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Victoria Falls aerial view with bridge spanning gorge

Destination

zimbabwe

A country where the guide, not the lodge, defines the safari, across parks few other travellers reach.

African safari’s connoisseurs’ choice

Along the Zambezi’s southern bank, elephants have learned to stand on their hind legs to reach acacia pods, a behaviour seen in Mana Pools and passed between generations. Zimbabwe’s professional guides undergo Africa’s most rigorous licensing examinations, mastering the tracking of dangerous game on foot and the ecological systems that concentrate animals.

The guiding defines the country more than the landscape.

That training shows on every drive and every walk on foot. Hwange National Park covers 14,600 square kilometres. Mana Pools grants even greater solitude. Seasonal flooding draws wildlife from hundreds of kilometres, while sparse vegetation allows the visibility that makes walking safaris possible. The guiding defines the country more than the landscape.

Elephant standing on hind legs reaching into tree branches
White rhinoceros walking across dry savanna ground

In the 1990s, ranchers across the southeast began joining their lands into vast conservancies, removing cattle entirely to restore historical wildlife corridors. The Save Valley Conservancy now manages 750,000 acres as a single ecological unit. Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve tells the sharper story: from 28 black and 15 white rhinos reintroduced in 1998, the reserve now protects significant concentrations of both species, becoming a source population for restocking programmes across the continent.

Ranchers pulled the cattle off entirely and let the old wildlife corridors return.

CAMPFIRE, the community conservation programme, channels wildlife revenues directly to rural councils. It emerged because Zimbabwe lacked the resources for centralised management. Other nations now study the results.

The best time to visit zimbabwe

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Challenging conditions

June through October brings dry conditions that concentrate wildlife around permanent water, with May the cool, drying turn of the season. Hwange's pumped waterholes become magnets from July. September and October deliver exceptional predator activity as prey weakens, though the Zambezi Valley can exceed 40u00b0C. November's first rains transform the landscape, bringing migrant birds and newborn antelope, though some camps close until April. June through August offers comfortable temperatures ideal for walking.

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Areas to visit

Victoria Falls provides the gateway. Hwange National Park rewards patience with diverse habitats and reliable wildlife. Mana Pools offers the signature walking safaris along the Zambezi. Gonarezhou and Malilangwe in the southeast provide exclusive wildlife viewing. The Eastern Highlands suit active travellers seeking hiking and mountain scenery. Matobo Hills combines rock art, rhino tracking and cultural significance south of Bulawayo.

Lioness in profile against neutral sandy background 01

Hwange National Park
Guests wading in river beside towering sandstone cliffs, Gonarezhou & Malilangwe, Zimbabwe 02

Gonarezhou & Malilangwe
Young elephant with raised trunk in golden forest light 03

Mana Pools
Aerial view of massive waterfall cascading into river below 04

Victoria Falls
Fishermen silhouetted against sunset on shallow water boat, Changa Safari Camp, Matusadona National Park, Zimbabwe 05

Matusadona
Guests examining ancient rock art on stone wall, Amalinda Lodge, Matobo, Zimbabwe 06

Matobo

RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATION

Camps here emphasise location and guiding over luxury amenities. Traditional canvas tents under thatch remain the standard in national parks, often without electricity or running water but positioned for exceptional wildlife access. Private conservancies add night drives and off-road tracking. Family-run operations bring personal attention and local knowledge. A few luxury lodges concentrate in private reserves. Lake Kariba houseboats provide a distinctly local style.

Guest relaxing on wooden deck outside safari lodge, Nyamatusi Camp, Mana Pools, Zimbabwe 05

Nyamatusi Camp

Mana Pools
Elephant herd drinking at waterhole with lodge buildings at dusk, The Hide, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe 06

The Hide

Hwange National Park
Elephant reaching up to tree near safari lodge at dusk, Chikwenya Camp, Mana Pools, Zimbabwe 09

Chikwenya Camp

Mana Pools
Guests on walking safari observing elephants in savanna, Ruckomechi Camp, Mana Pools, Zimbabwe 10

Ruckomechi Camp

Mana Pools
Guests examining ancient rock art on stone wall, Amalinda Lodge, Matobo, Zimbabwe 12

Amalinda Lodge

Matobo
Riverside lodge tents surrounded by woodland at sunset, Old Drift Lodge, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe 17

Old Drift Lodge

Victoria Falls

frequently asked questions

A well-run private safari typically costs $800-1,500 per person daily including accommodation, meals, activities and park fees. Exclusive-use houses and luxury lodges in private reserves reach $1,500-3,000 per person daily. Costs typically include meals, activities, park fees and guiding throughout.

