WARM-HEARTED
Zimbabwe
Why holiday in Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe holds a special place in our hearts, as beyond its glorious jewel of Victoria Falls breathtaking safaris await, created by a combination of abundant National Parks, some of Africa’s top safari guides and a nation renowned for their kindness and warmth. Scenically diverse Hwange is legendary for its large elephant herds, whilst the intriguing rock formations of Matobo Hills set the backdrop to trek rhino on foot. Wildly beautiful Mana Pools offers walking or canoe safaris to view the prolific game whilst Matusadona on the shores of Lake Kariba delivers a more relaxing safari experience.
Discover Zimbabwe
Sunset over Lake Kariba
Wild dogs in Mana Pools
Matobo Hills
Elephants in Hwange
Canoeing at sunset on the Zambezi
Elephant Express Hwange
Community Visit
Rhino tracking in Matobo Hills
Explore Zimbabwe
An ancient land known the world over for the iconic Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe has a wealth of spectacular scenery, excellent game viewing, fine accommodation and a warm and friendly people.
Victoria Falls never ceases to take our breath away. ‘Mosi oa Tunya’ (the smoke that thunders) as it is known locally, is a curtain of water over one-mile wide plunging 100 metres into the gorge below producing spray that can be seen for miles. The town itself is an intriguing place to explore.
Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s oldest and largest park. It is primarily known for its large herds of elephant and buffalo and is home to many other species of mammals and birds – a safari here never disappoints. The park is also scenically diverse with granite hills and forests in the north and drier open plains in the south.
Lake Kariba is dotted with islands and a magnet for wildlife and birds. It’s also a popular spot for fishing and memorable sunset cruises amongst the iconic skeleton trees. The vibrant blue of the lake is a delightful contrast to the browns and greens on safari.
The Matopos or Matobo Hills are strikingly beautiful, with huge granite boulders that somehow seem to balance on top of each other. Here you can track rhino on foot and hike to a scenic viewpoint for unforgettable sundowners.
On the banks of the Zambezi River, Mana Pools National Parkis, in our view, an incredibly beautiful park. It’s also a World Heritage Site, a pristine and remote haven for wildlife both on land and in the waters of the Zambezi.
Gonarezhou National Park sits on the border with South Africa and Mozambique. It’s a little bit off the beaten track, but we feel it’s worth the effort. It is remote, natural and undeveloped, with forests, plains, hills and rivers and of course the wildlife. Bordering Gonarezhou, the thrilling wildlife encounters continue among the mopani woodlands and plains of the Malilangwe Game Reserve.
Experience Zimbabwe
Safari. Zimbabwe has many beautiful national parks and reserves to choose from. We’ll use our experience to put together the right combination of safari experiences for you. And the right mix of experiences too, from observing huge herds of elephants in a sunken hide to tracking rhino on foot, walking in the bush or cruising on a lake or river. It’s often said, and we agree, that Zimbabwe’s guides are among the best in the business.
Natural Wonders. Zimbabwe’s natural wonders stretch from the depths of Chilo Gorge to the top of the Matobo Hills. Top of most wish lists, and with good reason, are the spectacular Victoria Falls and the mighty Zambezi River.
Action & Adventure. For a huge adrenalin kick, look no further than Victoria Falls where activities range from zip wiring and bridge walks to white water rafting and heli flips over the Falls. Tracking rhino on foot in the Matopos is thrilling while slightly more sedate activities include sunset cruises or a train ride on The Elephant Express – ask our team for more details.
Discover history and culture. Victoria Falls’s history is intertwined with the early explorers and European settlers of the African continent and the iconic railway bridge is a striking reminder of this time. Experience this bygone era on Rovos Rail as the train departs from Victoria Falls on its journey south to Pretoria. In and around the town, there are plenty of cultural activities as diverse as lunch in a local township and an elegant dinner aboard a steam train. For some light-hearted fun, the colourful Dinner & Drum show is an entertaining night out. In the Matobo Hills you’ll uncover many fine examples of ancient San rock art. For insights into local life, our camps and lodges will gladly arrange a village visit.
Unmissable Victoria Falls always has a warm welcome, but then I'm biased as it's my home town! You'll be immersed in the wildlife experience with elephant and buffalo roaming through the town regularly. For the adrenalin seekers there's white water rafting on the mighty Zambezi. You'll enjoy outstanding safari experiences at Mana Pools and Hwange, two of my favourite places in this beautiful country.
