Zimbabwe National Parks, Safaris and Game Reserves

(Zimbabwe, ZW, Southern Africa)

Zimbabwe's National Parks Department was set up in 1964. However, it wasn't until the mid-1970s that the country's wildlife began to be seen as an important asset that was worthy of being nurtured and preserved.

Today, conservation is the main aim of Zimbabwe's many national parks and reserves. Some of them, including Mana Pools and Victoria Falls, are well-known the world over. Others remain relatively unexplored and are tourist gems in the making.

Much of the wildlife living in the country resides within the Miobo woodlands, a huge belt of countryside heading across South-Central Africa and intersecting with Zimbabwe, as well as Malawi, Mozambique and southerly parts of Zambia. Those on safari can expect to see African animals such as antelope, baboons, cape buffalo, elephants, giraffes, hippos, honey badgers, hyenas, leopards, lions, monkeys, Nile crocodiles, rhinos (white and black), warthogs and zebras, amongst many others.

Mana Pools National Park

This World Heritage Site has become synonymous with the Zambezi River and its population of crocodiles and hippos. Remote and wild, this most northerly Zimbabwean park is one of the most popular. Visitors on a walking safari have a good chance of spotting a variety of big game, including elephants, lions, leopards and cheetah. It is also one of the few parks to allow visitors to follow self-guided walks. The various facilities include campsites and lodges.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Matobo National Park

Matobo is situated in the spectacular Matobo Hills. Local landmarks include some fascinating rock formations and caves that have been shaped out of the granite cliffs over the millennia. The caves bear some interesting and rather fine rock paintings. The park is home to a successful breeding programme for the world's dwindling black and white rhino populations, so it should be relatively easy to spot these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Numerous bird and fish species can be found living here, while the grave of Cecil John Rhodes is also located within the park's confines.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Victoria Falls National Park

Whilst most visitors find themselves completely captivated by the Falls themselves, it is also worth spending a little time exploring the surrounding area. The park extends along the banks of the Zambezi River. As you would expect of an area that luxuriates in fine water spray most of the time, the neighbouring rainforest is a verdant mix of ferns, palms and vines. Resident wildlife includes elephants, hippos and cape buffalo. Crocodiles also patrol the river.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Nyanga National Park

Situated in the Eastern Highlands, the Nyanga National Park is a spectacular combination of mountains, waterfalls, rivers and panoramic views. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy swimming in the river, fly fishing, and horse riding along the many trails that run through the forests here. A particularly popular activity involves climbing Mount Nyangani, Zimbabwe's highest peak. Of note, the park's headquarters can be found at Nyanga Dam.
Open hours: daily - 06:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge

Chimanimani National Park

The Chimanimani National Park is located close to Zimbabwe's border with Mozambique. Relatively limited development in the park has allowed its wild mountain landscape to stay quite unspoiled. Visitors should look out for eland, sable and blue duiker. The park's biggest draw are its virgin forests, which are home to a multitude of insects, plants and snakes. As there are no roads, the only way to get around is via footpaths and narrow tracks.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Chizarira National park

Situated in the north-west of Zimbabwe, atop the Zambezi Escarpment, is this vast remote area that is home to native flora and fauna. Well known among the hiking community for its challenging routes and spectacular views, the Chizarira National Park is home to plenty of big game, so hiking is only possible under supervision. The tracks are also popular with four-wheel drive enthusiasts, leading to secret gorges, natural springs and great viewpoints. Accommodation is available in several bush camps.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Gonarezhou National Park

'Gonarezhou' translates as the 'place of many elephants'. This scenic spot, tucked away in the south-eastern part of Zimbabwe, isn't just famous for its population of large-tusked elephants, though. It is also a place of natural pools and oases, which are home to numerous species of birds, fish and wild animals. The rare king cheetah can also be found within the park's boundaries, while one of the best-known attractions are the Chilojo Cliffs. Visitors can stay in lodges and camp sites.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Hwange National Park

Hwange is the largest of Zimbabwe's national parks. Just an hour's drive from Victoria Falls, it is a popular destination for many tourists. Originally the site of royal hunting grounds that date back to the 19th century, Hwange was turned into a national park in the 1920s. Today, it boasts a vast selection of wild animal species, including the famous elephants of Hwange. There are plenty of amenities for visitors, including accommodation, restaurant, stores and a fuel station.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Matusadona National Park

The Matusadona National Park came into being as a result of the creation of Lake Kariba and the Kariba Dam. Prolific game inhabit the area, including herds of elephants, crocodiles, buffalo and white rhinos. Black rhinos can also be spotted here. The park is home to an exceptionally diverse bird population as well. Most visitors prefer to stay at the heart of the action in one of Matusadona's bush camps.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge