Zimbabwe Safaris are the best in the industry and are a class of their own. They deserve to be replicated and rightly so! Zimbabwe is more than a premier safari destination. The country is the birthplace of the regional safari industry, a successful export that has been replicated throughout the region and other parts of Africa.
Zambezi Explorer Cruise company, best rated and offers popular cruises in Victoria Falls. Picture Credit: Zambezi Explorer
Unless you have been to Zimbabwe and have been on a Zimbabwean safari, then you have not experienced the true authentic African safari and its magnificence. When it comes to safaris, Zimbabwe is at the forefront, a position it has successfully maintained and jealously guarded inspite of the challenges, a result of endless creativity by local Tour Operators.
Zimbabwe safaris are a class of their own, are among the best in the world and remain unparalleled to none in the continent. This should not be a surprise as the country is the birthplace of the safari industry, a successful export that has been replicated throughout the region and other parts of Africa. Zimbabwe safaris provide you with the experience you will never forget.
Premier Safari Hub
Zimbabwe is a premiere safari hub for numerous reasons. The country is geographically blessed with beautiful scenery, fantastic weather, incredible landscape and terrain. It also has creative talented people. Wildlife scattered throughout the country’s legendary national parks and game reserves make Zimbabwe Africa’s most preferred, premier safari destination.
Imvelo Safaris offer customized tours in Hwange, Matobo Hills and other major attractions. Photo Credit: Imvelo Safaris
Despite crippling sanctions and the country’s political and economic challenges, Zimbabwe remains the most preferred safari destination for many European and North American travellers. Most of the country’s nature reserves are remote wildernesses, untamed and unpolluted, a rarity in Africa and something exclusive to Zimbabwe. The originality of the environment provides unique safari experiences of a real untamed Africa to all nature lovers.
Zimbabwe is a popular Birding destination. Bee-eaters at Ruckomechi Camp, Mana Pools.
Zimbabwe is also a world renowned birding destination popular with avid bird-watchers. The abundance of rare and endangered bird species only found in Zimbabwe’s nature reserves is a magnet to bird lovers. Hwange National Park is the largest bird sanctuary in the world while Gonarezhou hosts over 240 bird species and Mana Pools boasts of over 350, some of which are rare and only exclusive to this remote wilderness.
Safari enthusiasts on the other hand, are attracted to Zimbabwe because of a treasure trove of world-class attractions and a variety of activities. Ancient monuments scattered through the country, Victoria Falls, historic Bulawayo and Matobo Hills, Eastern Highlands as well as remote parks like Hwange, Matusadona and Gonarezhou all offer unique safari excursions that encompass the best of Zimbabwe.
Helicopter rides over the Falls offers a spectacular view of the attraction. Photo Credit: United Air Charters
Zimbabwe safaris are diverse and range in nature. They can be adventurous, family-oriented, luxurious or even historical and educative. The fact that Zimbabwe encompasses all of the classic Big Five – buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion and rhino, including other rare and endangered species in its protected parks, gives the country a competitive edge in the industry.
Game-viewing excursions with Imvelo Safaris on the Elephant Express Tram. Picture Credit: Imvelo Safaris
Professional Tour Operators who offer customized safari excursions for Bulawayo, Hwange, Victoria Falls or Matobo Hills can be contacted for information. Safaris offered may include but not limited to photography, bird-viewing, camping, hiking, game drives and guided walks.
A World Of Wonders
When it comes to safaris, Zimbabwe is in a league of its own and one that deserves to be emulated. The country is more than a premiere safari destination whose safaris are best to none. Zimbabwe is home to five UNESCO World Heritage sites which are Great Zimbabwe Ruins, Khami Ruins, Mana Pools, Matobo National Park and Victoria Falls. It is home to Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and has an abundance of ancient historical and culturally significant monuments scattered throughout the country.
Cruise safaris offer different opportunities such as photographic, bird-watching and fishing. Picture Credit: Shearwater
While Zimbabwe is undoubtedly an ideal place for perfect safaris, it is geographically blessed with a vast rugged wilderness. It is also a world-class birding destination. The country has more national parks than any other country and that are home to the Big Five including cheetahs, hippos & crocodiles.
