Zimbabwe is our Southern Africa choice for an avid safari-goer who does not want to break the bank for an African safari. The guiding is unquestionably the best in the whole of Africa, the game equals anything else on the continent and the private concessions means you can get all the privacy and intimacy of a Botswana safari, but quite literally, at half the price. Zimbabwe should be on the seasoned safari goers hit-list as it offers one of the best safari experiences in Africa.
Many years ago Zimbabwe used to be our largest market, and it is fantastic to see interest in this wonderful country rising again. The dollarisation of the country has made an enormous difference, as has investment in infrastructure - Wilderness Air now flies the routes that Air Zimbabwe used to fly (from the Falls and Harare to Hwange, Mana and Kariba). We’re delighted once again to be sending guests to Zimbabwe on safari.
1. Remote and truly wild, the private concession areas in Zimbabwe have some really amazing accommodation options to explore this canvas of wildlife and beautiful scenery from. The private concessions mean you feel alone in the wilderness, and offers a really personalised safari.
2. Diversity in activities is a real plus for a Zimbabwe safari. Lake Kariba means that you do not have to travel far at all for a welcomed relaxing break from safari with many other activities on offer. Also, fishing at Mana Pools is not to be missed – this is one of the world's most rewarding destinations for tiger fishing.
3. The guiding is the best throughout the whole of Africa. Anyone who has been on walking safaris or game drives before will know how very important it is to have a good guide on your safari - they will be your tour guide throughout your stay, and the Zimbabwean guides' knowledge and interest in the African bush makes the whole experience hugely more rewarding and worthwhile.
4. As previously stated - we cannot stress enough how much you get for your money in Zimbabwe in comparison to a more expensive, and similar itinerary from the Okavango Delta in Botswana or Zambia. You do not have to compromise accommodation luxuries for good game viewing spots, which makes the whole safari more memorable.
5. Victoria Falls. Yes we know the World Heritage Site it’s not a traditional wildlife-viewing spot, but it occupies a well-deserved space on almost every Zimbabwe itinerary and it’s just so incredible that we have to include it in our top 5! Activities like bungee jumping, white-water rafting and sunset cruises are our favourite activties here.
Why choose Zimbabwe for your safaris?
1. Remote and truly wild, the private concession areas in Zimbabwe have some really amazing accommodation options to explore this canvas of wildlife and beautiful scenery from. The private concessions mean you feel alone in the wilderness, and offers a really personalised safari.
2. Diversity in activities is a real plus for a Zimbabwe safari. Lake Kariba means that you do not have to travel far at all for a welcomed relaxing break from safari with many other activities on offer. Also, fishing at Mana Pools is not to be missed – this is one of the world's most rewarding destinations for tiger fishing.
3. The guiding is the best throughout the whole of Africa. Anyone who has been on walking safaris or game drives before will know how very important it is to have a good guide on your safari - they will be your tour guide throughout your stay, and the Zimbabwean guides' knowledge and interest in the African bush makes the whole experience hugely more rewarding and worthwhile.
4. As previously stated - we cannot stress enough how much you get for your money in Zimbabwe in comparison to a more expensive, and similar itinerary from the Okavango Delta in Botswana or Zambia. You do not have to compromise accommodation luxuries for good game viewing spots, which makes the whole safari more memorable.
5. Victoria Falls. Yes we know the World Heritage Site it’s not a traditional wildlife-viewing spot, but it occupies a well-deserved space on almost every Zimbabwe itinerary and it’s just so incredible that we have to include it in our top 5! Activities like bungee jumping, white-water rafting and sunset cruises are our favourite activties here.
Which are the best safari lodges in Zimbabwe?
- Hwange: Linkwasha is a new build by Wilderness, based in Hwange National Park in a private concession area. With it's own waterhole in "the garden" so you can admire the fantastic wildlife from the comfort of this stylish and contemporary lodge.
- Mana Pools: Another all-time favourite of ours is the safari camp Ruckomechi, which is in a private concession area bordering Mana Pools. As well as being a classic, it offers some ofAfrica's most amazing walking safaris and canoeing. You will have an extremely diverse, intimate and one-of-a-kind safari here with the possibility of seeing some of the park's wild dog population.
- Lake Kariba: Look no further than the view from Bumi Hills which is absolutely stunning. It's raised positions serves the lodge extremely well. You can also enjoy the best fishing around, as well as many adventurous pursuits for those looking for different safari experiences.
- The Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve: Pamushana is located in one of the most interesting flora and fauna spots in Zimbabwe. For those who are not only seeking big cat sightings, it is well worth staying here for the dramatic and unusual up-side-down baobab trees and the rare and magnificent black rhino.
