Zimbabwe Safari.
Zimbabwe is located south of Africa and is bordered to the west and southwest by Botswana, to the south by South Africa, to the northwest by Zambia, and to the east and northeast by Mozambique. Situated between the Limpopo and Zambezi rivers, Zimbabwe is a landlocked nation. English, Ndebele, and Shona are the most widely spoken languages, and Harare is the country’s main metropolis.
The climate of Zimbabwe varies with elevation. The wet season, which lasts from November to March, is characterized by high rainfall, whereas the dry season, which lasts from May to September, is characterized by a brief chilly season with less precipitation.
One of Africa’s most popular tourist destinations is Zimbabwe. With its stunning water features and breathtaking national parks, Zimbabwe offers a plethora of unique travel experiences for all kinds of tourists. The list of things to do in Zimbabwe is vast and includes trekking, bungee jumping, wildlife drives, golf, canoeing safaris, wedding/honey moon safaris, freshwater fishing, and much more. The following are some of Zimbabwe’s attractions:
Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls Safari
The most well-known vacation destination in Zimbabwe is Victoria Falls, which forms a natural boundary between Zambia and Zimbabwe to the south of Africa. The locals refer to the falls as “Mosi-oa-Tunya,” which translates to “the smoke that thunders.” The Victoria Falls, which are located on the Zambezi River, are 108 meters high and 1,708 meters broad, making them the largest falls in the world.
Because the falls are shared by two nations, the lower falls are in Zambia while the upper falls are in Zimbabwe. Both provide breathtaking vistas that make for a memorable experience. The Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe are thought to have been found in 1885 by missionary adventurer David Livingstone.
The Victoria Falls are open for visits from July through September, November, and January through May. since of the heavy rainfall during this time of year, the River Zambezi fills up, making it challenging to see the breathtaking falls since the mist produced by the water force acts as a barrier, making it tough to see all the way through.
The “Devil’s pool,” a naturally occurring pool, is located next to the falls. Although it appears terrible, one cannot avoid it. The water level drops between September and December, making it simpler for visitors to swim and take photos at the falls’ edge. One of the most incredible and memorable things that can happen here is this.
The adventurous tourists can try bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge, which is a fantastic experience that involves diving your head off the 111-meter-high structure. Bungee jumping, flight trips over the falls, water rafting, sunset cruises, zip line, and bridge tours are among more activities available.
Zimbabwe’s Lake Kariba Tours
The largest artificial lake in the world by volume is Lake Kariba, which is located in the southern region near the borders of Zambia and Zimbabwe. The main purpose of this lake was to provide Zambia and Zimbabwe with hydroelectric power; as a result, the Kariba dam was built between 1955 and 1977. Many animals, birds, and aboriginal people were relocated during the dam’s construction because the rising water level posed a threat. The lake spans an area of over 2,150 square miles and is around 40 km wide and 223 km long.
One of the best spots to unwind and spend a weekend on a houseboat away from home is Lake Kariba. It is endowed with a wealth of opportunities, including boating, fishing, swimming, water sports, and taking in breathtaking sunsets. You have the opportunity to visit Matusadona National Park while you’re here, which will allow you to get up close and personal with the wildlife.
Savor breathtaking views from the lake’s islands, including Snake Island, Mazze Island, Bed Island, and Sekula Island. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Dam site, where you will discover a great deal about the residents’ traditions and beliefs. The guides will also tell you a lot about the Nyaminyami snake God, who the locals believe protects them and who once dwelt in the waters. While in this region, visitors can stay at mid-range cottages, campgrounds, or any upscale lodge on the banks.
Safari in Hwange National Park
Elephants at the Hwange National Park watering area Hwange is Zimbabwe’s largest national park, spanning around 14,650 square kilometers. It is located in the northwest region of Zimbabwe, between Bulawayo and Victoria Falls, and was once known as Wankie Game Reserve before becoming a National Park.
The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including over 40,000 elephants, giraffes, rhinos, leopards, lions, wildebeests, more than 100 mammal species, and about 400 bird species. Enjoy outdoor pursuits such as birdwatching, wildlife drives, walking safaris, visiting nearby cultural sites, trekking the painted dog, camping under the stars, and more.
Numerous lodging options are available in the park, including campsites, trailers, picnic areas, cottages, chalets, and a range of opulent lodges. Therefore, there is no need to be concerned about lodging facilities.
