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Zimbabwe safari destination — Victoria Falls, Hwange & Mana Pools — Africa's Walking Safari Capital
19.0154° S, 29.1549° E
Destination · Southern Africa
Southern Africa · Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls, Hwange & Mana Pools — Africa's Walking Safari Capital

3–12 daysFrom $200/dayMay – October10 species
Chapter 01

Why Visit Zimbabwe?

Zimbabwe is one of Africa's most rewarding safari destinations — offering exceptional guiding standards, low tourist density, and some of the continent's most dramatic landscapes. From the thundering Victoria Falls to the elephant-rich plains of Hwange and the legendary walking safaris of Mana Pools on the Zambezi, Zimbabwe delivers authentic, crowd-free wilderness encounters that rival the best in Africa.

01

Victoria Falls

The "Smoke That Thunders" — the world's largest curtain of falling water is Zimbabwe's crown jewel and one of Earth's seven natural wonders.

02

Hwange National Park

Zimbabwe's largest park with over 40,000 elephants — some of Africa's biggest herds congregate at waterholes in the dry season.

03

Mana Pools Walking Safaris

Africa's premier walking safari destination — track elephants and wild dogs on foot along the Zambezi River floodplain.

04

Expert Guiding Standards

Zimbabwe has Africa's toughest guiding qualifications — your guides are among the continent's most knowledgeable bush experts.

05

Matobo Hills

Ancient granite balancing rocks, San bushman rock art, and the best place in Africa to track both black and white rhino on foot.

06

Low Crowds, High Value

Exceptional safari quality at lower prices than Botswana or Tanzania — experience Africa without the crowds.

Quick Reference

Zimbabwe at a Glance

Big Five Score

5/5

Safari Rating

Exceptional
Difficulty

Easy to Moderate

Malaria Risk

High in northern areas — take prophylaxis

Visa

Visa on arrival ($30) or e-visa

Airport

Victoria Falls Airport (VFA)

Currency

USD (preferred) / ZiG

Time Zone

CAT (UTC+2)

Tap Water

Bottled water recommended

Electricity

220V, Type D/G plug

LanguagesEnglishShonaNdebele
Chapter 03

Wildlife & Best Time to Visit

Best Time to Visit

May–October for dry season wildlife. Victoria Falls peaks February–May. Walking safaris best June–October. Green season (Nov–Apr) for birding and baby animals.

May – October

Wildlife You'll See

Your Day on Safari

A Typical Day in Zimbabwe

Hour by hour — from the first coffee to stargazing

4:00 AM

night

Wake-Up Call

A gentle knock and hot coffee delivered to your tent. The African bush is still dark — listen for the last calls of the nightjars.

Seasonal Comparison

Dry Season vs Green Season

Drag the slider to see how Zimbabwe transforms between seasons

Zimbabwe in green season — lush vegetation
Zimbabwe in dry season — golden landscape
Dry Season
Green Season

Plan Your Trip

Zimbabwe Weather & Safari Calendar

Click any month to see temperature, rainfall, crowds, and what makes that month special

JanuaryWet Season

Temperature

18°C – 30°C

Rainfall

180mm

Crowds

Low

Price Level

$ (Low)

What to Expect

Peak rains; Victoria Falls at its lowest — green landscapes

Chapter 04

Top Accommodation in Zimbabwe

Hand-picked luxury lodges and camps recommended by our safari experts

Can't decide? Let our experts help you choose the perfect lodge.

Get Expert Recommendations
Chapter 05

Essential Tips for Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe uses the US dollar as primary currency — carry small bills

KAZA UniVisa covers both Zimbabwe and Zambia (great for Victoria Falls on both sides)

Malaria prophylaxis recommended for safari areas and Victoria Falls

Zimbabwe is generally very safe for tourists — locals are famously welcoming

Victoria Falls is best viewed from the Zimbabwe side — 75% of the Falls face Zimbabwe

Book walking safaris at Mana Pools June–October for the best dry-season concentrations

Be Prepared

Packing & Travel Essentials for Zimbabwe

Neutral-coloured safari clothing (khaki, olive, tan)
Wide-brimmed hat for game drives
Binoculars (essential for Hwange)
Long-sleeved shirt for sun protection
Comfortable closed-toe shoes

Travel Quick Reference

Visa

Visa on arrival ($30) or e-visa

Getting There

VFA or HRE — via JNB, Nairobi, Addis

KAZA UniVisa

$50 — covers Zimbabwe + Zambia

Budget

Mid-range $150–350/night, Luxury $500+

Health

Malaria prophylaxis for northern areas

Best For

Victoria Falls, Hwange elephants, Mana Pools

Watch & Learn

Zimbabwe Travel Videos

Victoria Falls — Zimbabwe Safari Adventure

13:45

Zimbabwe Safari Vlog — Victoria Falls & Beyond

10:20
Frequently Asked

Zimbabwe Safari — FAQ

Yes — Zimbabwe is very safe for tourists. The country has a strong tourism infrastructure, and Zimbabweans are renowned for their warm hospitality. Stick to established safari areas and you'll have an incredible, trouble-free experience.

The Zimbabwe side offers the best views — 75% of the Falls face Zimbabwe. Ideally, visit both sides with a KAZA UniVisa. The Zimbabwe side has more viewpoints and the famous Rainforest Walk.

May–October dry season is best for game viewing as animals concentrate at waterholes. Victoria Falls peaks February–May. Walking safaris are best June–October. Green season (Nov–Apr) brings baby animals, migratory birds, and lower prices.

Absolutely — this is one of Southern Africa's classic combos. Victoria Falls connects easily to Chobe (4 hours by road) and Okavango Delta (short flight). Add Hwange and Mana Pools for the ultimate circuit.

Chapter 06

Zimbabwe Safari Packages

Hand-crafted itineraries for every travel style — from luxury honeymoons to budget adventures

Traveler Stories

What Our Guests Say About Zimbabwe

Hwange's elephant herds are unlike anything we've seen — 200+ elephants at a single waterhole! The walking safaris through Mana Pools with our armed guide were thrillingly intimate encounters with wild elephants.

Tom & Claire Harrison

Sydney, Australia

Safari

August 2025

Victoria Falls in April was beyond spectacular — the thundering water, the permanent rainbow, getting completely soaked on the Rainforest Walk. Then bungee jumping off the bridge! Adrenaline overload.

Hans & Greta Müller

Munich, Germany

Adventure

April 2025

As a Zimbabwean, I'm so proud of what Ingwe showcases about our country. Mana Pools canoeing was magical — paddling past hippos and elephants on the Zambezi riverbank. The camps have incredible hospitality.

Ntombi Moyo

Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Local Explorer

September 2025

Zimbabwe safari

Ready to Experience Zimbabwe?

Let our expert safari consultants craft a tailor-made Zimbabwe itinerary just for you. No obligation, no cookie-cutter packages — every trip is as unique as a leopard's spots.

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