In early 2024, only a few months after being in South Africa, we were already craving to go back to Africa, this time for a proper week-long safari! My mind was set on Zambia, but we had to travel in March, and sadly, it wasn’t the season yet. That is when my husband suggested looking into Zimbabwe. Admittedly, Zimbabwe was never on my bucket list, but after some brief researches I was completely sold, and we started organising our 10-day Zimbabwe safari.
Zimbabwe is a land of vibrant landscapes and abundant wildlife that offers a variety of different experiences for safari lovers. From the majestic Victoria Falls to the beautiful shores of the Zambezi River, Zimbabwe really wooed me!
In this guide, I gathered all the details of our 10-day adventure, covering three of Zimbabwe’s most spectacular destinations: Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, and Mana Pools National Park. Each location has its unique charm and offers an opportunity to explore Zimbabwe’s natural beauty and wildlife.
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VICTORIA FALLS, THE NATURAL WONDER OF THE WORLD
Most Zimbabwean journey begins in Victoria Falls, a destination renowned for its stunning natural beauty and dramatic landscapes! Located between Zambia and Zimbabwe, the Victoria Falls are one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Long before British explorer Livingston “discovered” and named them in homage to Queen Victoria, the Victoria Falls were locally known as “Mosi-oa-Tunya”, ie. “The Smoke That Thunders“! A very appropriate name for this incredible spectacle of nature’s raw power. The sight and sound of the immense volume of water plunging into the Zambezi Gorge is really incredible.
Discovering Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls, the namesake town, offers a range of beautiful experiences, and here are a few I recommend:
- Visiting Victoria Falls National Park, whose entrance is conveniently located right in the city center. It takes between 2 and 3 hours to walk through the park, and you will get to see about 75% of the falls, with many extraordinary viewpoints! Prepare to get wet from the waterfall mist, so wear quick-drying, light clothing, and non-slip shoes. A waterproof jacket and a poncho are also recommended, but you can rent some at the entrance. You should also consider bringing a waterproof cover to protect your camera from the mist while capturing stunning views.
Entrance fee for international visitors: 50 USD – Children from 6 to 12 yo: 25 USD – Free under 6yo.
Opening Hours: Summer (1st September to 30th April) – 06 am to 6 pm | Winter (1st May to 31st August) – 06.30 am to 6 pm. - Enjoy a High Tea at the Victoria Falls Hotel. For a quintessentially elegant experience during your visit to Victoria Falls, the Victoria Falls Hotel offers a nice high tea that is truly a must-do. Nestled just a short walk from the falls, this historic hotel has stunning colonial architecture, lush gardens, and an amazing view of the Zambezi River. It’s the perfect backdrop for a relaxing afternoon, snacking on delicious scones and tea (or even a little cocktail). Reserve ahead and ask for a table on the Stanley’s terrace. You can also come and discover the grounds of the hotel without any consumption.
Opening Hours: Beverage from 10 am to 11 pm | All day menu from 11 am to 10 pm | High tea from 3 pm to 5 pm. - Take a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. One of my favorite moments in Victoria Falls was cruising down the Zambezi River around sunset, with a good glass of wine. The cruise was a 2h all-inclusive, with wine, cocktails, snacks, and a 3-course dinner. We saw plenty of crocodiles and hippos and had the best time!
- Visit the impressive Victoria Falls Bridge and quickly cross into Zambia. Built in 1905, this steel bridge is 198m long and rises 128m above the Zambezi Gorges, offering stunning views of the river and the Victoria Falls. If you are into extreme sports, you can bungee jump from the bridge or zipline across the river.
- Seeking adventure? Victoria Falls offers an array of thrilling activities. White-water rafting through the rapids of the Zambezi River is a popular choice for an adrenaline-pumping experience. Alternatively, you can go swim into the famous Devils Pool, a natural swimming pool at the edge of the Victoria Falls. Finally, a helicopter flight over the falls offers a bird’s-eye view of this natural wonder and the surrounding landscapes. This is the one thing I regret not doing while in Victoria Falls.
- Finally, Victoria Falls is the ideal place to shop for some souvenirs before starting your Zimbabwe safari. Explore the shops and local markets along the town’s main road to find handcrafted souvenirs and traditional Zimbabwean art.
Where to stay in Victoria Falls
- Victoria Falls Safari Lodge: This is where we stayed for 2 nights and really enjoyed it. The hotel offers comfortable rooms with balconies and great views over the surrounding nature. There is a swimming pool, a gym, and a good international restaurant. The staff is really friendly and helpful. The only downside is that the hotel is 5km out of town, but they offer a free shuttle to town, and most of the tours & activity providers offer free pickup from the hotel.
