10 Reasons to Go on a Safari in Zimbabwe

Chris stared, dumbfounded, at the scene in front of him. After hiking through the bush with his safari guide, following tracks and learning about the signs that animals had passed through this section of the national park, they came to an abrupt stop. Through the bushes, just a few metres away in a clearing, was a pride of lions. The cutest cubs swiped at their mom’s tail as she relaxed, eyes half closed. Living in a city, the sound of car horns, sirens, and constant movement was the backdrop to his days; being immersed in the African wilderness felt surreal. A safari in Zimbabwe is full of moments of appreciation for the sublime settings you find yourself in.

Zimbabwe hasn’t received the same popularity as its neighbours when it comes to top safari locations. Political instability led to its jaw-dropping scenery and rich wildlife populations taking a backseat, with many travellers preferring South African safaris and Botswana’s top wildlife reserves.

Now, thanks to increased tourism efforts and luxury lodges, many travellers are considering a Zimbabwe safari. Should you? If you dream of wandering down lesser-travelled paths, watching huge herds of elephants cross the plains, and staying in unique locations that prioritise the natural environment, then the answer is a resounding “Yes!”

Here are 10 reasons to consider a safari in Zimbabwe.

1. Hwange National Park’s Elephant Herds

The largest game reserve in the country at a staggering 14,650 km²/1,465,000 ha, Hwange is famous for its massive breeding herds of elephants. A quintessential sight during safaris in Zimbabwe, the sheer size of these elephants – some with impressive curving tusks – as individuals and then the astounding view of them walking across the plains together is a memory that will stay with you forever.

You might even witness one of the most adorable scenes in the savannah: baby elephants bumbling after their moms or learning how to use their trunks.

2. Water and Walking Safaris in Mana Pools

Mana Pools National Park features four large pools of water formed by the Zambezi River. These pools are permanent watering holes that attract an array of animals, from herds of buffaloes and elephants to predators like big cats and wild dogs. Suffice it to say, a Zimbabwe safari here will give you jaw-dropping sightings.

A must-do activity while here is a canoe safari. With a guide, you’ll take to the water, gliding past pods of hippos and crocodiles on the shore. This is a fantastic way to go on a birdwatching safari in Zimbabwe – there are over 400 species that call this region home.

Another unique way to explore the wilderness and immerse yourself in nature is to go on a walking safari. Imagine all of your senses awakened as you wander in the bush, your knowledgeable guide enthralling you with facts and stories about the park while looking for animal tracks.

3. Great Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is about so much more than beautiful scenery and wildlife – the rich history of the country is fascinating. While on a safari in Zimbabwe, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Great Zimbabwe.

This impressive city was built by the Shona civilisation between the 11th and 15th centuries. The city was an important trading centre and was renowned from the Middle Ages onwards, which can be seen by the excavation of glass beads, porcelain, and gold from China and the Middle East.

The property is divided into groups: the Hill Ruins, the Great Enclosure and the Valley Ruins, with the acropolis thought to be a royal city that once housed chiefs. This city was huge, with a population exceeding 10,000.

4. San Rock Art in Matobo National Park

Another site opens a window into Zimbabwe’s ancient past: Matobo National Park, home to 3,000 rock art sites. With some of the art dating back as far as 13,000 years ago, this is one of the best places on the continent to see San rock art.

While exploring this national park, you’ll notice rock formations rising up into the sky – these “kopjes” are millions of years old and are a favourite haunt for rock hyraxes, rock elephant shrews, and klipspringers.

One section of these kopjes is known as Matobo Hills, home to an exclusive safari lodge that blends in with the stunning surroundings.

5. Luxury Safari Lodges

While the wildlife is spectacular, nature is jaw-dropping, and history is enthralling, there is one other piece of the puzzle that makes a Zimbabwe safari a must: the lodges.

Zimbabwe luxury safari lodges take exclusivity and unique experiences to heart with their offerings. One such accommodation is Amalinda Lodge, hidden within the rocks of Matobo Hills.

Built within an ancient bushmen shelter, the lodge takes advantage of the rock formations to create distinctive spaces, including the well-appointed rooms. The perfect respite after a morning game drive or just to take a break from the heat of the day is to slip into Amalinda’s natural granite infinity rock pool.

The reserve surrounding Amalinda has a thriving rhino population and is one of the few places in the country to see this endangered animal. An experience you won’t soon forget is tracking rhinos on foot. With your knowledgeable guide, you’ll take to the wilderness to track these majestic giants to see them in their natural habitat.

6. Opportunity for a Botswana and Zimbabwe Safari

One of Zimbabwe’s neighbours is Botswana, another incredible safari destination. For the ultimate safari getaway and to experience multiple different environments, combine your Zimbabwe safari with a trip to Botswana.

Travel along the famous Okavango Delta, a prime Big Five safari destination, and spend a few days in Chobe National Park with its abundant lion and hyena populations. Then, take a short flight to Zimbabwe to take in the majesty of Hwange National Park and track rhinos in Matobo.

7. Excellent Predator Sightings

Zimbabwe’s wilderness houses a healthy population of lions, so there is a good chance you’ll be able to see prides of these big cats while on safari. The southern Africa destination is also a stronghold for the endangered African wild dog, making it one of the best places to see these rare spotted canines.

Luckily, there are robust conservation projects in Zimbabwe that are working hard to protect wild dogs. One such organisation is Painted Dog Conservation. They monitor packs across Hwange National Park and Mana Pools and run anti-poaching units to protect wild dogs and give them the safety they need to increase their population.

8. Knowledgeable Guides

Anyone who’s been on a safari in Africa will tell you that it’s often the guides that take travellers on game drives, canoe safaris, and walking safaris that take the experience to another level.

Zimbabwean guides are renowned as some of the best trained and most knowledgeable in Africa. When exploring the wilderness, you’ll learn so much about the country and the animals you see, the guides ensuring you have a well-rounded, interesting experience.

9. Exclusive Safari Experiences

As Zimbabwe is a lesser-visited safari destination, you’ll be able to enjoy a less crowded and more secluded adventure. This means not having to get in line for a wildlife sighting and feeling like you and your partner or family have the wilderness all to yourselves.

10. Victoria Falls and Devil’s Pool

Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and one of Zimbabwe’s most popular attractions. Just seeing videos or images of this natural spectacle, it’s easy to see why. But, of course, you need to see it in person during a Zimbabwe safari for the full, magical experience.

If you’re a thrill seeker and don’t mind heights, make your way to Devil’s Pool. Situated on the edge of the Victoria Falls, you can swim right up to the edge to gaze down at the crashing falls below.

From the incredible elephant herds of Hwange to the tranquil waters of Mana Pools and the ancient ruins of Great Zimbabwe, a safari in Zimbabwe will take you through a variety of landscapes, immersing you in the African wilderness. You’ll leave with experiences that will shift your perspective on what a holiday can be.