Explore Gonarezhou National Park on foot with your expert private guide (© Chilo Gorge Lodge).
An elephant sighting in Hwange National Park (© Hwange Bush Camp).
Why take a private safari to Zimbabwe?
The people and world-class guiding
First and foremost, the people of Zimbabwe are truly wonderful. They are kind, friendly, well-educated, and their hospitality is exceptional.
Zimbabwe is also renowned for having the very best safari guides in Africa. Their rigorous training can last anywhere from three to six years, entirely self-funded. No other country in Africa has such stringent guide examinations. This deep knowledge shines especially on walking safaris, where guides can identify every plant, tree, and animal, along with their medicinal uses.
They open the world of nature to you, allowing you to wonder at their knowledge, their expertise and the beauty and intelligence of raw, undefined nature and the ecosystem that surrounds you. You’ll go out on a learning exercise each day, and get close to lion, elephant, and a myriad of other species, all the time being perfectly safe in the wild.
Whilst we all enjoy luxury, in my experience, the safaris that leave their greatest mark and the greatest impression are those that take the visitor out of their comfort zone, challenge their perceptions and reveal the indisputable beauty of our natural world. The details of the accommodation you stay in will diminish in time, but the knowledge you gained from your guide will stay with you for a lifetime.
Diverse and stunning scenery
The scenery in Zimbabwe is hugely diverse and completely different. Zimbabwe offers so much! From the wildlife-packed Hwange National Park to the Mana Pools region with its array of mature trees and incredible elephant and wild dog populations, the country is a nature lover’s dream.
There’s also the Matopos Hills, with its history and magnificent geological scenery, Lake Kariba with its petrified trees, the magnificent Victoria Falls, and finally, Gonarezhou, a park largely hitherto visited by the local expat community, with its Big Five and awe-inspiring mountainous scenery.
Authentic owner-managed safari camps
What also sets Zimbabwe apart is its small, authentic, owner-managed safari camps. These camps are not only set in the best wildlife locations but also offer a unique experience led by some of the finest guides in the country. Their guests have the privilege of going out on a learning exercise each day, being brought close to lion, elephant, and a myriad of other species, all the time being perfectly safe. These experts show the world of nature to you and provide a deeper understanding of wildlife behaviour, ecosystems, and survival tactics in the wild.
My top safari camps in Zimbabwe
These are the top picks of camps run by the finest guides in Zimbabwe for a safari of a calibre that you simply will not find in any other country on the continent – unless you hire a private guide for your journey. Prioritising world-class guiding over luxury, these camps are intentionally simple in style, true to the spirit of Zimbabwe’s original, traditional safari camps.
Watch elephants cross the river in Gonarezhou National Park when staying at Chilo Gorge Lodge.
Enjoy refreshing sundowners out in the bush as the sun sets (© Hwange Bush Camp).
Your expert guides help you to have sightings of the most elusive of species (© Vundu Camp).
Explore Mana Pools National Park on foot with your guide (© Albie Venter).
Spot packs of wild dog hunting, playing and interacting in Mana Pools National Park and learn about their conservation. (© Vundu Camp)
Take a canoeing safari in Mana Pools (© Camp Mana).
"These camps are led by some of the finest guides in Africa, offering guests an unparalleled experience of learning and exploration without any additional cost."
The best safari camps in Mana Pools
Mana Pools is magnificent, one of the finest game reserves in Africa, and a UNESCO heritage site. Four of the Big 5 can be seen here. The alluvial soils in the floodplain area support mature riverine woodlands of natal mahogany, rain tree and apple ring acacia while the areas further from the Zambezi River are covered with mopane, thick jesse bush and towering baobab trees. This area is particularly known for its elephant and wild dog or painted dog.
Camp Mana – Steve Bolnick
Steve Bolnick, the owner of Camp Mana, is the consummate guide with the finest reputation in this area, (alongside Nicky Murray from Vundu).
Camp Mana is a simple bush camp set along the banks of the Zambezi River and erected every season. They have a handful of Meru tents with en suite bucket shower and loo. Walks, game drives and canoeing safaris are conducted along the Zambezi River and within the Park. You can also extend and have a mobile camp erected in the Chitake Springs area which is very different and very wild indeed with incredible wildlife – a simply fantastic location.
Vundu Camp – Nick Murray
Vundu Camp is a larger, permanent structure with an elevated, split-level building with Nick Murray as the guide. I went out on several game drives and wildlife walks with Nick in Mana Pools and saw a host of wildlife. The camp itself is built of a combination of brick and canvas and I spotted a number of animals walking through the camp. The rooms are built in an old-fashioned safari style and have a bathroom with bath and shower, and a verandah outside.
Top safari camps in Hwange National Park: exceptional guiding and iconic wildlife
Hwange National Park, the country’s oldest and largest reserve, is teeming with predators and a variety of wildlife. Hwange stands out with its mature woodlands, remarkable elephant and wild dog populations, and serene beauty.
