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!
Best camps & lodges for Luxury in Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls Club
Victoria Falls Safari Club is a modern bush lodge built with great attention to detail. Its luxurious rooms have panoramic views over the surrounding bush and a productive waterhole, giving its guests a peaceful and fairly natural environment – despite their proximity to the bustling town of Victoria Falls.
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.
Little Ruckomechi
Little Ruckomechi offers a luxury safari with an old-world, colonial character. Making the most of its stunning riverside location, this camp benefits from spectacular game viewing and a real feeling of exclusivity. Relax in the plunge pool and admire the views of the Zambezi.
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.
Pamushana Lodge
Located in a private concession well away for any other lodges yet with easy access to the dramatic Chilojo Cliffs, Pamushana Lodge's facilities include private plunge pools, tennis courts and a fine-wine cellar. This has long been the ultimate in opulence and exclusivity.
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.
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.
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.
Matetsi River Lodge
Matetsi River Lodge offers a luxury safari in a setting of contemporary style with convenient access to the great spectacle of the Victoria Falls. After a day of safari beside the Zambezi River, indulge at the spa and enjoy wines from the impressive cellar with dinner.
Changa Safari Camp
Offering a luxurious safari experience, the secluded Changa Safari Camp is located in its own private concession and perfect for those seeking an exclusive and luxurious stay. Complete with a fire-pit on the beach, candle-lit dinners and excellent guiding.
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.
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.
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.
Luxury elsewhere in Africa
Our top ideas and inspiration for Luxury 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
3,130 sightings from 3,868 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
2,008 sightings from 4,295 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
1,075 sightings from 3,287 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
908 sightings from 2,868 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
3,760 sightings from 4,141 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
511 sightings from 1,178 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
2,236 sightings from 4,089 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
637 sightings from 2,110 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
2,649 sightings from 3,200 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
1,496 sightings from 3,071 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
3,622 sightings from 4,218 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
2,749 sightings from 3,077 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
1,374 sightings from 1,976 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.
24% SUCCESS
497 sightings from 2,114 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.
23% SUCCESS
479 sightings from 2,115 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
2,566 sightings from 3,801 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
3,960 sightings from 4,713 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
73 sightings from 3,435 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
57 sightings from 3,448 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
252 sightings from 1,587 observations
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