Bespoke Journeys Through Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe combines Victoria Falls with several distinctive safari areas. Most itineraries include Hwange and Mana Pools national parks. Longer journeys can also feature Lake Kariba, the Matobo Hills or the ruins of Great Zimbabwe.
Light aircraft provide the most convenient connections between remote parks. They reduce travel time and make it possible to stay in lodges close to the main wildlife areas.
Safaris in Hwange National Park
Hwange is Zimbabwe’s largest national park. It is known for its large elephant herds, as well as lions, buffalo, giraffes, antelopes and other wildlife. A stay can include daytime and evening game drives, guided walks and wildlife viewing near the park’s waterholes.
When selecting a lodge, important factors include its location, number of rooms, available safari activities and opening season.
Mana Pools and the Zambezi River
Mana Pools offers walking safaris, game drives and guided canoe journeys on the Zambezi. During the dry season, elephants, buffalo, hippos and other animals gather around the river and natural pools.
Many lodges in this area operate only during part of the year. Access is usually by light aircraft, so flight schedules and luggage limits should be checked before confirming the itinerary.
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls can be explored on foot from the Zimbabwean side, viewed from a helicopter or combined with a boat trip on the Zambezi. Its appearance changes throughout the year. Water flow is strongest during the first part of the dry season, while lower water levels reveal more of the cliffs and gorges. The availability of certain activities depends on current conditions.
The Best Time to Visit Zimbabwe
The dry season from May to October is generally preferred for safari viewing, as animals gather near rivers and waterholes. The rains arrive between November and April, bringing greener landscapes and migratory birds. However, some camps in Mana Pools may close during this period.
Planning should take account of lodge opening dates, domestic flights, luggage restrictions and seasonal water levels at Victoria Falls.