Despite relentless media mudslinging and misrepresentation, Zimbabwe is the only country that has successfully set aside vast tracts of untamed wilderness for wildlife preservation in the form of public and private nature reserves. It is the only country in Africa with more than ten national parks that are protected, with Hwange being one of the largest in Africa.
More Than Wildlife and Game-viewing
Zimbabwe Safaris are more than wildlife and game-viewing; they have everything for everyone. In addition to popular game-viewing and hunting safaris, Zimbabwe specializes in other safaris that are equally popular if not more. Photographic safaris are a big hit with adventure and thrill-seekers, nature lovers as well as a plethora of other safari enthusiasts.
The Zambezi Explorer Cruise company is an industry leader in this category. Picture Credit: Zambezi Explorer
The endless creativity and resourcefulness of Zimbabwean Tour Operators has given advent to an interesting array of safaris, the likes of which are only exceptional to Zimbabwe. As a result, the country’s position as a premier safari hub and regional leader in the safari industry remains unchallenged, with local safaris being the locus by which the regional safari trade operates.
Pamusha Safaris offer customized cruises to suit your needs. Picture Credit: Pamusha Safaris
Zimbabwe also offers fishing, canoeing, walking and elephant rides safaris. As for art, camping and back-packing safaris, these can be included in packaged tours if and when requested. Cruise safaris often range from breakfast, lunch, dinner or sunset and they may encompass fishing, bird-watching, weddings and honeymoon. Ask your booking agent for details.
Untamed Wilderness: National Parks
Zimbabwe is one of a few countries with the highest number of national parks dedicated to the preservation, protection and conservation of wildlife. These parks and nature reserves are famous for their prestigious rare inhabitants, a major contribution to the country’s continued domination of the African safari industry. The unprecedented decision by the government to set aside vast tracks of wilderness as protected nature reserves has ensured a safe environment where endangered bird and wildlife species can thrive freely, far from human encroachment and in the process creating an untamed nature paradise.
Remote wilderness has ensured the growth of local wildlife. Picture Credit: Wilderness Safaris
Zimbabwe’s National Parks are a favourite spot for photographers, birding enthusiasts and nature lovers because of unique wilderness experiences . This has led to a rise in camping, photographic, game-viewing and birding safaris including fishing, walking, game-views and driving safaris. For customized safari excursions, contact your Booking Agent.
Culture & History
Zimbabwe is undoubtedly a country rich in culture and history. The country is littered with ancient monuments that are of cultural, spiritual and historical significance to the region. There are over fifteen thousand ancient rock inscriptions in Zimbabwe, many of which are found at Matobo Hills caves, a significant indication of the richness of the country’s history.
One of the caves in Matobo Hills where ancient San Rock Art is featured.
The historical relevance and cultural significance of Matobo Hills has transformed this tiny area into a major safari destination. A customized safari excursion that includes historic Bulawayo, Victoria Falls, Hwange and other attractions of similar significance is a popular package. Safari opportunities include birding, fishing, game-viewing, camping, photography, guided-walks, hiking and biking. Historic spiritual tours may be requested in advance as they may require a local specialist who understands African culture and traditions as well as spiritualism.
Lake Kariba & The Mighty Zambezi
Lake Kariba is known as the boating capital of Zimbabwe’s tourism industry and is a nature-lovers, fishermen and photographers’ paradise. Visitors get to experience unforgettable safaris where game-viewing is often up-close and personal in untamed pristine wilderness.
Up-close and personal with animals. Picture Credit: Mana Canoe Trails
Close encounters with animals is one of many perks in safari excursions done by either canoe, on vehicle, guided-walks or riverboat cruise. Lake Kariba safari opportunities may include photography, cruise, canoeing, fishing, bird-watching, camping, game-viewing and more. The mighty Zambezi on the other hand is famous for cruises, bird-watching, fishing for bream and the elusive tiger fish. Bird watchers are almost guaranteed to spot a black eagle during many of its exploits, an opportunity of a lifetime.
Despite sanctions and more than a decade of isolation, this resilient country has managed to retain its position as the regional tourism powerhouse. Zimbabwe’s safari industry is slowly recovering, making its way back to the globetrotting adventure seekers’ lists once again!
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