Zimbabwe; a land-locked country of about the size of Britain, offers both a wealth of cultural and natural attractions. Set against a backdrop of sweeping savannas and dense bush, Zimbabwe’s primeval vistas stir the senses of everyone who visits. The images touch the soul and remain with you long after you’ve returned back home.
Zimbabwe’s natural heritage of mountains, lakes, plains and thundering waterfalls remains its greatest treasure – and in combination with its diversity of safari experiences, including walking safaris, game drives, canoeing, elephant and horseback trails, sailing, and more – Zimbabwe is sure to fulfil your African dream holiday!
Zimbabwe has one of the oldest, most fabled and romantic histories in all of Africa, largely unspoiled and teeming with wildlife. A visitor to Zimbabwe is likely to see a diversity of habitats offering sights such as giant baobab trees, large herds of elephant and buffalo, sable and roan antelope and a variety of predators. The bird life is rich and numerous.
From the mighty Victoria Falls, to pristine game parks that are home to a wide variety of wildlife, to the rolling hills of the Eastern Highlands and the rock paintings of the Matobo region, Zimbabwe has got it all.
But while these views have won it international fame, Zimbabwe is more than just Victoria Falls: it has long been one of Southern Africa’s most rewarding safari destinations.
Africa, ancestors of today’s Shona tribe and the builders of Great Zimbabwe, arrived in the 9th century while 19th century upheavals in South Africa’s Zulu kingdom saw the Ndebele people flee from Zululand and settle in western Zimbabwe. A British colonial takeover was next and the country spent most of the 20th century as Rhodesia; the subsequent liberation war was a protracted and bitter one, culminating in Zimbabwe’s independence only in 1980.
Zimbabwe boasts good infrastructure, an educated population and abundant resources. Its wealth has been built on agriculture, especially tobacco, as well as mineral exports and tourism. The country has some of the world’s biggest platinum and diamond mines.
People & Culture
Around 70% of Zimbabwe’s 12 million people are Shona-speaking while some 20% are Ndebele speakers. English, the country’s official language, is widely spoken and visitors to Zimbabwe are often struck by the friendliness and optimism of its people, despite recent hardships. The country is a profoundly religious one – nearly two thirds of the population attends church regularly – and some 85% consider themselves Christian.
Zimbabwe is a country where culture runs deep: it has produced internationally acclaimed artists, musicians and writers but it is for its sculptors that Zimbabwe is best known. Stylised birds and human figures carved from soapstone, serpentine and verdite are the most famous.
Landscape & Wildlife
Despite a mountainous and thickly forested eastern border with Mozambique, most of Zimbabwe lies on Southern Africa’s raised central plateau, a landscape of rolling savannah, farmland and vast open woodlands. A large chunk of the country lies in the lower, hotter and more humid southern lowveld but it is the Zambezi River and Lake Kariba that define northern Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls is set in its north-western corner.
Such a mix of habitats means high biodiversity and Zimbabwe has a long history of wildlife conservation. Its flagship reserve is Hwange National Park, home to the Big 5 and some of Africa’s biggest concentrations of elephant while Mana Pools and Matusadona National Parks offer excellent game viewing destinations at the edge of the Zambezi.
Zimbabwe wildlife highlights include bird watching and game viewing along the Zambezi River at Victoria Falls; abundant predators and outstanding dry-season game viewing at Hwange; Zambezi canoe and walking safaris at Mana Pools; and game viewing and birding at Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve and Gonarezhou National Park in barely-visited southern Zimbabwe.
Few African destinations can compete with Victoria Falls for sheer visual drama. In full, furious flood, the ‘Mosi oa Tunya- the Smoke that Thunders’ as it is traditionally known, is one of the continent’s most mesmerising sights, leaving visitors soaked and exhilarated at the same time. And the best on-foot views – so lovely that explorer David Livingstone declared they must have been gazed on by angels – are from Zimbabwe’s side of the Zambezi River.
But while these views have won it international fame, Zimbabwe is more than just Victoria Falls: it has long been one of Southern Africa’s most rewarding safari destinations.
Highly recommended for safari aficionados on a return trip to Africa, a Zimbabwe safari delivers one of the most authentic ‘canvas and candlelight’ experiences available, offering safari camps that are comfortable without being ostentatious, game viewing that ranks with the best in Africa, and guides who have the reputation as among the best in the business.
