This is a detailed overview of the safari parks of Zimbabwe!
Hwange National Park (A Haven for Large Elephant Population)
Hwange NP is the largest National Park in Zimbabwe, covering approximately 14,650 square kilometers
The park is situated in the northwestern parts of the country, about 100 kilometers from Victoria Falls, which approximately makes it an ideal travel destination for those looking for the nation’s fauna and natural wonders.
It is known for its massive elephant population, one of the largest in Africa and the second largest in the world, and it is also home to Africa’s largest population of endangered wild dogs, and rare species like roan and sable.
The park boasts four of the big five and is inhabited by over 100 mammal species and nearly 400 bird species, set amid Savannah grasslands, teak, and the mopane Woodlands.
Hwange as a park was founded in 1928, and it is known for having a rich history of successful conservation efforts, including the national leopard project and the painted leopard project, which were set up to protect and conserve the fauna populations, making the park a home to endangered species.
Stunning Things to See in Hwange NP
The park offers a diverse range of attractions
1) Unique Flora such as Kalahari Woodland (dominated by Zambezi teak, Sand Camwood, and Kalahari bauhinia), Mopane woodland (in the north and north-west), Savannah Grasslands (in seasonal wetlands), and Xerophile vegetation.
2) Beautiful fauna, e.g., large herds of elephants, Lions, leopards, cheetahs, Spotted hyenas, wild dogs, roan, sable, gemsbok, Brown hyenas, large grazing herbivores like impalas and kudus, etc.
3) Over 400 bird species exist, including rare and endangered ones such as the southern ground Hornbill, the yellow-billed kite (a migratory bird), the martial eagle (one of the largest eagles in Africa), the kori bustard, and many others.
- Breathtaking Landscapes such as Kalahari Sands, Basalt Lava Flows (found in the north-west), Granites and Gneisses (found in the north-central area), Fossil Drainage Channels, etc.
- Pans, e.g., the Nyamandhlovu Pan (a popular game viewing site), Guvalala Pan ( a game viewing platform with a variety of fauna), Shapi Pan (a waterhole heavily frequented by big game), Ngweshla Pan (a waterhole frequented by game), and many other pans, including Dopi Pan, Kennedy Pans, and Manga Pans.
- Rivers and Dams like the Deka River, Lusoki River, Gwabadzabuya River, Masuma Dam, Mandavu Dam (a picnic site), etc.
- Culture and Historical Sites, e.g., the Mtoa Ruins (stone-walling sites built by Iron Age people), Bumbusi site National Monument (historical site with stone-walling), small rock paintings, and engraving of animal hoofprints
Interesting Things to Do Hwange NP
– Day Game drives to spot lions, leopards, and rhinos
– Guided walking safaris to tour the park’s flora and fauna
– Bird watching, especially during the rainy season
– Night drives to spot nocturnal animals and predators
– Cultural village visits to learn about local communities
Accommodation Hwange National Park
The park offers a range, of accommodation options, from luxury lodges like The Hide, Ngweshla, Kennedy 1, Jambile, and Somalisa Camp to budget-friendly camp sites and safari tents.
How To Get to Hwange NP?
The park is accessible by road from Bulawayo (283km) and Victoria Falls (100 km). Private aircraft or chartered flights can land at nearby airstrips like Main Camp and Robins Camp airstrips with prior permission or fly into VFA.
Weather Hwange NP
The best time to see Huang NP is during the hot season (July to October) for optimal wildlife viewing, while keen birders may prefer the summer months (November to March) for spotting migratory birds.
Contact us now and we will book the best Hwange NP tour for you to enjoy the safari experiences there!
Victoria Falls National Park
Parque National de las Cataratas Victoria is one of the top safari parks and breathtaking destinations situated in northwestern Zimbabwe, straddling the borders with Zambia, showcasing the majestic Victoria Falls, covering an area of approximately 23.4 square kilometers.
It was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1989 due to its remarkable natural beauty, conservation efforts, and cultural significance.
Amazing things to see at Parque Nacional de las Cataratas Victoria
The Main Falls- The world’s largest waterfall, with a height of 108 meters (355 feet) stretching 1708 meters (5604 feet) wide, creating abundant spray and rainbows.