Hwange Bush Camp – Spike Williamson & Dave Carson
Hwange Bush Camp offers an authentic, back-to-basics safari experience. This camp is owned and managed by Spike Williamson and Dave Carson who, again, both have an incredible reputation. Located in the Robin’s area of Hwange National Park, it is renowned for its predator populations, especially lions and wild dogs.
The camp features just seven comfortably furnished tents, each equipped with double beds, en-suite bathrooms with flush toilets, and bucket showers with hot water available on request. The communal area includes cozy chairs and sofas, creating a welcoming space to relax.
Activities include game drives and guided walks, with flexible itineraries based on wildlife sightings. Guests may spend time near watering holes, particularly productive during the dry season, where animals gather, and predators take advantage of hunting opportunities.
For a more immersive walking safari, Spike will erect a fly camp and you can start off at the Hwange Bush camp for a couple of nights, and then go fly camping in a simple Meru camp in the Sinamatella region. Walks cover 10-15 kilometres daily, providing an up-close exploration of the ecosystem and its wildlife, all while ensuring safety and offering an exhilarating connection to nature.
Gonarezhou National Park: big five safaris and scenic beauty
Gonarezhou National Park, though less accessible than other parks, is an unmissable destination in Zimbabwe, offering unparalleled wilderness experiences and the ‘Big 5’. Guests can reach the park from Harare via a six-hour private road transfer, a charter flight, or scheduled flights from Johannesburg (twice weekly). Gonarezhou is home to the Big Five, making it a dream destination for wildlife enthusiasts, with awe-inspiring mountainous landscapes and the Chilojo Cliffs.
Visit the local community to learn about their partnership with the Lodge.
Enjoy the stunning views from the Lodge over the river and dam.
Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge – Clive Stockil
Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge combines luxury with breathtaking views. The lodge features expansive viewing decks overlooking the river, where elephants, hippos, and crocodiles are frequently spotted. Surrounded by indigenous gardens, the lodge includes a shaded swimming pool, providing a refreshing escape from the heat.
Owned by Clive Stockil, a professional guide and renowned conservationist, the lodge reflects his dedication to both wildlife and community preservation.
Activities at Chilo Gorge are tailored to showcase the park’s diverse landscapes. Guests can enjoy wildlife drives, picnics in one of the most magnificent regions you will ever experience, river crossings on foot, and hikes along elephant trails to the iconic Chilojo Cliffs.
These amber-colored cliffs are especially stunning at sunset. The park also boasts remarkable birdlife and offers private fly camping experiences in secluded areas, with lightweight setups and personalized itineraries.
A visit to the local community adds a meaningful dimension to the experience. Guests can spend time with Enock, the lodge’s head gardener, and his family, engaging in daily activities such as grinding seeds, pumping water, or preparing meals. Visits to the local school or clinic and witnessing traditional dances further enrich the cultural immersion.
Chilo Gorge Lodge features in our signature Zimbabwe wildlife journey, “Rivers of Plenty”. Explore our expertly-curated safari itinerary to see how you could include a stay at Chilo Gorge Lodge in your own Zimbabwe safari.
Lake Kariba and Matusadona National Park: a tranquil safari retreat
Lake Kariba enchants with its petrified trees and tranquil waters. One of the largest human-made lakes in the world, Lake Kariba and the surrounding Matusadona National Park is home to an array of wildlife and bird species. See wild dog and lion hunting on the grasslands and take boat safaris to spot hippo and crocodile.
Musango Safari Camp – Steve & Wendy Edwards
Musango Safari Camp offers a unique, personalized safari hosted by Steve Edwards and his wife Wendy. Steve, a former warden and senior ranger with over 20 years of experience, is celebrated for his vast knowledge of the region’s fauna, flora, geography, archaeology, and culture. His ability to impart this knowledge in an engaging and entertaining manner is legendary.
The camp features six comfortable tents with en-suite bathrooms, as well as two honeymoon suites with private plunge pools—ideal for cooling off during the warmer months.
Steve and Wendy will ensure your days are jam packed with adventure, insight, entertainment and laughter. Early morning walks, leisurely game drives and a visit to the dinosaur fossil/Stone Age tool sites or a cultural tour of the local village are all on offer. Fishing and cruising by pontoon is also available. Musango is a perfect destination for adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration.
Planning your Zimbabwe safari
Best time for a Zimbabwe safari
The dry season (May to October) is the best time for game viewing as animals gather around waterholes. The wet season (November to April) is excellent for birdwatching and experiencing lush landscapes, though wildlife sightings are less predictable.
How to get to Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe’s primary international airport is Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare. There are direct flights from major cities like Johannesburg, Nairobi, and Dubai. Once in Zimbabwe, domestic flights connect to safari regions like Hwange, Mana Pools, and Lake Kariba.
Extending your exclusive Zimbabwe safari
Consider combining your Zimbabwe safari with a trip to neighbouring countries. Botswana’s Okavango Delta offers a different safari experience with its wetlands, while Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park is renowned for its walking safaris and abundant wildlife, providing a perfect extension to your African adventure.
When planning your safari to Zimbabwe, particularly if you wish to take part in some walking safaris, it’s essential to engage with an expert to curate a safari that is right for you. Get in touch with our Zimbabwe safari specialists to start your journey.
