Top Safari Camps – Zimbabwe

EJ shares list of their favorite Safari Camps in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is ablaze with a reenergized tourism sector, especially in its northwest. If you’re eager to visit and wondering where to stay, here is a list of some of our top safari camps and properties in Zimbabwe – in no particular order – to get you excited about planning a safari…

Victoria Falls is always an in-demand safari destination, and now locations like Hwange National Park, Mana Pools and Lake Kariba are catching travelers’ eyes for their excellent wildlife diversity and fascinating landscapes.

Copper bathtub in a luxury tented Camp in Zimbabwe
We love the copper-clad tubs in Somalisa’s tents

Top safari Camps in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Nice to know

  • Intimate and elegant camp with just 7 tents
  • Situated in a private concession for exclusive game viewing
  • Zimbabwe’s first Gold ‘Green Tourism Certified’ camp
  • Zimbabwe’s Leading Tented Safari Camp – World Travel Awards 2019

Jozibanini – Hwange National Park

Nice to know

  • A wonderful, rustic camp in the most remote reaches of Hwange National Park
  • Provides an incredibly exclusive wildlife experience
  • Only 5 tents
  • Unique activities include star bed sleep outs, a game viewing hide and mountain biking
two men biking while seeing an elephant in Hwange Zimbabwe
Mountain biking near Jozibanini provides lots of safari thrills

Top Safari properties and Ghonarezhou and Malilangwe, Zimbabwe

Beautiful infinity pool in Malilangwe Zimbabwe overlooking a damn
The breathtaking view from Singita Pamushana’s infinity pool

Singita Pamushana – Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve

Nice to know 

  • Truly unique design incorporating elements of Great Zimbabwe and Shangaan art and culture 
  • Each of the 8 luxury suites offer a private plunge pool
  • Activities run the gamut – everything from traditional game drives and walks to tennis, rhino tracking, massages and more are on offer
  • Your stay directly contributes to the conservation of the 130,000-acre wildlife reserve adjacent to Ghonarezhou
  • You can easily stay 7 nights and spend a full day in Ghonarezhou National park
a guide walking with two men following him in font of cliffs in ghonarezhou zimbabwe
Walking safaris are a highlight at Chilo Gorge

Nice to know

  • Provides an ‘old Africa’ experience in a little-visited wildlife area
  • Viewing deck overlooking the river allows for wildlife viewing – particularly of hippo, crocodile and elephant – from the lodge
  • Mobile fly camping available for adventurous travelers
A person lighting candles with the amazing views of Lake Kariba in the background as sunsets
Beautiful and tranquil views of Lake Kariba abound from Bumi Hills

Top safari Camps in Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe

Nice to know

  • 10 room safari lodge situated near the northeastern border of Matusadona National Park
  • Elevated location affords incredible views of Lake Kariba
  • Located in a wildlife conservation area which is home to lion, leopard, large herds of elephant and buffalo, as well as a multitude of different plains game. 
  • Activities include day and night game drives, sailing, fishing, cultural experiences (with the rich local Tonga culture) and more
Two elephant on the hind legs trying to get figs in trees in Zimbabwe
Elephant reaching into an albida tree to feed. Photo courtesy by Kyle and Ruth de Norbrega.

Top safari Camps in Mana Pools, Zimbabwe

Nice to know

  • Newer seasonal camp stunningly situated over an open floodplain and the Zambezi River
  • Albida tree pods attract many species, particularly elephant who can often be seen reaching to feed in the tree canopies
  • Game drives and walks are wonderful, but the real magic of a visit to Mana Pools is out on the water in a canoe
  • Two tented family suites with private plunge pools are available
The perfectly decorated tent with oriental rugs in a safari tent in Mana Pool
Sapi Explorers’ tents harken back to Africa’s yesteryear

Nice to know

  • 120,000-hectare private conservation area near Mana Pools National Park
  • Guests can explore both the Sapi Reserve as well as Mana Pools National Park (the latter with 3+ night stays)
  • Game drives, walks, canoeing and boating are available to guests
  • Focused on exploration and adventure
4-bedroomed Khayelitshe House is the perfect base from which to explore Motopos National Park

Top safari Camps in the Matopos, Zimbabwe

Khayelitshe House – Matopos National Park

Nice to know

  • An off-the-beaten-path, remote escape with sweeping panoramic vistas and a bohemian, funky design
  • Unique activities include hiking and biking on the private concession, guided San art walks, game drives, rhino tracking, mountain biking and historical guided tours to the Khami and Great Zimbabwe Ruins
  • The region is known for its iconic balancing rocks & massive boulders, as well as hidden caves and hills with over 3000 registered San rock art sites
  • Children of all ages welcome
One of the beautifully designed outdoor spaces at Old Drift, taking advantage of its beautiful location

Top safari Camps in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Nice to know

  • Spacious, well-appointed suites
  • Guests can enjoy a fantastic combination of wildlife, the Zambezi river and a host of adventure and cultural experiences in nearby Victoria Falls
  • A variety of included activities, which is not a guarantee in all Victoria Falls area properties
  • Flexible scheduling – great for those looking to relax or families who want a malleable schedule

Our favorite Zimbabwe Safaris

victoria falls microlight
  • Itinerary

Odyssey Through Africa

From gorilla trekking to the great migration

16 Days | $11,800 per person
train car with green landscape and blue sky
  • Itinerary

Old-World Glamour: Africa by Rail

From Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe to Kwa-Zulu Natal in South Africa

10 Days | $9,800 per person
boat on the river with elephants in the background on Rwanda safari
  • Itinerary

Luxury Off the Beaten Path

A high-end authentic safari in Botswana, Victoria Falls, and Zambia

10 Days | $15,300 per person