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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 here (and in Zambia) is unquestionably the best in the whole of Africa, the game equals anything else on the continent and the quiet parks mean you can get all the intimacy of a Botswana safari, but at half the price.
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.
Linkwasha is a new build by Wilderness, based in a private concession area of Hwange National Park. With its own waterhole in "the garden" so you can admire the fantastic wildlife from the comfort of this stylish and contemporary lodge.
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 an old time favourite, it offers some of Africa's most amazing walking safaris and canoeing. You will have an extremely diverse and intimate safari here.
For Lake Kariba, look no further than the view from Bumi Hills which is absolutely stunning. The raised position serves the lodge extremely well with unbelievable views. 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.
Zimbabwe safari activities are wide ranging! You could be walking in Mana Pools in the morning, boating in the evening and setting off again in your open-sided vehicle the next day and camping out under the starts that night. Perhaps the main attraction in terms of quality activities is the walking safaris here, which are unbeatable across the continent. The guiding is superb! Zimbabwe also has great tiger fishing opportunities on the Zambezi river.
Other activities to be enjoyed at Victoria Falls include bungee jumping, rafting, canoeing, boating, exploring Livingstone Island… The list goes on!
Most people do not travel to Zimbabwe without visiting the Victoria Falls for a few days. Other than this, there are numerous options for other places to visit, including the bright lights of Cape Town. You can go to a beach with a difference and hop over to Lake Malawi for some relaxation and excellent water sports. You may decide you would like to sip on the finest wines and eat some Michelin Star food in the fabulous Cape Town. You could venture further afield for a real beach extravaganza in the Seychelles or Mauritius, or slightly closer to home with Mozambique’s white sandy shores.
If you are looking for primarily and safari and beach combination though, and are not interested in Victoria Falls or Cape Town, then we would recommend an East Africa safari as it is a lot easier and cheaper to combine safari with beach here.
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 offer an intimate safari experience.
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.
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 passion makes the whole experience hugely more enjoyable.
As previously stated - we cannot stress enough how much you get for your money in Zimbabwe in comparison to a more expensive Botswana. You do not have to compromise accommodation luxuries for good game viewing spots in Zimbabwe.
Victoria Falls occupies a well-deserved space on almost every Zimbabwe itinerary. Activities like bungee jumping, white-water rafting and sunset cruises are our favourite things to enjoy here.
With the removal of the Zimbabwean Dollar in 2009, the country has adopted a multi-currency system for payments. Hard currencies such as US Dollars (no specific series), GBP Sterling, Euros and South African Rand are accepted widely and you are encouraged to carry small denominations for ease of trade. All the safari lodges and hotels in Zimbabwe are priced in USD.
Zimbabwe offers a real range of accommodation options where safari prices start at around $350 per person per night and go right up to $1,500 per person per night. Whilst on safari, the rate includes all your game viewing activities, meals and drinks plus all park fees - no nasty hidden costs to worry about! We would arrange your internal flights which as a guide, costs about $250 to $350 per flight per person.
Introducing Odyssey Explorer
Welcome to our new itinerary-building app! Odyssey Explorer allows you to browse a range of popular itinerary templates and tailor them to suit your budget and tastes. Once you are happy with your route template, Odyssey Explorer gives you the freedom to select and change your accommodation in each destination. It is an excellent tool for you to get an instant price for your dream trip before you work with a Tanzania expert to fine-tune it and make it into a reality.
When to go to on safari in Zimbabwe is a tricky question to answer, there are so many factors to consider. As a general guide, the best time (and peak season) is from July to September. This is peak season because the rains have passed and the dry season is in full swing meaning game viewing is excellent.
However, this being said, there are particular pros and cons for each season, depending on the type of safari you are after! So please do call one of our experts to discuss a Zimbabwe further.
Zimbabwe’s geography, diverse landscapes and habitats mean that a varied and exciting itinerary can be arranged without lugging yourself on a long flight, and it is easy to access other Africa countries from.
Walking safaris are brilliant here, but if you are looking for other activities outside of your safari experience then why not give bungee jumping a go to get the blood pumping, or more sedate options such as canoeing or fishing. There is so much to do, it would be a shame to waste it!
Zimbabwe has some of the best quality safari experiences in Africa and in terms of value for luxury it is one of the hardest to beat. So if you do not want a private experience at an amazing price then Zimbabwe is perfect.
A Zimbabwe safari is easy to get to. Whether you are arriving from Victoria Falls, a city and wine break in Cape Town or getting an international flight directly from home, a great Zimbabwe safari is accessible from anywhere.
A very happy new year to you. Just wanted to let you know that we had a great time over new year! It was wonderful being back in Zimbabwe and was utterly magical .. Linkwasha is best camp we’ve ever stayed at! Saw tons of game, including lion, leopard, cheetah and a wild dog kill! Spectacular.
I would have no hesitation in recommending Africa Odysey to organise an experience, as our Zimbabwe Safari was totally well organised, we were met and supported at each stage and it was great value for money.
These guys really know the ins and outs of Africa and put together a trip of a life time for our safari to Zimbabwe. Thanks so much- We cannot wait until we return!
Edward Ward at Africa Odyssey arranged a safari for us in Zimbabwe. It was just what we wanted. Lots of animal viewing in three lovely small camps. All the arrangements were perfectly coordinated with no glitches. We would definitely recommend them and use them again.
They planned several trips for me. Always very helpful, kind and knowledgeable. The best accomodation and organisation. I trust this company completely and would recommend it to everybody.
