Safari Holidays to Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe Safari Holidays
Zimbabwe is a land of dramatic landscapes, iconic wildlife, and warm hospitality. From the mighty Victoria Falls to the untamed reaches of Hwange and the ancient ruins of Great Zimbabwe, this southern African gem combines history, wilderness, and unforgettable safari experiences.
With fewer crowds than its neighbours, Zimbabwe offers safaris that are raw, intimate, and incredibly rewarding. Whether you’re cruising the Zambezi River or tracking lions in open savannah, our Zimbabwe safari holidays deliver wild adventure in style.
A Selection of our Zimbabwe Safari Holidays
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When is the Best Time to Go on Zimbabwe Safari Holidays?
The ideal time for a safari in Zimbabwe is during the dry season from May to October.
Wildlife is easiest to spot in this period as animals gather around rivers and waterholes.
Clear skies, warm days, and minimal rain make for comfortable game drives and walking safaris.
The green season (November to April) brings lush landscapes and spectacular birdlife. While game viewing can be more challenging due to thick vegetation, it’s a beautiful time to visit for photographers and birders.
What Wildlife Can You See on xxxx Safari Holidays?
Zimbabwe is home to a stunning range of wildlife — from elephants and lions to elusive leopards and African wild dogs. Hwange National Park alone hosts over 100 mammal species and is famous for its large elephant herds and predator populations.
You’ll also have the chance to spot buffalo, cheetah, hippo, crocodile, giraffe, and zebra, along with over 650 bird species including fish eagles, rollers, bee-eaters, and hornbills.
For truly immersive encounters, Zimbabwe’s walking safaris and canoe trips offer thrilling proximity to nature guided by some of Africa’s most respected rangers.
Top Safari Destinations in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe’s national parks are diverse, scenic, and teeming with life. Here are the top places we recommend exploring:
Hwange National Park
Zimbabwe’s largest and most iconic safari park is home to huge elephant herds, big cats, wild dogs, and over 400 bird species. Its varied terrain of savannah, woodland, and waterholes ensures exceptional game viewing all year round.
Mana Pools National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mana Pools is famed for walking safaris and canoeing along the Zambezi. Expect up-close encounters with elephants, lions, and hippos against a backdrop of floodplains and ancient trees.
Matobo Hills National Park
This dramatic landscape of granite outcrops is home to both black and white rhino, and offers unique rhino-tracking experiences on foot. It’s also steeped in cultural heritage and sacred to the local Ndebele people.
Matusadona National Park
Situated on the shores of Lake Kariba, Matusadona offers remote wilderness experiences, where boating safaris and walking trails reveal the quieter side of Zimbabwean wildlife.
Victoria Falls & Zambezi National Park
As well as seeing one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, the surrounding Zambezi National Park offers exciting game drives, river cruises, and adventure sports like white-water rafting.
The Types of Zimbabwe Safari Holidays That We Offer
At Awake in the Wild, we build your Zimbabwe safari around your interests, pace, and travel style:
- Walking Safaris – Track wildlife on foot in the footsteps of expert guides.
- Canoe Safaris – Paddle quietly along the Zambezi, eye-level with hippos and elephants.
- Traditional Game Drives – Explore remote areas of Hwange and Mana Pools with expert trackers.
- Victoria Falls Extensions – Pair your safari with adventure and scenery at the “Smoke That Thunders.”
- Cultural Extensions – Add time exploring the ruins of Great Zimbabwe or meeting local artisans.
Why Book Your Zimbabwe Safari Holiday with Awake in the Wild?
We believe Zimbabwe deserves more recognition — and we’re here to help you see why. With Awake in the Wild, you’re not just booking a safari.
You’re supporting expert guides, community-owned camps, and conservation projects that make a real impact.
Our trips are ATOL and PTS protected, meaning your holiday is secure from the moment you book.
Whether you're walking alongside elephants in Mana Pools or cruising Lake Kariba at sunset, we'll tailor your journey to create something meaningful, immersive, and unforgettable.
Where to Stay on a Zimbabwe Safari
Zimbabwe’s lodges range from rustic bush camps to refined riverside retreats — always with a focus on intimacy, sustainability, and incredible guiding.
