Zimbabwe

Land-locked Zimbabwe is about the size of California.  Two major rivers form its northern and southern boundaries; the great Zambezi River cuts along its northern frontier, while the more languid Limpopo forms the southern border with South Africa.  A country rich in history, culture and geography, many people choose to travel to Zimbabwe to visit one of the natural wonders of the world, Victoria Falls. This majestic sight provides a lush, rugged landscape bordering Zambia.  English serves as the official language in Zimbabwe, Shona and Sindebele are also spoken throughout the country.

Zimbabwe Malawi Mozambique Zambia Botswana HwangeNational Park Mana PoolsNational Park GonarezhouNational Park MatusadonaNational Park ChizariaNational Park ● Bulawayo Lake Kariba Harare Zambezi River Victoria Falls ● ● Livingstone Indian Ocean
Zimbabwe Highlights

Zimbabwe Accommodations

We work with a few select safari camps in prime wilderness areas of Zimbabwe and properties in Victoria Falls.  Let’s see which are best for you.  

Victoria Falls

We recommend at least two nights here to see Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world.  Some will want to combine this with a visit to the Falls on the Zambia side.  

Photo: Elephant Camp

Elephant Camp

This luxury and intimate lodge is located just 10 kilometers from Victoria Falls on a private concession.  There are stunning views of the Victoria Falls’ spray and the gorges which separate Zimbabwe and Zambia.  There are accommodations for 24 guests in under canvas suites and an additional four units in Elephant Camp West which are ideal for groups and families.  Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary and Orphanage is just next door.  Make time to meet the ambassador cheetah and participate in an elephant encounter where you can walk with them through the bush, getting to know about their individual personalities and the importance of conservation. 

Photo: Victoria Falls Hotel

Victoria Falls Hotel

Built by the British in 1904, the prestigious Victoria Falls Hotel is now a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. The location provides views over the famed Victoria Falls Bridge spanning the Batoka Gorge, and a private walking path to town and the entrance to visit the Falls. The sprawling property features many room types, several dining areas, pool, spa and lounges for relaxing.   

Photo: Great Plains Conservation

Mpala Jena Camp

Opened in 2018, Mpala Jena is an exclusive, luxury tented camp set in a private reserve in the Victoria Falls region.  The camp overlooks the Zambezi river and has just 4 tented suites and a sprawling 2-bedroom private villa. It has been created to be the most environmentally innovative camp within the Zambezi National Park and has its own solar farm. There are Moroccan style influences throughout.  The tents feature a small lounge, en-suite bathroom with tub, and private plunge pool.  The location makes for easy access to Victoria Falls town, but far enough away from the hustle and bustle to enjoy the wilderness setting.

Photo: More Properties

Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel

This luxury boutique hotel opens in November 2018.  Located just 15 minutes from the Falls, this becomes an ideal base for all  the activities offered in the area.  The property offers 16 luxury suites with two interleading family rooms, a kid’s program, gourmet restaurant and pool.  This is a family-owned and operated business with other properties in Southern Africa. 

Photo: Victoria Falls River Lodge

Victoria Falls River Lodge

Victoria Falls River Lodge is the first private game lodge to be built in the Zambezi National Park. Situated on the banks of the Zambezi River, this lodge is just a short car or boat ride away from the famous Victoria Falls. The five-star accommodations are in 13 luxury tents including some for families, four treehouse suites or two double-story treehouse suites with starbeds on their private island. Guests can participate in a significant variety of leisure and recreational activities. From river cruises, game drives and spa treatments, to off-site activities such as a plunge in the Devil’s Pool, white-water rafting, scenic helicopter flights, and canopy safaris.

Photo: Matetsi

Matetsi Victoria Falls

This family-owned property sits on a 136,000-acre private game reserve stretching 15 km along the Zambezi River, just 45 minutes from Victoria Falls. There is a private airstrip and helipad for transfers from the airport. The property offers superb local hospitality and exceptional amenities, from personal butlers, a massage sala, fitness center and lap pool to indoor and outdoor dining spaces, a wine cellar and library/boardroom. All accommodation is air-conditioned, with king beds, circular bathtubs, indoor and outdoor showers, private plunge pool & decks. There are 16 suites, two family suites, and a four-bedroom villa with a dedicated team (chef, butler, private guide, tracker, and vehicle).

