Zimbabwe

Memorable Journeys

Turning Zimbabwe dreams into memories

Zimbabwe, officially the Republic of Zimbabwe, is a landlocked country located in Southern Africa, between the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers. It is bordered by South Africa to the south, Botswana to the southwest, Zambia to the northwest and Mozambique to the east. The name “Zimbabwe” is based on a Shona term for Great Zimbabwe, an ancient ruined city in the country’s south-east whose remains are now a protected site.

Most of the country is elevated in the central plateau (high veld) stretching from the southwest to the northwest at altitudes between 1,200 and 1,600 m. The country’s east is mountainous with Mount Nyangani as the highest point at 2,592 m. About 20% of the country consists of the low veld under 900m. Victoria Falls, one of the world’s biggest and most spectacular waterfalls, is located in the country’s northwest as part of the Zambezi river.

Zimbabwe boasts several major tourist attractions. Victoria Falls on the Zambezi, which are shared with Zambia and eight main national parks, the largest of which is Hwange National Park. Some of Africa’s most exclusive wildlife is found in Zimbabwe. Many of the national parks contain the classic Big 5 – Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Buffalo and Rhino as well as being world famous as a birding destination, with Hwange National Park contains some of the highest concentrations of birds on the planet.

There are four different World Heritage Sites declared by UNESCO in Zimbabwe: Mana Pools National Park, Matobos National Park, Victoria Falls and the Great Zimbabwe ruins. The Great Zimbabwe ruins are found in Masvingo. Other ruins include Khami Ruins, Zimbabwe, Dhlo-Dhlo and Naletale, although none of these is as famous as Great Zimbabwe.

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The Great Zimbabwe Ruins

The Great Zimbabwe ruins are the largest collection of ruins in Africa south of the Sahara. The capital of the Queen of Sheba, according to an age-old legend – are a unique testimony to the Bantu civilization of the Shona between the 11th and 15th centuries.

The city, which covers an area of nearly 80 ha, was an important trading centre and was renowned from the Middle Ages onwards.

 

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Bird Spotting

With over 420 species recorded, Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s birding hotspot. The park is best known for its huge variety of raptors; about 50 species have been recorded. The Bateleur Eagle is very common and can usually be seen soaring overhead. Bird watching is best enjoyed from October to March when food is plentiful, migrant species are around and many species are in breeding plumage.

Zimbabwe

Suggested Itineraries

Zimbabwe boasts several major tourist attractions. Victoria Falls on the Zambezi, which are shared with Zambia and eight main national parks, the largest of which is Hwange National Park. Some of Africa’s most exclusive wildlife is found in Zimbabwe.

Let us take the guesswork out of planning your next trip. These have been tailor made to reveal what we believe are some of the best areas and lodges in Southern Africa. Our itineraries cater for different budgets and experiences, for single travellers, honeymooners, small families and groups.

Ivory & Amalinda Lodge Combo Special
Pay for 5 Nights, Stay for 6

Hwange National Park

Located in western Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park (formerly Wankie Game Reserve) is the largest natural reserve in the country and is famous for its rich diversity of wildlife. Home to one of the biggest elephant populations in the world, as well as around 100 mammal species, the park is a wonderland for animal lovers. Adventurers can look forward to guided bush hikes, game drives, and horse riding safaris, all of which offer excellent photographic opportunities.

Matobo National Park

Idyllically located in the spectacular Matobo Hills, the renowned Matobo National Park is known for its rich human history, its remarkably diverse flora and fauna and its magnificent rugged terrain. This unspoiled natural wilderness features a range of massive red-tinged, granite boulders interspersed with gorgeous wooded valleys making it a dream destination for hikers, climbers and nature lovers alike.

Nyamatutsi, Bumi Hills & Somalisa Package - 9 Nights

Mana Pools National Park

Located in northern Zimbabwe, the life-giving power of the Zambezi River makes Mana Pools National Park one of Zimbabwe’s most lush and flourishing regions. Characterised by a diversity of landscapes including floodplains, forests, and baobab trees, the park has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its natural beauty.

Lake Kariba

The planet’s most voluminous man-made lake, Kariba is a popular tourist destination that was created in the 1950s when the mighty Zambezi was dammed. It stretches for more than 200 kilometres along the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, forming a natural boundary between the two countries. The lake’s waters are home to abundant wildlife including: crocodiles, hippos, fish and aquatic birds, while its shoreline and islands are rich with terrestrial game such as elephant and buffalo.

Southern Hwange National Park

Several protected species inhabit the awe-inspiring open landscapes, including the endangered wild dog, critically endangered black rhino, and rare roan and sable – along with lion, cheetah, and around 500 bird species. 

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Discover Zimbabwe - 11 Nights

Victoria Falls

Considered to be the world’s widest waterfalls, Victoria Falls measures an impressive 1708 metres in width. The small town of Victoria Falls, which lies adjacent to the waterfalls, serves as a great base from which to explore the many attractions this area of Zimbabwe has to offer.

Hwange National Park

Situated in western Zimbabwe, the Hwange National Park is the country’s biggest reserve, home to a profusion of wildlife, including giraffe, lion, zebra and approximately 40 000 elephants. It provides a sanctuary for all the country’s endangered species.

Matusadona National Park

Comprises a large expanse of pristine wilderness characterised by flat grassy plains and dramatic rugged mountains. From the vast woody escarpment to the dense bush of the Zambezi valley floor, the park features a diverse range of landscapes inhabited by abundant wildlife species.

Mana Pools National Park

Characterised by a diversity of landscapes including floodplains, forests, and baobab trees, the park has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its natural beauty; providing a fantastic destination for photographers.

