Enjoy wildlife safaris in Zimbabwe
The quality of the guide training system in Zimbabwe is very high, which is why they are among the best guides in Africa. Some individual guides know their areas and the resident animals exceedingly well. Consequently they will crawl up to wild dogs with you, or let you sit next to an elephant ... and of course, wildlife safaris by 4WD are also offered.
On a wildlife safari in Zimbabwe you are likely to find its beautiful national parks relatively empty of visitors. In recent years politics have caused great damage to the country and the number of visitors has declined. The question whether it is ethical to go there or not causes a lot of controversy. However, we think it is, because we work with small businesses and people we know well and want to support. We would not organize trips to Zimbabwe if we thought they would prolong an unethical regime. However, we feel the income that visitors bring is crucial to the economic recovery of the country and thus to improve ordinary people's lives. Indeed, there seems to be change for the better going on.
Therefore we are happy to promote trips to Zimbabwe actively now. Come for strong game densities, excellent guides and a feeling of unspoilt wilderness!
Best camps & lodges for Wildlife safaris in Zimbabwe
Little Makalolo Camp
The waterhole in front of Little Makalolo is a real focus for game, including elephants for much of the day and night. Makalolo's private area within Hwange has strong populations of big game, too, with lion and leopard seen regularly, and cheetah – although scarce – also present.
Amalinda Lodge
The Matobo Hills is an excellent and relatively easy place to track white rhino on foot, making it very appealing for a wildlife safari in Zimbabwe. The open terrain and experienced guides give guests at Amalinda a good chance to find and then approach these giants.
Camp Hwange
All the guides at Camp Hwange are all experienced walking guides with an exciting mix of adventurous spirit and respect for animals and the bush. It's an excellent camp for approaching large animals on foot, and for more general walking safaris in Zimbabwe.
Somalisa Acacia
Somalisa Acacia is in a wildlife rich area, with healthy populations of elephant, buffalo and lion. These and other species can be seen on walks and drives, as well as at the waterhole in front of camp, making for a varied wildlife safari in Zimbabwe.
Somalisa Camp
Somalisa is in an area rich in wildlife, with healthy populations of elephant, buffalo and lion. These and other animals can be seen on walks and drives, as well as at the waterholes in front of camp, making for a varied wildlife safari in Zimbabwe.
Vundu Camp
Mana Pools is one of Africa's top wildlife destinations. Vundu Camp has some of the best guides in the park so come here on your Zimbabwe safari for one of the best wildlife experiences going!
Hwange Bush Camp
With a scattering of loop roads, plenty of wildlife, top guiding and few visitors, Hwange Bush Camp has much to offer on a wildlife safari in Zimbabwe, both from a 4WD vehicle and on foot.
Wildlife safaris elsewhere in Africa
Our top ideas and inspiration for Wildlife safaris in other countries.
Where to see wildlife species in Zimbabwe
Maximise the chances of seeing your favourite animals based on traveller sightings reports from the field.
Lion
Panthera leo
Lions are at the top of the food chain and also most safari wish-lists, but with their numbers falling fast, any encounter with these majestic apex predators always feels like a privilege.
81% SUCCESS
3,498 sightings from 4,322 observations
Leopard
Panthera pardus
The most numerous of Africa’s big cats, leopard occur across many habitats, from wild tracts to populated areas. Their grace and their elusive nature make them a unique safari drawcard.
47% SUCCESS
2,262 sightings from 4,803 observations
Cheetah
Acinonyx jubatus
The cheetah is the fastest land animal and the only cat that hunts by pure speed. Found largely in open grasslands, its slim, elegant form is today an increasingly rare sight.
33% SUCCESS
1,203 sightings from 3,646 observations
Wild dog
Lycaon pictus
African wild dogs are among the continent’s most compelling animals. Much misunderstood, these rare, tie-dyed canids are amazingly efficient hunters with a fascinating social life.
32% SUCCESS
1,016 sightings from 3,164 observations
Elephant
Loxodonta africana
By far the biggest of the so-called Big Five – indeed, the largest land animal on the planet – the elephant shapes the very landscape it inhabits and is a defining presence on any safari.
