Ask someone to rattle off Africa's great safari destinations, and they'll say Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, and South Africa. Zimbabwe rarely makes that first breath, and that is exactly why we love it.
Fewer crowds. Legendary guides. Wildlife encounters that will haunt you in the best possible way. And Victoria Falls thundering at the gateway of it all. Zimbabwe doesn't ask for your attention. It earns it.
Why Zimbabwe Now?
Zimbabwe has been quietly building one of the finest safari offerings on the continent. Investment in private conservancies, world-class guiding standards, and a commitment to ethical, authentic wildlife experiences have produced something genuinely special. Those who have come back. Those who haven't are missing out.
"Zimbabwe guides are among the best in Africa. Full stop. The walking safari culture there runs deep; these are people who grew up with the bush and who share that knowledge like a gift. It changes how guests experience wildlife forever." - Brett Horley, BHS
The Highlights: Where to Go in Zimbabwe
Hwange National Park
Zimbabwe's largest national park and one of Africa's great wildlife strongholds, Hwange is best known for its extraordinary elephant population. During the dry season, thousands of elephants converge on the park's waterholes, creating some of the most memorable wildlife spectacles on the continent.
But Hwange is far more than an elephant destination. Lion, leopard, cheetah, and one of Africa's healthiest populations of African wild dogs all thrive here. The diversity of habitats, from teak forests to open grasslands and ancient pans, creates exceptional year-round game viewing.
For BHS guests, Hwange offers a classic safari experience delivered with Zimbabwe's legendary guiding standards. Whether walking with expert guides, spending afternoons at productive waterholes, or enjoying intimate campfire evenings beneath the stars, Hwange embodies everything that makes Zimbabwe so special.
Mana Pools National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa's most iconic wilderness areas, Mana Pools offers something increasingly rare in modern safari travel: freedom.
Set along the southern banks of the Zambezi River, Mana is a landscape of ancient albida forests, seasonal floodplains, and meandering river channels. Elephants famously stand on their hind legs to feed beneath the trees, while lions, wild dogs, buffalo, and hippos move through the floodplain with remarkable ease.
What truly defines Mana Pools, however, is its walking culture. Few places in Africa allow guests to experience wildlife at eye level in quite the same way. Accompanied by some of the continent's finest guides, every walk becomes an exercise in awareness, learning, and connection to the natural world.
For many seasoned safari travellers, Mana Pools isn't simply a destination. It's a place they return to again and again.
"Mana Pools is a religious experience for me. The light at dawn, the sound of the river, the feeling that you are genuinely in the wild with no fence between you and everything else. I take guests there and watch them transform." - Jo Cooper, BHS Guide
Victoria Falls
No Zimbabwe itinerary feels complete without experiencing Victoria Falls.
Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, "The Smoke That Thunders" - Victoria Falls is one of the largest waterfalls on Earth and undoubtedly one of Africa's most iconic natural wonders. The Zimbabwean side offers the most expansive views, allowing visitors to experience the full width and power of the falls.
Beyond the waterfall itself, Victoria Falls serves as a hub for adventure and exploration. Sunset cruises on the Zambezi River, helicopter flights over the gorge, canoeing, cultural experiences, and exceptional dining all enhance the experience.
For those seeking a more exclusive stay, nearby safari areas such as Matetsi Private Game Reserve offer the perfect combination of luxury safari and easy access to the falls, creating one of Southern Africa's most rewarding safari extensions.
Matusadona & Lake Kariba
Remote, beautiful, and often overlooked, Matusadona remains one of Zimbabwe's best-kept secrets.
Bordering the vast waters of Lake Kariba, the park combines classic wildlife viewing with a sense of tranquillity that is increasingly difficult to find elsewhere. Elephant, lion, buffalo, and leopard roam the shoreline while fish eagles call across the water from dead trees rising dramatically from the lake.
Lake Kariba itself is an experience unlike anywhere else in Africa. Houseboat safaris drift through hidden bays and flooded forests, offering a slower pace of exploration where sunsets seem to last forever, and wildlife appears along the shoreline throughout the day.
For travellers seeking something beyond the traditional safari circuit, Kariba and Matusadona offer a wonderfully different perspective on Zimbabwe, quieter, more intimate, and deeply atmospheric.
When to Go to Zimbabwe
May through October is the dry season and peak safari time. Wildlife concentrates around waterholes, and the bush is open enough for exceptional viewing. September and October are hot but exhilarating, water sources shrink, and predator-prey dynamics intensify.
The green season (November to April) brings out Zimbabwe's extraordinary birdlife, lush landscapes, and excellent photographic light. Mana Pools during the green season is a particular passion of ours.
Combine Zimbabwe With...
Zimbabwe pairs beautifully with several of Southern and East Africa's most iconic safari destinations.
Botswana is the most natural extension, with Chobe National Park sitting just across the border from Victoria Falls. Combining Hwange's exceptional guiding and walking safaris with the waterways of the Chobe River and the Okavango Delta creates one of Africa's classic safari circuits.
Zambia offers another compelling combination, particularly for travellers drawn to walking safaris. Pairing Mana Pools with South Luangwa creates a journey built around two of Africa's most celebrated wilderness areas and guiding traditions.
For those seeking greater diversity, South Africa can add world-class wine regions, Cape Town, and private reserves to a broader Southern African itinerary, while East African destinations such as Kenya or Tanzania can be combined for travellers wanting both classic savanna safaris and Zimbabwe's more intimate, conservation-led experiences.
At BHS, we regularly design multi-country journeys that balance wildlife, landscapes, pace, and seasonality to create seamless African adventures tailored to each guest.
FAQs About Zimbabwe Safaris
Why is Zimbabwe considered one of Africa’s best safari destinations?
Zimbabwe offers exceptional guiding, uncrowded safari experiences, and some of the most authentic wildlife encounters on the continent. It combines raw wilderness with a deeply rooted safari culture.
What is the best safari destination in Zimbabwe?
Hwange National Park and Mana Pools are Zimbabwe’s standout safari regions. Hwange is famous for elephants and predators, while Mana Pools is renowned for walking safaris and its wild, untouched atmosphere.
Is Zimbabwe good for walking safaris?
Absolutely. Zimbabwe is widely regarded as one of Africa’s finest walking safari destinations, with highly trained guides and a long-standing culture of exploring the bush on foot.
When is the best time to visit Zimbabwe?
The dry season from May to October offers the best game viewing, with wildlife gathering around water sources. September and October are especially exciting for predator activity.
Can you combine Victoria Falls with a Zimbabwe safari?
Yes, and it’s one of the best safari combinations in Africa. Victoria Falls pairs perfectly with Hwange National Park, which is only a short transfer away.
What animals can you see in Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe is home to elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, wild dog, cheetah, hippo, crocodile, and an incredible diversity of birdlife, particularly around Mana Pools and Lake Kariba.
What makes Mana Pools so special?
Mana Pools offers one of Africa’s last truly wild safari experiences. Walking safaris, canoeing on the Zambezi, and close wildlife encounters create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else on the continent.
Is Zimbabwe suitable for first-time safari travellers?
Yes. Zimbabwe works beautifully for both first-time safari guests and seasoned Africa travellers, especially those looking for exceptional guiding, fewer crowds, and a more authentic safari experience.
Ready to Plan Your Zimbabwe Safari?
We know these camps. We know these guides. We know where the wildlife sightings are unforgettable and which experiences truly define Zimbabwe. Reach out to the BHS team; we'd love to help you plan the Zimbabwe safari you've always imagined.
For more information or to begin planning your journey, contact us at hello@bhs-safari.co.
