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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Zambezi Expeditions - Mana Pools
Our View
As per the other Expeditions camps run by Africa Bush Camps, Zambezi Expeditions is an excellent yet simple option along the banks of the Mana Pools National Park. The camps has a unique feel and strcuture and is styled similarly to the East African mobile tented camps instead of your typical Southern Africa permanent camps.
Our Rating:
Cost: $1,073
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