Zimbabwe’s flagship reserve is Hwange National Park, a short drive from Victoria Falls and home to a full cast of predators as well as herds of elephant and buffalo that rival those of neighbouring Botswana. The wildlife of the Zambezi River – hippos, crocodiles and shy antelope – is the focus of Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park, where activities include game drives and river cruises as well as canoe adventures and walking safaris.
Even more unique safaris are found in Zimbabwe’s less well-known destinations. Fly in to Matusadona National Park, set on the shores of Lake Kariba, for one of the highest densities of lions in Africa. It is also a haven for rhinos and elephants, animals you may also see at Matobo National Park, a lovely reserve of tumbled rocks and tangled leopard-filled thickets. But for Zimbabwe’s wildest experiences, Gonarezhou National Park and the adjoining Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve are hard to beat. Their remote setting makes this fly-in destination one for the adventurous but the rewards include big-tusker elephants, all the big cats and nearly 400 bird species. Forming a natural border with neighbouring Mozambique, the Eastern Highlandsvary from the gentle rolling countryside to striking rugged mountainous beauty.
Our top places to visit in Zimbabwe:
- Victoria Falls – adventure activities, safaris & iconic scenery
- Hwange National Park – classic game viewing & bird watching
- Mana Pools National Park – beautiful wilderness area, canoe safaris
- Matusadona National Park – lions & elephants, boating & fishing
- Matobo National Park – lovely scenery, rock paintings & big game
- Gonarezhou National Park and the adjoining Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve – wild, remote, classic big game & birding
- Eastern Highlands– string of striking, rugged beautiful mountains forming a natural border with neighbouring Mozambique.
Victoria Falls: adventure activities, safaris & iconic scenery
Victoria Falls is where to go in Zimbabwe for one of the world’s greatest natural wonders and a comprehensive range of safari experiences but Zimbabwe’s conservation areas such as the enormous Hwange National Park and the lake-and-river destinations of Matusadona or Mana Pools deliver great game viewing in environments largely devoid of other visitors.
Visit Victoria Falls in full flood and discover why it’s called ‘The Smoke That Thunders’; the scale is immense and the experience unique, but there’s so much more on offer at this popular destination. Enjoy scenic flights, elephant-back safaris, lion cub encounters, bungee jumping, white-water rafting, game viewing and Zambezi River cruises plus access to places of interest such as local markets and traditional villages.
Hwange National Park: classic game viewing & bird watching
Hwange is Zimbabwe’s largest national park and where to go in Zimbabwe for the country’s best big game viewing. Located a few hours’ drive from Victoria Falls, Hwange is home to the densest concentrations of elephant after Botswana’s Chobe National Park and is an excellent destination for Africa’s big predators. The park includes a number of habitats including Kalahari sandveld, mopane woodland, river courses and pans. The waterholes found throughout the park support the rich wildlife and may reward you with views of the diverse animal population.
Mana Pools National Park: beautiful wilderness area, canoe safaris
The combination of forest, river and mountains attract a bewildering array of wildlife. Wild, remote and little-visited Mana Pools lies along the Zambezi River, its forests and floodplains home to large herds of elephant, buffalos, lions, leopards and its rivers overflowing with hippo and crocodile. Best explored on walking trails and canoe safaris, Mana Pools is a genuine wilderness area that delivers an exciting, off-the-beaten-track safari experience. The forest bordering the river contains ebony and mahogany trees, which in turn, provide a haven for birds.
Matusadona National Park & Lake Kariba: lakeside living, big game & fishing
Studded with islands, fringed by mountains and set aglow by spectacular sunsets, this inland sea has a rare solitary beauty. With the damming of the Zambezi River in the 1950′s and the subsequent flooding of the Zambezi Valley, Lake Kariba – the largest manmade lake in the world was formed. Kariba’s magical setting and tranquil atmosphere are as famous as its wildlife. Flanked by conservation areas, the lake attracts animals both big and small: hippos splash about in the shallows, elephant and antelope graze at the water’s edge, and African fish eagles perch on dead tree branches. Adjoining Matusadona National Park offers game drives, guided walks and boat safaris as well as tiger fishing and the best Kariba sunsets. The skeleton remains of flooded trees, the vivid sunrises and sunsets and the wildlife make Lake Kariba an interesting and unique gem to tour by house boat.
