Zimbabwe offers an unforgettable safari experience, brimming with diverse landscapes and rich wildlife. A standout feature of a Zimbabwean safari is the exceptional quality of guiding. Guides here undergo rigorous training and exams, ensuring you have an insightful and enriching experience. This expertise brings the bush to life, from understanding animal behaviors to identifying tracks and bird calls.
The country’s varied terrain includes everything from the lush riverbanks of Mana Pools and the expansive grasslands of Hwange National Park to the dramatic rock formations of Matobo Hills. This diversity supports a wide range of wildlife, making every game drive a new adventure. You might find yourself watching elephants play in the water one day and tracking lions through the savannah the next. The thrill of seeing these animals in their natural habitat is unparalleled.
Water-based activities add another dimension to safaris in Zimbabwe. Canoeing along the Zambezi River, you can quietly glide past hippos and crocodiles, or perhaps spot an elephant taking a drink. Houseboat safaris on Lake Kariba offer a relaxing way to view wildlife, as you drift along, enjoying the scenery and the animals that come to the shore.
Walking safaris in places like Mana Pools are a special highlight. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of being on foot in the bush, with an expert guide leading the way. It’s a chance to learn about the smaller details of the ecosystem that you might miss from a vehicle. Bird watching is also superb, with a stunning variety of species to spot in the diverse habitats of Victoria Falls and beyond.
Cultural experiences enrich your safari, too. Visiting local communities and historical sites such as Great Zimbabwe provides insight into the country’s heritage and adds depth to your adventure. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins or engaging with local traditions, these experiences complement the natural wonders of Zimbabwe, making your safari truly comprehensive and enriching.
Choose your Trip
Looking to plan the ultimate safari experience, but don’t know where to start? With the help of our experienced and knowledgeable travel experts, you can plan the trip of a lifetime with ease.
Every safari is custom planned, according to your personal wishes, requirements and budget.
Below are some of the more popular destinations in Zimbabwe, however, many other destinations are also available and will be discussed and suggested to you, based on your requirements and dream safari. Let’s make it happen!
A Zimbabwe safari offers an incredible mix of untamed wilderness, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes. Home to some of Africa’s best game reserves, Zimbabwe boasts world-class wildlife viewing in Hwange National Park, renowned for its massive elephant herds and thriving predator populations. The Mana Pools National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers unforgettable canoe safaris along the Zambezi River, where hippos, crocodiles, and elephants roam freely.
No visit to Zimbabwe is complete without witnessing the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, where visitors can enjoy scenic helicopter flights, river cruises, and adrenaline-fueled activities. With expert guiding, fewer crowds, and exceptional wildlife encounters, Zimbabwe delivers a raw and unforgettable safari adventure.
In January, Zimbabwe’s landscape is lush and vibrant, thanks to the summer rains. The bush is thick, making wildlife sightings more challenging, but the scenery is breathtaking, especially for photographers and birdwatchers. Migratory birds are in abundance, and the presence of newborn animals adds a special charm to the experience.
Afternoon thunderstorms are common, creating dramatic skies, and the parks are less crowded, offering a peaceful safari. Although the dense vegetation can make game viewing unpredictable, the rich greenery and flourishing wildlife make January a beautiful time to explore Zimbabwe’s national parks.
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February continues with the green season, where the landscape remains lush and alive with activity. The dense bush still makes spotting wildlife a bit tricky, but the rewards are worth it, especially with many animals still caring for their young.
Birdwatching is excellent, and the parks are tranquil with fewer visitors. Predators can often be seen near water sources, and the dramatic landscapes, paired with vibrant birdlife, make February a great month for those who appreciate the natural beauty of Zimbabwe.
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March sees the tail end of the rainy season, with fewer showers and a landscape that remains green and vibrant. The bush begins to thin slightly, improving the chances of spotting wildlife, though the scenery remains stunning.
As water sources are still plentiful, animals are dispersed, but patient safari-goers will find plenty to enjoy, from excellent birdwatching to the lush surroundings. March is ideal for those seeking a blend of beautiful landscapes and quieter parks.