Devil’s Cataract: A 229- foot deep section of the fall named after local historical ceremonies, which were deemed devilish by missionaries.
Horseshoe Falls: This section, shaped like a horseshoe, has a drop of 311.7 feet and often dries up during the dry season, which lasts from September to November.
Eastern Cataract: Located on the Zambian side but visible to Zimbabwe, offering breathtaking views and rainbows.
The Dense Rainfall Forest: A lush tropical rainforest watered by the spray from the falls, featuring ferns, liana vines, and mahogany trees
Fauna includes baboons, warthogs, monkeys on rare occasions, and leopards.
Balboa Trees: A massive tree measuring 52 feet (16 meters) in diameter and 65.6 feet
20 meters high.
Other Lush Vegetation includes ferns, palms, liana vines, and mahogany trees.
Livingstone Island and Devil’s Pool: Tour Livingstone and swim in the Devil’s Pool, a natural pool created by erosion.
Park Trails: Tour Zimbabwean side’s well-paved trails, taking in the falls and rainforest views.
Adrenaline-Filled Activities to Do at Parque Nacional de las Cataratas Victoria.
These Include.
– Touring the falls and marveling at their grandeur
– Touring the nearby Victoria Falls town (Africa’s adventure capital)
– Guided walks to tour the region on foot with expert guides.
– Microlight flights and helicopter tours to witness the majestic expanse of Victoria Falls from above.
– Bungee jumping, take the leap of faith of the Victoria Falls bridge, experiencing four seconds of freefall.
– White water experience the thrill of navigating the Zambezi River Rapids while taking in stunning views of the gorge through white water rafting.
– Sunset dinner cruise to enjoy a romantic evening cruise on the Zambezi River
– Zambezi zipline and flying fox soar across the canyon at 90-100 kilometers per hour or glide horizontally across the gorge.
– Victoria Falls bridge slide/glide across the Zambezi River on a 300m zipline
– Zambezi river walk along the river Zambezi’s banks spotting baboons, warthogs, hippos, and buffaloes.
Where To Stay on A Victoria Falls NP Safari?
The park has many accommodation options, from the budget-friendly ones like the Palm River Hotel to the Ilala lodge to upscale lodges like Stanley and Livingstone Boutique Hotel, among others.
Lodging options are available in both Zimbabwe and Zambia, catering to different preferences and activities.
Getting there
It’s easily accessible by road and Bulawayo via the A8 highway or Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA), followed by a short drive along the A8 offering convenient routes to this stunning natural wonder.
Best time to tour Parque Nacional de las Cataratas Victoria
The best time to tour is February to July for peak flow or June to August for wildlife viewing and cooler weather, while the wet season offers lush scenery and baby animals.
However, the park is open year-round, and each season offers a unique experience, so plan according to your interests and preferences for an optimal experience.
When touring this tourist spot, take necessary safety precautions, including avoiding Cliff edges and slippery rocks, protecting against malaria, and wearing earthy colors to blend in with the surroundings.
Book your safari for the best Zimbabwe safari experiences!
Mana Pools National Park (A Big Game Viewing Wilderness Area)
Mana Pools National Park is one of the best safari parks and a UNESCO World Heritage site located in northern Zimbabwe along the southern banks of the river Zambezi, bordering Zambia’s lower Zambezi NP.
The park spans approximately 2196 square kilometers, renowned for its four main pools from which the name Mana was derived, which means ‘four’ in the Shona language, and wide flood plains offering spectacular scenery and exceptional fauna encounters.
It was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984 after a plan to flood the area for hydroelectricity was dismissed.
It became a Ramsar wetland of international importance in 2013 and has faced threats from mining and poaching, but conservation efforts continue to protect its natural beauty and fauna.
Amazing Tourist Attractions in Mana Pools National Park
Some of the good things to see in this park include,
- Four main pools (Green Pool, Chisasiko, Chine, and Long Pool)
- Wide variety of fauna, including lions, leopards, crocodiles, hippos, zebras, waterbucks, warthogs, Impalas, elands, monkeys, and baboons, among others.