We recommend 8-12 days minimum. A classic itinerary includes 2-3 nights at Victoria Falls, 3-4 nights in Hwange, and 3-4 nights in Mana Pools or Malilangwe. Adding Matobo Hills or the Eastern Highlands requires another 2-3 nights. The distances between parks make shorter trips feel rushed.

Light aircraft charters connect major parks efficiently, though scheduled flights are limited to Victoria Falls, Harare and Bulawayo. Road transfers work well for Hwange (2 hours from Victoria Falls) and Matobo Hills (1 hour from Bulawayo). Mana Pools and Gonarezhou typically require charter flights. We arrange all internal logistics as road conditions and fuel availability can be challenging for self-drivers.

Zimbabwe suits experienced safari travellers seeking exceptional guiding and uncrowded parks. Walking safari traditions run as deep here as anywhere on the continent. The quality of sightings and time spent observing natural behaviour without vehicle crowds reward patience. Professional guiding standards are the highest on the continent, and the value is exceptional.

Lower visitor numbers mean less booking pressure than busier safari destinations. However, the best guides and intimate camps book out a year or more ahead for prime season (July-October). Green season (November-April) offers excellent availability and rates, though some camps close. Victoria Falls accommodates year-round visits, while remote camps may have limited accessibility during rains.

Botswana pairs naturally, particularly the Okavango Delta or Chobe, with Victoria Falls as the pivot point between the two. Lake Malawi offers a relaxed freshwater beach contrast after a bush-intensive itinerary. Mozambique's Bazaruto or Quirimbas archipelagos provide Indian Ocean time for those wanting sand and sea. South Africa's Cape Winelands work well as a bookend, with good flight connections through Johannesburg.

looking for inspiration?

Group enjoying sunset drinks on vast salt pan landscape, San Camp, Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana view

01 of 06

Zimbabwe & Botswana: The Falls, the Delta and the Pans

Twelve nights from Victoria Falls into Botswana, linking a walking concession, a permanent Delta lagoon and the salt pans.

  • Private Safari
  • From $24,480 pp
  • 2 guests
  • 12 nights
View Safari
Illuminated canvas safari tent at night in African bush, Hwange Bush Camp, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe view

02 of 06

Zimbabwe: Hwange and Mana Under Canvas

Nine nights in northern Zimbabwe, walking Hwange and Mana Pools by foot and canoe, finishing at Victoria Falls.

  • Private Safari
  • From $8,905 pp
  • 2 guests
  • 9 nights
View Safari
Elephant reaching up to tree near safari lodge at dusk, Mana Pools, Zimbabwe view

03 of 06

Zimbabwe & Botswana: Zambezi to the Okavango

Twelve nights from the Zambezi floodplain and Victoria Falls to Selinda's spillway and the Okavango's Gomoti channels.

  • Private Safari
  • From $22,955 pp
  • 2 guests
  • 12 nights
View Safari
Guests watching elephant bathing in waterhole from viewing platform, Delta Camp, The Okavango Delta, Botswana view

04 of 06

Zimbabwe & Botswana: Khwai Camping to Chief’s Island

Twelve nights from Victoria Falls to the Chobe and across Botswana's Okavango, by vehicle, boat, mokoro and on foot.

  • Private Safari
  • From $8,995 pp
  • 2 guests
  • 12 nights
View Safari
Couple relaxing on riverside deck with tree-lined banks, Old Drift Lodge, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe view

05 of 06

Zimbabwe: Mana on Foot and the Matobo Rhino

Twelve nights across Zimbabwe, from Victoria Falls and Mana Pools to Lake Kariba, Hwange and the granite of Matobo.

  • Private Safari
  • From $15,805 pp
  • 2 guests
  • 12 nights
View Safari
Guides approach elephant on safari walking tour view

06 of 06

Zimbabwe: Walking With Elephants

Twelve nights across Zimbabwe, from Victoria Falls and Mana Pools to Lake Kariba, Hwange and the granite of Matobo.

