Often overshadowed by Southern and East Africa’s safari giants, Zimbabwe actually has plenty to brag about across its vast, untouched landscapes where herds of elephants rule. Beginning where the Zambezi thunders over the edge of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe is blessed with consistent water sources that draw incredible numbers of wildlife, including the four ‘Mana Pools’ and Lake Kariba. If you’re eager but unsure where to begin, take a look at our Zimbabwe travel tips, then get planning…
Getting there & around
Victoria Falls is where most Zimbabwean trips begin, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a direct flight; instead, most travellers arrive in Johannesburg and catch a connecting flight to Vic Falls. From here, you can reach most major safari areas that same day. From Victoria Falls, it’s a quick 45-minute flight to Hwange Airstrip or two hours by road; the Matusadona area, where you’ll find Lake Kariba, is an hour’s flight away, after which you’ll travel to your lodge by road or boat; and Mana Pools is just over two hours by plane. Driving between destinations isn’t recommended and guided journeys by road will only be required if you travel to a highly remote area like Matobo National Park.
Choosing your season
After deciding on Zimbabwe as your destination, the next question is when to go, and that all depends on you. Every season brings different landscapes, sightings and activities so it’s important to wrap your head around them. The ‘dry season’ is between June and November. It brings clear skies, increasingly sparse foliage and shrinking waterholes allowing for excellent wildlife viewing as the animals congregate in their numbers. This time of year is popular for a reason, so the national parks will be at their busiest.
The rains begin in December and continue into March, transforming Zimbabwe’s plains into an ocean of green and replenishing every waterhole, lake and river. If you can handle the occasional downpour, the dust-free air and colourful landscape makes for spectacular photos – and the birdlife is phenomenal. Some properties do close during these months so keep that in mind.
Then, there are the in-between months (April and May), when the parks aren’t busy yet and Victoria Falls are at their most spectacular. However, the Falls continue to gush in the following months, and a dip in the Devil’s Pool is only possible between mid-August and January.
Types of trips & properties
Like most of Africa’s safari hotspots, the range of accommodation in Zimbabwe runs the gamut from wonderfully rustic camps to some of the most luxurious lodges you’ve ever seen. The Palm River Hotel in Victoria Falls and Bumi Hills Safari Lodge in Hwange National Park are two fabulous examples of the latter.
You’ll also need think about whether you’d like the focus of your trip to be on classic game drives and scenic cruises on the water, or if you fancy the more adventurous route – think walking safaris and canoe trips down the Zambezi. The Mana Canoe Trail is a three-night expedition where you’ll glide past elephants’ kneecaps, navigate pods of hippos and watch predators stop for a drink. Then we have the remotest of the remote, Matobo and Gonarezhou, which both have a mere handful of properties. Bliss!
Family-friendly spots
Zimbabwe has plenty to offer families including lodges with a menu of activities tailored for kids, fantastic family rooms and a convivial atmosphere. Some properties have a minimum age policy but family-friendly properties make themselves known so you shouldn’t struggle – but it may be best to book as early as possible. It’s also worth noting that canoeing, fly-camping and walking safaris have an age restriction of 12 years or older.
Victoria Falls has something for every age (really!) and Ilala Lodge sits in pretty gardens where warthogs run around and it’s just a 15-minute walk to the Falls. Hwange’s Somalisia Acacia Camp, has two (out of just four) family suites and engaging guides who offer mini walking safaris. Hwange has a whole host of other properties to choose from too. On the shore of Lake Kariba, Fothergill was tailor-made for families including fun boating safaris and activities like archery, animal tracking and bush walks, as well as exclusive-use accommodation options for large families. In Mana Pools, Nyamatusi Mahogany boasts private plunge pools, a wonderful ‘Cub Club’ where kids can learn to identify tracks and bird calls, and easy, familiar food for dinner.
On a budget
Zimbabwe is relatively affordable compared to other Southern African countries and has a fantastic selection of properties that won’t break the bank, but still promise the level of comfort and stellar experiences you can expect from a Timbuktu favourite. Bayete Guest Lodge is set in pretty gardens where the pool awaits after taking in the splendour of Victoria Falls – and the staff are more than happy to organise thrilling activities. Overlooking its own popular waterhole (and a handy hide), Ivory Lodge is a short drive outside Hwange, and their famous walking safaris will have you in breathtaking proximity to the elephants.
In a private Mana Pools concession, Kavinga Safari Camp is blessed with a riverside perch and has just five understated chalets, each with a huge private deck for soaking in the views. Or choose Rhino Safari Camp, set in a black rhino sanctuary (which you can track on foot) on the shores of Lake Kariba. It’s authentic in every sense and you’ll feel closer to nature than ever in one of the reed and thatch structures, where the views are panoramic.
Adding a bit of beach
Zimbabwe may be landlocked (although Lake Kariba could easily pass as an ocean on its own), but it is very easy to add in a few days of beach time. On a trip like this, you can enjoy a taste of Cape Town and its world-class beaches, or go through Johannesburg and connect to the lush island of Mauritius where the water is clear as crystals and there are endless ways to explore it.
Then again, Mozambique is just next door to Zimbabwe (we recommend connecting through Johannesburg again) and its islands are nothing short of sublime. On this trip, you’ll explore the wilds of Zimbabwe before holing up in a luxury lodge on Benguerra Island, where snorkelling with dugongs, sunset sails on a dhow and some real R&R await.
