Zimbabwe is a safari destination like no other, offering a stunning mix of diverse landscapes, rich wildlife, and vibrant culture. From Mana Pools, where you can glide through the Zambezi River by canoe, surrounded by hippos and crocodiles, as elephants and buffalo graze on the riverbanks, to the serene waters of Lake Kariba, where a luxurious houseboat safari awaits and the thrill of tigerfish fishing beckons—the world’s most exhilarating “game fish.” And, of course, no visit is complete without witnessing the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, one of the most iconic and powerful waterfalls in the world.

Victoria Falls

Located on the Zambezi River at the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia is one of the world’s most famous waterfalls, Victoria Falls. The spectacular falls are approximately 1.6 kilometers wide, with a height of up to 108 meters. Victoria Falls was discovered in 1855 by Scottish missionary David Livingstone, who had heard of “Mosi-oa-Tunya”—”the smoke that thunders”—from local tribes. Livingstone made history as the first European to witness this overwhelming natural phenomenon and named the falls after Queen Victoria of Britain. The border between Zimbabwe and Zambia runs roughly through the middle of the falls, meaning the western section is in Zimbabwe, and the eastern section lies in Zambia. Victoria Falls was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1989 and is now one of Africa’s most visited attractions.

Victoria Falls Hotel

The iconic Victoria Falls Hotel is nestled in a vibrant tropical garden, surrounded by towering palms. Each room and suite exudes classic Edwardian elegance, effortlessly blending old-world charm with modern comforts. The hotel offers an array of amenities, including a stunning pool, tennis courts, and a nearby golf course. Renowned for its world-class service, the hotel’s two exceptional restaurants offer international cuisine at its finest, making it the perfect place to gather. The iconic terrace, with its stunning views of the Victoria Falls Bridge, has been serving High Tea and Sundowners to dignitaries and travelers for over a century.

Children of all ages are welcome!

Lake Kariba

Lake Kariba is located on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia and is one of the largest artificial lakes in the world. It is part of the Zambezi River and was formed by the construction of the Kariba Dam, which serves as a hydroelectric power station that began operation in 1960. The lake reaches a depth of up to 97 meters, is over 280 kilometers long, and can be up to 40 kilometers wide. Lake Kariba is home to several islands, including Chete Island, Sekula, and Chikanka. The lake is renowned for its abundant wildlife, making it a popular destination for boat rentals from the local harbors, where visitors can cruise among the wildlife and fish for tigerfish—one of the world’s most sought-after game fish.

Matusadona Cruise Boat

MV Matusadona is designed to offer you the pinnacle of indulgent luxury as you cruise across Africa’s most iconic lake, Lake Kariba. This elegantly appointed vessel features three decks brimming with comfort and style. Measuring 28.6 meters in length, 6.85 meters in width, and with a hull spanning approximately 5,400 square kilometers, the ship provides ample space to relax while experiencing a breathtaking safari from the deck.

The three spacious, stylish cabins are equipped with large, comfortable beds and all the desirable amenities, including private toilets and showers. Onboard, you’ll find a well-stocked bar, tastefully designed communal dining areas, and a jacuzzi on the aft deck. From here, you can even fish for tigerfish—the one of the world’s most sought-after game fish. Imagine sipping a drink in the jacuzzi while surrounded by herds of wildlife along the shoreline. What more could you wish for?

Children aged six and older are welcome aboard the Matusadona Cruise Boat.

Mana Pools National Park

Nestled in the heart of a vast wetland area in northwestern Zimbabwe, Mana Pools National Park spans 2,500 square kilometers of unspoiled wilderness. This breathtaking landscape of river channels, islands, sandbanks and oxbow lakes is fringed by mahogany forests, wild fig trees, ebony and ancient baobabs. Mana Pools is one of the last undeveloped national parks in southern Africa and boasts the country’s largest concentrations of hippos and crocodiles, alongside impressive populations of elephants and buffalo during the dry season.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, the park takes its name from the Shona word mana, meaning “four,” a reference to the park’s four large permanent oxbow lakes formed by the Zambezi River. Mana Pools is renowned for offering some of Africa’s finest walking safaris, and its lodges provide a variety of safari experiences tailored to different preferences.

