Bordering Mozambique, Botswana, Zambia, and South Africa, Zimbabwe is a prime destination for those seeking a truly immersive travel experience in Africa. The choices are endless when it comes to deciding where to go in Zimbabwe.
From the country’s vast conservation areas, such as the enormous Hwange National Park, to the lake and river destinations of Matusadona or Mana Pools, numerous destinations in Zimbabwe offer excellent wildlife viewing and spectacular landscapes. Zimbabwe’s national parks provide pristine environments, largely free of other visitors, and then there is the wonder of Victoria Falls.
1. Victoria Falls: Adventure Activities, Safaris, and Iconic Landscapes
The best time to visit Zimbabwe for an unforgettable experience is when Victoria Falls is at its peak. Add a visit to your bucket list and discover the many reasons why it is considered a Natural Wonder—from the immense falls, the unique column, and the incredible beauty of the surrounding landscape, Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe is a truly magical travel destination.
In addition, the city of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe is known as Africa’s “adventure capital” thanks to the wide range of activities on offer. Enjoy scenic flights, bungee jumping, white-water rafting, wildlife viewing, and cruises on the Zambezi River, as well as visits to places of interest such as local markets and traditional villages.
2. Hwange National Park: Classic Game Viewing and Birdwatching
Hwange is considered Zimbabwe’s most famous game reserve. Located near Victoria Falls, it is home to an abundant wildlife population, making it a paradise for those seeking an unforgettable safari experience. Located just a few hours’ drive from Victoria Falls, the variety of immersive activities and lodges in Hwange provide the perfect base to rest between game drives. Hwange National Park is also home to the densest concentrations of elephants, second only to Chobe National Park in Botswana, and is an excellent destination for spotting Africa’s big predators.
3. Mana Pools National Park: Beautiful Wilderness and Canoe Safaris
The wild, remote, and little-visited Mana Pools lie along the majestic Zambezi River, with its forests and floodplains home to large herds of elephants, rare antelopes, and plenty of plains game. Its rivers teem with hippos and crocodiles, tigerfish and bream, and there is an abundance of Mana Pools lodges to call your safari home during your stay. Best explored via game drives, guided walks, and canoe expeditions, Mana Pools is a genuine wilderness area that offers an exciting and extraordinary safari experience. Mana Pools is the ideal place to see the best of Zimbabwe’s big game.
4. Matusadona National Park and Lake Kariba: Lakeside Life, Big Game, and Fishing
Kariba’s magical scenery and tranquil atmosphere are as famous as its wildlife. Flanked by conservation areas, the lake attracts animals large and small: hippos splash in the shallows, elephants and antelopes graze at the water’s edge, and African fish eagles perch on the branches of dead trees. The adjacent Matusadona National Park offers game drives, guided walks, and boat safaris, as well as tigerfish fishing and Kariba’s best sunsets.
5. Gonarezhou National Park and Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve: Pure Wilderness of the Big 5, Diversity, and Phenomenal Landscapes
Southern Zimbabwe, free from crowds, is home to the Big 5, and the rugged Gonarezhou will certainly impress, along with the exclusive experience of Malilangwe, a private reserve bordering the park. In addition to the breathtaking scenery, visitors can expect to see rhinos, elephants, and buffalo, as well as big cats and wild dogs. The birdlife is truly amazing: Malilangwe has recorded 400 bird species and boasts one of the world’s highest concentrations of birds of prey, including 14 species of eagles.
6. Zambezi National Park: Boat Tours and River Cruises Near Victoria Falls
Upstream from Victoria Falls lies Zambezi National Park, a wild and game-rich reserve stretching along the wide, gentle Zambezi River. With fewer visitors than the neighboring Chobe National Park in Botswana, this largely unknown reserve offers fantastic wildlife viewing during the dry season, without the crowds: expect large numbers of elephants, buffalo, hippos, and giraffes, but keep an eye out for lions, leopards, and even wild dogs. The birdlife along the river is superb, so we highly recommend a river safari. If you’re staying at Victoria Falls, a day trip to Zambezi National Park will give you a quick and easy taste of Zimbabwe’s wildlife diversity.
Source: Go2Africa
