Safari Blog: Best 10 Places to Visit in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe, a captivating nation in southern Africa, is renowned for its abundant wildlife, stunning scenery, and gracious people. Zimbabwe is a top travel destination for safari enthusiasts and nature lovers due to its wide variety of ecosystems and abundant wildlife. The nation is home to some national parks and reserves that present amazing chances to see the "Big Five" and a variety of other fascinating animals up close. Zimbabwe is a safari paradise that displays the unadulterated beauty of Africa, from the vast plains of Hwange National Park to the majestic Victoria Falls. Zimbabwe is renowned for its iconic landmarks and cultural heritage in addition to its impressive wildlife. The magnificent Victoria Falls is located on the mighty Zambezi River, which also serves as the nation's northern border.

1. Hwange National Park

Hwange National Park is the largest and most famous natural reserve in Zimbabwe. It is situated in the northwestern corner of Zimbabwe, on the border of Botswana. With its immense variety in vegetation, including Kalahari sands and mopane forest slopes and valleys, Hwange is home to more than 400 bird species and 100 species of animals. Hwange is generally known for the great convergence of elephants that are drawn to the park's waterholes during the Dry season. Effectively open to visitors, a large portion of the camps are found along the northern edge of the park and proposition an assortment of price ranges and styles.

2. Mana Pools National Park

Mana Pools National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and wildlife paradise. Mana Pools has been shaped over centuries by the rushing of the Zambezi River through the valley, leaving afterwards are a bunch of islands, shoals, and channels, just as numerous little oxbow lakes, all lavish with vegetation and a magnet for wildlife. It's as yet perhaps the best spot in Southern Africa to do a canoe or walking safari. The pools, or waterways, are the place where hippos, crocodiles, zebra, and other wildlife prosper.

3. Matobo National Park

The Matobo National Park forms the core of the Matobo or Matopos Hills, a region with granite kopjes and lush valleys initiating approximately 35 kilometres south of Bulawayo. The region shows a bounty of distinctive stone landforms transcending the rock safeguard that covers quite a bit of Zimbabwe. Wildlife viewing has become less useful over ongoing years because of heavy poaching. The lion and elephant are absent. A few very well-preserved Bushman rock craftsmanships are available to the general population.

4. South Gonarezhou NP

Gonarezhou National Park is situated in the southeastern part of Zimbabwe and is the second-largest game reserve in Zimbabwe. It covers the absolute most marvellous landscape in the region consolidating the notable Chilojo Cliffs, wide wandering waterways, and extensive forests. Broadly known for its novel wilderness, the Park's reputation as a chief objective for quality wildlife sightings is likewise developing. Home to around 11 000 elephants, the Gonarezhou merits its vernacular name as ‘Place of Elephants'.

Gonarezhou National Park forms part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, a harmonious park that links Gonarezhou with the Kruger National Park in South Africa and the Limpopo National Park in Mozambique. Animals can move uninhibitedly between the three safe havens.

5. Zambezi National Park

Zambezi National Park is a national park located upstream of Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe. Most of the park is within the ecoregion of Zambezian and Mopane woodlands, while a small portion in the south is within the Zambezian Baikiaea woodlands. It is a great destination for a day trip from Victoria Falls. For a real bush experience, you can stay in one of the lodges overlooking the Zambezi River inside the park. A wide variety of larger mammals may be found within the Zambezi National Park including elephants, lions, buffalo, and leopards.

6. Chizarira National Park

Situated in the northwestern space of Zimbabwe, Chizarira National Park is one of the most isolated national parks in Zimbabwe, It gets not many visitors to its wild, rugged scenes and is a spot to see the value in the serenity of the African shrub. Chizarira has four of the Big Five except for a rhino, yet animal densities aren't simply tremendous. The landscape is amazing for leopards, and there is a decent assortment of herbivores. The principal fascination is its gigantic wild allure. Walking safaris are a major piece of the experience.

7. Matusadona National Park

Matusadona National Park is situated on the shores of Lake Kariba. It is limited on the west by the Ume River and on the east by the Sanyati River. The most effective way to encounter Matusadona is on a walking safari. Other choices incorporate expediting on the coastline with a cruiser or houseboat, bringing a Sail Safari into the region, or remaining at one of the cabins/camps in or on the western edge of the park. This was one of the last wild safe havens of the endangered Black Rhino and was additionally considered to have the most noteworthy natural population density of lions in Africa. 

8. Nyanga National Park

Nyanga National Park lies in the north of Zimbabwe's Eastern Highlands. One of the first national parks to be pronounced in the country, it contains the most elevated land in Zimbabwe, with green slopes and enduring waterways. Mount Nyangani which is the highest point in Zimbabwe lies inside the National Park. On the other hand, Mutarazi Falls which is the highest waterfall in Zimbabwe falls in full glory. Nyanga National Park is home to different species. The fundamental fascination lies in the landscape and birding.

9. Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls, also known as Mosi-oa-Tunya ("The Smoke that Thunders"), is classified as the largest waterfall in the world based on its combined width of 1,708 meters (5,604 feet) and height of 108 meters (354 feet). The falls create a spectacular curtain of mist and spray that can be seen and heard from miles away, making it a mesmerizing sight and a photographer's dream. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is surrounded by lush rainforest, which is home to various flora and fauna, including unique bird species and playful vervet monkeys. Adventure seekers can indulge in thrilling activities such as white-water rafting, bungee jumping, zip-lining, and microlight flights, offering adrenaline-pumping experiences with the falls as a breathtaking backdrop.

10. Kariba

Kariba Town is a scenic settlement nestled along the southern shores of Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe's Mashonaland West Province. This charming town serves as a vibrant tourist destination, attracting visitors with its stunning natural beauty and abundant recreational opportunities. As the gateway to the renowned Kariba Dam, Kariba Town offers a fascinating glimpse into the impressive hydroelectric power project that created the vast expanse of Lake Kariba. The area surrounding the town is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, as it teems with diverse animal species, including elephants, crocodiles, hippos, and a myriad of birdlife. With a range of amenities such as accommodations, restaurants, shops, and a bustling harbour for boat trips and cruises, Kariba Town provides visitors with an unforgettable experience blending relaxation, adventure, and the wonders of nature.

Beyond its wildlife, Zimbabwe is home to incredible natural wonders like Victoria Falls, where the might and beauty of the natural world combine in a breathtaking display. Safari travellers can interact with the local communities and learn about Zimbabwean traditions and customs thanks to the nation's rich history, cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. Zimbabwe promises a journey that will never be forgotten, filled with adventure, beauty, and unforgettable encounters, whether you choose to go on an exhilarating game drive, explore ancient rock art sites, or immerse yourself in the vibrant city life of Harare. A safari in Zimbabwe offers the chance to form a close bond with the wild, the people, and the spirit of this remarkable African country in addition to the chance to take in the wonders of nature.