Let us delve into some popular private Zimbabwe game reserves and national parks!
Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve (Bordering Gonarezhou National Park)
Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, whose name ‘Malilangwe’ means “Call of the Leopard,” is a 115,000-acre private reserve bordering the Gonarezhou National Park in southeastern Zimbabwe.
It’s a non-profit trust focusing on conservation and community development, home to the Big Five and offering various activities like safari drives, Bush walks, and bird watching.
Located in the southeastern corner of Zimbabwe, the reserve spans 502 square kilometers, featuring diverse lowveld ecologies and a rich cultural heritage.
Established in 1994 as a not-for-profit trust, Malilangwe aims to create harmony between conservation initiatives and community development, and this has led to the successful introduction of black and white rhinos, making it a source for restocking rhinos in other reserves.
Fascinating Tourist Attractions in Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve
- Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo
- Little Six: klipspringer, Sharpe’s grysbok, grey duiker, steenbok, Livingstone’s suni, and oribi
- Over 400 avian species, including 14 species of eagles and 11 species of hawks
- Rock art sites over 2,000 years old
- Unique sandstone outcrops, Mopane Forests, and Baobab Trees
- Safari drives
- Bush walks
- Birdwatching
- Fishing on the lake
- Prolific Game viewing
Luxury Accommodation in Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve (E.G., Singita Pamushana Lodge)
- Singita Pamushana Lodge: a luxury lodge with beautiful lake views and wilderness activities
- Malilangwe House: an exclusive-use home with five bedrooms and an interactive kitchen
Getting To Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve
It can be reached by flying to the nearest airport and arranging ground transportation or taking a scenic road trip, with year-round accessibility by road or charter flights.
Best Time to Visit Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve
The dry season (April to August) is ideal for game viewing, while the wet season (November to March) is best for birdwatching and witnessing lush greenery.
Book your safari to this unique and responsible safari destination for memorable safari experiences!
Matetsi Private Game Reserve
Matetsi Private Game Reserve is a 350,000-acre unfenced wilderness area in Zimbabwe, bordering the Zambezi River.
Located near Victoria Falls (the world’s largest waterfall), with 9 miles of private Zambezi River frontage, it’s known for vast wildlife populations and exclusive safari experiences.
The reserve is part of the KAZA Transfrontier conservation area, focusing on wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism.
Things To See at Matetsi Private Game Reserve
- Vast wildlife populations, including elephants, buffalo, lions, and leopards
- The Zambezi River
- Diverse avian species
Activities To Do at Matetsi Private Game Reserve
- Safari drives (day and night)
- Bush walks
- River cruises
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Birdwatching
- Helicopter flights over Victoria Falls
- Victoria Falls tours
- Adventurous sports (ziplining, gorge swings, bungee jumping, white water rafting)
- Cultural Tours
- Horse Riding
Luxury Lodges and Camps at Matetsi Private Game Reserve
- Matetsi River Lodge: luxurious suites with private decks and river views on this private concession
- Matetsi River House: exclusive-use private villa with personalized service on the private concession
Getting To Matetsi
Matetsi is accessible via road transfers from Victoria Falls Airport (1 hour) and Livingstone Airport (1.5 hours), helicopter transfers, or private flights to the lodge airstrip.
Best Time to Tour Matetsi Private Game Reserve
The reserve is open year-round, with each season offering unique experiences. The hot season (April to October) is ideal for wildlife viewing, while the wet season (November to March) is perfect for birdwatching and lush scenery.
Book your next safari to this tourist destination for lasting memories!
Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve (Found in Victoria Falls National Park)
Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve is a 4,000-hectare private reserve located 12km from Victoria Falls town center in Zimbabwe.
It’s a conservation success story, home to the Big Five and a breeding program for the critically endangered black rhino.
The reserve is situated near Victoria Falls, covering 4,000 hectares of African bush, and shares a boundary with the 56,000-hectare Zambezi National Park.
Established in 1996, the reserve became a designated rhino Intensive Protection Zone (IPZ) in 2000, with a monitoring and breeding program, as well as anti-poaching units.
Things To See at Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve
- The Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino
- Over 400 species of avian
- Spectacular views of the Masuwe River and teak forests
- Other big game, e.g., the rare sable antelope, rhino, etc.
Tourist Activities at Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve
- Game drives (day and night)
- Rare Black rhino encounters and tracking
- Walking safaris
- Horseback safaris
- Bush dinners
Luxurious Lodges at Victoria Falls National Park (E.G., The Elephant Camp and Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel)
- Stanley and Livingstone boutique hotel
- The Elephant Camp
- Ursula’s Homestead for small groups and families
Getting To Victoria Falls Private Reserve
The reserve is 12km from Victoria Falls town center, with transfers available from accommodation.
Best Time to Visit Victoria Falls Private Reserve
The hot season (April to October) is ideal for wildlife viewing, while the wet season (November to March) can make animal sightings more challenging.
Contact us now and let us plan your next safari to this destination for unforgettable safari experiences!