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April marks the transition into the dry season, with rains subsiding and the landscape starting to dry out. Wildlife becomes easier to spot as the bush thins, and animals begin to gather around waterholes.
The mild temperatures make it comfortable for game drives and walking safaris, and the high water levels at Victoria Falls offer a spectacular view. April provides a balance of lush scenery and increasing wildlife visibility, making it a great time to visit.
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In May, the dry season is in full swing, with clear skies and cooler temperatures. Wildlife sightings become more frequent as animals congregate around shrinking water sources, making this an excellent time for game viewing.
The cooler evenings and lower mosquito presence enhance the safari experience, making it ideal for walking safaris and night drives. May is the beginning of the peak safari season, offering some of the best opportunities to see Zimbabwe’s big game.
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June brings the start of winter, with cool days and chilly nights. The dry conditions make for exceptional game viewing as wildlife gathers around waterholes, and the thinning bush improves visibility.
This is a great time for exploring Zimbabwe’s diverse landscapes, from Hwange’s vast plains to the scenic Zambezi River. The comfortable weather allows for full-day excursions, making June a top choice for a Zimbabwe safari.
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July is one of the peak months for safari in Zimbabwe, with the dry season at its height. Wildlife is highly concentrated around water sources, and the cool temperatures make game drives comfortable.
The sparse vegetation enhances visibility, making it easier to spot predators and large herds of elephants and buffalo. July is also a perfect time for photography, with clear skies and bright days offering excellent lighting conditions.
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August continues with prime wildlife viewing as animals remain concentrated around limited water sources. The temperatures warm up during the day, but nights remain cool, providing a pleasant balance.
This month is ideal for visiting Mana Pools, where walking safaris offer close encounters with diverse wildlife. August’s dry, dusty conditions create an atmospheric backdrop for thrilling safari adventures in Zimbabwe’s most famous parks.
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September is hot and dry, with wildlife highly visible as animals gather around the few remaining waterholes. The heat can be intense, but the excellent game viewing opportunities make early morning and late afternoon drives particularly rewarding.
Victoria Falls, with lower water levels, reveals more of its geological wonders, offering dramatic views. September combines great wildlife sightings with breathtaking landscapes, making it a standout month for safari enthusiasts.
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October is the hottest month in Zimbabwe, with temperatures soaring. Despite the heat, wildlife viewing is at its peak as animals are desperate for water, leading to intense activity around waterholes.
This month offers thrilling opportunities to see predators in action and is also perfect for night drives, where cooler temperatures bring out nocturnal animals. The dramatic sunsets and active wildlife make October an exciting time for a Zimbabwe safari.
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November marks the beginning of the short rainy season, with occasional showers bringing a welcome relief from the heat. The first rains rejuvenate the landscape, turning it green and vibrant once again.
While wildlife is still concentrated around water sources, the scenery begins to change, and the impala birthing season attracts predators. November offers a mix of the dry season’s game viewing with the freshness of the early rains, creating a dynamic and rewarding safari experience.
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December is in the heart of the rainy season, with lush green landscapes and abundant water sources. Although wildlife viewing can be more challenging due to thick vegetation, it’s an excellent time for birdwatching as many species breed and display vibrant plumage.
The parks are quieter, providing a more tranquil safari experience, and the dramatic thunderstorms add an exciting element to the adventure. The lush scenery and the sight of newborn animals make December a unique and beautiful time to visit Zimbabwe.
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Roaming Tales
We share our safari experiences, tips and stories to inspire and guide you in your own wanderlust adventures. From hidden gems to popular safari destinations, we showcase the beauty and diversity of Southern Africa, and promote responsible and sustainable travel.
Situated in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, adjacent to the Kruger National Park, Elephant Plains Game Lodge offers comfortable, stylish and affordable luxury. The lodge accommodates a maximum of 24 guests, which ensures personal service in a warm, friendly atmosphere. The lodge caters for the discerning traveller, offering a variety of accommodation options, ranging from Rondavels and Luxury Suites to the Manyeleti Honeymoon Suite. Elephant Plains is world-renowned for excellent game viewing and guests can enjoy two game drives and a bush walk per day. Facilities include two swimming pools, as well as a gym.
