Over the past few years Zimbabwe has rightly reclaimed its place as a premier safari destination. Zimbabwe is a truly rewarding and very accessible travel destination which offers diverse landscapes, spectacular scenery, UNESCO World Heritage sites, free-roaming wildlife and the world-famous Victoria Falls.
Not sold Zimbabwe before? We have everything you need to help you understand how to pitch it correctly. We’ve detailed everything below from why, when and who should visit Zimbabwe, to The Ultimate Zimbabwe Tour itinerary. Plus we’ve linked our latest blog which delves further into useful tips on how to inspire your customers to visit this breathtaking destination, ensuring they have an unforgettable trip.
Zimbabwe is known for having exceptional guiding with many surrounding countries sending their guides here due to the rigorous training required to obtain a guiding licence in Zimbabwe. It is a country brimming with warm, friendly people and has some of the most untouched and impressive wilderness areas on the continent, from the peaceful shores of Lake Kariba to the imposing elephant herds of Hwange and of course the breathtaking majesty of Victoria Falls.
The climate here can best be described as sub-tropical and there are outdoor experiences to be enjoyed year-round depending on where you go. However, there are some things worth noting for planning a trip to Zimbabwe. During the months of November to April, heavy rainfall sees camps in the Mana Pools region close for the season, being located on the lower reaches of the Zambezi River, this area becomes mostly wetland during this time. For those who want to see the ‘Smoke that Thunders’ in all it’s glory, the Falls are in full flow from May to August with a staggering 500 million litres of water falling on average every minute at its peak – July and August offer prime photography opportunities with the flow being at medium strength and therefore creating less spray to capture the perfect shot.
Adventurers, nature enthusiasts, safari aficionados, conservationists and anybody with a curiosity for history and culture, Zimbabwe ticks off several top attractions for many different travellers. Outside of Victoria Falls which is very family friendly, Zimbabwe is better suited to families with older children as activities like guided bush walks in the national parks and canoeing in Mana Pools do have age restrictions. A must mention for photographers has to be golden hour at Lake Kariba where the lighting and colours can rival any African sunset.
Zimbabwe has good international air access as well as a comprehensive internal flight network made up of scheduled and charter flights. The most popular connections are via Johannesburg and Kruger Mpumalanga with Fastjet and Airlink. Harare is a perfect gateway for Lake Kariba and Mana Pools and is serviced by carriers including Emirates and Qatar. While Zimbabwe can comfortably be sold as a standalone destination, it also makes for a great combination with South Africa or with Zambia and Botswana, both of which are easily connected by land transfer.
Zimbabwe is wonderfully diverse with something for everyone as the animal-rich lands make the country an ideal choice for safari enthusiasts, and the breathtaking natural attractions are guaranteed to impress those who make the journey.
Ultimate Zimbabwe – 11 NIGHTS – PRICES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST
This mesmerising journey around Zimbabwe gives an insight into some of the most raw and authentic safari and wildlife experiences Southern Africa has to offer. Zimbabwe is widely celebrated for the quality of guiding and the thrill and intimacy of walking safaris. What’s more, our carefully curated circuit itinerary includes complimentary scheduled flight transfers between camps.
DAYS 1 – 2
Victoria Falls
Batonka Guest lodge
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Batonka Guest lodge is set in lush gardens, a tranquil haven away from the hustle and bustle of town but within walking distance of the main attractions.The main lodge offers indoor and outdoor dining, a cosy lounge and beautiful verandah opening out onto the surrounding gardens. The lodge offers an elegant, but contemporary style encompassing Victoria Falls’ colonial past and African flavour.
Begin your journey with a two night stay in Victoria Falls. This charming town draws visitors from across the world attracted by the UNESCO World Heritage site of the falls themselves, one of the largest and most well-known waterfalls in the world. Locally referenced as ‘The Smoke That Thunders’, the powerful spray generated from the 108-metre drop can at times be visible from miles away, and the area is a mecca for adrenaline seeking adventurers. A short distance from the town is Batonka Guest Lodge, a boutique property with balcony clad rooms overlooking lush green gardens offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle.
DAYS 3 – 5
Hwange National Park
DAYS 6 – 8
Accommodation
Changa Safari Camp
Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe
On the shores of Lake Kariba, the camp’s eight luxury tents blend beautifully into their untamed surrounds, each with spectacular views of the outstretched water and Matusadona mountains unfolding beyond. A truly immersive safari experience awaits.
Travel to Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest reserve, renowned for diverse landscapes and a high concentration of wildlife. The area’s rich biodiversity lends itself to exceptional game viewing.
Your stay for the next three nights will be at The Hide Safari Camp, which is located on a private concession within the park ensuring an intimate and exclusive experience. Activities range from twice daily game drives and guided bush walks to exciting wildlife viewing opportunities from the camp’s strategically placed hides, and the Dove’s Nest Treehouse makes for an unforgettable evening spent sleeping under the stars surrounded by nature. The commitment to personalised service and conservation shines through every aspect of a stay at this family run camp.
DAYS 6 – 8
Lake Kariba
Changa Safari Camp
Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe
On the shores of Lake Kariba, the camp’s eight luxury tents blend beautifully into their untamed surrounds, each with spectacular views of the outstretched water and Matusadona mountains unfolding beyond. A truly immersive safari experience awaits.
The next leg of your trip takes you to the shores of Lake Kariba, one of the largest man-made lakes in the world and positioned on Zimbabwe’s northern border with Zambia. Here, you will stay at Changa Safari Camp, the epitome of a remote African wilderness retreat. The lakeside setting of course sets you up for incredible boat and fishing expeditions, or you can explore Matusadona National Park by foot or on drives in your 4×4. Tented accommodations are designed to merge seamlessly with the surrounding landscape and the camp emphasises gourmet cuisine served up in a range of stunning locations. With a strong focus on providing tranquillity and a deep connection with nature, Changa Safari Camp offers a truly memorable experience that captures the heart of the African bush.
DAYS 9 – 12
Mana Pools National Park
John’s Camp
Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe
John’s Camp offers an authentic and intimate stay, exceptional service, outstanding guiding and stunningly beautiful views across a floodplain to the Zambezi River and the Zambian escarpment in the distance. The camp is set up in April each year in a semi-permanent site, where it remains until November when it is dismantled for the season.
This ultimate Zimbabwean adventure concludes at Mana Pools, another of the country’s world heritage sites and home to four of the Big Five with rhino not being found in this area. Beautiful, wild and remote, Mana Pools is synonymous with the Zambezi River, breathtaking photographic light, exciting canoeing excursions and some of the best walking safari available anywhere in Africa. Mana is also famous for its population of bull elephants who have adapted to being able to rear up on their back legs to reach the tall tree branches.
