Zimbabwe is increasingly being recognized as one of Africa’s top safari destinations. With diverse ecosystems and landscapes spanning lush forests, savannas, deserts and wetlands, Zimbabwe is home to an impressive array of wildlife.
Rangers have identified over 600 species of birds and 300 species mammals across Zimbabwe’s national parks and conservation areas.
For any wildlife enthusiast, Zimbabwe offers an unparalleled safari experience through close encounters with the ‘Big Five’ as well as endangered African wild dogs and cheetahs.
On top of classic 4×4 game drives to spot wildlife, walking safaris provide heart-racing adventure and intimate views of animals in their natural habitats across Zimbabwe’s national parks:
Hwange National Park
- Over 100 mammal and 400 bird species
- One of Africa’s biggest elephant populations – up to 45,000 migrating herds congregate by watering holes in dry season
- All members of Big Five: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalo
- Endangered African wild dogs and large spotted hyena packs
- Recommended camps: Linkwasha, Little Makalolo, Davison’s, Bomani Tented Lodge
Mana Pools National Park
- 2,500 square kilometers of wilderness extending to Zambian border
- Floodplains and woodlands shelter plentiful wildlife along the Zambezi River
- Walking safaris offer heart-pumping proximity to Big Five including large prides of lions
- Elephants, hippos, crocodiles and 400+ bird species
- Top camps: Vundu, Ruckomechi, Little Vundu, John’s Camp
Zambezi National Park
- Adjacent to iconic Victoria Falls spanning border between Zambia and Zimbabwe
- Dense forests and mopane woodlands shelter herds of buffalo, elephants and aquatic wildlife
- Walking trails to best viewpoint of Victoria Falls
- Abundant birdlife and occasional sightings of endangered African wild dogs
Matobo National Park
- Unusual boulder-strewn landscape and wooded valleys
- Home to largest concentration of ancient San bushmen rock paintings
- Endangered black and white rhino populations recovering under heavy protection
- Leopards, 187 bird species and stellar stargazing opportunities
In terms of climate, the best period for Zimbabwe safaris is during the cooler dry season from May to October when wildlife congregates en masse around water sources and vegetation is sparser. This allows easier sightings, especially of big cats who struggle more hunting prey in wet season.
Zimbabwe balances spectacular game viewing opportunities through guided 4×4 safari drives and exhilarating walking tours with affordability and accessibility via direct flights into Harare and Victoria Falls. For wildlife lovers, Zimbabwe promises a breathtaking yet accessible African safari experience jam-packed with adventure and intimate encounters with diverse exotic species worth adding to every travel bucket list.
Conclusion
From tracking endangered African wild dogs on the prowl through thick bushveld to sighting entire elephant herds majestically parading past your safari vehicle in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe delivers quintessential African safari moments certain to take your breath away. The diversity of wildlife and landscapes spanning lush forests, sweeping grasslands, wetlands, deserts and woodlands culminate to create wondrous, lost-world ecosystems where nature rules supreme.
Yet for all its world-class game viewing opportunities across reserves spanning more land than Switzerland, Zimbabwe offers a uniquely intimate safari experience. Walking tours accompanying experienced armed rangers guarantee thrilling proximity to Africa’s giants – lions, leopards, rhinos and elephants among them. There is no better place to admire these majestic beasts in their natural habitat, up-close but safely awhirl with adrenaline.
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