Ruckomechi

Perched on the banks of the majestic Zambezi River within a private concession bordering Mana Pools National Park, Ruckomechi Camp is one of Zimbabwe’s best-kept secrets. This eco-conscious camp features ten elegantly designed tented suites, including two specially designed for families. Each suite offers large, luxurious bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers, and all face the iconic river, offering spectacular views.

The suites, constructed with natural materials, include spacious wooden decks adorned with plush cushions, perfect for relaxing after a day of adventure. The camp also features an inviting infinity pool, a stylish lounge, and a well-stocked library.

In addition to world-class game drives, Mana Pools is famed for its exceptional walking and canoe safaris, offering unforgettable ways to explore its unique ecosystem.

Children aged 6 and older are welcome.

Little Ruckomechi

Set in a scenic location that perfectly embodies the essence of Mana Pools, Little Ruckomechi is an intimate and exclusive gem. With just three tented suites (or four when booked exclusively), this secluded camp is shaded by albida trees and overlooks a busy waterhole frequented by wildlife.

The elegant tented suites, built on raised wooden decks, exude the charm of a bygone era with a tasteful design reminiscent of classic exploration. Each suite includes a private bathroom and is thoughtfully designed to provide an airy, open feel. The camp’s communal areas—including a dining room, lounge, and pool—offer sweeping views of the Zambezi River, enhancing the feeling of being immersed in nature.

Little Ruckomechi’s location within the private Ruckomechi Concession ensures a safari experience that is as exclusive as it is remarkable. Guests can also enjoy a range of activities, including walking safaris, fishing, canoeing, and more.

Children aged 13 and older are welcome unless the camp is booked exclusively.

Hwange National Park

As the largest national park in Zimbabwe and one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations, Hwange National Park is a remarkable expanse of wilderness, comparable in size to Belgium. Located in western Zimbabwe at the edge of the Kalahari Desert, Hwange spans over 14,000 square kilometers and is just a few hours’ drive from the iconic Victoria Falls.

Renowned for its incredible biodiversity, Hwange boasts the largest variety of mammal species among all the world’s national parks. Visitors can expect frequent sightings of cheetahs, leopards, lions, and enormous herds of elephants. The park is also home to one of Africa’s largest populations of endangered wild dogs, as well as rare species like roan and sable antelope. With over 400 bird species, Hwange is a paradise for birdwatchers.

Walking safaris in Hwange are of the highest quality, offering a unique way to experience its extraordinary wildlife and landscapes.

Somalisa Camp & Somalisa Acacia

Somalisa Camp is beautifully situated on an ancient riverbed in the heart of Hwange National Park. The camp consists of seven elegantly appointed canvas tents, each set upon a stunning wooden deck. The tents feature en-suite bathrooms with a WC, as well as both indoor and outdoor showers. For chilly winter nights, a wood-burning stove provides warmth, while large fans keep you cool on hot summer days. Both the tents and the inviting communal areas, including dining spaces and the pool, offer breathtaking views of the surrounding savannah. The public areas and dining spots are tastefully nestled beneath a few trees, providing welcome shade and a refreshing coolness.

The sister camp, Somalisa Acacia, is located slightly to the west of Somalisa Camp and features four spacious suites, two of which are large family tents. Here, the tents are equipped with luxurious touches, including an elegant copper bathtub. The view here also overlooks a private waterhole, adding an extra touch of exclusivity.

This version captures the unique, luxurious, and immersive experience offered by Somalisa Camp and its sister camp, Somalisa Acacia. It emphasizes both the natural beauty and the high-end comfort of the lodges while highlighting the exclusive features.

Somalisa Camp welcomes children aged seven and above, while Somalisa Acacia is open to children of all ages.

The Hide Safari Camp

Synonymous with elegance and luxury, The Hide Safari Camp is consistently voted one of Zimbabwe’s top safari lodges. Situated in the heart of Hwange National Park, this exceptional camp features ten luxurious tented suites, designed in classic safari style and equipped with every modern comfort imaginable.