Hwange National Park

Hwange National Park is home to some of southern Africa’s last great elephant, buffalo and sable herds. It is Zimbabwe’s largest park and most popular safari destination.

Photo: Dana Allen

Little Makalolo

Located in one of its best game viewing areas of Hwange, Little Makalolo has a waterhole that attracts impressive herds of buffalo and elephant especially in the dry season.  Game drives and walking safaris are done here.  The camp offers privacy and remoteness with just six traditional, spacious tents, including a family suite.  Solar power is used to heat water, ensuring a lighter environmental footprint.

Photo: Dana Allen

Linkwasha Camp

Linkwasha Camp sits in a private concession in Hwange’s south-eastern corner, close to the famed Ngamo Plains, which offer fantastic game viewing. The camp was rebuilt in 2015 and features contemporary interiors with an open-style design. Twelve en-suite tents and one family tent look out over the waterhole. The main area includes a pool area, various multi-level decks, and a library lounge.  

Davison's Camp

Davison’s is located within the boundary of Hwange National Park  so there is no off-road driving although night drives and guided walks are offered. There are nine Meru-style tents and one of them is a family unit. The main guest area leads out onto a fabulous pine deck and an open campfire area. The pool also looks out over the waterhole, while a small upper deck is an ideal location from which to watch wildlife by day and gaze at the stars by night.

Gonarezhou National Park

"Gonarezhou" means "Place of many Elephants.”  The park is in the remote southeast corner of Zimbabwe and is part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park (GLTP), a massive Pan-African Park that includes South Africa's famed Kruger National Park and Mozambique's Gaza. 

Photo: Singita Pamushana Lodge

Singita Pamushana Lodge

Singita Pamushana Lodge sits in the 130,000-acre Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve which is next to Gonarenzhou National Park.  This 5-star luxury lodge is one of Africa’s most remote hideaways.  From January to May 2018, the lodge will be closed for renovations.  Upon re-opening, the lodge will offer 8 suites—including the newly built two 2-bedtoom suites set a distance away from the main lodge.  The area is home to hundreds of baobab trees and an unrivalled gathering of birds with more than 500 species, including many raptors. Guests can also expect to see black and white rhino, cheetah, wild dog, lion, leopard and sable.  There are a variety of different suites and a five-bedroom villa for exclusive use.  The remote location makes this a long-stay safari lodge. 

Mana Pools National Park

Mana Pools is on the Zimbabwe side of the mighty Zambezi River. This lush area draws abundant wildlife which can be viewed from water and land.

Photo: Dana Allen

Ruckomechi Camp

Ruckomechi Camp is situated in Mana Pools National Park and looks out from the banks of the mighty Zambezi River.  The camp is shaded by acacia and mahogany trees and features ten spacious en-suite tents, including a honeymoon suite, all of which overlook the river. Each tent has both indoor and outdoor showers, heated by solar geysers. The central dining, bar, library and lounge areas face the escarpment, and there is a separate deck with an infinity pool for swimming and sunbathing, and an inviting, cushion-strewn star gazing deck.

Travel Information

When to go to Zimbabwe

May to August is the dry season with warm days and cool temperatures at night and early morning.Game viewing is excellent.  September to October tend to be hot and dry before the rains which come in November and last through March.  The water level of the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls is lower between August and January.

Passport & Visa for Zimbabwe

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry to Zimbabwe. Tourist visas are required and can be obtained on arrival.  A single entry visa costs $30 and is valid for 30 days.

For further information:  The Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe in Washington, D.C. & U.S. State Department

 

Medical Information for Zimbabwe

Before traveling to Africa, please consult with your physician. An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving in Zimbabwe from countries where yellow fever is present. The certificate must be obtained no less than ten days prior to your arrival. This applies to all travelers over one year of age (unless they have a valid waiver).  Depending on where you will be in the country, you may need a malaria prophylaxis.

For further information:  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-Zimbabwe