Unpacking Zim – a must-love safari favourite
Incredible scenery, World Heritage Sites, prolific game viewing and warm and friendly people. These are just some of the many things to love about Zimbabwe. And when you add to this its world-renowned reputation for guiding, and relative accessibility, the motivation starts to stack up further.
We dip into some of the reasons to visit Zimbabwe on an upcoming safari.
Committed to conservation
Zimbabwe has a long and respected safari legacy. Superb guides, versed in land, water and walking safari make it an enriching wildlife experience. But its commitment to conservation runs deeper – this is something embedded in the very fabric of its tourism industry.
As part of two huge cross-border parks – the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA) which includes Victoria Falls, Hwange and Lake Kariba; and the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park which includes Gonarezhou – Zimbabwe’s cross-national cooperation with its neighbours to restore and preserve natural habitats and migratory routes demonstrates a longterm dedication to the sustainability and biodiversity of the region.
A country with a rich safari, art and adventure culture
With both an art heritage thousands of years old and a thriving creative culture, Zimbabwe is one of the best places to view ancient rock art and superb contemporary handcraft. But it’s not just the culture and history fundis who will find a trip here worthwhile.
Zimbabwe is also one of the best places to go for an adrenaline rush or outdoor exertion. Game drives, walking safaris, canoeing, boating and birdwatching are all popular pursuits in this part of the world. And visitors to Victoria Falls can take the action up a notch with helicopter rides over the falls and white-water rafting.
Varied landscapes & accommodation
The mix of habitats found within Zimbabwe’s borders means high biodiversity. The country boasts two World Heritage Sites – Victoria Falls and Mana Pools – but the scope and variety of its landscapes go well beyond these two iconic locations.
From the rugged rocky landscape and leopards of Matobo, to the plentiful plains of Hwange, the peaceful isolation of southern Zimbabwe’s Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve and Gonarezhou National Park, and the idyllic waterways of Mana Pools and Lake Kariba, this is a safari destination that offers the full spectrum of scenery and experiences.
To go along with the varying settings, are various ways to experience them. Zimbabwe offers a wide range of accommodation types – from luxury lodges and seasonal mobile camps, to houseboats.
Pick your moment
With mild temperatures, virtually no rain and a low malaria risk, the dry May to October winter season is generally considered the best time to visit Zimbabwe for game viewing, although September and October are extremely hot and dry. The best time to travel to Victoria Falls however is at the end of the summer rainy season, when the Falls are in full flood, between April and May for the most dramatic viewings.
If you want to see Victoria Falls when the water is still high and have a good land safari experience, then aim for around May. As a result, May is considered peak season in Zimbabwe and rates will be higher, so it’s best to book up to a year in advance for this time of year.
Let us share our love of Southern Africa
Our passion for Southern African travel and extensive experience in the region make us your go-to for insights into Zimbabwe. Let us help you design the ultimate itinerary for travel to this beautiful country.