- Over 350 bird species include the blue-cheeked bee-eater, Lillian’s lovebird, and pel’s fishing owl.
- Five safari areas,e., Sapi Chewore, Hurungwe, Dande, and Charara, each offering unique safari experiences, game viewing opportunities, and diverse wildlife habitats.
- The unique flora and vegetation include a mix of riverine Woodlands with Natal mahogany, wild figs, and baobabs, montane forests on the flood plain, open Woodlands on the old river terraces, and hills, which also feature Faidherbia trees and Jesse Bush.
Fun And Safari Activities at Mana Pool NP
- Guided walks to the parks’ untamed lands on foot with expert guides.
- Canoe safari across the River Zambezi and observe hippos and Nile crocodiles.
- Game drives to spot hippos, crocodiles and predators like lions.
- Tiger fishing ie try your luck in the rivers to catch some tiger fish
- Bird watching to spot various species.
Mana Pools NP Accommodations
Stay at luxury camps like Wilderness Ruckomechi or Zambezi Expeditions for close fauna encounters, or opt for self-catering lodges or camping sites for a more rustic experience in the park.
How To Get to Mana Pools NP?
To reach this park, take a 7–8-hour 4×4 drive from Harare or fly to Kariba and charter to Mana’s airstrips (Mana Main, Mana West, or Chikenwa).
Most tourists can get to this good park by using the VFA or choosing tour packages that include transfers and transport to the park.
Best time to visit Mana Pools NP
The best time to tour this good park is from June to October, with optimal game viewing and comfortable temperatures. Avoid November to April due to heavy rains and park closures, making the dry season ideal for wildlife spotting and outdoor activities.
Contact us now and let us plan your Zimbabwe safari tour to this park for unforgettable safari experiences!
Matusadona National Park (On the Shores of Lake Kariba)
Matusadona national park is a remote area an done of the best safari parks in northern zimbabwe situated on the southern shore of lake kariba the world largest man made reservoir.
The park covers 1,470 square kilometsres of rugged landscape featuring dense thicks, mopane woodland and grasslands
It is approximately 68 kilometers from Karoi via Binga road and the park’s southern boundary is accessible through Chifudze substation, leading to the Tashinga main station.
Matusadona NP was proclaimed a non-hunting area in 1958, declared a reserve in 1963, and a park in 1975.
After years of decline due to poaching and resource depletion, African parks partnered with the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority in 2019 to revitalize the park through numerous conservation efforts.
Fascinating Things To See In Matusadona NP
These include
- Big game like lions, leopards, and others
- Plains game like impalas, zebras, and ludus, etc
- Vast birdlife diversity, including fish eagles
- Unique vegetation eg L. Karibas shoreline grasslands , dense thickets , mopane woodlands
- Lake Kariba a massive man made reservoir with stunning views , ideal for boat cruises , catch and release fishing and spotting hippos, crocodiles and various bird species
- Dramatic landscapes like the Matusadona hills and the Zambezi escarpment, provide breathtaking views and opportunities for hiking and exploration
- Rivers eg the Ume and Sanyati rivers, are important spawning grounds for indigenous fish species and offer scenic views.
Fun Filled Things To Do At Matusadona NP
Tourists exploring this park can partake in some of these safari activities below.
- Game drives to tour th epark’s rugged landscape and spot fauna
- Guided walks to learn about the park’s flora an dfauna
- Boat safaris on l. Kariba and observe hippos and other aquatic life
- Tiger fishing which involves trying your hand at catching tiger fish in the lake
- Bird watching to spot various bird species, including African fish eagles
Matusadona National Park accommodation
Some o the available lodging facilities to stay at when on safaris in this park include Sanyati Camp, Tashinga Camp, Fothergill, Changachirere Camp, Tashinga cottages, Matusadona bush camps, Rhino Safari Camp, Changa Safari Camp, etc.
Other exclusive campsites include Ume, Muuyu, Mbalabala, Maronga and Kautsiga, which offer secluded stays.
How To Get to Matusadona NP?
To get to Matusadona NP you can drive from Karoi via Binga road entering through Chifudze substation (~68km to Tashinga main station) or fly to Tashinga’s airstrip with prior permission or arrive by boat via Kariba town or bumi hills through lake Kariba.