  • Private Safari
  • From $9,986 pp
  • 2 guests
  • 12 nights
View Safari
Group enjoying sunset drinks on vast salt pan landscape, San Camp, Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana Wooden riverside lodge on stilts surrounded by vegetation, Island Treehouse Suites, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe Canvas safari tent with extended awning in savanna landscape Elevated wooden lodge structures nestled among tall trees, Shinde, The Okavango Delta, Botswana Safari camp dining setup overlooking water at sunset, San Camp, Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana Riverside deck with loungers overlooking water and trees, Island Treehouse Suites, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe Canvas safari tent with bed and covered wooden deck, Kweene Trails, The Okavango Delta, Botswana Dining deck overlooking wetland with reeds and water, Shinde, The Okavango Delta, Botswana Illuminated safari tent under starlit sky at night, San Camp, Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana Modern wooden lodge structure built over river water, Island Treehouse Suites, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe Safari tent interior with beds overlooking savanna landscape, Kweene Trails, The Okavango Delta, Botswana Guests on wooden deck overlooking savanna at sunset, Shinde, The Okavango Delta, Botswana Canvas safari tent glowing at dusk with palm trees, San Camp, Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana

zimbabwe & botswana

The Falls, the Delta and the Pans

Twelve nights from Victoria Falls into Botswana, linking a walking concession, a permanent Delta lagoon and the salt pans.

  • Private Safari
  • From $24,480 pp
  • 2 guests
  • 12 nights
View Safari
Illuminated canvas safari tent at night in African bush, Hwange Bush Camp, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe Riverside camp at dusk with illuminated tent and large tree, Zambezi Expeditions, Mana Pools, Zimbabwe Safari lodge with canvas tent by riverbank at sunset, Old Drift Lodge, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe Elephant herd walking through savanna grassland with acacia trees Spacious tent bedroom with warm lighting and colorful bedding, Hwange Bush Camp, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe Tent camp setup overlooking river at sunset with lounge chairs, Zambezi Expeditions, Mana Pools, Zimbabwe Waterfront deck with pool overlooking river at sunset, Old Drift Lodge, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe Table set for dinner in African savanna at dusk, Hwange Bush Camp, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe Riverside safari camp at dusk with illuminated seating areas, Zambezi Expeditions, Mana Pools, Zimbabwe Outdoor bathtub on wooden deck overlooking water, Old Drift Lodge, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

zimbabwe

Hwange and Mana Under Canvas

Nine nights in northern Zimbabwe, walking Hwange and Mana Pools by foot and canoe, finishing at Victoria Falls.

  • Private Safari
  • From $8,905 pp
  • 2 guests
  • 9 nights
View Safari
Elephant reaching up to tree near safari lodge at dusk, Chikwenya Camp, Mana Pools, Zimbabwe Wooden riverside lodge on stilts surrounded by vegetation, Island Treehouse Suites, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe Person relaxing in hammock overlooking river, Selinda Explorers Camp, Selinda Reserve, Botswana Safari tent accommodation with warm interior lighting at dusk, Gomoti Plains, The Okavango Delta, Botswana Outdoor dining table set overlooking savanna landscape at dusk, Chikwenya Camp, Mana Pools, Zimbabwe Riverside deck with loungers overlooking water and trees, Island Treehouse Suites, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe Sandy campfire area with canvas tents and large trees at dusk, Selinda Explorers Camp, Selinda Reserve, Botswana Elephant walking through grassland at golden hour sunset, Gomoti Plains, The Okavango Delta, Botswana Spacious safari bedroom with canopy bed and open-air design, Chikwenya Camp, Mana Pools, Zimbabwe Modern wooden lodge structure built over river water, Island Treehouse Suites, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe Safari tent with wooden deck and canvas awning at sunset, Selinda Explorers Camp, Selinda Reserve, Botswana Illuminated main lodge building reflected in still water at dusk, Gomoti Plains, The Okavango Delta, Botswana

zimbabwe & botswana

Zambezi to the Okavango

Twelve nights from the Zambezi floodplain and Victoria Falls to Selinda's spillway and the Okavango's Gomoti channels.

  • Private Safari
  • From $22,955 pp
  • 2 guests
  • 12 nights
View Safari
Guests watching elephant bathing in waterhole from viewing platform, Delta Camp, The Okavango Delta, Botswana Elephants drinking at waterhole with lodge in background, The Wallow Lodge, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe Guests viewing wildlife from observation deck at waterhole, Chobe Savanna Lodge, Zambezi Region, Namibia Herd of elephants walking across dusty savanna plain Elephant approaches wooden viewing deck near waterhole, Delta Camp, The Okavango Delta, Botswana Dining table on wooden deck overlooking elephants, The Wallow Lodge, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe Waterfront deck at sunset with lounge chairs and river view, Chobe Savanna Lodge, Zambezi Region, Namibia Woman standing on wooden deck overlooking wetland landscape, Delta Camp, The Okavango Delta, Botswana Sunken deck with fire pit overlooking river and trees, The Wallow Lodge, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe Guests dining at sunset table overlooking water, Chobe Savanna Lodge, Zambezi Region, Namibia Person relaxing on wooden deck overlooking wetland landscape, Delta Camp, The Okavango Delta, Botswana

zimbabwe & botswana

Khwai Camping to Chief’s Island

Twelve nights from Victoria Falls to the Chobe and across Botswana's Okavango, by vehicle, boat, mokoro and on foot.

