Visit Zimbabwe

Of all the countries we have visited throughout the world we have always found the Zimbabwean people the most friendly, warm and welcoming. 20 years of political turmoil has not dampened this spirit and Zimbabwe is emerging once again as a force in tourism. The mighty Zambezi River forms its northern border providing wonders such as the Victoria Falls and Mana Pools National Park and experiences including relaxing houseboats on Lake Kariba and adventurous canoeing along the Zambezi Valley. Together with unique landscapes such as the Matopos, mountainous green forests of the Eastern Highlands, impressive historical ruins including Great Zimbabwe and the world class wildlife haven of Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe has so much and more to offer. Below we describe some of the wonderful destinations Zimbabwe has to offer.

Travel Africa will work with you to plan a range of fabulous touring options around Zimbabwe – from flexible self-drive holidays to incredible luxury lodge sojourns. We will then book your holiday for you – providing you with detailed itineraries and information sheets. Don’t forget we provide superb value for money due to our in-depth knowledge of the region and our direct contacts which cut out layers of commission. Look at our fabulous range of itineraries to give you loads of ideas and places to start from.

Interactive map and photographs at the bottom of the page.

When to visit Zimbabwe - Seasons

Zimbabwe’s climate is tropical, although the altitude of the higher areas does create cooler regions. May to September / October is the dry season when the country sees very little rain, which makes for the ideal time for wildlife viewing in the country's national parks. November to March is typically the rainy season with tropical storms common, but that being said, it is the best time for birdwatchers in the Eastern Highlands. Due to its great climate, Zimbabwe is a perfect place to visit any time of the year.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Victoria Falls													Victoria Falls
Hwange National Park													Hwange National Park
Mana Pools National Park													Mana Pools National Park
Lake Kariba													Lake Kariba
Gonarezhou National Park													Gonarezhou National Park
Great Zimbabwe													Great Zimbabwe
Eastern Highlands													Eastern Highlands
Harare													Harare

Time to Visit:	Best	Good	Fair

Zimbabwe's highlights

Victoria Falls

Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls town offers the full range of accommodation options, a whole host of adrenalin activities - whitewater rafting, canopy tours and helicopters flights to name a few - and classic activities such as high tea at the Victoria Falls Hotel, carnivores delight at The Boma or a Zambezi sunset cruise. Of course the centrepiece of the town is the Falls themselves – known as Mosi-oa-tunya (‘the smoke that thunders’) in Lozi – and a visit to this mighty spectacle is a must. High water peaks between February and June – be prepared to be completely overawed by the force of all this water as well as drenched by the ever present mists (raincoats recommended), whilst low water, August to November, means the mists aren’t as great, you can see more of the Falls, as well as raft the full complement of rapids. Read all about the variety of activities on offer at Victoria Falls on our Activities Victoria Falls page.

Hwange National Park

A vast and popular national park on Zimbabwe’s border with Botswana, Hwange is a big five game reserve which also boasts cheetah, wild dog and a massive elephant population. Its hides, dams and picnic sites provide wonderful opportunities to get up close to the bird and animal life as well as enjoy seeing the elephants emerge from the bush and rush to the waterholes to quench their thirst and play and swim. Close to Victoria Falls this fantastic game reserve offers a range of accommodation options, from self-drive camping to superb luxury lodges, and is the perfect safari add-on to a visit to the Falls.

Mana Pools National Park

Mana Pools is a unique and truly spectacular world heritage safari area lying along the banks of the Zambezi River. Home to all of southern Africa's major predators, including the endangered African wild dog, the park is a pristine wilderness with some of the regions best wildlife viewing. Mighty albida trees provide a cathedral like atmosphere from which to watch the fabulous sight of elephants crossing the Zambezi – trunks raised like snorkels - or raising themselves on their hind legs to reach into the top most branches for their favourite fruits. For the adventurous, self-drive camping is an option, whilst intimate, luxury safari lodges are plentiful and Mana Pools is well known for its exciting walking and canoe safaris.

Lake Kariba

Formed in the late 1950s when the Zambezi River was dammed for a hydroelectricity project, Lake Kariba is the world's largest artificial lake by volume. Matusadona National Park, on the lake's southern shore is a magnificent game reserve, home to wildlife relocated through Operation Noah during the 1950's construction, and house boats provide an incredibly relaxing way of way enjoying the lake, birds and animals. Straddling the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia self-drivers and independent travellers alike can leisurely traverse the lake's 223 kilometres length by overnight ferry from Mlibizi to the town of Kariba and the imposing Kariba Dam.

Eastern Highlands - Nyanga, The Vumba & Chimanimanis

This stunning chain of mountains along Zimbawe's eastern border with Mozambique provides a contrast to the country's safari areas. This is a region of green forests, rugged peaks, misty valleys, cascading waterfalls, and sparkling rivers and is an area to enjoy hiking, horse riding, fishing and amazing birdlife. The plateau of Nyanga lies to the north – a national park famous for its great hiking and trout fishing. In the middle is The Vumba with its forests, hidden valleys and spectacular views whilst in the south, the Chimanimani range, also declared a National Park, offers challenging hiking through its breathtaking landscapes.

Great Zimbabwe Ruins

The Great Zimbabwe Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are approximately 30 kilometres from Masvingo in the south-east of the country. The ruins, the former heart of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe, extend over almost 800 hectares and were built between 1,100 and 1,450 AD. A drawcard for historians and those with an interest in ancient civilisations alike, lose yourself in the wonder, beauty and history of this ancient site as you wander through the Hill Complex, the Great Enclosure and the Valley Ruins. To get the most out of a visit take a tour with one of the onsite guides who will bring this magical site to life with their commentary and stories.

Matobo National Park

Just 35 kilometres south of Bulawayo this national park forms the core of the Matopos Hills and consists of spectacular granite kopjes (hills) and wooded valleys. The region, a paradise for hikers, is famous for its distinctive rock formations such as the balancing rocks and has a rich heritage of Bushman rock art. The Matobo balancing rocks are the burial place of Cecil Rhodes and his grave, 'World's View,' commands a spectacular vista to the horizon. Part of the national park is set aside as a wildlife conservation area where visitors have a good chance of sighting a whole host of general game including leopard and hyena as well as both the endangered white and black rhino.

Zimbabwe itineraries