Alternatively, there are some Zimbabwe national parks also considered important reserves in the nation, such as.
Hwange National Park (Former Wankie Game Reserve)
Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest national park and one of the best national parks and game reserves in the nation, covering approximately 14,650 square kilometers, renowned for its massive elephant population and diverse wild animals.
It is situated in northwestern Zimbabwe, about 100 kilometers from the Victoria Falls bordering Botswana, an ideal location for exploring this natural wonder.
The park and reserve are renowned for their massive elephant population and also serve as a habitat for Africa’s largest population of endangered wild dogs, along with rare species such as roan and sable antelopes.
Hwange National Park was founded in 1928 and has a rich history of conservation efforts, including the National Leopard Project and the Painted Dog Project.
- Large herds of elephants
- Other Species of Fauna, e.g., Lions, leopards, buffalo, cheetahs, wild dogs, and other predators
- Over 400 avian species, including rare, migratory, and endangered species
- Unique flora, including Kalahari Woodland and Savanna Grasslands
- Outstanding landscapes, including Kalahari Sands and Basalt Lava Flows
- Pans, rivers, and dams, such as Nyamandhlovu Pan, Lukosi River, and Masuma Dam
- Cultural and historical sites, including Mtoa Ruins and Bumbusi National Monument
Safari Activities at Hwange National Park
- Luxury lodges, such as The Hide, Ngweshla, and Somalisa Camp
- Budget-friendly campsites and safari tents
- Main Camp, Sinamatella, and Robin Camp offer various accommodation options
Getting To Hwange National Park
The park is accessible by road from Bulawayo (283km) and Victoria Falls (100km). Private aircraft or chartered flights can land at nearby airstrips with prior permission.
Best Time to Visit Hwange National Park
The hot season (July to October) is ideal for wildlife viewing, while the summer months (November to March) are best for spotting migratory birds.
Indulge in an unforgettable Hwange National Park Safari experience and enjoy its diverse wild creatures and outstanding landscapes!
Matusadona National Park (Found Along Lake Kariba Shores)
Matusadona National Park is a remote wilderness area and one of the top Zimbabwe national parks and reserves located on the southern shore of Lake Kariba (the world’s largest man-made reservoir), featuring rugged landscapes, dense thickets, and mopane woodlands, and home to big game, plains game, and abundant birdlife.
The park is situated in northern Zimbabwe, approximately 68 kilometers from Karoi via Binga road, covering an area of 1,470 square kilometers.
Matusadona NP was proclaimed a non-hunting area in 1958, declared a Reserve in 1963, and became a National Park in 1975. After years of decline, African Parks partnered with Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority in 2019 to revitalize the park.
Things to See at Matusadona National Park
- Big and Plains game like elephants, lions, buffalo, leopards, impalas, kudus, and zebras
- Birdlife diversity, e.g., a large number of fish eagles
- Unique vegetation (dense thickets, mopane woodlands, and Lake Kariba’s shoreline grasslands)
- Outstanding landscapes (Matusadona hills and the Zambezi Escarpment)
- Lake Kariba, ideal for boat cruises and catch-and-release fishing
- Ume and Sanyati rivers
Fun Things to Do at Matusadona National Park
- Game drives to spot animals
- Guided walks
- Lake Kariba Boat safaris to observe hippos and aquatic life
- Tiger fishing at Lake Kariba
- Birdwatching
- Wildlife viewing
Luxury Matusadona National Park Accommodation and Safari Lodges (E.G., Bumi Hills Safari Lodge)
- Tashinga Camp
- Sanyati Camp
- Bumi Hills Safari Lodge
- Fothergill
- Changachirere Camp
- Matusadona Bush Camps
- Wilderness Campsites
- Exclusive campsites like Ume, Muuyu, and Mbalabala
Getting To Matusadona National Park
Matusadona NP can be accessed by driving 68km from Karoi via Binga road, flying to Tashinga’s airstrip with permission, or arriving by boat via Kariba town or Bumi Hills.
Best Time to Visit Matusadona National Park
The best time to go to Matusadona NP is from May to October, when the hot season offers optimal wildlife viewing and mild temperatures around Lake Kariba.
Contact us today to book your next Southern Africa safari to this park for the best trip experiences!
Mana Pools National Park
Mana Pools National Park is a wilderness area and one of the popular national parks and game reserves in northern Zimbabwe, featuring four main pools reflected in the name ‘Mana,’ wide floodplains, and exceptional fauna encounters, including elephants, lions, and hippos.
The park is located along the southern banks of the Zambezi River, bordering Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park, and spans approximately 2,196 square kilometers with five safari areas.
It was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 and became a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 2013, with conservation efforts protecting its natural beauty and animals.
Outstanding Things to See in Mana Pools National Park
- Four main pools (Green, Chisasiko, Chine, and Long Pools)
- Diverse wild animals, including lions, elephants, leopards, and hippos
- Over 350 avian species, including the blue-cheeked bee-eater and Pel’s fishing owl
- Unique flora and vegetation, featuring riverine woodlands and mopane forests
- Five distinct safari areas – Sapi, Chewore, Hurungwe, Dande, and Charara – each provides unique wilderness experiences and diverse animal habitats.
