Overview
Zimbabwe has been undervisited for political and economic reasons that have little to do with the quality of its wildlife or wilderness. For those who know it well, this is Africa's best-kept secret — a country with extraordinary national parks, some of the continent's most experienced safari guides, genuinely warm hospitality, and a fraction of the tourist volume of its neighbours.
Victoria Falls — the world's largest waterfall by the combined measure of height and width — is Zimbabwe's most iconic landmark, and the town of Victoria Falls is the adrenaline adventure capital of Southern Africa. The falls themselves are 1,708 metres wide and 108 metres tall; the roar is audible from kilometres away, and the spray creates permanent rainbows over the surrounding rainforest. Nothing about Victoria Falls is subtle — and nothing prepares you for the first view from the Zimbabwe side.
Beyond the falls, Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe's largest game reserve and one of Africa's finest elephant destinations. The park supports one of the continent's largest elephant populations — over 40,000 animals — alongside lion, leopard, sable antelope, gemsbok, and an exceptional diversity of predator species. The private camps and concessions bordering Hwange offer walking safaris and night game drives at a level of exclusivity that rivals Botswana at a significantly lower price point.
The Matobo Hills south of Bulawayo are one of Zimbabwe's most extraordinary landscapes — ancient granite kopjes covered in rock art dating back 13,000 years, black rhino tracking on foot, and the grave of Cecil John Rhodes overlooking one of Africa's most hauntingly beautiful views.
Signature Experiences
Best Time to Visit
Zimbabwe is a year-round destination with two distinct seasons. The dry season (May–October) is optimal for game viewing as vegetation thins and wildlife gathers at waterholes — July through September offers the most intense wildlife concentration in Hwange. The rainy season (November–April) transforms the landscape, brings exceptional birdlife, and produces the highest water volume and most dramatic spray at Victoria Falls — though game viewing becomes more challenging. Victoria Falls is most impressive as a visual spectacle during and immediately after the rains (February–May), when flow is at maximum.
Key Areas & Sub-Destinations
Practical Tips
Zimbabwe requires a visa for most nationalities — the KAZA UniVisa (valid for Zimbabwe and Zambia) costs USD 50 and is available on arrival at Victoria Falls Airport. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for low-lying areas (Hwange, Mana Pools, Zambezi Valley). The country's tourism industry has rebounded strongly and most facilities are well-managed and hospitable.
Best For
→ Plan your Zimbabwe journey — submit an enquiry to receive a tailor-made proposal.
How to plan Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is a year-round destination with two distinct seasons. The dry season (May–October) is optimal for game viewing as vegetation thins and wildlife gathers at waterholes — July through September offers the most intense wildlife concentration in Hwange. The rainy season (November–April) transforms the landscape, brings exceptional birdlife, and produces the highest water volume and most dramatic spray at Victoria Falls — though game viewing becomes more challenging. Victoria Falls is most impressive as a visual spectacle during and immediately after the rains (February–May), when flow is at maximum.
Victoria Falls — the world's largest waterfall and adventure capital, Hwange National Park — elephants, wild dog, and big cat, Mana Pools National Park — UNESCO World Heritage Site, canoeing, walking safaris, Matobo National Park — rhino tracking, rock art, and extraordinary landscape
Adventure travelers at Victoria Falls, Safari enthusiasts seeking value and exclusivity, Wildlife photographers, Conservation-minded travelers, Couple combinations — Falls, Hwange, and a beach extension
- Victoria Falls — walking the rainforest trail and viewing the full width of the falls
- Zambezi River sunset cruise above the falls with hippo and crocodile
- White-water rafting on the Zambezi — Grade 5 rapids below the falls
- Bungee jumping from Victoria Falls Bridge — 111 metres above the Zambezi
- Hwange National Park game drives — elephants, wild dog, and big cat
- Walking safaris in Hwange concession areas
- Black rhino tracking on foot in Matobo National Park
- San Bushman rock art viewing in Matobo Hills
- Mana Pools National Park — canoe safaris and walking on the Zambezi floodplain
- Helicopter flight over Victoria Falls — the only way to appreciate the full scale
