The raw, untamed wilderness of Zimbabwe beckons adventurous travelers seeking thrilling safari experiences. From steamy jungles to sweeping savannas, this southeast African country´s diverse landscapes provide habitats for an astounding array of wildlife, so get ready to come practically face to face with the “Big Five” - lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffaloes - as well as getting have your breath taken away by sights such as thundering Victoria Falls. As one of Africa’s top safari destinations, Zimbabwe offers once-in-a-lifetime encounters to create lasting memories, whether you visit independently (or better yet, with skilled safari operators like Falcon Safaris, in order to maximize your experience).
Down in the southeast well off the tourist track, the country’s second largest reserve holds 5,053 square kilometers (1,951 sq. miles) of nearly untouched wilderness, its rugged terrain including the 180-meter-high (590-foot) sandstone Chilojo Cliffs (visible at top) running for around 20km (more than 12 mi.) along the Runde River. Wildlife includes Cape buffalo, Cape dogs, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, hippos, hyenas, leopards, lions, rhinos (both black and white), wildebeest, and zebras. You can visit on self-drive and guided safaris as well a camp overnight.
Hwange National Park
Zim's uncrowded, largest national park (14,600 square kilometers/5,637 square miles) is known for its elephants but it's also home to the rest of the "Big Five" (buffalo, leopards, lions, and rhinos). On top of that you'll also spot antelope, cheetahs, crocodiles, hyenas, wild dogs, zebras, and more. A guaranteed safari bonzanza! It´s located in the northwest, is a nine-hour drive from Harare (or 4½ hours if you fly to Victoria Falls, just under three hours away, then drive) and four hours from Bulawayo.
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Mana Pools National Park
Farther north lies the Zambezi River, lifeblood for the sublime wilderness, and canoeing between the park’s islands and sandbanks, get a hippo’s eye view of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Launching your vessel from the riverbanks, glide silently through golden mornings, the calls of fish eagles and grunting hippos announcing another perfect day in Africa’s Eden.
Matobo National Park
Here bizarre domes of granite dominate the scenery. Bouncing over roads in open 4x4s, the rich diversity of wildlife reveal themselves before your eyes. Watch herds of zebra grazing between balancing rocks. Scan the treeline for elusive leopards and black rhinos, indigenous to Zimbabwe. In cool dark caves, discover bushman rock art, hidden for thousands of years until now.
Victoria Falls
However you choose to arrive, Vic Falls´ thunderous roar will welcome you. Peer over the precipice shrouded in mist, as the wide Zambezi (here more than 5,600 feet) hurtles 354 feet into the narrow Batoka Gorge below, creating the world’s largest sheet of falling water. Take a dip where a tranquil rock pool swirls at the lip of the Falls, or if you’re feeling brave, try bungee jumping into the abyss itself!
Safari Adventures For Lifelong Memories
Safari days start before the dawn breaks, climbing into open-top 4x4s swathed with amber spotlights. Your experienced safari guide will read animal tracks in the fine dust, skillfully negotiating the terrain while you scan the scrub for any signs of movement. When wildlife is spotted, take photos galore, making every early morning and late night drive unique.
Walking safaris move at a gentler pace, the soft crunch of footsteps across the bushveld filling the silence. Crouching low, inspect a porcupine’s spiny quill lying on the path, or catch the skittish dart of a colorful lizard between granite boulders. Stop for coffee brewed over crackling campfires, swapping stories with your guide about their past Wildlife Authority patrols.
Spot colossal Nile crocodiles basking on sunny riverbanks from the cool tranquility of a canoe safari. Trust your expert guide to safely navigate you through channels thick with hippos, as fish eagle screams echo across the water. Glide past submerged elephants with just their trunks peeping out like snorkels - an experience to imprint on your memory forever.
Cultural Connections with Zimbabwean Communities
Many of these safari expeditions include the opportunity for deep cultural connections, learning about distinctive local lifestyles, arts and traditions. Spend an evening around a dancing fire in a rural village, marveling at thrilling traditional dances and hospitality. Tour vibrant local sculpture gardens, uncover ancient bushman cave paintings, or learn to play the Mbira instrument with a master musician.
By learning about the Shona culture, you connect profoundly with the heritage of Zimbabwe’s largest ethnic group. Whether it’s appreciating stunning traditional textiles or grasping the symbolism of ceremonial masks - through cultural experiences, differences dissolve into the joy of our shared humanity.
Plan Your Bespoke Zimbabwean Safari
Zimbabwe rewards visitors year-round. For best wildlife viewing, target the drier months between April and October. Between November and March, the rainy season may deter some, but those who venture out then are rewarded with lush landscapes and excellent birdwatching, and largely without crowds.
Choose between rustic tents, adventurous campsites or lavish safari lodges to match your style and budget. Whether enjoying sweeping savannas from a secluded wooden deck, or dozing inside an expansive walk-in tent, your base will provide superb comfort. Don't forget to pre-book your domestic flights, and stock up on suitable clothing, binoculars, and reference books before your trip.
Responsible wildlife viewing, supporting local jobs, crafts and conservation projects all ensure your memories are infused with soul and purpose, so be sure to read up on tourism guidelines for each park.
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