Activities To Do at Mana Pools National Park
- Guided walks (Highly recommended)
- R. Zambezi Canoe safaris
- Game drives
- Tiger fishing
- Birdwatching
- Wildlife viewing
Luxury Safari Lodges and Camps at Mana Pools NP (E.G., Little Ruckomechi Camp & Chikwenya Camp)
- Luxury camps like Wilderness Ruckomechi and Zambezi Expeditions
- Self-catering lodges, e.g., Little Ruckomechi Camp
- Camping sites like Nyamepi Camp and Chikwenya Camp
Getting There
It can be reached by a 7–8-hour 4×4 drive from Harare, flying to Kariba and chartering to Mana’s airstrips, or entering via Victoria Falls with tour packages.
Best Time to Tour Mana Pools NP
The best time to tour this park is June to October, offering optimal wildlife viewing, outdoor activities, and comfortable temperatures while avoiding the rainy season and park closures from November to April.
Book your Zimbabwe safari tour to this park for unforgettable safari experiences!
Zambezi National Park
Zambezi National Park is one of the richest wildlife parks and game reserves in the country, located near Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, featuring 40 kilometers of Zambezi River frontage, mopane woodlands, and savannah, home to diverse wildlife and avian species.
The park is situated adjacent to Victoria Falls National Park, covering a combined area of 56,000 hectares, with the River Zambezi forming its northern border with Zambia.
Zambezi National Park is part of Zimbabwe’s national park system, managed by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.
Fascinating Things to See at Zambezi National Park
- Diverse Fauna, including lions, buffalo, leopards, sables, kudus, impalas, zebras, and giraffes
- Over 400 avian species, including the lanner falcon, goliath heron, and African skimmer
- River Zambezi, renowned for fishing and scenic views
Safari Activities at Zambezi National Park
- Chamabondo Game drives (half-day and full day)
- Bush walks
- Horse riding
- Canoeing and fishing on the Zambezi River
- Picnicking at designated sites along the river
- Wildlife viewing
Luxury Safari Lodges and Camps in Zambezi National Park (E.G., Old Drift Lodge)
- Self-catering lodges and campsites within the park
- Luxury safari camps and lodges along the river, e.g., Old Drift Lodge offering inclusive stays and activities
Getting To Zambezi National Park
Zambezi National Park can be accessed by the main road from Bulawayo or Victoria Falls, then Park Way Drive to the park entrance, or by air via Victoria Falls International Airport, with private transfers or lodge pickups available.
Best Time to Tour Zambezi National Park
The best time to tour Zambezi National Park is during the dry season, from May to October, when game congregates near the river, offering optimal wildlife viewing and comfortable temperatures.
Don’t hesitate; let us plan the best southern Africa safari to this park/reserve in Zimbabwe for the ultimate wilderness experience!
Other Zimbabwe National Parks and Reserves
These include.
- Matobo National Park
- Gonarezhou NP
- Chizarira National Park
- Kazuma Pan National Park
- Lake Chivero Recreational Park
- Nyanga National Park in the Eastern Highlands
- Sibilobilo Safari Area
- Thuli Parks And Wildlife Land
- Sango Wildlife Conservancy
- Silwane Nature Reserve
- Maremani Nature Reserve
- Save Valley Conservancy
- Chimanimani National Park
Book a Southern Africa safari to any of these wildlife parks for the ultimate vacation experience!
Zimbabwe Game Reserves FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Which Is the Biggest Reserve in Zimbabwe?
Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest reserve, spans 14,651 square kilometers, hosting diverse fauna, including the Big Five and over 100 mammal species and 400 avian species in its vast wilderness areas.
What Is the Most Famous Game Reserve in Africa?
Serengeti National Park in Tanzania is Africa’s most famous reserve, known for its vast savannahs, abundant wildlife, and the iconic annual wildebeest migration spectacle.
Does Zimbabwe Have Good Safaris?
This beautiful country offers exceptional safari experiences, featuring diverse wildlife, including the Big Five, and various activities, like game drives, Bush walks, canoeing, and cultural visits, in renowned parks like Hwange, Matusadona, and Matobo National Parks.
What Is the Big 5 Near Victoria Falls?
The Big Five near Victoria Falls in this country includes lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino, found in surrounding wilderness areas like Hwange and Zambezi National Parks, offering opportunities for wildlife sightings.
Which Month Is Best for Safari in Zimbabwe?
The best time for a safari in Zimbabwe and her wildlife parks is June to October, with peak game spotting from July to September, when animals congregate around water sources and vegetation is thinner.
In conclusion, Zimbabwe national parks and reserves are the ultimate answer to enjoying a most luxurious safari experience in Zimbabwe! Contact us now and let us tailor the best safari package for you to explore the African wilderness!
