The best lodges & camps for luxury safaris in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe has always offered an authentic African adventure – you too can track lion through the bush here with one of the continent’s top professional guides. However, now you can also return to a camp whose luxury isn’t compromised, staying in opulent accommodation with perhaps a little pampering back at the spa!
Grysbok Safari
9 days • 3 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO HARARE AIRPORT
US$8,990 - US$14,380 per person
Somalisa Camp
Somalisa Camp offers world-class service and comfortable furnishings whilst managing to retain an authentic bush-feel. Expect spacious tents with rustic-looking décor featuring wood panelling and copper bathtubs.
Bumi Hills Safari Lodge
Huge rooms, plenty of private space, an impressive infinity pool, spectacular views, a gym and a spa make Bumi Hills Safari Lodge fantastic option if you're looking for a bit off luxury in Zimbabwe.
Nyamatusi Camp
Looking to spoil yourself and enjoy a world-class safari? Look no further than Nyamatusi Camp. Set on the Zimbabwean bank of the mighty Zambezi River, the camp effortlessly combines great guiding and prolific wildlife with touches of opulence for a truly luxurious stay.
Nyala Safari
10 days • 3 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
US$10,150 - US$15,050 per person
Ruckomechi Camp
Tastefully decorated with local art, the sumptuous beds covered in crisp white linen, Ruckomechi is a classic camp with a luxurious touch. Experience impeccable service whilst relaxing in the plunge pool and enjoying Ruckomechi's excellent views of the Zambezi escarpment.
Linkwasha Camp
At Linkwasha Camp you can experience the wildlife-rich Ngamo Plains while enjoying impeccable service, and the chance to recline on a unique star bed whilst admiring the clear African sky. This camp is as stunning as its setting and perfect for an unforgettable luxury safari.
Pied Kingfisher Safari
9 days • 3 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO HARARE AIRPORT
US$7,000 - US$10,780 per person
Somalisa Acacia
Somalisa Acacia offers world-class accommodation and service whilst managing to retain an authentic bush-feel. Spacious tents with rustic-looking décor feature wood panelling and copper bathtubs.
Nyamatusi Mahogany
Looking to spoil yourself and your family while enjoying a world-class safari? Look no further than Nyamatusi Mahogany. Set on the Zimbabwean bank of the mighty Zambezi River, the camp effortlessly combines great guiding and prolific wildlife with touches of opulence for a truly luxurious stay.
Klipspringer Safari
8 days • 3 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO BULAWAYO AIRPORT
US$2,890 - US$3,570 per person
Amalinda Lodge
Cleverly designed around the boulders of the Matobo Hills, Amalinda offers a unique take on a luxury safari in Zimbabwe. Spend the evening around the fire, as our ancestors did, before retiring to the “olde worlde” opulence of your suite.
Ground Hornbill Safari
9 days • 3 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO BULAWAYO AIRPORT
US$5,270 - US$8,560 per person
Amalinda Lodge
Cleverly designed around the boulders of the Matobo Hills, Amalinda offers a unique take on a luxury safari in Zimbabwe. Spend the evening around the fire, as our ancestors did, before retiring to the “olde worlde” opulence of your suite.
Great Egret Safari
12 days • 4 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
US$9,220 - US$17,120 per person
Victoria Falls Hotel
The furnishings and décor of the Victoria Falls Hotel evoke an era of Edwardian gentility, whilst functioning well with efficient modern amenities. For true indulgence, stay under the high ceilings of The Stable Wing, or in one of the hotel’s large and luxurious suites.
Leopard Safari
13 days • 4 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT
US$12,130 - US$17,900 per person
Cape Grace
This luxury hotel combines modern comforts with traditional Cape culture in an exclusive waterfront setting. At Cape Grace you can expect individually-designed rooms with sumptuous beds and extravagant throws. Flamboyant décor and colonial artworks complete the luxurious feel.
The Highlights of Africa
17 days • 7 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
US$14,320 - US$18,180 per person
Mount Nelson Hotel
Timelessly elegant with English colonial décor, Mount Nelson Hotel is perhaps South Africa’s top hotel and offer classic luxury in a tranquil setting. The hotel’s soft pink exterior, heated swimming pools and indulgent afternoon teas highlight the hotel’s attention to detail.
Victoria Falls Hotel
The furnishings and décor of the Victoria Falls Hotel evoke an era of Edwardian gentility, whilst functioning well with efficient modern amenities. For true indulgence, stay under the high ceilings of The Stable Wing, or in one of the hotel’s large and luxurious suites.
Sable Self-drive Safari
12 days • 7 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
US$6,030 - US$8,170 per person
Victoria Falls Hotel
The furnishings and décor of the Victoria Falls Hotel evoke an era of Edwardian gentility, whilst functioning well with efficient modern amenities. For true indulgence, stay under the high ceilings of The Stable Wing, or in one of the hotel’s large and luxurious suites.
Pygmy Mouse Self-drive Safari
18 days • 10 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
US$5,430 - US$8,770 per person
Mushara Outpost
Tasteful wildlife images adorn Mushara Outpost's main area, which exudes an elegant farmhouse style. Each tent has a spacious bathroom whose outdoor shower has a view over the surrounding bush. It adds up to a perfect base for a luxury safari in Namibia.
Luxury elsewhere in Africa
Our top ideas and inspiration for Luxury in other countries.
Botswana
Botswana’s tourism policy aims for high value, low impact tourism. This results in high prices, ...
Kenya
Kenya is distinguished by the diversity of its landscapes, wildlife and culture – but there’s an ...
Malawi
There are only a small number of high-end lodges in Malawi, but these are small, intimate and very ...
Mozambique
Mozambique is off the beaten track. The tourism industry is currently still developing and many ...
Namibia
Wide-open spaces, seemingly endless wilderness and a sense of solitude almost guaranteed: Namibia ...
Rwanda
Rwanda offers striking scenery, diverse wildlife and great cultural experiences – but until recently, ...
Seychelles
With the sun reflecting on the deep blue Indian Ocean, palm-fringed beaches and lush forests, the ...
South Africa
South Africa is an amazing place to experience a luxury holiday. Here you can relax on incredible ...
Tanzania
When it comes to luxurious accommodation, Tanzania isn’t short of beautiful camps and lodges offering ...
Zambia
Zambia has plentiful wildlife across huge areas and many very experienced guides. Although as its ...
Zanzibar
With endless palm-fringed beaches, turquoise waters and accommodation built with world-class comfort ...
Where to see wildlife species in Africa
Maximise the chances of seeing your favourite African 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
2,971 sightings from 3,648 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
1,892 sightings from 4,036 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
1,030 sightings from 3,090 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.
31% SUCCESS
843 sightings from 2,710 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
3,545 sightings from 3,899 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.
44% SUCCESS
483 sightings from 1,093 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
2,130 sightings from 3,847 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.
31% SUCCESS
617 sightings from 1,999 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
2,505 sightings from 3,025 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
1,444 sightings from 2,924 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
3,422 sightings from 3,962 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
2,596 sightings from 2,915 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
1,285 sightings from 1,845 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.
23% SUCCESS
459 sightings from 1,968 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.
22% SUCCESS
439 sightings from 1,959 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.
68% SUCCESS
2,417 sightings from 3,564 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
3,732 sightings from 4,421 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
67 sightings from 3,244 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
54 sightings from 3,242 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
239 sightings from 1,455 observations