Eastern Highlands
On Zimbabwe’s eastern border, running some three hundred kilometres from north to south is a string of mountains quite striking in its rugged beauty. Forming a natural border with neighbouring Mozambique- the Eastern Highlands vary from the gentle rolling countryside near Nyanga in the north to the fierce granite spikes of Chimanimani. Some of Zimbabwe’s most breathtaking scenery is found in this region of soaring peaks towering over dramatic landscapes more reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands than of Africa, except the red deer have been replaced by herds of antelope. Winding roads lead up to country inns and golf, trout fishing and horseback riding are serious pastimes in these parts throughout the year. Further south of Nyanga are the Vumba, an archipelago of misty peaks famed for their fabulous view into Mozambique. They are also home to the Vumba Botanical Gardens, just a short drive from the eastern ‘metropolis’ of Mutare, containing shrubs and trees that have been gathered from all over the world.
Gonarezhou National Park &Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve: pure Big 5 wilderness, phenomenal diversity & scenery
Zimbabwe’s barely visited south known as the ‘lowveld’ is shaping up as one of Africa’s hottest new safari destinations. Home to the Gonarezhou National Park, the Malilangwe and the Save Valley Conservancy; Big 5, Gonarezhou is sure to impress as will the more exclusive experience of Malilangwe, a private reserve bordering the park. Apart from the stunning scenery, visitors can expect to see concentrations of rhino, big-tusked elephant and buffalo plus big cats and wild dogs. The birdlife too is truly amazing: Malilangwe has recorded 400 species of birds and boasts one of the world’s greatest concentrations of raptors, including 14 species of eagle. A true wilderness that remains largely unexplored.
Masvingo
The Midlands Province town of Masvingo takes its name from the Shona word for walled-in enclosure, which is in reference to the famous Great Zimbabwe ruins. Great Zimbabwe is renowned as the largest and most significant medieval city in all of sub-Saharan Africa. These 13th century stone ruins, the most spectacular structures south of the Sahara, are at the heart of the country’s historic past, testifying to the civilization Zimbabwe possessed while Europe was still enmeshed in the dark ages.
Zambezi National Park: game drives & river cruises, close to Victoria Falls
Just upstream of Victoria Falls lies the Zambezi National Park, a wild and game-rich reserve stretched out along the broad, smooth-flowing Zambezi River. Drawing fewer visitors than neighbouring Chobe National Park in Botswana, this largely unknown reserve offers fantastic dry-season game viewing without the crowds: expect large numbers of elephant, buffalo, hippo and giraffe but keep an eye out for lion, leopard and even wild dog. The birdlife along the river is superb, and we’d highly recommend a river safari. If you’re staying in Victoria Falls, a day game drive around Zambezi National Park will give you a quick and easy taste of Zimbabwe’s diverse wildlife.
Matobo National Park
Hundreds of hills supporting thousands of precariously balanced rocks give the 170 square mile Matobo National Park one of the most unusual landscapes in Africa. The region was inhabited by nomadic hunters 20,000 years ago who left a legacy of rock paintings. The brooding silence of the massive rock formations gives the Matobo a unique atmosphere. These hills hold secret, sacred places and are the spiritual home and refuge of the Matabele and the long-vanished Bushman tribes before them. The Matobo Hills, near Bulawayo, are also home to the white rhino, sable antelope, leopard and klipspringer. The world’s greatest concentrations of black eagles soar above Matobo’s granite mountains. In addition to game viewing by vehicle or on foot, there are expeditions to historical and scenic sites among the hills. Bushman paintings, dating back hundreds of years, can be discovered and some of the finest examples of this ancient art are found in caves of the Matobo Hills. Visits to nearby African villages provide an opportunity to see how local people live and to buy some native crafts are also possible.
Harare
Few African capitals make such a deep impression on the visitor as Harare. On the drive from the airport, the city appears on the horizon almost like a mirage, a string of gleaming high rise blocks flashing in tantalizing glimpses between the jacaranda trees. The capital of Zimbabwe, Harare is a picturesque city with a cosmopolitan flavour in its broad streets, spacious gardens, and impressive architecture. Harare is a place for shoppers. Local craft centres abound, offering artefacts, which portray the roots of many cultures. Other places of interest include The National Art Gallery, Chapungu Sculpture Garden, The National Archives, Doon Estate, Patrick Mavros jewellery studio as well as several world class golf courses. Harare offers a high quality of hotel accommodation both in the city centre as well as smaller lodges located in the surrounding suburbs.