Each tent includes a spacious private terrace with a hammock and a bathtub, ideal for relaxing while overlooking the savannah. The suites are thoughtfully appointed with mosquito nets and cooling ceiling fans to enhance your comfort. For a truly exclusive experience, The Hide also offers Dove’s Nest, an extraordinary treetop suite with panoramic 360-degree views of the savannah and nearby waterholes. Perfect for romantic or private getaways, it’s an unforgettable retreat.

Children aged 10 and older are welcome.

Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve

Spanning an expansive 130,000 hectares in southeastern Zimbabwe, Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve is a private sanctuary brimming with natural wonders and wildlife. Located approximately 200 kilometers from the South African border, this reserve is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, including significant populations of both white and black rhinos and other rare and endangered species such as sable antelope.

The landscape of Malilangwe is characterized by stunning mopane forests, iconic baobab trees, and over 100 ancient rock art sites dating back more than 2,000 years. Its name, Malilangwe, means “call of the leopard,” and the reserve is home to the Big 5—elephant, leopard, African buffalo, rhino, and lion. Visitors can enjoy world-class walking safaris, with the lodges below offering a variety of tailored experiences.

Singita Pamushana Lodge

Perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the serene waters of the Malilangwe Dam, Singita Pamushana Lodge is a masterpiece of luxury and style. This lodge features six ultra-luxurious suites, each inspired by the surrounding landscape and designed with exquisite attention to detail. Every suite is equipped with a private pool, a double-sided fireplace, and both indoor and outdoor showers, blending comfort with nature. For larger families or groups, the lodge also offers a spectacular five-bedroom suite.

The dining experience at Singita Pamushana is exceptional, with gourmet meals served on your private veranda or in the communal dining area adorned with intricate teak decor. True to Singita’s reputation, the lodge boasts a meticulously curated wine cellar that offers an unparalleled selection of fine wines from around the globe, sure to satisfy even the most discerning connoisseur.

Safaris are conducted twice daily in open Land Cruisers, led by highly trained rangers. Guests can also embark on adventurous walking safaris, providing an up-close experience of the reserve’s abundant wildlife and breathtaking scenery.

Children of all ages are welcome.

Singita Malilangwe House

Nestled deep within the pristine wilderness of Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, Singita Malilangwe House is the epitome of exclusive luxury. Designed to provide families and friends with absolute privacy, this stunning retreat is available only for exclusive use, allowing guests to craft their stay exactly as they wish.

The house features five impeccably decorated bedrooms, each with its own deck, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Guests can enjoy the spacious living areas, a state-of-the-art kitchen, a chic bar, and a magnificent outdoor deck with a large infinity pool—all designed to make you feel completely at home.

With 115,000 hectares of untouched wilderness at your doorstep, this ultramodern sanctuary provides a safari experience that is both unique and unforgettable. Private amenities include a personal chef, butler, safari vehicle, and guide, ensuring every detail is tailored to perfection.

Children of all ages are welcome.

Curated Add-On I

Elevate your Zimbabwean safari adventure by adding a few serene days on one of these exclusive paradise destinations: the luxurious Thanda Island, the exotic allure of Zanzibar (Tanzania), or the enchanting Benguerra Island and stunning Machangulo (Mozambique). Here, you’ll discover—quite literally—a slice of paradise with powdery white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters and incredible snorkelling. Contact Safari Collection, and we’ll guide you to your dream escape.

Curated Add-On II

Enhance your exclusive safari journey with a truly unparalleled train experience. Begin or end your adventure aboard a moving masterpiece of timeless elegance and unmatched luxury. The world-famous Rovos Rail and the iconic Blue Train offer journeys spanning 2 to 15 days, seamlessly blending with our spectacular safari destinations. Let yourself be captivated by the grandeur of this enchanting, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Reach out to us for all the details!

Curated Add-On III

Cape Town and its surroundings are a world-renowned haven for gourmet experiences. Combine your safari journey to this iconic city with a luxury tour filled with indulgence. Let us guide you to the ultimate wine and culinary adventure, where every moment is a feast for the senses. Contact Safari Collection to learn more and start planning your unforgettable getaway.