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Zimbabwe, Africa
Africa

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s north western border with Zambia is separated by the Zambezi River which flows sluggishly over a level plateau, thick with riverine bush.

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Overview

About Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe’s north western border with Zambia is separated by the Zambezi River which flows sluggishly over a level plateau, thick with riverine bush. Victoria Falls, one of the world’s most spectacular and awe-inspiring waterfalls, is Zimbabwe’s most famous World Heritage Site. Travelers from all over the world journey to these falls to experience the majestic power first hand. Various adrenaline sports are on offer as well as unmatched scenery of breathtaking proportions, astonishing Zambezi sunsets, and many other leisure options to engage the outdoor connoisseur. Zimbabwe is also home to a number of ancient ruined cities built in a very unique dry stone style, which is unusual in Africa. From the grand falls to the local wildlife, Zimbabwe offers a range of excitement for the exploratory traveler.
When to go

When to visit Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe combines safari and Victoria Falls, and timing depends on whether the priority is wildlife, waterfall volume, or lower spray.

Green
  • Dec
  • Jan
  • Feb

Green season

ClimateWarm to hot; summer rain

Best forBirding, green landscapes

Summer rain brings lush landscapes and birding, while heat, humidity, and road conditions require flexible planning.

Falls flow
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May

Autumn

ClimateMild; drying later

Best forVictoria Falls, safari combinations

Victoria Falls often carries high water after the rains, while safari viewing improves as the bush begins to dry.

Peak
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug

Dry season

ClimateDry; cool mornings

Best forHwange, Mana Pools, safari

Cool dry weather suits Hwange, Mana Pools, and safari combinations, with comfortable days and cold mornings.

Hot peak
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov

Late dry

ClimateHot and dry

Best forWaterholes, walking safari

Wildlife can concentrate around water as conditions dry out, but temperatures rise sharply before the rains return.

Seasons here are a guide. The right window for your trip depends on the regions, lodges, and pace you want.

Questions

Planning Zimbabwe.

Quick information to help guide you through exploring these incredible destinations.

What is Zimbabwe known for?

Zimbabwe is known for Victoria Falls, Hwange elephants, Mana Pools walking and canoeing, and strong professional guiding. It offers a classic safari feel and combines naturally with Botswana or Zambia. Water levels at the falls and seasonal access to safari areas should shape the route.

When is the best time to visit Zimbabwe?

May to October for wildlife; March to June for Victoria Falls at its fullest. May to October is strong for wildlife, while Victoria Falls is most powerful from March to June. The best month depends on whether the priority is spray, views, walking, canoeing, or game density.

Is Zimbabwe easy for US travelers?

Yes, it is a well-established safari destination and the US dollar is widely used, which simplifies spending. Zimbabwe is known for Victoria Falls, Hwange elephants, Mana Pools walking and canoeing, and strong professional guiding. It offers a classic safari feel with excellent regional combinations.

How does Zimbabwe combine with other countries?

Victoria Falls makes a natural start or finish to a Botswana or Zambia safari. Zimbabwe pairs naturally with Botswana or Zambia, especially around Victoria Falls. It can be a beginning, ending, or full safari chapter depending on the route.

Where to go

Where to go in Zimbabwe.

The places we keep returning to. Combine them into one trip or focus on one and go deep.

Victoria FallsVictoria Falls

Victoria Falls

The name Victoria Falls was originally coined by explorer and missionary, David Livingstone.

Sample journeys

Trips to start the conversation in Zimbabwe.

Starting points, not fixed packages. We adjust routing, pace, lodging, and experiences around you.

