Home to the Majestic Victoria Falls: Zimbabwe’s Crown Jewel

Zimbabwe is also home to the breathtaking natural phenomenon of Victoria Falls – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. This magnificent spectacle, where water from the legendary Zambezi River cascades 108 meters into the gorge below across a span of 1708 meters, offers a dramatic backdrop for the ultimate African adventure. Beyond its sheer visual splendor, Victoria Falls serves as a hub for adrenaline-pumping activities, such as bungee jumping, white-water rafting, and helicopter flights over the falls, catering to thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike. The area surrounding the falls is rich in biodiversity, hosting unique flora and fauna and providing habitats for various endangered species, adding another layer of intrigue to this iconic destination.

Exploring Zimbabwe’s Diverse Safari Destinations

Zimbabwe’s safari landscape extends beyond the well-trodden paths to Victoria Falls, offering a rich variety of destinations, each with its unique charm and wildlife spectacles.Hwange National Park, the largest in Zimbabwe, is renowned for its large elephant population, offering visitors the chance to observe these majestic creatures in their natural environment. Mana Pools National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provides a truly wild safari experience with its unspoiled natural beauty and opportunities for canoe safaris along the Zambezi River, allowing close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and a plethora of bird species. Gonarezhou National Park, part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, is a haven for adventurers seeking a more secluded safari experience, with its rugged landscapes, diverse wildlife, and the iconic Chilojo Cliffs offering breathtaking views. These destinations, each presenting a distinct slice of Zimbabwe’s natural heritage, underscore the country’s status as a premier safari destination, promising adventures that are as diverse as the landscapes themselves. Here is our detailed overview:

Mana Pools National Park: A Wilderness Unleashed

Set along the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, Mana Pools National Park is celebrated for its untouched wilderness and exceptional opportunities for up-close wildlife encounters. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is uniquely characterized by its four main pools, remnants of ancient river channels, around which an extraordinary diversity of animals congregates, especially during the dry months.

Mana Pools is one of the few places on Earth where visitors can experience walking safaris, offering an unparalleled sense of immersion in the natural world. The presence of the Zambezi River adds an aquatic dimension to the safari experience, with canoe safaris providing intimate views of hippos, crocodiles, and a multitude of bird species, enhancing the sense of adventure in this wild, untamed paradise.

Hwange National Park: Zimbabwe’s Largest Safari Treasure

Hwange National Park, sprawling over an expansive territory, stands as Zimbabwe’s most extensive national park and a beacon for wildlife enthusiasts around the world. This sanctuary is not only celebrated for its substantial elephant herds, which rank among the largest on the continent, but also for providing a spectacular display of these gentle giants in their natural setting. The sight of these majestic animals moving in large numbers across the landscape is nothing short of awe-inspiring, offering a unique insight into the complex social structures and behaviors of African elephants.

But the allure of Hwange extends far beyond its famous elephant populations. The park is a haven for a diverse array of wildlife, including, but not limited to, formidable lions, elusive leopards, and a variety of rare and interesting species of antelope, such as the sable and the roan. This creates a vibrant ecosystem for visitors to explore, with each game drive or walking safari offering the potential for new and exciting encounters.

The landscapes within Hwange National Park are as varied as the wildlife that inhabits them, ranging from semi-desert scrubs on the edge of the Kalahari, through vast savannah plains, to dense teak forests in the north. This mosaic of environments not only enriches the safari experience but also offers guests myriad environments in which to track and observe wildlife, providing ever-changing backdrops for breathtaking photography and intimate wildlife observations.

Moreover, the presence of seasonal waterholes scattered throughout the park transforms these sites into bustling hubs of animal activity, especially in the dry season when water becomes a scarce resource. These waterholes provide a lifeline for the wildlife and a unique opportunity for visitors to witness the interaction of different species as they come to drink and bathe. From the mighty elephants and buffalo to the smaller, equally fascinating creatures of the African bush, Hwange’s waterholes are focal points for the drama of the wilderness to unfold.

Hwange National Park’s commitment to conservation and its role in the preservation of Zimbabwe’s wildlife heritage make it not just a destination for safari-goers but also an important sanctuary for the protection of species and their habitats. With initiatives aimed at combating poaching and promoting sustainable coexistence between humans and wildlife, Hwange stands as a testament to the beauty and resilience of Zimbabwe’s natural world.

Gonarezhou National Park: Zimbabwe’s Secluded Wilderness

Gonarezhou National Park, which translates to “Place of Elephants,” is an emblem of Zimbabwe’s rugged beauty and untamed spirit. This vast expanse of wilderness is part of the larger Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, a conservation area that transcends national borders to include parts of Mozambique and South Africa. Gonarezhou is distinguished by its dramatic landscapes, featuring towering baobabs, sheer cliffs, and the iconic Chilojo Cliffs, offering visitors breathtaking panoramic views.

The park’s isolation ensures a more solitary safari experience, where one can venture through diverse habitats, from riverine forests to mopane woodlands, in search of elephants, lions, cheetahs, and the elusive African wild dog. Gonarezhou’s remote beauty and rich biodiversity make it a destination for those seeking a deeper connection with Africa’s wild heart.

Safari in Zimbabwe: When to go

Zimbabwe has a tropical climate, moderated by altitude, and can be visited anytime of the year. Deciding when to go will depend on personal preference and interests however with mild temperatures and virtually no rain the Dry Season tends to be the most popular time to visit. Here’s a few things to consider when planning your journey:

Wet Season in Zimbabwe (November to April)

Clear blue skies, lots of sunshine and virtually no rain make this the peak season for visitors. Due to less density of the local vegetation during this time of year, adventurers looking to view wildlife will readily spot animals gathering around waterholes and rivers. Those that are wanting to visit Victoria Falls will also find this the ideal time, as waters run mid to low meaning there is less spray and views are clearer. Also, the lower the water level the wilder the rapids and the white-water rafting! Also, Devils Pool (in Zambia) is only accessible in the dry season.
During October, it can be quite warm during the day in the low-lying areas, with temperatures well above 32 degrees (Celsius), however it gets cold at night and in the mornings.

Dry season in Zimbabwe (May to October)

Low season in Zimbabwe, rains are mostly contained to short afternoon showers. The scenery is green, lush and spectacular and dramatic afternoon electrical storms can occur creating an ideal backdrop for photographs. It is during this season that many animals give birth meaning there tends to be plenty of opportunity to see newborn animals. Whilst bird watching is at a high during these months, game viewing is more difficult since there is vegetation is thicker and animals no longer rely on water holes.
From October to December the flow of the Zambezi River is at its lowest and Victoria Falls might just be a just a trickle in the very dry years.