Zimbabwe is home to an array of fantastic value and exceptional safari lodges. Here, you get some of the best guiding, wildlife and overall safari experience in Southern Africa but for half the price as its neighbour Botswana. We would really recommend Zimbabwe for this reason! It is also a really off the beaten track safari adventure, as the parks are quiet and you still get the private concession feel as with the Okavango Delta. Lodges range from $700 per person per night up to $1,350 per person per night, so Zimbabwe caters for a good range of budgets. However, there is not necessarily a super glamorous option in Zimbabwe – the lodges go from authentic style safari camps, to classic, old school permanent safari lodges. There is no show-stopping or modern luxury here, so if this is a priority and you have deeper pockets, we would suggest Botswana.

The best authentic and great value safari lodges in Zimbabwe


Two of the very best authentic safari camps in Zimbabwe are located in Hwange National Park - The Hide and Davisions which cost $700 per person per night. Both are tented camps and offer an exceptional yet very authentic safari experience – all the comforts you need; excellent beds, cosy rooms, good food and dining, excellent service and the guiding is fabulous. If you like to feel as though you are truly in the wilderness, and are after that classic old school safari experience without the added mod-cons, then these lodges are perfect.
 

The best classic safari lodges in Zimbabwe


The lodges at the top end of luxury in Zimbabwe are the Wilderness Safaris properties; in Hwange there is Linkwasha at $1,260 per person per night as well as Little Mackalolo at $990 per person per night. In Mana Pools you have Ruckomechi at $1,172 per person per night, and Chikwenya at $1,352 per person per night. These lodges could not quite be called “barefoot luxury” as in their essence, they are authentic safari camps reminiscent more of the old school safari romance, rather than being obviously luxurious. The luxury comes in the quality of guiding, service and overall safari experience.

Little Mackalolo is probably the most rustic of these which is reflected in the price – though the camp is an excellent one, and an office favourite. Then you have Ruckomechi, which is really captures the romance of safari in its interiors, and barefoot comfort. We love it. Then, Linkwasha and Chickwenya, which are the more luxurious it gets in Zimbabwe. They are tastefully done, and are extremely comfortable camps, though they do not match with high end luxury in Botswana. Perfect for travellers who don’t want to fork out a huge amount, but still like a few mod cons like a communal pool to relax in after a long day of safari.
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Batonka guest lodge - Victoria Falls
Just 2.2 kilometres from the famous Victoria Falls Rainforest entrance and 1km from the town centre itself, Batonka Guest Lodge is a new small intimate lodge situated in the quiet residential suburb of Victoria Falls. A lovely small owner run property that ticks all the boxes for a home away from home and has become a firm favourite with Africa odyssey clients. 
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    Cost: $190
    Bumi Hills - Lake Kariba
    Visitors to Lake Kariba are usually attracted by the exceptional fishing or the renowned game viewing of the Matusadona National Park on the shore. The unique, elevated situation of Bumi Hills provides guests with stunning views of this vast lake and all the comforts expected of a safari lodge. 
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    Cost: $650
    Changa Safari Camp - Lake Kariba
    A superb offering on the shores of Lake Kariba, Changa Safari Camp is set in a private concession with beautiful views over the Matusadona Mountains. With kilometres of private shoreline, the ability to relax on the sand with a sundowner after a days safari is something rather unique for a safari camp.
     
    Changa is set approximately 40km South West of Kariba Town, overlooking the vast Lake Kariba. Best described as simple yet luxurious Changa Safari Camp really is superb value.
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    Cost: $400
    Chikwenya - Mana Pools
    Since it opened in October 2018, Chikwenya has proved itself to be a really exciting addition to Mana Pools. Set on the eastern Mana Pools border, it is a world away and very much off the beaten track. Remaining wholly luxurious, Chikwenya is an excellent pick for the seasoned safari goer and truly a phographer's paradise.
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    Cost: $1,288
    Davisons Camp - Hwange
    This camp is rather rustic and lacks many of the mod cons. The water hole is a hive of game activity which most of the tents overlook. There are few camps that you can watch such an abundance of game right from your tent veranda.

    Davisons Camp lies deep in Hwange National Park, in the south-eastern Linkwasha Concession - one of the best game viewing areas of the entire Park. It is a classic African tented camp, with the units tastefully hidden beneath a grove of false mopane trees, overlooking a waterhole and open plain.
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    Cost: $667
    Ilala Lodge - Victoria Falls
    Ilala Lodge sits in an excellent spot with magnificent views. It’s a wonderful lodge and very convenient for visiting the falls and activities. It is also situated close to local shops, curio markets and restaurants. It’s a great place to stay in Vic Falls town.
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    Cost: $220
    Kanga - Mana Pools
    Located in a very isolated area eep within Mana Pools National Park, Kanga Bush Camp is named after the pan it overlooks. Arguably some of the best game viewing in Mana Pools, the sheer diversity of game that comes to the pan is incredible, with some guests choosing not to leave the main area, but just to sit and watch.
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    Cost: $1,073
    Linkwasha Camp - Hwange
    Linkwasha - 4+.  Well on it's way to excellence!  Tent redesign needs to be done to create cross ventilation. - D Chechile
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    Cost: $1,149
    Themba and Bee were such awesome hosts. The staff is also so congenial and so wonderfully helpful. The campos is stunning and the staff wonderful providing both comfort anf really good food. The game was fantastic with lions andn large herds of buffalo and elephants!

    - R. Tilson
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    Cost: $908
    Matetsi River Lodge - Victoria Falls
    Perfectly in tune with Matetsi Private Game Reserve’s pristine habitats, the exclusive andBeyond Matetsi River Lodge offers a safari oasis that combines an exceptional wildlife experience and 27km (17 miles) of private Zambezi River frontage with easy access to the majestic Victoria Falls.
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    Cost: $265
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