Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe isn’t on most people’s list of places to go on safari. But we think it should be. It offers raw, untamed wilderness, world-class guiding, and some of Africa’s most unforgettable wildlife experiences, all without the crowds.
Here are some of the reason we think it should be on your safari itinerary.
Incredible Wildlife Without the Crowds
Zimbabwe has some of the most pristine national parks in Africa, but it’s less touristy than places like Kenya or South Africa. That means you’ll get intimate wildlife experiences without being surrounded by other people. And you can see all the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo), along with wild dogs, cheetahs, hippos, and tons of spectacular birdlife – there are more than 400 species in the park.
Home to Hwange National Park
This is Zimbabwe’s largest park (bigger than Yellowstone) and because of its size, the park has different ecological zones — from semi-desert scrub to teak forests and open savannah. That diversity is what makes game drives and safaris in Hwange feel different each day. One moment you’re tracking lions across golden grasslands, and the next you’re beneath the shade of towering trees, watching elephants silently emerge from the forest. The changing landscapes attract a huge variety of wildlife, making every game drive feel like a new adventure. It’s this constantly shifting scenery — and the sense that anything could happen around the next bend — that make it such a gem.
Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe shares this wonder with neighboring Zambia)
You can combine a classic safari with one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Hwange is only 2 hours by road from the Falls. While the area is known for its adrenaline activities—bungee jumping, whitewater rafting, and helicopter rides—we love it for the Zambezi River—think sunset cruises while watching elephants on the riverbanks and floating past pods of hippos.
Walking Safaris with Expert Guides
It takes a lot to become a walking guide, and the Zimbabwean guides go through some of the toughest training in Africa. That means your guides are super knowledgeable and have done rigorous training to keep you safe. You can do walking safaris in several of the parks, getting up close (and respectfully distant) to wildlife on foot. If you’re game, spend a night or two walking between camps – sleeping out in the wild under the stars. It’s rustic, intimate, and deeply connected to the landscape — with just enough comfort to keep it magical (and safe)
Untamed, Raw, and Beautiful – Some of the Other Parks in Zimbabwe
Mana Pools National Park – UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for elephants that stand on their hind legs to reach trees.
Matobo Hills – mystical granite formations and rhino tracking on foot.
Gonarezhou – remote and wild, perfect for hardcore safari lovers.
Great Value
One of Zimbabwe’s best-kept secrets is just how much value it offers compared to other top safari destinations. While the experience rivals (and often exceed) that of neighboring countries like Botswana or South Africa, the cost is often significantly lower — especially when it comes to luxury lodges, private guiding, and all-inclusive safari packages.
Whether you’re staying in an elegant tented camp overlooking a waterhole or enjoying a private walking safari led by one of Africa’s top guides, you’ll find that Zimbabwe delivers high-end experiences without the sky-high price tag. That means more personalized service, smaller camps, and longer stays — all for less than what you'd typically pay elsewhere.
For travelers who want to experience the authentic magic of the bush without compromising on comfort, Zimbabwe is a seriously smart choice.