Mana Pools National Park
Mana Pools National Park is home to amazing fauna and breathtaking scenery. The park, which is situated in the Western province along the banks of the Zambezi River, is officially classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. More than 12,000 elephants, more than 16,000 buffaloes, zebras, impalas, hyenas, kudus, wild dogs, leopards, and lions are among the many animals that call it home.
The hot, dry season is usually the ideal time to see wildlife because most of the animals move closer to the riverbanks and the pools to drink. Spurwing and Egyptian geese, storks, Goliath herons, cormorants, kingfishers, colored bee-eaters, Nyasa lovebirds, Livingstone’s flycatcher, and many more are among the park’s more than 350 bird species.
Savor outdoor pursuits like as lion tracking, river fishing, birdwatching, canoeing, and both guided and unguided wilderness walks. With more than five opulent lodges and both private and public campsites, the park offers lodging options.
The Great Ruins of Zimbabwe
These historical sites, which are located in Masvigo in southern Zimbabwe between the Limpopo and Zambezi Rivers, are not to be missed. This historical site, which resembles stone houses and was built in the eleventh century, is the greatest collection of ruins in Africa south of the Sahara. These ruins, which originally housed the nation’s monarchy, were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.
While there, visitors enjoy the chance to tour the Great Ruins and hear tales from individuals who have been there. Since the weather here is typically hot and muggy, visitors are advised to bring plenty drinking water. When it comes to staying here, it is best to stay in one of the adjacent cabins.
Chimanimani
The Chimanimani Mountains, which form the eastern border between Mozambique and Zimbabwe, are a feature of the Chimanimani area. As they ascend to the summit, hikers can enjoy breathtaking vistas, making these mountains an incredible and fantastic destination. The Bridal Veil Falls, many rare tree species including cycads, and wild orchids found in the Chirinda forest are just a few of the many sights to behold in this area. Don’t forget to take in the sight of the red mahogany, which is more than a thousand years old.
Harare
The capital of Zimbabwe, Harare, was once known as Salisbury and is well-known for being the sunny city. It is a very clean city, and it is recommended that first-time visitors take a tour of it to gain more experience. African art and traditional designs, like as jewelry, fabrics, baskets, and musical instruments, are abundant in Harare. Other features include stunning blossoming trees, fascinating local culture, lion and cheetah parks, and an exciting nightlife that can be enjoyed at hotels, casinos, and pubs. In Harare, there are accessible and reasonably priced lodging options.
The Mutarazi Falls
Mutarazi Falls are situated in Zimbabwe’s Nyanga National Park’s eastern highlands. With a height of 762 meters, these falls are the highest in Zimbabwe and the second highest in Africa, ranking 17th globally. Wandering around the rocks, taking in the fresh natural scent, and listening to and seeing the water fall are all amazing experiences.
Seeing these falls is an extra experience that allows you to explore the entire Zimbabwe safari area, which is home to lions, reedbucks, buffaloes, antelopes, hyenas, kudus, and leopards in addition to the breathtaking waterfalls. Due to the falls’ greater elevation, the surrounding area experiences colder summer temperatures than other sections of the nation. In the winter, temperatures range from 12 to 24 degrees Celsius, and at night, they drop even further when temperatures drop below freezing.
Engage in adventure sports like nature hikes, kayaking, wild river rafting, and hiking in the fall, among others.
The Caves of Chinhoyi.
The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority is in charge of overseeing this group of limestone and dolomite caves, which is a very pleasant location. The Chinhoyi Caves are close to Chivero National Park in Zimbabwe’s Makonde area. The main draw is the naturally occurring blue pool, which is around 130 meters deep and is a well-known and thrilling location for divers, particularly scuba divers. It’s also an excellent site to listen to the guides tell you about its history. Additionally, the majority of elders think that these caves have a supernatural charm.
National Park Matobo
Bulawayo is home to Matobo National Park, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to the Matobo hills, also known as the Matopos, which formed more than two million years ago. Numerous wildlife species, including giraffes, antelopes, leopards, hyenas, white and black rhinos, and more than 175 bird species, including the black eagle, may be found in this park. In addition to the breathtaking views, visitors may enjoy bird watching and horseback safaris, which allow them to see the majority of the park’s species. Additionally, you can sleep in the park for the night, which is a unique experience that will immerse you in the stunning African nature.
