OUR TOP REASONS WHY ZIMBABWE ROCKS AND SHOULD BE YOUR NEXT SAFARI DESTINATION!
We are in love with Zimbabwe… a country of breathtaking beauty, rich wildlife, and warm-hearted people. From the golden sunsets over vast plains to the excitement of spotting elephants standing tall to reach for fruits in the towering trees,this incredible country offers an unforgettable safari experience. Whether you’re an adventurer, a nature lover, or a family looking for a special getaway, Zimbabwe has something magical for everyone.
Here are our top reasons why Zimbabwe should absolutely make it onto your guests’ safari bucket list:
Outstanding Value for Money: Zimbabwe offers unbeatable value for a safari experience. From accommodation to activities, guests get amazing experiences at affordable prices.
Brilliant Guides with Excellent Training: One of the things that stood out for Mia was the expertise of the guides. They are not only knowledgeable about the wildlife and terrain but also passionate about sharing their insights with visitors. Guests feel like they are in the hands of experts every step of the way.
Diverse Safari Experiences: Zimbabwe’s diverse landscape offers a range of safari adventures, from water-based activities on Lake Kariba, where Mia spotted hippos and crocs, to land safaris delving into the heart of the bush. Mia loved her guided walk in Mana Pools, encountering an abundance of plains game and marvelling at the majestic giant trees.
Relaxing Armchair Safaris: For those moments when guests prefer to unwind and observe wildlife from the comfort of their rooms or main areas, Zimbabwe has it covered. Mia enjoyed memorable moments at lodges like Bumi Hills and Somalisa, where she could soak in the scenery and enjoy looking at wildlife come and go all day.
Child-Friendly Camps: If planning a family safari, Zimbabwe is the perfect choice! With its array of child-friendly camps and lodges, guests can rest assured that the little ones will have safe and unforgettable adventures in the African wilderness. From educational activities to specially tailored game drives, there’s no shortage of fun for the whole family.
The Victoria Falls is one of the Seven World Wonders: a must for most travelers visiting Southern Africa. Victoria Falls town is fast growing but kept its charm, the choice of accommodation goes from affordable to luxurious. There is so much to explore besides the magnificent waterfalls. How about dinner at the authentic Dusty Road followed by the vibrant and colorful Simunye theater show?
Additional Reasons to Visit Zimbabwe:
- Breathtaking Sunsets: Whether over Lake Kariba or the vast plains of Hwange, Zimbabwe’s sunsets are truly mesmerizing and a highlight for any visitor.
- Birding Paradise: Zimbabwe boasts more than 650 recorded bird species, including some rare and endemic gems. It’s a destination where you can tick off dozens of lifers in a single trip.
- A Photographer’s Dream: With close animal encounters and unique photographic opportunities—such as elephants in Mana Pools standing on their hind legs to reach higher branches—Zimbabwe is a must-visit for photography enthusiasts.
- Warm, Welcoming People: Zimbabweans are known for their genuine hospitality and friendliness. Guests often comment on how the people made their trip extra special.
Zimbabwe is also the country of numerous National Parks. Guests can explore a total of 11 National Parks – we can not think of another country where clients can visit so many National Parks in just one safari:
- Hwange National Park – The largest park, famous for its elephant population and diverse wildlife.
- Mana Pools National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for canoe safaris and walking safaris.
- Matobo National Park – Home to unique balancing rock formations and one of Africa’s highest concentrations of leopards.
- Gonarezhou National Park – Part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, known for its rugged wilderness and large elephant herds.
- Matusadona National Park – Located on the shores of Lake Kariba, offering boat safaris and excellent game viewing.
- Nyanga National Park – Features Zimbabwe’s highest peak, Mount Nyangani, and stunning waterfalls.
- Chimanimani National Park – A paradise for hikers, with scenic mountains and lush forests.
- Kazuma Pan National Park – A lesser-known park ideal for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.
- Zambezi National Park – Near Victoria Falls, offering game drives and river safaris along the Zambezi River.
- Chizarira National Park – Known for its dramatic gorges and remote wilderness.
- Victoria Falls National Park – Protects part of the iconic Victoria Falls and the surrounding rainforest.
So, there you have it! Zimbabwe truly rocks as a safari destination, offering unbeatable value, exceptional guides, diverse safaris, armchair adventures, and family-friendly experiences.
Posted by
Claire Robinson
Experience the Magic of Mana
I knew there was something special about Mana Pools the minute the plane touched down on the dusty airstrip. I could not put my finger on it just yet, but little did I know I was about to experience the magic that Mana Pools has to offer.
Located in the far north of Zimbabwe, Mana Pools National Park lies in the heart of the Lower Zambezi Valley. Mana Pools is remote, it is wild, is incredibly beautiful and it is magical. The night skies captivated me the first night as we enjoyed a barbeque under the stars. Nowhere else have I witnessed such clear skies with sparkling stars. While trying to focus on the stars, my attention was drawn to a lion calling in the night. It seems I was not the only one distracted – it was loud and it was close!
