

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Zimbabwe Safari Tips & Travel Guide

An elephant stretches high at Mana Pools

Wildlife Guide for Zimbabwe and Zambia

Use this guide for your Zambia or Zimbabwe safari planning. Look up the wildlife you most want to see and find a description of where their populations are most concentrated across Zambia and Zimbabwe safari destinations. Plan your trip to maximize your wildlife viewing opportunities.

Regional Highlights of Zimbabwe
Nothing captures the wild heart of Africa quite like a safari on the expansive plains of Zimbabwe. Here are a few highlights that your expedition might include:

Victoria Falls - Considered one of the most impressive waterfalls in the world and also ranks as one of the natural wonders of the world; a magnificent sight.
Hwange National Park - On a signature Zimbabwe safari here you will see much of the trademark African prairie wildlife, including lions, elephants, dogs, and other wildlife.
Mana Pools National Park - A great place to get out on the water in canoes or pontoons to see the water-dwellers or try your hand at fishing.
Matobo National Park - Home to Nanke Cave, the Matabele village, and other fascinating cultural and natural highlights.
Mandavu Dam - An excellent point from which to view the surrounding landscapes and get a great spot for wildlife watching.
Game Drive - Buckle up for adventure as you explore on the search for lions, elephants, and perhaps even the rare black or white rhino- the highlight of any great Zimbabwe safari!

Do you want to see all Zimbabwe´s Highlights? Click here

Cultural Snapshot of Zimbabwe

Learn about the people, culture, religions, food, and language of the Zimbabwean culture. This brief introduction gives the first time traveler a glimpse into the rich and diverse culture they will encounter on a Zimbabwe tour.

Lioness on the Ngamo Plains in green season

Geography of Zimbabwe

Read a summary overview about the geography and topography of Zimbabwe. This brief synopsis will give you an introduction to the country as well as what you can expect to see on a Zimbabwe trip.

The Wilds of Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe holds eleven established National Parks, each with unique characteristics and safari game. In this article, you can figure out which wildlife you can expect to spot in which parks.

Best Time to Do a Zimbabwe Safari

With temperatures ranging from warm to hot, there?s really never a bad time to do a Zimbabwe safari, but if you want to avoid afternoon rain showers, spot animals easily, and stay away from occasionally uncomfortable humidity, then shoot for the dry winter season from April through October.

Fun Facts About Zimbabwe

Q: Can you name any of the languages spoken in Zimbabwe?
A: Shona (official; most widely spoken), Ndebele (official, second most widely spoken), English (official; traditionally used for official business), 13 minority languages (official; includes Chewa, Chibarwe, Kalanga, Koisan, Nambya, Ndau, Shangani, sign language, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Venda, and Xhosa).

Q: Which one athlete was responsible for winning the country's only gold medals at the 2004 Olympic Games?
A: Swimmer Kirsty Coventry took home three gold medals for her country.

Q: What is Zimbabwe's population?
A: Approximately 14.5 million people.

Q: What is Zimbabwe's wildlife population?
A: 350 species of mammals, more than 500 species of birds, and 131 fish species.

Featured Lodges & Safari Camps in Zimbabwe

This list of the 14 top Zimbabwe safari lodges & tent camps you will visit on our featured tours above is not exhaustive, as we feature a number of other hotels on our Zimbabwe Lodges page.

Bomani Tented Lodge (Hwange National Park)
Gorges Lodge (overlooking Batoka Gorge by Victoria Falls)
Camelthorn Lodge (Hwange National Park & Ngamo Plains)
Nehimba Lodge (private concession of Hwange National Park)
Changa Safari Camp (Matusadona National Park)
Ruckomechi (Mana Pools National Park)
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge (just 4km from Victoria Falls)
Ilala Lodge (close to Victoria Falls)
The Hide (Hwange National Park)
Kanga Camp (Mana Pools National Park)
Somalisa Camp (Hwange National Park)
Zambezi Expeditions (Mana Pools National Park)
Camp Amalinda (Matobo Hills)
Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge (Gonarezhou National Park)

Best Time to Visit Zimbabwe on Safari

Zimbabwe is a fantastic safari destination all year round, but the best time to visit is from June to September.

This coincides with the dry season, making it an excellent time to see the animals congregating around the waterholes.

In addition, the fact that it is winter, promises cooler and more pleasant temperatures.

Game You Can Expect to See in Zimbabwe (by region)

When you embark on your Zimbabwe safari expedition, you are guaranteed a front-row seat to see...

Hwange: Buffalo, Cheetah, Eland, Elephant, Kudu, Hippo, Leopard, Lion, White Rhino, Wild dog

Lower Zambezi: Buffalo, Eland, Elephant, Kudu, Hippo, Leopard, Lion

Victoria Falls Region: Buffalo, Elephant, Kudu, Wildebeest

How Much Does a Tour to Zimbabwe Cost?

Zimbabwe is a tourist destination with a wide variety of travel options, the most popular of which is a safari and the price can start at $900 for a 3-day safari and go up to $8000 for a 10-day safari.

Another way to experience the beauty of Zimbabwe is aboard a river cruise; prices start at about $7,000 for a 9-day cruise, up to $18,000 for a 17-day cruise.

In addition, Adventure Life's expert travel advisors are always ready to help you plan your next adventure.

Zimbabwe FAQs

Find answers to commonly asked questions about our Zimbabwe Tours. When is the best time to visit Zimbabwe? What is their currency? How safe is it? Find answers that will help prepare you for your trip to Zimbabwe.

9 Things to Know Before Traveling to Zimbabwe

Do I need a visa to travel to Zimbabwe?
You must get your Zimbabwe tourist visa at the port of entry into the country, as well as having a valid passport.

Is tipping customary in Zimbabwe?
Definitely tip your guide or ranger (around $15-20 is fine). Most nicer restaurants will include a 10% service charge, but you can include a tip if it's not already on the bill. Otherwise, tipping isn't really an expectation.

What is internet access like in Zimbabwe?
Most of our tours of Zimbabwe are safari expeditions or safari camps, so internet access is unlikely. It's possible that in more developed areas you will find a connection, but generally speaking you probably won't have internet.

Can I use my cell phone while in Zimbabwe?
Probably not. While some people do purchase SIM cards upon arrival so they can connect to the local cell towers, this only works when you are within range of them, which is not the case for most of our safaris and expeditions in the remote corners of Zimbabwe.

Do I need power adapters?
Zimbabwe's 220-240v power has both Type G British style sockets and Type D Indian Style plugs. 110v devices that aren't compatible with 220v power will require a power converter, and all devices will require a plug adapter.

What are the toilets like in Zimbabwe?
Tented camps and luxury hotels and anything in between do offer western style flushing bowl toilets for your comfort in Zimbabwe, but do be aware that toilet paper should always be thrown in the waste basket next to the toilet, and there could be some more remote areas on your expeditions that only have latrines or squat toilets.

Can I drink the water in Zimbabwe?
The water in Zimbabwe is not safe to drink, so make sure to only drink the free bottled/ filtered water provided to you by your hotel, lodge, camp, or inn.

Are credit cards accepted in Zimbabwe? Will I be able to find ATMs?
Our tours are all-inclusive, which means that you don't have to worry about any expenses once you're at your destination. If you want some extra cash for souvenirs or tips, don't count on finding an ATM or business that accepts cards while you're on your expedition. Your best bet is to take out some cash at the airport upon your arrival.

Should I purchase travel insurance?
Yes, so check out the Once You're Booked page for deals and promotions that we're offering via TravelGuard so that you can travel responsibly.