Zimbabwe

Adventurous Africa

This is Africa at its most adventurous. From misty views over Victoria Falls to wide-open wilderness in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe delivers the kind of raw, unfiltered safari experience that’s harder and harder to find. The parks here are wild and uncrowded, the landscapes vast and varied, and the wildlife sightings, especially elephants, are some of the best on the continent. After the heat and dust of safari, its a delight to canoe down the majestic Zambezi River or visit beautiful Lake Kariba. With over 600 bird species, a thriving population of big cats, and incredible professional guides, Zimbabwe offers deep immersion into nature.

Map of Zimbabwe Highlights

1. Victoria Falls

2. Hwange National Park

3. Mana Pools National Park

4. Lake Kariba and Matusadona National Park

5. Great Zimbabwe Ruins

6. Matobo National Park

  • 1. Victoria Falls

    Victoria Falls is jaw-dropping, especially when the Zambezi is in full flood. Known locally as Mosi-Oa-Tunya (“The Smoke That Thunders”), this mile-wide cascade plunges into the gorge below, sending up mist so thick it forms its own rainforest. You can walk the rim for dramatic viewpoints, take a sightseeing tour by helicopter or get a splashy close-up from a boat. Around town, explore lively markets, African art galleries, and craft markets—or go full adrenaline with a gorge swing, zipline, or bungee off the iconic bridge. Victoria Falls is also where you’ll find some of the best cultural experiences in the country and a perfect bookend to your safari. Restaurants offer an array of cuisine and local entertainment from traditional dancers to local performers.


  • 2. Hwange National Park

    Hwange is a true elephant stronghold, tens of thousands roam its grasslands and waterholes, especially late in the dry season. But elephants are just the beginning. You’ll find lion, leopard, wild dog, sable antelope, and cheetah in one of the largest and most ecologically diverse parks in Africa. Unlike busier safari regions, Hwange feels wonderfully wild and spacious. Think classic game drives, top-notch guides, walking safaris, and photographic hides that get you close, really close, to the action.


  • 3. Mana Pools National Park

    Mana Pools is remote, soulful, and best explored on foot. Set along the mighty Zambezi, it’s a place where elephants stand on two legs to feed from the trees, where lions lounge under acacia trees, and where hippos grunt from the shallows. You can walk with expert guides through open floodplains as the sun sets behind the escarpment. It’s not your average safari and that’s the point.


  • 4. Lake Kariba and Matusadona National Park

    Formed by a dam in the 1950s, Lake Kariba now supports a thriving ecosystem and one of Africa’s most scenic, off the track safari areas. Game drives skirt the lake’s edge, and sunsets here are something else. Come for the hippos, elephants, and fishing, and stay for the calm pace of life aboard a private houseboat. On the southern shore, Matusadona National Park offers rhino sightings, spectacular birdlife, and a blend of bush and water-based safari few parks can match.


  • 5. Great Zimbabwe Ruins

    Step back in time at the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, once the heart of a vast kingdom and the largest ancient stone structure south of the Sahara. Built by the Shona people, these sprawling stone walls and towers tell a story of power, trade, and innovation and offer a powerful reminder of Africa’s deep and complex history.


  • 6. Matobo National Park

    With its boulder-strewn hills and spiritual energy reflected in the rock art paintings of thousands of years ago, Matobo feels ancient, and it is. This UNESCO site is home to San Bushman rock art, elusive leopards, and one of the highest densities of raptors in the world. It’s also one of the best places in Africa to track rhino on foot. Explore caves, meet with a traditional healer, or just sit atop a granite kopje and take in the wild, weather-worn landscape.


A Few of Our Favorite Experiences

  • Cruise at Sunset

    End your day on the water with a cold drink and a Zambezi sunset … pure magic.

  • Feel the Thunder

    Walk the trail along the edge of Victoria Falls, the largest sheet of falling water in the world.

  • Experience Village Life

    Spend time with local communities, meet traditional leaders and healers, or visit a rural school. EXPLORE can tailor these encounters to your interests.

  • For the Birds

    With over 600 species, Zimbabwe is a birder’s dream. From the mighty fish eagle to tiny sunbirds, your binoculars will stay busy.

  • Save the Rhino

    Follow your guide to learn more about conservation and protection of the highly endangered rhino.

  • “The most spectacular trip I have ever taken, which I thought was impossible after the first safari EXPLORE had planned for me. Africa: not just the animals, but the people, culture, and habitat get under your skin like no other place I have visited. If you are touched by the lives of animals, curious about nature, in wonder of the universe, and energized by loving joyous people, an African safari is the unique alchemy that combines all those beautiful forces that are beyond memorable, leaving a lifelong imprint on your soul. I trusted the EXPLORE team again to guide me to the right places, at the right time of year, to stay in the best camps with the most experienced guides. In this case it was the world heritage site of the Okavango Delta in Botswana that I was keen to see, but also Zimbabwe that I knew nothing about but fell in love with. Visiting Africa is a big commitment in time and money and EXPLORE has always delivered an absolutely flawless trip in terms of preparation, organization, and experience. With COVID this year, of course I was initially concerned about what that meant to the itinerary. Here again, just as part of all their other organization and planning, every aspect of COVID was completely anticipated and thoroughly dealt with. COVID ultimately had no negative impact on the trip and may have even been beneficial as the camps and reserves were less crowded. By going during this time, I felt that I was supporting an important industry that is vital to the well-being of African wildlife. Thank you again EXPLORE for such a wonderful, life changing, but I refuse to be a once in a lifetime trip.”

    Stuart M.

  • “Wow, just wow! We have traveled to many places in the world and this trip ranks as one of our best. Extremely well planned, with a marvelous balance of accommodations, sights, and experiences. Wonderful cultural experiences with people who taught us so much and treated us so well. We loved the variety of camps, and the order was perfect. It was nice to have Bumi Hills in the middle and we still can't believe we actually swam in the Devil's Pool. That was a heart pounding experience, but we are so glad we did it! Thank you.”

    Karen L.

  • “They listened to every request my HUGE family had and made them all come true. They even helped us when flights got canceled and made it possible for everyone to see Victoria Falls when we thought that might not be possible. Thank you so much Explore! I am very happy with how the team planned and executed our trip! It was beyond expectations. I would recommend them to everyone I know!”

    Samantha T.

  • “We loved every aspect of our dream vacation. The accommodations, food, service, wildlife, and the amazing African people were stellar. If I could of, I would have stuffed all my guides in our suitcases to bring ‘em all home with us. Their knowledge, and spectacular personalities greatly contributed to our experience of a lifetime. Every aspect of this trip blew us away. The surprise picnics in the river and pizza making in the bush especially stand out!”

    Loren F.

Where We Stay

  • Linkwasha Camp, Wilderness, Hwange National Park

  • Nyamatusi Camp, African Bush Camp, Mana Pools

  • Pumashana, Singita, Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve

  • Somalisa, African Bush Camp, Hwange National Park

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