Planning Your Zimbabwe Safari Adventure
A Zimbabwe safari in Southern Africa offers once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to witness extraordinary wildlife and stunning landscapes. Zimbabwe has incredible biodiversity preserves replete with the “big five”- lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and Cape buffalo.
Visitors can observe these majestic creatures roaming in national parks spanning from Hwange in the north down to Matobo National Park in the south.
Combining a nature-focused safari with cultural and historical experiences in Zimbabwe makes for an unforgettable African journey. If you’re considering a trip to Zimbabwe to go on safari, use this guide to help plan your adventure.
When to Go on A Zimbabwe Safari
The prime game viewing periods in Zimbabwe are during the dry winter months from May to October. This is when wildlife predictably gathers near watering holes, making them easier to spot on a safari. It’s also when lush green landscapes transform into the golden hues of winter. Peak tourist seasons match with these ideal conditions during July and August. Prices for lodges and safaris rise accordingly.
Shoulder months like May-June or September-October still offer excellent safari sightings with fewer crowds and cheaper prices. The rainy season from November to April has more affordable options too, although game viewing can prove more challenging. Working with a reputable safari company like Falcon Safaris ensures excellent wildlife viewing opportunities year-round based on seasonal movements.
Top National Parks and Safari Locations
Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest game reserve and a top safari destination. This wildlife-rich area in western Zimbabwe near Victoria Falls is home to over 100 mammal and 400 bird species. Significant populations of elephants, buffalos, zebras, giraffes, lions, and endangered African wild dogs roam Hwange’s forests and grasslands. Guided game drives into Hwange provide close encounters with these incredible creatures.
In southern Zimbabwe, Matobo National Park’s granite hillscapes hold over 3,000 ancient bushman rock paintings. Black and white rhinos, along with leopards and hyenas also inhabit Matobo’s protected environs. Matobo offers peaceful walking safaris to view wildlife and immerse in Shona and Ndebele history.
No trip to Zimbabwe is complete without visiting iconic Victoria Falls. Here the mighty Zambezi River cascades over a 1.7 kilometer wide cliff forming the largest sheet of falling water on Earth. Visitors can hike trails along the waterfall’s edge and take scenic helicopter flights over the thundering falls.
Booking a Zimbabwe Safari Tour
The best way to maximize a short visit to Zimbabwe on safari is by booking a professional guided tour. Top safari companies like Falcon Safaris offer all-inclusive packages eliminating hassles.
Their expert guides provide impactful context throughout guided journeys, ensuring meaningful encounters with animals and cultures. Highly-rated tours like Falcon’s 12 Day Sooty package hit Zimbabwe’s highlights in Hwange, Matobo Hills, and Victoria Falls.
All accommodations, transportation, park fees, and activities are covered through these bespoke adventures. Having this intricate planning and on-the-ground support facilitates your dream Zimbabwe safari.
From pride of lions on the prowl to soaring helicopters over Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe delivers non-stop wonders.
By picking the right time to visit and booking with a reputable safari company, you’re guaranteed to have the safari of a lifetime exploring Zimbabwe. Your journey awaits, so when are you ready to embark?