Bulawayo
Second major city of Zimbabwe and once home to the dynasty of fabled Ndebele kings. Today Bulawayo is one of the county’s major tourism, commercial and industrial centres. Bulawayo is a spacious and attractive city, with extraordinarily wide boulevards. In some sense one feels in a time warp as Bulawayo has a distinctive “50′s” feel. It is the capital of the Matabeleland region, which stretches from Beit Bridge in the south to Victoria Falls. There are several places of interest to visit in and around Bulawayo but of particular importance are the Natural History Museum, Railway Museum, Khame Ruins, Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage, Mzilikazi Pottery, Tshabalala Game Sanctuary and Centenary Park.
With mild temperatures, virtually no rain and a low malaria risk, the dry May to October winter season is generally seen as the best time to visit Zimbabwe for game-viewing, although note that September and October are extremely hot and dry months.
The best time to travel to Victoria Falls on the other hand is at the end of the summer rainy season when the falls are in full flood – go between April and May for the most dramatic views. However, it is the August to Decemberlow water season that is regarded as the best time to go white-water rafting at Victoria Falls – the volume and speed of the water is reduced and the rapids are more exposed.
Planning on combining a visit to Zimbabwe with other Southern Africa safari destinations? Read our advice on the:
With mild temperatures, virtually no rain and a low malaria risk, the dry May to October winter season is generally seen as the best time to visit Zimbabwe for game-viewing, although note that September and October are extremely hot and dry months.
The best time to travel to Victoria Falls on the other hand is at the end of the summer rainy season when the falls are in full flood – go between April and May for the most dramatic views. However, it is the August to Decemberlow water season that is regarded as the best time to go white-water rafting at Victoria Falls – the volume and speed of the water is reduced and the rapids are more exposed.
Planning on combining a visit to Zimbabwe with other Southern Africa safari destinations? Read our advice on the:
- Best time to visit Zambia
- Best time to visit Botsawa
- Best time to visit South Africa
- Best time to visit Uganda
Following the collapse of the Zimbabwe Dollar, Zimbabwe currently uses the US Dollar as its currency. Cash is king in Zimbabwe: make sure you can cover your costs during your visit as withdrawing cash from an ATM or bank is not something you can rely on. Travellers’ cheques and credit/debit cards are not widely accepted and often incur hefty fees.
Tipping
Bring small denomination notes – small change is rarely available in Zimbabwe – and note that although tipping lodge staff and guides is customary for good service, make sure that a service charge hasn’t been added onto your bill beforehand.
For in-depth tipping guidelines, enquire with one of our Africa Safari Experts – they’d be happy to share their knowledge with you.
Climate
Average summer temperatures: 17°C to 31°C
Average winter temperatures: 7°C to 29°C
Rainy season: November to April
Refer to “best time to visit Zimbabwe” for advice on the best times of year for game-viewing.
What to Pack
Generally, casual comfortable clothing is suitable for Zimbabwe throughout the year. For your Zimbabwe safari, pack lightweight clothing in light, neutral colours (but not white as it gets dirty very easily). Include a warm jacket or fleece in your suitcase for evening game drives as well as a pair of comfortable walking shoes. For more on what to pack for a safari, refer to our Africa Safari Guide travel advice section.
Flights & Getting Around
Harare International Airport: mostly used as a conduit to Victoria Falls, the easiest way to fly into Zimbabwe.
Victoria Falls International Airport: serving Victoria Falls, Hwange and the Zambezi Valley destinations, this airport is a local logistics hub and connects easily with destinations in Botswana and further afield.
Road transfers in Zimbabwe are usually conducted in mini buses and game drives in open-sided 4X4 vehicles. Light aircraft charters are available for flights to more remote destinations.
Visa & Passport Requirements
Visas are required by most visitors to Zimbabwe and can usually be obtained at your point of entry. Citizens of the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, most EU countries, Israel and Japan as well as a number of other countries will receive their visas at the airport or border post upon payment of requisite fees. However, some nationalities will have to apply for and obtain a Zimbabwe visa prior to travelling – for a full list, visit the Zimbabwe Embassy website.