- The Victoria Falls Hotel: Having high tea here is great, but actually staying at this hotel must be a dream! The Edwardian-style hotel, built in 1904, was beautifully redecorated in 2013 to combine its traditional style with modern sophistication. The Victoria Falls hotel is one of the most iconic luxury hotels in Africa and an absolute bucket list item!
- Anantara Stanley & Livingstone Victoria Falls Hotel: You can never go wrong staying at Anantara, but this property looks particularly superb!! A boutique hotel with 16 suites, a restaurant, and a Private Game reserve, this is ultimate African Luxury and an absolute dream.
How to get to Victoria Falls
The Victoria Falls (VFA) airport is located 20 km away from Victoria Falls, so it is just a quick 20-min drive by car. Most hotels will arrange a pick up, or you can grab a taxi, that should cost 30$ to 40$ (expect negociating with the driver.)
HWANGE NATIONAL PARK: A HAVEN FOR WILDLIFE
Discovering Hwange’s Wonderful Wildlife
After discovering the splendid Victoria Falls, it is time to head to Hwange National Park, in the western part of Zimbabwe. Hwange is the country’s largest game reserve, covering over 14,600 square kilometers and offering some amazing wildlife viewing. It is also known for its impressive population of more than 40,000 elephants, which are always amazing encounters! Hwange’s diverse ecosystems, including savannahs, woodlands, and waterholes, support a rich variety of wildlife. The park is home to over 100 mammal species and approximately 400 bird species, making it a true paradise and the perfect 1st step for a Zimbabwe safari.
Sunrise and sunset game drives are a classic way to explore the park, and a great chance to see some iconic African wildlife such as lions, giraffes, elephants, etc… For a more immersive experience, you can also join a walking safari led by experienced guides. This allows to explore the park on foot and gain a deeper understanding of the ecosystem!
Each day is organized the same way, starting bright and (very early) with breakfast at the camp, before leaving for a beautiful sunrise game drive from 6.30 am to 11.30 am. Midway through the game drive we usually stopped in a quiet spot for a warm coffee or tea and some yummy snacks!
After the morning game drive, we headed back to the camp for lunch and a few quiet hours, enjoying our room, the swimming pool, etc. The second game drive started around 5 pm lasting until after sunset. Same as in the morning, we always did a little break in the middle, swapping the morning coffee for some sundowners! These evening breaks are always my favorite!! Once it got dark we were heading back to the camp to enjoy a delicious dinner!
For an even more immersive experience, we joined a walking safari led by two experienced guides. This allowed us to explore the park on foot and gain a deeper understanding of the ecosystem and its intricate details. We didn’t see any particular animal, which was okay with me as I was not ready to come face-to-face with a lion!
Where to stay in Hwange: Somalisa Expedition
We spent our 3 nights in Hwange at Somalisa Expedition, and this was by far my favorite hotel/camp of our Zimbabwe safari.
African Bush Camps’ Somalisa Expeditions offers a luxurious yet authentic safari experience in Hwange National Park. This tented camp feels very intimate, with just six elegant tents, each featuring spacious interiors, en-suite bathrooms, and stunning views of the surrounding bush. The camp’s design is the perfect blend of luxury and authenticity, with stylish furnishings and a focus on eco-friendly practices. Each tent offers a great blend of amazing comfort and immersive wilderness! I absolutely love it!!!
One of my favorite features of Somalisa Expeditions is the water hole built right in front of the pool, where you can witness the extraordinary spectacle of elephants coming to drink. We didn’t get a chance to see them during the day, but we did at night. Sitting on the deck only a couple of meters away from a full herd of elephants was one of the most unforgettable experiences of our Zimbabwe safari.
The camp’s intimate size, gorgeous decoration, and serene atmosphere were an absolute dream and the perfect base for exploring Hwange’s rich landscapes and abundant wildlife.
While Somalisa Expedition is more “Off the Beaten Track”, African Bush Camps has 2 other properties in this part of the park answering to different needs: Somalisa Camp for ultimate luxury and Somalisa Acacia ideal for family trips.
How to reach Hwange National Park
Somalisa Expedition is located 250 km southeast of Victoria Falls, and the best way to reach it is to take a bush plane from Victoria Falls International Airport to Manga Airstrip. The flight takes around 45-min, and you get to discover part of Hwange National Park from the sky! From the airstrip to the camp, it is a 30-min game drive, during which you can already encounter some amazing wildlife.
If you prefer the road option, it takes around 4h from Victoria Falls.
MANA POOLS NATIONAL PARK: UNTAMED WILDERNESS
Exploring the Beauty of Mana Pools
The third stop in this beautiful Zimbabwe safari is Mana Pools National Park, situated in the northern part of Zimbabwe along the Zambezi River. Mana Pools is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, well known for its breathtaking natural beauty and diverse wildlife. With nearly 70% of the park only accessible on foot, Mana Pool is one of the most untouched ecosystems in Africa and an absolute dream to explore.