Elephant’s Walk Artist Village & Shopping
Those interested in African arts and crafts can visit Elephant’s Walk Shopping & Artist Village. In addition to visiting the jewelry studio where master craftsmen are located, you will have the opportunity to meet various local artists and craftspeople who create stunning jewelry and other Zimbabwean creations. In addition to purchasing crafts for yourself and a loved one back home, you may spend time with them and ask them questions about how they produce things.
The Elephant Walk Shopping Village is a great place to shop with lots of shops and boutique galleries. Its main goals are to support local artists and provide tourists with a trustworthy and genuine experience. Additionally, try to savor some delicious food and locally brewed Zimbabwean coffee at several coffee shops, such as The Africa Café. Additionally, the Jafuta Heritage Center is available to people who are interested in African culture and history.
Park Antelope
An excellent place to visit while on safari in Zimbabwe is Antelope Park, which offers a variety of activities like riding elephants, walking with lions, feeding them, horseback riding, bush walks, bird watching, boat cruises, sport fishing, and game viewing. There are plenty of cozy lodging choices, such as private lodges, group lodges, and campgrounds.
The ideal time to travel to Zimbabwe
The best time to visit Zimbabwe varies depend on your travel plans, whether that be visiting the stunning Victoria Falls or on a wildlife safari. However, the majority of visitors to this nation typically engage in both activities.
The optimum time to go on a game-viewing safari in Zimbabwe is thought to be during the dry winter months, which run from May to October (the peak safari season). The foliage is typically sparser during this period, making it easier to see the many wild animals. Additionally, the most of the water sources have dried up, forcing the animals to congregate around the ones that are still there, making it much simpler to identify them.
It is also a very good time to visit because of the pleasant temperature, which includes colder days and less insects. Because this time of year also happens to be the busiest vacation season in most of Europe, travelers who wish to visit Zimbabwe at this period are strongly encouraged to reserve their safari well in advance.
The ideal time of year to view the Victoria Falls
The Zambezi River, which supplies water to the Victoria Falls, is flooded by rainfall in the Angola Highlands from February to May, when the falls are at their most spectacular. The volume of water refills during this time because the rainy season lasts until March or April. It is important to note, though, that when the fools are at their biggest or most full, the water plunges over the ridge, creating a lot of mist that makes it difficult to see the waterfall and making the noise from the plunge deafening (this is why these waterfalls were locally named Mosi-oa-Tunya, or smoke that thunders).
It is ideal to take a helicopter or microlight tour above the falls at this time of year. Water sports like white water rafting, swimming in Devil’s Pool, and visiting Livingstone’s Island are all deemed dangerous due to the high water volume and strong current; however, vacationers who are interested in these and other water sports near the Victoria Falls are encouraged to go between August and December, when the water volume is low.
The ideal time to visit the Victoria Falls and watch wildlife
It is recommended that visitors who wish to partake in the two aforementioned activities on a Zimbabwe safari schedule their trip during May, June, or July. The water levels at the waterfall are a little high during this time, and you can see some amazing game on your safari. However, as the months go by, the Zambezi River’s water volume decreases, and you won’t be able to see the breathtaking curtain of water that falls off the ridge.
Accommodations for a Zimbabwe Safari
Thankfully, Zimbabwe provides a large range of lodging options for tourists, regardless of the location they choose, whether it be in a national park or another popular destination like the Victoria Falls. These options range from low-cost lodging to mid-range lodging to luxury and ultra-luxury lodging. Among the most well-liked lodging options in the nation are:
Luxury: $1,176 per person per night at Victoria Falls River Lodge
The Elephant Camp (from $500 per person when sharing), Old Drift Lodge (from $500 per person when sharing), and Gorge Lodge (from $682 per person when sharing) are mid-range options.
Budget-friendly options include Victoria Falls Safari Lodge ($265 per person when sharing) and Ilala Lodge (starting at $245 per person when sharing).
How much a safari in Zimbabwe costs
In general, it is challenging to determine a set price for a safari in Zimbabwe because there are a number of variables that can influence this, including the cost of lodging, the duration of your safari, and the season you choose to visit, as mentioned below. To give you an idea of how much you should budget when you want to travel to this country, we will attempt to summarize these expenses.
As you can see below, because there are a lot of tourists in the country during this time of year, traveling during the busiest safari season will be expensive because the cost of lodging alone is over double that of the off-peak safari season.
The expected cost of lodging when visiting Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls is displayed in the table below. When sharing a room, the rates listed below represent an approximation for per person per night. Other costs like airfare, visas, and other optional activities are not included at these rates.
