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Zimbabwe is home to some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife, and yet it remains Southern Africa’s most underrated safari destination. Here, in a land bordered by the mighty Zambezi and Limpopo Rivers, incredible Big Five safaris bring unforgettable encounters with lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo. Whether you’re exploring Hwange’s dry plains or the lush riverbanks of Lower Zambezi National Park, Zimbabwe promises a thrilling safari experience on par with anything else in Southern Africa.
Why Should You Go on This Experience?
See Africa’s Big Five
Zimbabwe’s national parks provide some of the best opportunities to spot the Big Five, including the endangered black rhinoceros. Hwange, in particular, is famous for its vast elephant and buffalo herds and lion prides, while in the Save Valley Conservancy, you can complete the list by seeing both black and white rhinoceroses.
Diverse Landscapes
From the grassy plains of Hwange to the wetlands of the Zambezi River, Zimbabwe offers a wide variety of ecosystems, each home to uniquely adapted wildlife. While some animals thrive in the highlands of Matobo Hills National Park, others remain within touching distance of perennial water sources like the oxbow lakes of Mana Pools National Park.
Exceptional Wildlife Viewing
Zimbabwe’s combination of diverse habitats, skilled guides, and expert trackers ensures excellent game viewing and an up-close safari experience. This isn’t an ordinary safari destination – in Mana Pools National Park, elephants stand on their hind legs to reach the best food, while Hwange National Park is home to one of Africa’s largest populations of African wild dogs.
Conservation Focus
Zimbabwe’s parks and reserves support significant conservation efforts, allowing visitors to contribute to the protection of endangered species like rhinos and African wild dogs. In the Save Valley Conservancy, for example, conservationists work with the African Wildlife Foundation to protect Zimbabwe’s precious rhinoceroses.
Luxury Lodging
Many Big Five safari experiences are complemented by luxury lodges, offering comfort and fine dining after a thrilling day of wildlife viewing. From sunrise to sunset – including all your game drives – you’ll be treated to world-class hospitality.
Best Destinations for Big Five Safaris in Zimbabwe
Hwange National Park
Famed for its large elephant herds and extensive range of species, Hwange offers an excellent chance to spot four of the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes. Today, the park forms part of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, the second-largest nature conservation area in the world.
Mana Pools National Park
As the Zambezi River rushes towards the east coast of Africa, it spreads out into a seasonal wetland teeming with life. Each winter, when the water recedes, it leaves behind four permanent pools that attract thirsty wildlife from all around, creating a safari spectacle like few others. Mana Pools offers travellers the chance to see lions, buffalo, elephants, and leopards in a stunning wilderness setting, alongside critically endangered African wild dogs.
Matobo Hills National Park
Home to the endangered white rhinoceros, Matobo Hills is a great place to see these “African unicorns” along with lions, buffalo, and leopards in a rugged, mountainous landscape. The park also boasts several fascinating archaeological sites, as well as monuments to Zimbabwe’s more recent history.
Five Tips for Big Five Safaris
1. Plan for the Dry Season
Visit during the dry season (June to October) for the best chances of wildlife sightings, as animals congregate around water sources, especially in Mana Pools National Park.
2. Stay in Exclusive Lodges
Choose a private lodge or reserve for a more exclusive, intimate safari experience. With fewer people around, you’ll get more time with the wildlife – and the knowledgeable guides.
3. Take Guided Safari Walks
Enhance your safari experience with walking safaris, especially in areas like Mana Pools National Park, where four of the Big Five can often be spotted at close range.
4. Bring a Long Lens
For great wildlife photography, bring a good zoom lens to capture wildlife from a distance without disturbing them.
5. Respect Conservation Efforts
Support local conservation initiatives by staying at eco-friendly lodges that contribute to the protection of wildlife. Speak to our safari experts to learn more.
