Zimbabwe lies on a high plateau, and its terrain consists primarily of grasslands bordered on the east by mountains. The country’s north-eastern border is marked by the mighty Zambezi River, along which are located the incomparable spectacle of Victoria Falls and the magnificent expanse of Lake Kariba.
The Zambezi has become one of the world’s best water adventure travel destinations, offering outstanding white-water rafting in the Zambezi Gorges below the falls and excellent canoeing and kayaking above them—Victoria Falls, the Smoke that Thunders, is one of the world’s natural wonders.
In addition, Zimbabwe is home to the stone enclosures of Great Zimbabwe, remnants of a past empire, and herds of elephants and other game roaming vast stretches of wilderness.
Zimbabwe is a renowned safari destination, celebrated for its diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and unforgettable game-viewing experiences. Covering expansive national parks and private reserves, Zimbabwe offers encounters with the Big Five and a host of other species. Whether exploring Hwange National Park, Mana Pools, or private conservancies, Zimbabwe’s safaris provide expertly guided game drives, walking safaris, and canoeing adventures along iconic rivers.
Victoria Falls is a world-renowned natural wonder celebrated for its sheer size, breathtaking beauty, and thunderous power. Spanning the Zambezi River, this iconic waterfall is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known locally as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” or “The Smoke That Thunders,” Victoria Falls offers unforgettable experiences, from scenic viewpoints and rainforest walks to adrenaline-pumping activities like bungee jumping and white-water rafting.
Mana Pools National Park is a true wildlife paradise, offering exceptional game viewing and an unparalleled sense of wilderness. As its name suggests, the park features a series of large, tranquil pools that give the area its unique character. Renowned for its remoteness and untouched beauty, Mana Pools delivers an authentic and immersive safari experience.
“Mana” means “four,” referring to the four prominent pools near the park headquarters: Main, Chine, Long, and Chisambik. These pools, formed by the Zambezi River’s scouring floods, sit on nutrient-rich alluvial soil along the river’s southern bank. They provide a crucial water source for wildlife and create breathtaking scenes of natural harmony.
The park’s landscape has a distinctive charm, with towering acacia albida trees casting shade over manicured lawns. Beyond this, mopane trees and combretum scrub define the terrain, punctuated by a remarkable browse line where grazing animals have shaped the vegetation.
Game drives and walking safaris in Mana Pools close you to iconic wildlife like elephants, buffalo, crocodiles, and hippos. Bush walks, in particular, offer thrilling opportunities to observe animals from an intimate perspective, fostering an unforgettable connection to nature.
For a unique perspective, guided canoe safaris along the Zambezi provide an extraordinary way to explore the park. These expertly led journeys allow visitors to silently glide past wildlife—watching elephants wade, buffalo graze, and crocodiles bask from just meters away. The serenity of the river and the closeness to the animals create a profound sense of freedom and unity with the natural world, making Mana Pools a safari destination like no other.
Gonarezhou National Park, located in the far southeastern corner of Zimbabwe, is the country’s second-largest national park after Hwange. Spanning 5,000 square kilometers, this remote and unspoiled wilderness features a diverse landscape ranging from open grass-covered pans to dense bush, offering a truly wild and untouched safari experience.
Gonarezhou forms part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, a vast conservation initiative that unites Zimbabwe’s Gonarezhou, South Africa’s Kruger, and Mozambique’s Gaza parks. This international collaboration is dedicated to preserving biodiversity, fostering wildlife conservation, and supporting the economic development of surrounding communities. Together, the parks host an astonishing variety of wildlife, including over 500 bird species, 147 mammal species, 116 reptile species, 34 frog species, and 49 fish species.
True to its name, which means “place of many elephants,” Gonarezhou is home to more than 10,000 elephants, alongside lions, cheetahs, giraffes, and numerous antelope species. It also provides a critical habitat for the endangered African wild dog, with recent sightings confirming the park as a stronghold for this rare predator. Aquatic wildlife thriving in the rivers and waterholes further enriches the park’s ecosystem.
Among Gonarezhou’s many attractions, the striking Chilojo Cliffs are a standout feature. These towering red sandstone cliffs overlook the scenic Runde River Valley, their dramatic beauty shaped by millennia of erosion. They provide a breathtaking backdrop to the park’s wilderness and are a must-see for visitors.
