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!
Lion Safari
7 days • 2 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
US$6,950 - US$9,830 per person
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!
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.
Side-striped Jackal Safari
6 days • 2 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
US$3,480 - US$5,460 per person
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.
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.
Ground Hornbill Safari
9 days • 3 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO BULAWAYO AIRPORT
US$5,270 - US$8,560 per person
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.
Klipspringer Safari
8 days • 3 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO BULAWAYO AIRPORT
US$2,890 - US$3,570 per person
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.
Grysbok Safari
9 days • 3 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO HARARE AIRPORT
US$8,990 - US$14,380 per person
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.
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 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.
Great Egret Safari
12 days • 4 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
US$9,220 - US$17,120 per person
Kwara Camp
If you’re looking for a wildlife safari in Botswana that focuses on predators, look no further. Kwara’s game and environments are varied, with plenty of tsessebe, impala, zebra, red lechwe, reedbuck, kudu, giraffe, buffalo and elephant – as well as the big cats and wild dogs.
Sable Self-drive Safari
12 days • 7 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
US$6,030 - US$8,170 per person
Onguma Camp Kala
Within easy access of Etosha National Park, the small, intimate Onguma Camp Kala is a lovely place to stay for a good safari experience.
Pygmy Mouse Self-drive Safari
18 days • 10 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
US$5,430 - US$8,770 per person
Okaukuejo Camp
Okaukuejo Camp's large permanent waterhole can attract vast numbers of animals coming to quench their thirst. Black rhinos, zebras, lions and herds of elephant are frequent visitors in the evenings, and guests have stunning opportunities to observe them at close range.
Okonjima Plains Camp
Visitors at Okonjima can usually view big cats at much closer quarters than is possible in most national parks. With most animals on the reserve habituated to humans, this is a good place to end a wildlife safari in Namibia.
Rock Hare Self-drive Safari
20 days • 12 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
US$5,140 - US$7,320 per person
Ongava Lodge
Ongava Lodge offers excellent game-viewing opportunities, both within the Ongava Reserve and the neighbouring Etosha National Park. Added bonuses include possibly tracking white rhino on foot and night drives in the reserve, neither of which is allowed in Etosha.
Camp Kipwe
The desert-adapted elephant, found only in the north-west of Namibia, can be spotted on game drives from Camp Kipwe, although sometimes the distances can be quite long.
Wildlife safaris elsewhere in Africa
Our top ideas and inspiration for Wildlife safaris in other countries.
Botswana
Botswana's wildlife safaris are perhaps the best in Africa: the vast reserves are usually un-fenced, ...
Kenya
Kenya is the country where the word 'Safari' (Swahili for 'journey') actually comes from. Close ...
Malawi
Don't expect spectacular game on a wildlife safari in Malawi, instead come for a relaxed safari ...
Mozambique
Mozambique is best known for its wonderful beaches and marine life, not its 4WD safaris. There ...
Namibia
Wildlife safaris in Namibia can be outstanding. The country has Africa's highest cheetah population, ...
Rwanda
Having walked since dawn, you're tired but your senses are alive. You hear them grunt before you ...
South Africa
Expert Africa covers only the western side of South Africa, including the Cape and Kgalagadi. Within ...
Tanzania
Tanzania offers a winning combination: some of Africa's best wildlife safaris plus stunning tropical ...
Zambia
For all of the Zambia specialists at Expert Africa, wildlife safaris are the core of what we do: ...
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