  • Private Safari
  • From $8,995 pp
  • 2 guests
  • 12 nights
View Safari
Couple relaxing on riverside deck with tree-lined banks, Old Drift Lodge, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe Rhinoceros grazing in savanna vegetation at golden hour Canvas safari tent under acacia tree with blue sky, Little Vundu, Mana Pools, Zimbabwe Elevated deck overlooking lake at dusk with dining setup, Bumi Hills Safari Lodge, Matusadona National Park, Zimbabwe Safari lodge with canvas tent by riverbank at sunset, Old Drift Lodge, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe Illuminated canvas safari tent at night in African bush, Hwange Bush Camp, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe Woman standing on wooden bridge walkway with valley views, Amalinda Lodge, Matobo, Zimbabwe Riverside lodge tents surrounded by woodland at sunset, Old Drift Lodge, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe Spacious safari tent bedroom with two beds and seating area, Little Vundu, Mana Pools, Zimbabwe Elevated deck overlooking water and landscape at dusk, Bumi Hills Safari Lodge, Matusadona National Park, Zimbabwe Spacious tent bedroom with warm lighting and colorful bedding, Hwange Bush Camp, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe Luxury bedroom with sheer canopy bed in round thatched structure, Amalinda Lodge, Matobo, Zimbabwe Waterfront deck with pool overlooking river at sunset, Old Drift Lodge, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe Twin beds in safari tent with canvas interior, Little Vundu, Mana Pools, Zimbabwe

zimbabwe

Mana on Foot and the Matobo Rhino

Twelve nights across Zimbabwe, from Victoria Falls and Mana Pools to Lake Kariba, Hwange and the granite of Matobo.

  • Private Safari
  • From $15,805 pp
  • 2 guests
  • 12 nights
View Safari
Guides approach elephant on safari walking tour Wooden riverside lodge on stilts surrounded by vegetation, Island Treehouse Suites, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe Canvas safari tent under acacia tree with blue sky, Little Vundu, Mana Pools, Zimbabwe Elevated deck overlooking lake at dusk with dining setup, Bumi Hills Safari Lodge, Matusadona National Park, Zimbabwe Illuminated canvas safari tent at night in African bush, Hwange Bush Camp, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe Woman standing on wooden bridge walkway with valley views, Amalinda Lodge, Matobo, Zimbabwe Riverside deck with loungers overlooking water and trees, Island Treehouse Suites, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe Spacious safari tent bedroom with two beds and seating area, Little Vundu, Mana Pools, Zimbabwe Elevated deck overlooking water and landscape at dusk, Bumi Hills Safari Lodge, Matusadona National Park, Zimbabwe Spacious tent bedroom with warm lighting and colorful bedding, Hwange Bush Camp, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe Luxury bedroom with sheer canopy bed in round thatched structure, Amalinda Lodge, Matobo, Zimbabwe Modern wooden lodge structure built over river water, Island Treehouse Suites, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe Twin beds in safari tent with canvas interior, Little Vundu, Mana Pools, Zimbabwe African elephants bathing and drinking at river waterhole

zimbabwe

Walking With Elephants

Twelve nights across Zimbabwe, from Victoria Falls and Mana Pools to Lake Kariba, Hwange and the granite of Matobo.

  • Private Safari
  • From $9,986 pp
  • 2 guests
  • 12 nights
View Safari
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Planning a journey together

our approach

remote, exclusive
& personal

Every journey starts with a conversation. We take the time to understand your vision before we start planning.

Whether by phone or in person, we work with you directly to shape something that is considered, personal, and expertly delivered.

Every journey starts with a conversation. We favour a direct, personal approach: understanding your vision before anything else.

Whether by phone or in person, we work with you directly to shape a journey that is both thoughtfully considered and expertly delivered.

Get in touch to start planning yours.

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