Custom travel to Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is one of southern Africa's most diverse safari destinations. Independent since 1980 (former Southern Rhodesia), it boasts five UNESCO sites, tens of thousands of elephants and walking guides among the world's best. Victoria Falls (UNESCO 1989, nicknamed 'Mosi-oa-Tunya', one of the 7 natural wonders of the world) offers its finest view from the Zimbabwean side, where 3/4 of the falls are visible. Hwange is home to 45,000 elephants, one of the world's largest populations. Mana Pools (UNESCO 1984), along the Zambezi, is famous for its legendary unfenced walking safaris. Great Zimbabwe (UNESCO 1986), ruins of the medieval city that gave the country its name, and Matobo Hills (UNESCO 2003), sacred granite and San rock art, complete the picture. Allow 12 to 14 days to combine the essentials — a destination more accessible than neighboring Zambia or Botswana, with exceptional safari quality.

Highlights

  • UNESCO Victoria Falls (Zimbabwean side, 3/4 of falls)
  • Hwange: 45,000 elephants (world top)
  • UNESCO Mana Pools: legendary walking safari
  • Great Zimbabwe: UNESCO medieval ruins
  • Matobo Hills: rhinos and rock art
  • World-top Professional Guide rangers

Sample itineraries

Classic Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls, Hwange, Mana Pools

Duration : 12 days

Route : Victoria Falls (3 nights) → Hwange flight (3 nights) → Mana Pools flight (3 nights) → Harare (1 night, return flight)

Cultural and nature Zimbabwe

Duration : 14 days

Route : Victoria Falls (3) → Hwange (3) → Matobo Hills (2 nights, rhinos, San rock art) → Great Zimbabwe (2 nights, UNESCO ruins) → Mana Pools (3 nights)

Exclusive Zimbabwe: Singita and Wilderness

Duration : 12 days

Route : Singita Pamushana (Malilangwe, 4 nights) → Hwange Wilderness Linkwasha flight (3 nights) → Mana Pools Nyamatusi flight (3 nights) → Victoria Falls Hotel (2 nights)

When to go

May-October is the best period (dry season, wildlife concentrated at waterholes, comfortable walking safaris). July-October: wildlife peak at Hwange and Mana Pools. April: Victoria Falls at peak flow (but mist). Avoid November-March (rainy season, some lodges closed in 'emerging' season, difficult Mana Pools access).

  • Cool dry season (May – August) — All parks open, wildlife concentrated at waterholes
  • Hot dry season (safari peak) (September – October) — Hwange waterholes, Mana Pools acacia forest, wildlife at max
  • Emerging season (short rains) (November – December) — Animal births, migratory birds
  • Rainy season (not recommended) (January – April) — Victoria Falls max flow (April, but mist)

Practical information

Safe in tourist areas (Vic Falls, national parks). Harare and Bulawayo: caution (pickpockets, avoid political demonstrations). KAZA UNI-VISA online or on arrival ($50, valid Zambia + Zimbabwe + Botswana transit, 30 days, ideal for combined). Mandatory yellow fever vaccine if arriving from endemic country. ESSENTIAL antimalarial. Avoid tap water. USD officially used (buy USD before departure — limited ATMs in Zimbabwe), cards accepted in premium lodges. English omnipresent (official language). Tipping: $10-$20/day for rangers, $5-$10/day for lodge staff (essential to their income — Zimbabwe's economic situation makes tipping major).

Frequently asked questions

When?

May-October (dry season). July-October: wildlife peak. Avoid January-March (monsoon, Mana Pools lodges closed).

How long?

12 days for Vic Falls + Hwange + Mana Pools. 14 days adding Great Zimbabwe and Matobo Hills.

Budget?

€5,500-€7,500 per person for 12 days in comfort, excluding flights. Premium: €9,500-€12,000. Flights: €1,000-€1,400.

Visa?

KAZA UNI-VISA ($50, 30 days, valid Zambia + Zimbabwe + Botswana transit). Ideal for combined. Single Zimbabwe visa: $30.

Family?

Walking safari from age 12 (safety). Before: 4×4 game drives. Hwange particularly suited to families (waterholes, secure 4×4 safaris).

How to get around?

Cessna domestic flights ESSENTIAL between parks and Vic Falls. Safari 4×4 with certified Professional Guide ranger.

Walking safari at Mana Pools: level?

Good walker (3-h average walk, uneven ground, sometimes soft sand). From age 12. Supervised by Professional Guide Zimbabwe (Africa's hardest exam, 80% failure rate).

Safety in Zimbabwe?

Safe in tourist areas (Vic Falls, national parks, lodges). Harare and Bulawayo: caution (pickpockets, avoid political demonstrations).

Combine?

Yes: Zimbabwe + Zambia (practical KAZA UNI-VISA), Zimbabwe + Botswana (Chobe via Vic Falls, Okavango), Zimbabwe + South Africa, Zimbabwe + Mozambique.

Tips?

Essential for rangers ($10-$20/day) and lodge staff ($5-$10/day). Major income source given country's economic situation.