Nicky, African Pride Tours Consultant
"The holiday was absolutely fantastic. Saw all the big 5 except rhinos.The accommodation was top class (lovely big beds), the people who staffed it were so friendly, guides were so knowledgeable, you really felt they wanted you to visit their country. We did a helicopter tour over Victoria falls, which were awe inspiring - another highlight of the holiday. All the transfers were smooth and efficient and this reduced any stress in the holiday, loved the small plane hops between camps in Botswana. We had an unforgettable holiday and will be boring our friends and family with it for months. Thanks for your help in organising this wonderful holiday. "
Mr & Mrs S via Spear Travels
" We had a wonderful time! We loved the journey and whole experience on Rovos Rail from Pretoria to Vic Falls. We especially enjoyed Victoria Falls and the wildlife in the grounds of the hotel! We liked Mauritius alot. "
Mr & Mrs P via Michael Carter Travel
"South Africa was absolutely fabulous. Too many highlights to mention. The “stand out” for us was definitely the Rovos Train. The helicopter flight over Victoria Falls was exciting & the Safari at Shamwari was superb! Driving the Garden route (& sometimes off the beaten track !) was stunning. Great memories of such a lovely country."
Mr & Mrs C-M via Embarque Travel
Be inspired...
From £4,625
11 Nights
Classic Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe has much to offer & this leisurely tour links 2 of the country’s major stars - Victoria Falls & Hwange National Park
Discover
From £7,999
13 Nights
Zimbabwe Adventure Safari
The best of Zimbabwe's exciting activities and National Parks in one itinerary.
Discover
From £7,759
13 Nights
A Tale Of Three Countries
A wonderful adventure combining elegant train travel and iconic destinations.
DiscoverTravel Zimbabwe Your Way
Zimbabwe offers a variety of delights and experiences for the traveller and careful planning to ensure itineraries include the main sights is a must. We’re here at African Pride to help plan and advise how to do this in a way that meets your wishes as effortlessly as possible.
Guided Tours
Several quality soft-adventure ‘overland tours’ travel through Zimbabwe as they journey between East and Southern Africa. These can also be done with your own private guide and the Zimbabwean safari guides are renowned for being some of the best in Africa. For something completely different then take a canoe safari along the Lower Zambezi valley camping on shore each evening.
Flying
Victoria Falls is well serviced by both regional and some international carriers, forming the gateway to many a Zimbabwean itinerary. Domestic flights are mostly by light aircraft transfers linking the reserves to form a wonderful itinerary, though some scheduled flights do operate between the major cities of the country.
Rail
Zimbabwe’s history with railways goes back some time, indeed the Victoria Falls Railway bridge was built to extend rail access to the north of the continent. Rovos Rail has a number of options which hark back to this era; regular journeys to and from Pretoria operate all year, whilst its epic train journey between Cape Town and Dar-es-Salaam also travels through the country.
Multi-Country Combinations
If the holiday of lifetime would be to combine the mighty Victoria Falls, with a stunning Botswana safari, gorilla trekking in Rwanda, or seeing the Great Migration crossing the Serengeti before ending on an idyllic beach in Zanzibar, then no problem, the African Pride team relish and excel at making such dreams come true.
Accommodation
The choice is yours! On safari, options range from beautiful lodges in the most remote and beautiful of settings to authentic simple tented camps. In Victoria Falls the choice is extensive, from some of the oldest hotels in Africa to chic lodge style resorts on the banks of the Zambezi River. Discuss with us your preferences and we can suggest accommodations to suit from our firsthand experience.
When to travel to Zimbabwe
For the safari experience, the best time to visit is in winter, from May to October. It’s still warm during the day but it is also dry, this means the vegetation is less dense and the animals are drawn to water. This is when you are most likely to see the huge herds of elephants and buffalo in Hwange National Park. It can however get exceptionally hot in September and October.
The Victoria Falls can be visited year round, though the water levels do vary with the seasons. From February to May the amount of water roaring into the Falls is phenomenal. You get a real sense of the power of the water but you will also get drenched! From June onwards the water levels recede and you can get some spectacular pictures. It seems incredible but when the Zambezi River is particularly low, the Falls can be reduced to little more than a trickle on the Zambian side, though the Zimbabwean side usually still manages a good display.
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Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is a fantastic country to combine with others in Africa due to its location. It shares borders with South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana and Zambia.
Why Travel with African Pride?
Be inspired by the African Pride Brochure
Explore some of the best experiences that Africa and the Indian Ocean has to offer in the African Pride brochure.
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How to plan a holiday
Your choice of holiday and safari to Africa & the Indian Ocean will be unique to you.
Using our extensive knowledge, experience and passion for Africa built up over many years, we are perfectly placed to tailor your personalised itinerary.
Choose your preferred destinations or experiences to include in a holiday
Talk to your travel adviser or us about your holiday requirements
We use our expertise to design an ideal holiday based on your preferences
We use the latest deals and offers for the best price available at the time
Special occasion? We can suggest little extras and hidden gems
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