During our time in Mana Pools, we had the chance to see many hippos (which are quickly becoming my favorite safari animals!), a full family of lions and warthogs, as well as the famous Mana Pool elephants that have developed the singular skill of standing on their hind legs to grab acacia pods!!
Mana Pool is also famous for its walking safaris, so we organized one with our guide. Since we didn’t see much during our walking safari in Hwange, our guides were determined to give us a thrilling experience and decided to do an elephant approach. They spotted a lonely, calm elephant in the distance, and we slowly approached on foot. I was terrified, but that was just the beginning! At some point, the elephant noticed us, looked right at us spreading his ears wide to impress us (that worked!), and started walking in our direction (at that point we were only a few meters away, but down in a sort of ditch that would have been difficult for the elephant to maneuver)! While I was confident the guides had the experience and the skills to get us through safely, this was still the most terrifying (yet unforgettable) moment on our Zimbabwe safari!!
In addition to walking safaris, Mana Pools offers a variety of activities that allow you to experience its natural splendor. Canoeing along the Zambezi River is a very scenic way to explore the park and get close to wildlife, and is particularly stunning around sunset time!
Where to stay in Mana Pools: Nyamatusi Camp
We stayed 3 nights in Mana Pool, and once again chose one of African Bush Camp’s beautiful properties: Nyamatusi Camp. Set along the banks of the Zambezi River, Nyamatusi Camp is a luxury property with six beautiful tented suites, each with a deck with a seating area and a private mini plunge pool and views over the Zambezi River. The tents are spacious and elegant, with en-suite bathrooms, AC and an open-air shower.. The main shared area of the camp is a beautifully decorated 2-storey wooden building, with a large terrace facing the river, a wine cellar, a fire pit, and a shared pool. The camp is absolutely stunning, and an even more elevated experience than the Somalisa Expedition. Personally, I prefer the more authentic and rustic experience of Somalisa Expedition, but we still had an amazing time in Nyamatusi Camp, in particular thanks to the incredible service.
Just like Somalisa Expeditions, the camp is not closed off, so you might encounter some wildlife right at your doorstep. One evening as the car was dropping us off at our tent, we passed by a couple of hippos roaming right by our entrance door, and on the last day, an elephant could be seen passing by right in front of some of the other rooms!
The organization of the day was very similar to what we did in Hwange, with morning and evening game drives for sunrise and sunset, and some chill time in the afternoon.
How to reach Mana Pool National Park
Mana Pools National Park is located in the North of Zimbabwe, separated from Zambia by the Zambezi River. The easiest way to reach Nyamatusi Camp is to take a bush flight and land in Mana Main Airstrip. It is 2h30 min from Victoria Falls or 1h30 min from Harare International Airport. We flew directly from Hwange National Park, and it took us 2 hours.
BEST TIME TO ORGANIZE A ZIMBABWE SAFARI
When planning your trip to Zimbabwe, choosing the right time to visit is crucial to maximizing your experience. The best time to visit generally falls during the dry season, which runs from May to October. This period offers ideal conditions for wildlife viewing, as animals are drawn to water sources, and the sparse vegetation makes them more visible.
In Victoria Falls, the dry season ensures that the falls are at their most impressive, with a powerful flow of water and a lower likelihood of rain disrupting your plans. However, if you prefer fewer crowds and still want to experience the falls at their near-full capacity, visiting from May to June is a great option.
Hwange National Park and Mana Pools National Park also benefit from the dry season, with cooler temperatures and less rainfall making game drives and walking safaris more comfortable. During this time, wildlife congregates around waterholes, increasing your chances of encountering various species. The dry season also provides clearer skies and better conditions for photography.
The wet season, which lasts from November to April, brings lush landscapes and fewer tourists, but it also comes with higher humidity and occasional heavy rains. While some areas may become less accessible due to flooding, this period can still be rewarding, especially for those interested in seeing the landscape in its full, vibrant splendor. The wet season also offers excellent birdwatching opportunities, as migratory species are present.
We organised our safari in Zimbabwe mid-April, and had mixed weather with some glorious sunny days and some occasional rainfalls from the tail-end of the rainy season. The temperature was amazing, quite cold when the sun was down, but nicely warm throughout the day. The best part for me was that the parks and camps were very quiet, with less than half occupancy in both camps and very few cars encountered in the parks.