Best time to tour Matusadona NP is from May to October during the drier season when animal;s gather around lake Kariba offering optimal game viewing and mild temperatures so this means that you nee dto avoid the rainy season from November to March.
Call or email us today to book your next Zimbabwe safari at this park for the best experience!
Matobo National Park
Matobo NP, one of the best parks in the country, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated in southern Zimbabwe, near Bulawayo, known for dramatic granite rock formations, ancient cultural sites, and diverse fauna.
The park lies in the southwest part of the country, covering about 424 square kilometers, characterized by the Matobo Hills, a range of balancing rock formations created by erosion, known for being one of the three rhino protection areas within the Parks Estate.
Matobo NP is the oldest safari park in Zimbabwe, established in 1926 with a rich history, with San rock art, archaeological finds dating back 300,000 years, and historical sites like Cecil Rhodes’ grave.
Incredible Tourist Attractions in Matobo NP
These include
- Ancient rock art sites like Bambata Cave, Inanke Cave, and Nswatugi Cave
- Cecil Rhodes’ tomb (founder of the former British colony Rhodesia) on Malindidzimu hill
- Diverse fauna, including black and white rhinos, the planet’s densest population of leopards, sable antelopes, impalas, hyenas, hippos, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, vast populations of hyraxes, etc.
- Over 175 bird species, including the planet’s highest concentration of black eagles, ostriches, etc.
- Matobo Hills, a range of granite kopjes and wooded valleys formed over 2 billion years ago, with unique rock formations and balancing rocks like Mother and Child Kopje.
- River Valleys, e.g., the Thuli, Mtshelele, Maleme, and Mpopoma river valleys, which are often swampy and known as dambos or vleis.
- Stone Monument where the 35 British soldiers killed in the battle with the Matebele army are commemorated
- Gallery showcasing the work of San (Bushmen) artists, with over 3,000 registered rock art sites.
- The Ndebele People have a rich cultural heritage and a strong connection to the area.
- Burial Site of King Mzilikazi, founder of the Ndebele kingdom
Matobo NP Activities
- Game Viewing to spot white rhinos, sable antelopes, impalas, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and ostriches
- Rhino Tracking to get up close to rhinos on foot with experienced guides
- Game Drives to tour the park’s scenic landscapes and fauna in a vehicle
- Take a guided walk to spot fauna and learn about the park’s ecosystem
- Enjoy shorter and longer hikes, such as the Lakeside Walk, Mount Pomongwe hike, and climbing Mount Shumbashawa or Nyahwe mountain
- Mountain Biking through the park’s trails and scenic landscapes
- Running – participate in the annual 33-miler road race
- Fishing, i.e., try your luck in the many dams, catching Tilapia and bass
- Enjoy boating trips on larger dams like Maleme, Mtshelele, Toghwana, and Lake Matopos
- Tour Rock Art sites like Bambata Cave, Inanke Cave, and Nswatugi Cave to see ancient paintings
- Tour the burial site of Ndebele king Mzilikazi and Cecil John Rhodes’ grave on Malindidzimu hill
- Cultural Tours to learn about the park’s rich cultural heritage and spiritual significance
- Go to local villages to experience traditional African culture and dancing.
- Bird Watching to spot over 175 bird species, including raptors and migratory birds
Matobo NP Accommodation
Tourists to this park can stay at various lodging facilities, e.g., Amalinda Lodge, Big Cave Camp, and various campgrounds like Maleme Camp, Mtsheleli Camp, and Toghwana Camp, among others.
How To Get to Matobo NP?
The park is accessible by road from Bulawayo (35 km) via Matopos Road and by air through Bulawayo International Airport, followed by a road transfer, with 4WD recommended for remote areas within the park.
Best Time to Tour Matobo NP
The best time to tour Matobo NP is April to October, with June to October ideal for wildlife viewing, mild weather from May to August, and September and October getting hot and dry, while November to March brings rain and lush scenery.
Book your trip to this park, which offers a distinctive mix of fauna, scenery, and cultural heritage, for lasting memories!