The dry season is the best time to visit Gonarezhou, as the thinning vegetation and scarcity of water draw animals to permanent water sources, making wildlife easier to spot. Whether seeking iconic wildlife, stunning landscapes, or a tranquil escape into nature, Gonarezhou offers an unforgettable safari experience.
Matobo, often referred to as the spiritual heart of Zimbabwe, captivates visitors with its dramatic and unique landscape. Upon entering the park, you are greeted by a striking panorama of rugged hills, immense granite outcrops, and balancing boulders known locally as kopjes. These extraordinary formations create a sense of wonder and connection to the land’s ancient past.
At the heart of the Matobo Hills lies Matobo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site designated in 2003. This area has been a cradle of human occupation since the Stone Age, with its towering boulders serving as natural shelters. The Matobo Hills boast one of the densest concentrations of rock art in Southern Africa, some dating back over 13,000 years, offering a glimpse into the lives of early inhabitants.
The park is also a wildlife haven renowned for its exceptional biodiversity. It is home to Africa’s highest concentration of leopards and one of the best places in Zimbabwe to spot white rhinos. While lions and elephants are absent, the park teems with other wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, hyenas, and a variety of antelope species such as kudu, sable, klipspringer, and eland—the continent’s largest antelope.
Matobo is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with about 400 of Zimbabwe’s 674 bird species recorded here, including the world’s highest concentration of black eagles. The park’s diverse habitats and thriving birdlife make it a key destination for ornithologists and nature enthusiasts alike.
Easily accessible, Matobo National Park is located less than an hour’s drive from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second-largest city. Whether you’re exploring ancient rock art, tracking wildlife, or simply soaking in the awe-inspiring scenery, Matobo offers a deeply enriching and unforgettable experience.
American citizens visiting Zimbabwe for tourism or business must obtain a visa, which can be acquired upon arrival. Fees are typically $30 for a single-entry visa and $45 for a double-entry visa. Travelers need a U.S. passport with at least six months of validity and two blank pages for stamps. Proof of sufficient funds and a return or onward ticket is also recommended. For the latest information, consult the U.S. Department of State’s travel advisory for Zimbabwe.
We recommend consulting your doctor for the most current vaccination advice specific to Zimbabwe and ensuring you’re up to date with the vaccinations recommended in your home country. You can also check the Travel.State.Gov website for additional guidance on recommended vaccinations for your trip.
The flight duration from the United States to Zimbabwe varies based on departure and arrival cities and the number and length of layovers. There are no direct flights between the two countries; all routes involve at least one stopover. On average, total travel time ranges from approximately 16 to 31 hours.
For example:
New York (JFK) to Harare (HRE): Flights typically involve one or more layovers, with total durations ranging from 16 to 18 hours.
Washington, D.C. (IAD) to Harare (HRE): Flights often include layovers, resulting in total travel times of around 15 hours and 53 minutes.
Seattle (SEA) to Harare (HRE): This route usually involves multiple layovers, with total travel times averaging 29 hours and 25 minutes.
Please note that these durations are approximate and can vary based on specific flight schedules, layover durations, and chosen airlines. It’s advisable to check with airlines or travel agencies for the most accurate and up-to-date flight information.
When you consider booking with us, you’re more than just a number. We begin with Zoom meetings to discuss your safari in detail, answer all your questions, and ensure we understand your desires for the trip. As your departure date approaches, we set up a dedicated WhatsApp group to keep in touch and provide real-time updates, ensuring you feel supported at every step.
To keep your adventure organized and stress-free, we offer an app that downloads and makes your entire itinerary easily accessible. No matter where you are, all your journey details are at your fingertips.
Every Ntaba African Safari is fully guided by experts who are passionate about sharing Africa’s wonders with you. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. Each itinerary is customized to match your interests, and your input is valued every step of the way.
As a family-owned business, Robin and Stella Mountain pour their heart and soul into making your safari an unforgettable experience. With Ntaba African Safaris, you’re not just traveling but joining a family dedicated to crafting the perfect African adventure and sharing our passion and knowledge of Africa.
For more information, visit ntabaafrica.com or contact us at info@ntabaafrica.com | (502) 545 0207. Let’s start planning your dream safari today!