Victoria Falls HighlightsAfrica

Victoria Falls Highlights

Witness the power of 'The Smoke that Thunders'.
  • Victoria Falls
2 nightsFrom $1,565 p/p
View itinerary
Victoria Falls SamplerAfrica

Victoria Falls Sampler

Witness the power of 'The Smoke that Thunders'.
  • Victoria Falls
2 nightsFrom $1,185 p/p
View itinerary
Ultimate Southern Africa SafariAfrica

Ultimate Southern Africa Safari

The safari of a lifetime.
  • Johannesburg
  • Sabi Sands Game Reserve
  • Victoria Falls
  • Linyanti
  • +1 more
12 nightsFrom $33,890 p/p
View itinerary
Swain’s Southern Africa In-StyleAfrica

Swain’s Southern Africa In-Style

A full-color insight to Southern Africa's extraordinary magic.
  • Cape Town
  • Sabie Private Game Reserve
  • Johannesburg
  • Victoria Falls
12 nightsFrom $17,220 p/p
View itinerary
Arabian and Scenic Southern Africa AdventureMiddle East

Arabian and Scenic Southern Africa Adventure

Encounter a sparkling coastline in Doha and wildlife encounters in Africa.
  • Doha
  • Victoria Falls
  • Cape Town
  • Sabie Private Game Reserve
11 nightsPricing on request
View itinerary
Swain’s Southern Africa HighlightsAfrica

Swain’s Southern Africa Highlights

A full-color insight to Southern Africa's extraordinary magic.
  • Cape Town
  • Sabie Private Game Reserve
  • Johannesburg
  • Victoria Falls
11 nightsFrom $10,925 p/p
View itinerary
Swain's Southern AfricaAfrica

Swain's Southern Africa

A full-color insight to Southern Africa's extraordinary magic.
  • Cape Town
  • Kapama Private Game Reserve
  • Johannesburg
  • Victoria Falls
10 nightsFrom $7,240 p/p
View itinerary
Zimbabwe and Botswana In-StyleAfrica

Zimbabwe and Botswana In-Style

Explore some of the iconic sights in Zimbabwe and Botswana.
  • Hwange National Park
  • Victoria Falls
  • Linyanti
  • Okavango Delta
10 nightsFrom $20,560 p/p
View itinerary
View all sample itineraries in Africa
Where to stay

Beautiful stays in Zimbabwe, chosen for the trip.

The right property changes the pace of a journey. These are starting points; we can match the lodge or hotel to the trip you want.

The Palm River HotelThe Palm River HotelThe Palm River HotelVictoria Falls · $$The Wallow LodgeThe Wallow LodgeThe Wallow LodgeVictoria Falls · $$$$Singita PamushanaSingita PamushanaSingita PamushanaMalilangwe Wildlife Reserve · $$$$$Anantara Stanley & Livingstone Victoria Falls HotelAnantara Stanley & Livingstone Victoria Falls HotelAnantara Stanley & Livingstone Victoria Falls HotelVictoria Falls · $$$The Elephant Camp, Victoria FallsThe Elephant Camp, Victoria FallsThe Elephant Camp, Victoria FallsVictoria Falls · $$$$Old Drift LodgeOld Drift LodgeOld Drift LodgeVictoria Falls · $$$$
Explore all lodging in Africa
Things to do

Things to do.

A taste of what Zimbabwe is known for. We can layer these into the route, swap them out, or pace the days to fit you.

Victoria Falls Bicycle TourVictoria Falls Bicycle TourVictoria Falls Bicycle TourTour of Victoria FallsTour of Victoria FallsTour of Victoria FallsChinotimba Township TourChinotimba Township TourChinotimba Township TourGame Drive in Victoria Falls Private Game ReserveGame Drive in Victoria Falls Private Game ReserveGame Drive in Victoria Falls Private Game ReserveMeet the People Village TourMeet the People Village TourMeet the People Village TourScenic Helicopter Flight over the FallsScenic Helicopter Flight over the FallsScenic Helicopter Flight over the Falls
Browse all experiences in Zimbabwe
Contact Swain Destinations

Speak with a Destination Expert who knows Zimbabwe.

Our team can help match the route, lodges, season, and pace to the travel experience you have in mind.

  • Kathryn McCueKathryn M.Africa, Oceania
  • Rehana KarmaliRehana K.Africa, Oceania
Contact Swain Destinations

Speak with a Destination Expert about Zimbabwe.

Tell us what drew you here. Our team can help guide routing, stays, touring, and timing that feel considered from start to finish.

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