What is the best time to visit Victoria Falls?

February–May for maximum water flow (the "Smoke that Thunders" at its most dramatic). September–December for the best views of the gorge when water levels drop. Year-round for activities.

What makes Mana Pools special?

Mana Pools is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Africa's premier walking safari destination. It's one of the only places where you can walk freely among wildlife without fences. The albida forest creates a cathedral-like setting.

Can I combine Victoria Falls with a safari?

Absolutely! The classic combo is Victoria Falls + Hwange (3 hours drive) + Mana Pools (fly-in). We also combine Vic Falls with Chobe (Botswana) and Livingstone (Zambia).

Do I need a visa for Zimbabwe?

Most visitors need a visa. Single entry ($30) available on arrival for many nationalities. The KAZA UniVisa ($50) covers both Zimbabwe and Zambia — perfect for Victoria Falls.

Why are Zimbabwe's lodges such good value?

Zimbabwe offers world-class safari experiences at significantly lower prices than Botswana or Tanzania. Luxury lodges in Hwange and Mana Pools are 30–50% cheaper than equivalent properties in neighboring countries.

Zimbabwe safari — Victoria Falls & Beyond

🇿🇼#7 Safari Destination

4.7(1,500 reviews)

Zimbabwe Safari Guide

Victoria Falls & Beyond

Victoria Falls — the Smoke that Thunders. Mana Pools is UNESCO-listed & the best walking safari in Africa. Hwange rivals Chobe for elephant herds. Best value luxury lodges.

Victoria FallsWalking SafarisHwange ElephantsMana Pools

Best: May – Oct

Victoria Falls

World's largest waterfall

Walking Safaris

Best in Africa (Mana Pools)

Big Five

✅ All five

Value for Money

★★★★★

Elephant Herds

40,000+ in Hwange

UNESCO Sites

5 sites

Discover

Why Zimbabwe Stands Out

Unforgettable facts that make Zimbabwe one of Africa's premier safari destinations.

🌍

Victoria Falls is the largest waterfall in the world by combined width (1,708m) and height (108m)

🦁

Mana Pools is one of the only places in Africa where you can walk freely among elephants

🏔️

Hwange National Park has over 40,000 elephants — one of the largest populations in Africa

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Zimbabwe has more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other southern African country

✨

The Zimbabwe bird, found at Great Zimbabwe ruins, appears on the national flag and currency

“Walking on foot through Mana Pools, an elephant feeding 10 meters away, our guide whispered stories of the bush. Zimbabwe is raw, real safari at its finest.”

Tom & Caroline Anderson

Mana Pools & Hwange Safari — Zimbabwe safari traveller

Climate & Nature

Weather & Wildlife

Know what to expect when visiting Zimbabwe — seasons, temperatures, and the incredible animals you'll encounter.

☀️

Dry Season

May – Oct (Peak Safari)

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Summer Temp

25–35°C

💧

Victoria Falls

Best: Mar–May (Full Flood)

🌧️

Rainy Season

Nov – Mar

Iconic Wildlife of Zimbabwe

The incredible animals you might encounter on your safari adventure

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Elephant

🦁

Lion

🐃

Buffalo

🦏

White Rhino

🐆

Leopard

🐕

Wild Dog

🦛

Hippo

🐊

Crocodile

🐾 Big Five🐾 40🐾 000+ Elephants in Hwange🐾 Wild Dogs🐾 Painted Wolves

Timing Is Everything

Best Time to Visit Zimbabwe

May–October for safari. February–May for peak Victoria Falls. August for best wildlife.

Explore

Zimbabwe's National Parks

Explore the protected wilderness areas and national parks that make Zimbabwe a world-class safari destination.