The flood plains are teeming with hippo, crocodiles and impressive birdlife. If hippos are your drawcard, you do not want to skip Mana Pools. Canoeing down the Zambezi River would have to be the most exhilarating feeling I have experienced. A stay in Mana Pools is not complete without a canoeing safari. The guides are incredible, with years of experience (and in my opinion, nerves of steel), keeping us calm and informed throughout our journey down the river.
We were hosted by Nyamatusi Camp of African Bush Camps. A small and intimate luxury camp of 6 tents, boasting uninterrupted views of the Zambezi River. The lodge continues to Nyamatusi Mahogany, the sister camp that accommodates families. The two camps operate independently of each other, but if you have the need for more rooms, they can each take the overflow. Activities to fill your day include game drives in the Mana Pools UNESCO World Heritage Site, bush walks, canoeing safaris and tiger fishing (catch and release).
I managed to do a short walk along the shorelines with our trusted guide. It was incredibly hot under the African sun as we meandered from tree to tree, trying to get a bit of reprieve in the shade. While we did not see too many animals on the walk, our guide shared so many interesting facts and stories that kept us enthralled throughout.
Without a doubt, Mana Pools is an exceptional destination. It should not be overlooked when planning a trip to Zimbabwe. It is a special place that captured my heart, a magical place that can only be experienced. My story does not do it justice!
NYAMATUSI CAMP – FAST FACTS
- 6 Luxury Tented Suites – with air-conditioning above the bed
- All inclusive meals, drinks (excludes premium drinks and champagne) and activities
- Activities include morning & afternoon game drives, walking safaris, canoeing and fishing
- Camp closure 6 January to 31 March
- Main swimming pool and private plunge pool at each suite
- Solar power and in room charging facilities
- Accessible by air from Victoria Falls International Airport (2 hour 30 minutes) and Harare International Airport (1 hour 30 minutes)
- 45-minute game drive transfer to camp
Posted by
Claire Robinson
Mana Pools – Africa’s forgotten Paradise
Mighty Zambezi River, Mana Pools
I have always been in love with Mana Pools.
Mana is my mentor – a remote and wild park that feeds my soul with all her sights & sounds – I’ve visited her time and again in her different seasons. Her moods are many and despite the diverse ecology and terrain, each one of these trips has been memorable for one thing. I’ve had some of the best close-up game encounters ever! Sitting under the watchful eye of a professional guide meters away from lion, wild dogs, the legendary standing bulls of Mana and a myriad of plains game and birdlife is just one way in which this park immerses you and brings you back to the fundamental core of nature and our place in it. 
Your clock adjusts to sunrise and sunset and you fall into beat with the natural order of things, according to the rhythm of nature and camp life – the game is clearly abundant in peak season and our recent visit took us to just a few of the camps that have the privilege of operating in and being the custodians of this special park:
Chikwenya, Vundu, Little Vundu, Camp Zambezi and Zambezi Lifestyles as well as Goliath Safaris (I had stayed at Kanga and Rukomechi on my last trip).
Zambezi Lifestyles – *top spot – really enjoyed being right on the flood plain (Ngundu 2 site), saw game all over the place (NOTE the camp moves between different sites depending on which is available, all are on the river) enjoyed the simple comfort of the tents and space of the camp – 4 tents set up boasting the new flush toilets in the open air bathrooms – great bucket shower – excellent local staff managing camp (Cloud was a treat to be in camp and on safari with, very passionate, knowledgeable and eloquent, we also did our canoe trip with him, we weren’t just ‘guided’, we were educated too) – tents/hardware were all solid – food was amazing (I made a point of going to meet the cook, these bush cooks really are talented is all I can say!) – Highlight: herd of 400+ buffalo and sitting on the vehicle near Zebra Vlei watching a pack of 7 adult wild dogs with pups in the late afternoon, they went off on the hunt as the sun went down.
Goliath Tented Camp – *top spot – also really enjoyed being in this camp (I rate both Zambezy Lifestyles and Goliath as my trip highlights) – Camp is on a private concession so in the same location annually. Owner and Pro-Guide in camp is Stretch (Andrew) Ferreira, he is running the camp – the location is stunning with shade over the central areas looking out onto a channel and island just in front of camp, beyond the island is the main river. The first thing you feel here is welcome and are encouraged to feel right at home and ‘part of the family’ – camp layout is neat and functional with a super river front lounge/dining/breakfast/fire pit areas, the tents are set slightly back – the extended size east African tents are very nicely fitted with tasteful teak and wrought iron furnishings, the beds are very comfortable and I loved the open air shower area – vehicles are open top and in good condition – food was awesome! Highlight: pride of 5 lions right outside camp having a snack out of the cooks cell phone, about 15m from us.
If you are a safari addict and look for close wildlife encounters with excellent guides – then Mana Pools should be your next destination! Our recommendation for an intense safari experience is the 10 night itinerary “Spezialised Guides of Zimbabwe” with:
| 3 Nights Goliath Safaris Tented Camp, Mana Pools Natonal Park | |
| 3 Nights Musango Safari Camp, Matusadona National Park | |
| 3 Nights Camp Hwange, Hwange National Park | |
| 1 Night The Elephant Camp, Victoria Falls |
Posted by
Ursula Edwards