Many camps are owner-run and conservation-focused, creating safari experiences that feel personal and immersive.
Whether you want to wake up beside the Zambezi or sleep under the stars in Hwange, our hand-picked accommodation puts you at the heart of the wilderness — often with only a handful of guests per camp.
Combine Your Safari With...
Zimbabwe connects easily with other destinations to extend your adventure:
- Botswana’s Okavango Delta – A luxurious contrast to Zimbabwe’s walking and canoe safaris.
- South Africa – Add time in Cape Town, the Winelands, or Kruger for variety and culture.
- Victoria Falls – Perfect for adrenaline, river cruises, or simply soaking in the spectacle.
- Lake Kariba – Enjoy houseboat safaris or laid-back fishing trips on Africa’s largest man-made lake.
Travelling from the UK to Zimbabwe
Travelling from the UK to Zimbabwe is simple with a range of one-stop flight options from London Heathrow and other UK airports. Most routes connect via Johannesburg, Addis Ababa, or Doha, with arrivals into either Harare, Victoria Falls, or Bulawayo, depending on your safari itinerary.
Victoria Falls Airport is ideal for safaris in Hwange National Park or combining your trip with Zambia or Botswana, while Harare suits those heading east to Mana Pools or the Eastern Highlands. Typical travel times range from 13 to 18 hours, depending on the connection.
We’ll help you choose the best route and coordinate internal flights, transfers, and border crossings to make your journey to Zimbabwe smooth and well-matched to your tailor-made safari.
Start Planning Your Zimbabwe Safari Holiday
Are you ready to experience safaris the way they were meant to be — wild, respectful, and connected?
Call us today or complete our online enquiry form and let’s start crafting your Zimbabwe safari with Awake in the Wild.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to visit Zimbabwe from the UK?
Yes. UK passport holders require a visa to enter Zimbabwe, which can be obtained on arrival or via the eVisa platform. A single-entry visa typically costs $55 USD, with multi-entry options available.
When is the best time to go on safari in Zimbabwe?
The dry season (May to October) is best for game viewing, as animals concentrate around waterholes and rivers. The green season (November to April) offers lush landscapes and exceptional birdwatching, though wildlife can be harder to spot.
Is Zimbabwe a safe place to travel?
Yes, Zimbabwe is generally safe for tourists. Political situations have stabilised in recent years, and tourist areas like Hwange, Victoria Falls, and Mana Pools are well-managed and welcoming.
Can I visit Victoria Falls as part of my safari?
Absolutely. Victoria Falls is a popular entry or exit point for Zimbabwe safaris. Many of our trips include time at the Falls, with options for cruises, hikes, or adrenaline activities.
Are Zimbabwe safaris suitable for families?
Yes, though Zimbabwe is often best suited to older children due to walking and canoe options. Several lodges offer family-friendly accommodation, private guides, and tailored activities for younger travellers.
What kind of accommodation can I expect?
Zimbabwe offers a mix of small luxury lodges, mobile camps, and riverside retreats. Most focus on intimacy, expert guiding, and eco-friendly operations — with many offering just a few tents or rooms.
Is Zimbabwe good for first-time safari travellers?
Yes, particularly if you’re looking for something more authentic and less commercial. Zimbabwe’s top parks are well-run, and the guiding is world-class — ideal for those seeking a deeper wildlife experience.
Can I see the Big Five in Zimbabwe?
Yes, although rhinos are primarily found in Matobo Hills or protected reserves. You can still spot lions, leopards, elephants, and buffalo in major parks like Hwange and Mana Pools.
Are walking safaris safe?
When led by Zimbabwe’s highly qualified professional guides, walking safaris are both thrilling and safe. These guides undergo some of the most rigorous training in Africa, ensuring a high standard of safety and interpretation.
How do I get to Zimbabwe from the UK?
There are no direct flights from the UK, but convenient connections are available via Johannesburg, Nairobi, Doha, or Addis Ababa to Victoria Falls, Harare, or Bulawayo. We’ll plan your itinerary around the best routing options.