ZIMBABWE ITINERARY: HOW LONG DO YOU NEED
With 11 national parks in Zimbabwe, you could easily spend weeks in the country and still have areas left to discover. We went to Zimbabwe for 10 days, which felt like the perfect amount of time. This is what our itinerary looked like:
- 1 night in Harare: Our flight from Dubai was landing in the evening, so we had no choice but to spend a night in Harare. We stayed in Amanzi Lodge, which was perfect.
- 2 nights in Victoria Falls: If you are a bit short on time, you could do only 1 night, focusing on visiting the falls only. We stayed in Victoria Falls Safari Lodge.
- 3 nights in Hwange, staying at Somalisa Expedition.
- 3 nights in Mana Pools, staying in Nyamatusi Camp.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE GOING ON A SAFARI IN ZIMBABWE
Preparing for a safari in Zimbabwe is pretty simple but involves keeping in mind a few considerations. Here are a few things you need to know before embarking on your adventure:
- Luggage Limits: When traveling between safari camps, particularly by bush plane, luggage is typically restricted to 15 kg (33 lbs) per person in soft-sided bags. This limit is due to the limited space and weight restrictions on smaller aircraft.
- Electricity and Power: Many safari camps in Zimbabwe operate on solar power or generators, so electricity may be intermittent. It’s a good idea to bring a flashlight or headlamp, as well as extra batteries, for situations where power might be unavailable. Some camps provide charging facilities for electronic devices, but availability can vary, so it’s advisable to check in advance and bring any necessary adapters or power banks. In both camps we had excellent charging capacity, so no issue, but better come prepared.
- Clothing: To blend into the environment, it is better to wear neutral colors such as khaki, beige, and green. Bright colors and patterns can be distracting to wildlife and may reduce your chances of successful sightings. Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics for daytime wear, and bring a warm layer for cooler mornings and evenings.
- Medication and Health Precautions: Bring any personal medications you may need, along with a basic first aid kit that includes items like insect repellent, sunscreen, and antihistamines. Malaria is present in some parts of Zimbabwe, so it’s wise to consult with a healthcare professional about anti-malaria medication and other health precautions before your trip. Personally, I didn’t take malaria medications.
- Photography Equipment: For wildlife photography, I can’t recommend enough bringing a camera with a good zoom lens (at least 200mm). If possible, even better to come with 2 camera bodies, once to fit a zoom lense and one for a wider angle, to avoid having to swap too often. Having 2 camera bodies was such a major upgrade in practicality from our Tanzania safari. Binoculars are also useful for spotting distant animals, but the guides often have a pair that you can borrow. Ensure you have ample memory cards and extra batteries, as opportunities for charging may be limited. Consider bringing a lens cleaning kit as it can get very dusty in the parks and very humid in Victoria Falls.
- Sustainability: Preserving the amazing environment in Zimbabwe (and around the world) is essential, so consider booking your Zimbabwe safari with an agency that is committed to sustainability practices. Avoid bringing plastic bottles, wipes, or leaving anything behind you that doesn’t belong.
SAFARI IN ZIMBABWE VS. TANZANIA: WHICH ONE TO CHOOSE?
Tanzania and Zimbabwe offer very different safari experiences. Tanzania is well know for its sheer scale and variety of landscapes. The vast Serengeti plains host the iconic Great Migration, where massive herds of wildebeest and zebra traverse the landscape. This was for me a mind-blowing experience, and nothing else has matched so far. This, combined with the diverse ecosystems of the Ngorongoro Crater and other parks, creates a classic safari experience with abundant wildlife sightings. Tanzania also boasts a well-developed tourism infrastructure, offering a wide range of lodging options from affordable to ultra high-end. But of course, the popularity of Tanzania and its reputation as a classic safari destination leads to high volumes of tourists in some areas.
On the other hand, Zimbabwe provides a more intimate and authentic safari experience. Parks like Mana Pools are celebrated for their walking safaris, allowing for deeply immersive encounters with wildlife. The focus here is on close connections with nature, often in a more rustic and wild setting, while still offering some truly luxurious options. Zimbabwe is also known for its exceptional guides, enhancing the overall experience. Activities like canoeing safaris along the Zambezi River add to the unique appeal.
For a first-time safari, I would recommend Tanzania because of its iconic wildlife and good infrastructure. The sheer magnitude of the Great Migration and the accessibility of numerous parks make it a rewarding introduction to African safaris. But beware, you might be spoiled for life!! However, if you seek a more unique, adventurous, and wild experience, Zimbabwe offers an unmatched level of intimacy and authenticity.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON ZIMBABWE
A 10-day journey through Zimbabwe, including Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, and Mana Pools National Park, is an exceptional introduction to the country’s diverse landscapes and wildlife. Each destination is truly memorable, so I absolutely recommend adding Zimbabwe to your bucket list!
Love, Emma