Gonarezhou National Park
Gonarezhou NP, meaning “Place of Elephants,” is Zimbabwe’s second-largest national park, covering 5,053 km².
It’s a remote and rugged park known for its towering red sandstone cliffs, particularly the iconic Chilojo Cliffs, over 89+ large mammals, 61+ small mammals, 450+ birds, and 50+ fish fauna.
Located in southeastern Zimbabwe, Gonarezhou forms part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, linking with Kruger NP in South Africa and Limpopo NP in Mozambique.
The park has a rich and turbulent history, from early human settlements by the Shangaan people to the ivory trade; it was established as a reserve in 1935 and proclaimed a park in 1975, with ongoing conservation efforts.
Incredible Tourist Attractions at Gonarezhou NP
- Chilojo Cliffs: towering red sandstone cliffs
- Abundant Wildlife: lions, leopards, cheetahs, rhinos, zebras, giraffes, and antelopes
- Diverse Birdlife: over 450 species, including raptors and migratory birds
- Rivers: Save River, Runde River, and Mwenezi River, offering scenic views and supporting diverse fauna
- Vegetation: Diverse woodlands, including Mopane, Combretum, Alluvial, and Miombo, featuring species like leadwood, wild mango, and nyala berry
- Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve: A private reserve bordering Gonarezhou, offering exclusive experiences and conservation efforts
Gonarezhou NP Activities
- Game viewing to see beautiful fauna
- Walking safaris on foot
- Hiking to Chilojo Cliffs and other viewing points
- Fishing to see stunning fish species
- Birdwatching to see the avifauna
- Photography to capture several photos of the fauna
- Scenic drives
- Cultural visits to local Shangaan communities
Gonarezhou NP Lodges
Tourists touring this park can stay at the various lodging facilities in and near the park, e.g., Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge and Singita Pamushana Lodge, among other self-catering lodges and campsites managed by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority.
How To Get to Gonarezhou NP?
The park is accessible by road from Chiredzi (55km) via the Chipinda Pools turnoff or by air through private charters to the Chipinda Pools airstrip or Buffalo Range Airport with a 3-hour vehicle transfer.
Best Time to Visit Gonarezhou NP
The best time to tour Gonarezhou NP is from May to October, with mild temperatures from May to August and spectacular game viewing in September and October, while November to March is hot and wet with challenging game viewing.
Enjoy a unique and unforgettable safari experience by touring this pristine wilderness area, with diverse fauna and stunning scenery.
Other Game Reserves and Parks of Zimbabwe
These include.
- Chizarira NP
- Zambezi NP
- Kazuma Pan NP
- Lake Chivero Recreational Park
- Nyanga NP
- Sibilobilo Safari Area
- Thuli Parks and Wildlife Land
Contact a reputable and licensed tour operator to help you customize the best Zimbabwe tour package to any of these game parks for memorable safari experiences!
National Parks of Zimbabwe FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How Many National Parks Are There in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe, a beautiful country in Africa, has about 11 safari parks with notable ones being Hwange, Matobo, Gonarezhou, and Nyanga, offering unique landscapes and wildlife experiences.
What Is the Largest National Park in Zimbabwe?
The largest park in the nation is often considered to be Hwange NP, covering a vast area of untamed land of about 14,650 square kilometers with diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife.
What Is the Best Reserve in Zimbabwe?
Hwange NP is generally speaking the best wildlife reserve area in the country, with high concentrations of fauna like lions, leopards, and others.
Which African Country Has the Most National Parks?
Kenya is on top in Africa because it has 27 safari parks, including 23 terrestrial and 4 marine parks, followed by Zambia with 20, and South Africa with 19
Does Zimbabwe Have Good Safaris?
The nation offers excellent safari experiences such as nature walks, fauna viewing, and classic game drives in notable parks like Gonarezhou and Hwange, where visitors can spot the Big Five and enjoy diverse wildlife viewing.
Whether you’re interested in guided walks, game viewing, or simply discovering the beauty of the nation’s fauna, there’s something for every traveler. Book and come with our team of safari experts to tour the wonders packed in the safari parks of Zimbabwe for lasting memories!