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Discover Zimbabwe - 10 Nights

Victoria Falls

These spectacular falls can be easily visited and viewed from the Zimbabwean side. Considered to be the world’s widest waterfalls, Victoria Falls measures an impressive 1708 metres in width. The small town of Victoria Falls, which lies adjacent to the waterfalls, serves as a great base from which to explore the many attractions this area of Zimbabwe has to offer.

Hwange National Park

The park’s magnificent terrain ranges from desert dunes, savannah lands and mopane woodlands to rocky outcrops and sparse forests. Visitors can look forward to game drives, guided walks or horse riding safaris. Other highlights include: the Bumbusi National Monument and the Nyamandhlovu Pan.

Lake Kariba

The planet’s most voluminous man-made lake is home to abundant wildlife including crocodiles, hippos, fish and aquatic birds, while its shoreline and islands are rich with terrestrial game such as elephant and buffalo. It has become one of Zimbabwe’s main tourist attractions offering houseboat holidays, fishing safaris and wonderful game viewing experiences.

Mana Pools National Park

It is an Important Bird Area and is also one of the continent’s premier game-viewing locations, known for its good chances of seeing elephants, wild dogs, lions, and leopards. Visitors can look forward to an array of activities such as canoe trips, guided walks, game drives, river cruises, nature walks, bird watching, and catch-and-release fishing.

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Zimbabwe & Zambia Highlight Trip - 15 Days

Lower Zambezi

Located on the Zimbabwean border in the southern reaches of Zambia, the Lower Zambezi region is best known as the home to the Lower Zambezi National Park which features exceptional, undeveloped wildlife areas. It is renowned for its abundant game – hippos, buffalo, crocodiles, fish eagles, and herds of elephants can be spotted, among other species.

South Luangwa National Park

Bordering the Luangwa River, the northern and southern Luangwa National Parks contain some of the most breathtaking and untouched wilderness in Africa. As a result of this and the parks’ successful anti-poaching campaigns, the area has developed into a world-renowned wildlife haven. 

Livingstone

Zambia’s flourishing border town, Livingstone, or Maramba, is situated in the South Province of the country. The British colonial city is a tourism centre for the nearby Victoria Falls, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, and the Zambezi River. 

Hwange National Park

Situated in western Zimbabwe, the Hwange National Park is the country’s biggest reserve, home to a profusion of wildlife, including giraffe, lion, zebra and approximately 40 000 elephants. It provides a sanctuary for all the country’s endangered species.

Matusadona National Park

on the shores of Lake Kariba, Matusadona National Park comprises a large expanse of pristine wilderness characterised by flat grassy plains and dramatic rugged mountains. From the vast woody escarpment to the dense bush of the Zambezi valley floor, the park features a diverse range of landscapes inhabited by abundant wildlife species.

Mana Pools National Park

Characterised by a diversity of landscapes including floodplains, forests, and baobab trees, the park has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its natural beauty; providing a fantastic destination for photographers

Zimbabwe

Eleph-Ants - 11 Nights

Harare

Zimbabwe’s capital city is the country’s most cosmopolitan and contemporary destination, dotted with restaurants and bars, shops and markets. Its proud historical and cultural heritage is reflected in several well-preserved old buildings and informative museums, while its many parks and gardens provide a pleasant contrast to the bustling urban sectors.

Gonarezhou National Park

Bordering Mozambique in the southeastern lowveld of Zimbabwe, Gonarezhou, meaning ‘place of elephants’, is Zimbabwe’s second-largest national park and home to over 10,000 elephants. The Gonarezhou National Park extends across a vast area of floodplains, baobab-dotted scrubland, mopane woodland and pale orange sandstone cliffs.

Western Hwange National Park

Located in western Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park (formerly Wankie Game Reserve) is the largest natural reserve in the country and is famous for its rich diversity of wildlife. The northern and western areas of the park are different – the northern area is encompassed by the Zambezi watershed, while the western part consists of grasslands, marshes, and scattered woodlands.

Victoria Falls

Probably needs no introduction! Victoria Falls is one of the world’s most impressive waterfalls. It is set on the magnificent Zambezi River which creates the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. These spectacular falls can be easily visited and viewed from the Zimbabwean side. Considered to be the world’s widest waterfalls, Victoria Falls measures an impressive 1708 metres in width.

Stanleys Terrace

Birds of a Feather - 11 Nights

Harare

Located within easy reach of the city centre are the Mukuvisi Woodlands, comprising over 250 hectares of rich natural wilderness, while the magnificent Kopje – a rocky hill to the southwest of Harare – offers great views over the city. Other city highlights include the fascinating National Gallery of Zimbabwe, the abundant Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences, the Chapungu Sculpture Park, and the gorgeous National Botanic Garden, filled with a variety of rare African plants as well as exotic plants from around the world.

Lower Zambezi

Located on the Zimbabwean border in the southern reaches of Zambia, the Lower Zambezi region is best known as the home to the Lower Zambezi National Park which features exceptional, undeveloped wildlife areas. It is renowned for its abundant game – hippos, buffalo, crocodiles, fish eagles, and herds of elephants can be spotted, among other species.

Victoria Falls

The small town of Victoria Falls, which lies adjacent to the waterfalls, serves as a great base from which to explore the many attractions this area of Zimbabwe has to offer. The surrounding area provides a wide range of adrenalin-filled activities for adventure lovers. Visitors can look forward to an array of wonderful activities and once-in-a-lifetime expeditions into the incredible Chobe National Park.

Western Hwange National Park

The natural seeps such as Nehimba and Shakwanki, where animals dig for water, are particularly notable. The park is home to one of the biggest elephant populations in the world, as well as around 100 mammal species, and several protected animals including the endangered wild dog, critically endangered black rhino, and rare roan and sable.

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