91% SUCCESS
4,227 sightings from 4,643 observations
White Rhino
Ceratotherium simum
The white rhino is the largest and most numerous of the world’s five rhinoceros species. They are larger, easier to see and generally more approachable than the black rhino.
43% SUCCESS
576 sightings from 1,340 observations
Spotted Hyena
Crocuta crocuta
The spotted hyena may be thought of as ‘ugly’ and ‘cowardly’. In fact, this versatile and intelligent carnivore is one of Africa’s most fascinating and warrants attention on any safari.
55% SUCCESS
2,507 sightings from 4,576 observations
Black Rhino
Diceros bicornis
The black rhino is the smaller and rarer of Africa’s two rhino species but has the more fearsome reputation. Shy and heavily persecuted, it tends to stick to cover.
30% SUCCESS
715 sightings from 2,354 observations
Buffalo
Syncerus caffer
One of the ‘Big Five’, buffalo earned a fearsome reputation in hunters’ tales. By contrast, big herds of these sociable bovids are placid, but mount formidable defences against predators.
83% SUCCESS
2,959 sightings from 3,552 observations
Eland
Taurotragus oryx
Africa’s largest antelope, eland are culturally important from prehistoric rock art to modern game farms. Though widespread, they are also shy so sightings are uncommon and often fleeting.
49% SUCCESS
1,672 sightings from 3,404 observations
Giraffe
Giraffa camelopardalis
The world’s tallest land mammal, giraffes are herbivores which have evolved many unique adaptations. Their iconic outlines tower above the bush in many of Africa’s wildlife areas.
86% SUCCESS
4,076 sightings from 4,745 observations
Hippo
Hippopotamus amphibius
The territorial calls of the hippo create a signature soundtrack to Africa’s rivers & wetlands. Despite an endearing smile, this aquatic herbivore has a notoriously aggressive disposition.
89% SUCCESS
3,080 sightings from 3,442 observations
Oryx
Oryx sp.
Oryx are impressive antelopes, with a powerful physique and elegant markings set off by rapier-like horns. They cut a distinctive dash in some of Africa’s harshest landscapes.
70% SUCCESS
1,554 sightings from 2,225 observations
Roan antelope
Hippotragus equinus
Africa’s second largest antelope and one of its most handsome, with a powerful build and distinctive markings, roan are wary of people, but renowned for their bravery against predators.
25% SUCCESS
586 sightings from 2,356 observations
Sable antelope
Hippotragus niger
Perhaps Africa’s most beautiful antelope, sable are renowned for their combative nature, even holding off lions. Shy and restricted in range, sightings of sable are always special.
24% SUCCESS
560 sightings from 2,372 observations
Wildebeest
Connochaetes sp.
Superficially bovine in appearance, wildebeests are known for their spectacular migrations sometimes in huge numbers. These resilient animals are some of Africa’s most successful herbivores.
67% SUCCESS
2,850 sightings from 4,238 observations
Zebra
Equus sp.
The zebra is a quintessential African animal: the horse in stripy pyjamas at the end of every child’s A–Z. There are three species, of which the plains zebra is much the most common.
84% SUCCESS
4,440 sightings from 5,279 observations
Aardvark
Orycteropus afer
The aardvark is one of Africa’s most bizarre and enigmatic animals. A shy, nocturnal termite-eater, signs of its presence may be scattered about the bush whilst sightings remain elusive.
2% SUCCESS
81 sightings from 3,794 observations
Pangolin
Smutsia sp.
Pangolins appear to be more pine cone than animal in their unique armoury of scales. These nocturnal, ant-eating oddities are not only highly elusive but also increasingly rare.
2% SUCCESS
65 sightings from 3,836 observations
Brown Hyena
Parahyaena brunnea
This largely solitary scavenger is one of the more elusive and little-known of Africa’s carnivores. Shaggier than its spotted cousin, it occurs only in the arid southwest of the continent.
16% SUCCESS
283 sightings from 1,791 observations
Looking for inspiration on where to travel next?
Visit our trip chooser to explore your options and find inspiration for your perfect African adventure
Inspire meOther styles of holiday in Zimbabwe
Discover all that Zimbabwe has to offer