Hwange NP

Zimbabwe • National Park

Mana Pools

Zimbabwe • National Park

Matobo Hills

Zimbabwe • National Park

Gonarezhou

Zimbabwe • National Park

Popular Activities

Walking SafarisCanoe Safaris on ZambeziBungee Jumping at Vic FallsHelicopter FlightsFishing on Lake Kariba

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Curated Journeys

Top Safari Packages

Handpicked safari experiences in Zimbabwe, designed for unforgettable encounters with Africa's greatest wildlife.

Best Seller

Victoria Falls & Hwange Safari

6 Days / 5 Nights

$$3,200

per person

Experience the "Smoke that Thunders" at Victoria Falls, then journey into Hwange — Zimbabwe's largest park with massive elephant herds and painted wolf packs.

Victoria Falls guided tourHwange Big Five game drivesSunset Zambezi cruisePainted wolf (wild dog) tracking

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Arrive Victoria Falls

Arrive at Victoria Falls Airport. Guided tour of the Falls — one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Victoria Falls Activities

Choose your adventure: helicopter flight, bungee jump, zipline, or white-water rafting on the Zambezi.

Transfer to Hwange

Drive to Hwange National Park. Afternoon game drive. Hwange hosts 100+ mammal species and over 400 bird species.

Full Day Hwange

Dawn and dusk game drives through Hwange's diverse habitats — teak woodlands, grasslands, and ancient pans.

Hwange Walking Safari

Morning walking safari with armed rangers. Afternoon final game drive focusing on predators.

Departure

Transfer to Victoria Falls Airport for your departure.

What's Included

Park & Falls entry feesLuxury lodge accommodationAll meals & local drinksGame drives & activitiesVictoria Falls transfers

Where To Stay

Top Luxury Lodges

Handpicked luxury safari lodges and camps in Zimbabwe — where wilderness meets world-class hospitality.

Conservation Pioneer

Singita Pamushana

Malilangwe Reserve, Zimbabwe

Set in the private 130,000-acre Malilangwe Reserve, Pamushana overlooks a dam teeming with wildlife. One of Southern Africa's most important conservation stories.

130,000-acre private reserveRhino conservation projectDam-side infinity poolRock art excursions

From $$1,800/night /night

Plan Your Budget

Safari Cost Estimator

Average daily costs for a Zimbabwe safari, from budget-friendly to ultra-luxury experiences.

Mid-Range

$200–450

per person / day

IncludesPrivate game drives, Vic Falls activities, lodges

Accommodation4-star lodges, tented camps

Per 7 Days$1,400–3,150

Average daily budget: $200–600 mid-range per person

Before You Go

Travel Essentials

Everything you need to know before your Zimbabwe safari — visas, vaccinations, currency, and what to pack.

Visa

Visa on arrival ($30 single, $45 double entry). KAZA UniVisa ($50) for Zimbabwe + Zambia.

Vaccinations

Yellow Fever if from endemic country. Hep A & B, Typhoid recommended. Malaria prophylaxis essential.

Currency

USD is primary currency for tourists. ZiG (Zimbabwe Gold) also in use.

Languages

English, Shona, Ndebele

Safety Rating

4.0/5 — Safe in tourist areas

Best Time

May – Oct

Safari Packing List

Neutral safari clothingClothing

Rain poncho (Vic Falls spray!)Clothing

Waterproof sandals (Vic Falls walk)Clothing

Warm layers for walking safarisClothing

Sun hat & sunglassesClothing

BinocularsGear

Waterproof phone pouchGear

Universal adapter (Type G)Gear

Anti-malaria tabletsHealth

Sunscreen SPF50+Health

Insect repellentHealth

Passport + visa/KAZA UniVisaDocuments

Travel insuranceDocuments

USD cash (primary currency)Extras

DaypackExtras

Questions Answered

Zimbabwe Safari FAQ

Common questions about planning your Zimbabwe safari adventure — answered by our Africa travel experts.

Zimbabwe's tourist areas (Victoria Falls, Hwange, Mana Pools) are very safe with excellent guides and lodges. Victoria Falls town is one of the safest tourist destinations in southern Africa.