Zimbabwe - Africa’s Eden Tourism

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe stirs the senses and rewards the curious. It’s where the mighty Zambezi plunges over Victoria Falls, where elephants gather at secret pans in Hwange, and where you can paddle quietly past hippos in Mana Pools. From ancient stone cities to bustling markets and quiet riverbanks, Zimbabwe invites deeper discovery at every turn.

The national parks in Zimbabwe are wild and uncrowded, its people welcoming and proud, and its guides among the finest in Africa. Whether you come for the adventure, the stillness, or the stories, Zimbabwe offers something truly special—and leaves you wanting more.

What Makes Zimbabwe Special

Zimbabwe offers a unique blend of iconic sights and untouched wilderness. Beyond the thunder of Victoria Falls lies a country rich in biodiversity and soul. Hwange National Park is renowned for its elephant herds and predator sightings, while Mana Pools – UNESCO-listed and utterly wild – offers unforgettable walking and canoe safaris along the Zambezi River.

Zimbabwe is also home to ancient marvels like the Great Zimbabwe ruins and a living culture that proudly welcomes visitors with genuine warmth. Its skilled guides are among the best in Africa, adding depth and insight to every wildlife encounter.

Thanks to its central location, Zimbabwe combines easily with nearby countries such as Zambia, Botswana, and South Africa -making it perfect for multi-country itineraries.

Explore more of Zimbabwe using the destination links below.
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Bulawayo is Zimbabwe’s second-largest city and is located approximately 439km (272mi) southwest of the capital, Harare. The city is regarded as a regional tourism springboard to several tourist attractions in the country’s east, including Hwange National Park which is situated 281km (174mi) northwest of the city centre. The city is located near several archaeological sites and its history as a modern settlement dates back to the mid-1800s. Bulawayo has a relaxed ambiance, although years of economic difficulty are evident. Still, the range of accommodations, wildlife sanctuaries, and places of cultural interest make it a worthwhile pre- or past safari stopover.

Eastern Highlands

Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands is a mountainous region spanning 300km (200mi) along the country’s eastern border with Mozambique. The area contrasts markedly with the rest of the country in terms of the climate and scenery. It receives more than the national rainfall average and its lofty heights are much cooler. The vegetation is lush and the terrain is more severe, with three mountain ranges to explore. This all means that the fauna and flora are very different, offering nature enthusiasts numerous opportunities for hiking, horse riding, fishing, and golf. The area is renowned in Africa for the diversity of birds, with many travelling to the area hoping to add rare species to their checklists.

Gonarezhou National Park

Gonarezhou National Park is the second largest park in Zimbabwe, covering 5000 sq. km (1900 sq. mi) in the southeast of the country. Gonarezhou lies 519km (322mi) from the major cities of Harare and Bulawayo. Gonarezhou means ‘place of the elephants’, and although it is the country’s least visited park, this is set to change following the creation of a transfrontier park with neighbouring countries and a public-private partnership to oversee its commercial and conservation interests. The range of habitats equates to a massive diversity of species which, along with the jaw-dropping scenery, makes Gonarezhou well worth the effort to visit.

Harare is the capital city of Zimbabwe and lies in the northeast of the country, some 700km east of Victoria Falls and 1123km from Johannesburg, South Africa. It was renamed Harare on the second anniversary of independence, and there are numerous attractions that celebrate the country's heritage, including the National Heroes Acre. Harare generally has a very relaxed air about it, with wide avenues lined with colourful vegetation. Tourists are, however, advised to stay clear of the State House precinct. While the country has endured economic difficulties recently, the city boasts some excellent restaurants, museums, and galleries, along with a good selection of accommodation, making it a worthwhile pre- or post-safari stopover.

Hwange National Park

Hwange National Park is the largest national park in Zimbabwe and one of the larger parks in Africa's Eden. It was initially founded in 1928 and later established as a national park in 1949. The park has many wilderness lodges and camp options, allowing you to experience the abundant wildlife (including the Big 5) and access numerous archaeological and cultural sites. A truly unique feature is the feeling of having the park to yourself as crowds are not typical.

Lake Kariba is the world's largest man-made Lake by volume, offering the best fishing safaris in Africa. You will fight to reel in the ferocious game fish known as the Tigerfish. The surrounding floodplains and islands offer excellent game viewing and bird watching. The unspoilt horizons allow magical African sunsets, made more remarkable by the petrified forests poking out of the water's edge while you dream of tomorrow's adventures.

Mana Pools National Park

Mana Pools National Park is a World Heritage Site, providing the ideal location for a pristine wilderness experience. Situated on the Zambezi River, with the Zambezi Escarpment as a spectacular backdrop, Mana Pools offers a cross-section of landscapes for your safari or bird watching expedition, also offering excellent fishing on the Zambezi River itself.

Matobo National Park

The oldest national park in Zimbabwe, Matobo National Park is 50 km to the south of Bulawayo city. Expect to be awed by the dramatic Matopos Hills granite outcrop or kopjes.

Matusadona National Park

Spanning 1370 sq. km (529 sq. mi) on the southern shore of Lake Kariba, Matusadona is one of the few Zimbabwean National Parks that is home to the Big 5 - with sightings of vast herds of buffalo and elephants a special treat. In addition, it is said that Matusadona is home to the second-largest concentration of lions in Africa. As a result, other large predators are only occasionally seen. The area is remote and quiet, with the landscape featuring a pleasing mix of savanna plains and a rugged mountainous escarpment. Matusadona can be reached by road using a 4x4 vehicle or by air charter. One of the park's key attractions is that it offers visitors the chance to enjoy a houseboat holiday while on safari, and game drives and walking safaris are also available.

Victoria Falls town in Zimbabwe, known as Africa's Adventure Capital, is a town you do not want to miss when visiting Africa's Eden. This small, buzzing town is perfectly positioned on the mighty Zambezi River, the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. This town takes its name from the magnificent Victoria Falls Waterfall and is a stone's throw away from its most prominent feature.

Zambezi National Park

The Zambezi National Park is only a short drive from Zimbabwe's adventure mecca, Victoria Falls. As such, it offers visitors to the area the ideal place at which to fit in some game viewing between extreme activities. The park has two main game viewing routes; along the river, where there is constant wildlife traffic to and from the water, and the southern Chamabondo circuit that winds through the mopane woodlands where vast herds of buffalo and elephant thrive. In addition, numerous avian "specials" make this a birdwatcher's paradise, including Pel's Fishing Owl, African Finfoot and African Skimmer found along the river.