Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s professional guides are among the best trained in Africa, its parks are wild and uncrowded, and it is often better value than its neighbours. It deserves far more attention than it gets.

Mana Pools

A UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Zambezi, opposite Zambia’s Lower Zambezi. Open woodland of winterthorn and mahogany on the floodplain makes it one of the great places to walk among elephants, and the river offers superb canoeing. Wild dog are regularly seen.

Hwange

Zimbabwe’s largest national park, a short drive from Victoria Falls, with a very large elephant population and good predator viewing. Pumped waterholes concentrate wildlife in the dry season, and private concessions offer quieter game drives and walking.

Gonarezhou

In the remote south-east, Gonarezhou — “place of elephants” — has dramatic red sandstone cliffs, big rivers and very few visitors. It has been revitalized through a long-term conservation partnership and is one of the region’s great wilderness secrets.

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is shared with Zambia. Zimbabwe’s side has more viewpoints facing the main falls and is well worth a day visit, but we recommend basing yourself in Livingstone, on the Zambian side, for Livingstone Island, Devil’s Pool and the quiet upper-Zambezi lodges. Read our Victoria Falls guide.

When to go

June to October is the main safari season, getting hotter and drier towards October. Many travelers combine Zimbabwe with Zambia using the KAZA UniVisa — check current entry requirements before booking. See when to go.