Best Zimbabwe Safari Tours in 2026 — Hwange, Mana Pools & Victoria Falls
Zimbabwe is back. After years of being overlooked, its guide-led safaris (Zimbabwean guides hold arguably Africa's most rigorous qualification), Hwange's 40,000-strong elephant population, and the UNESCO-listed Mana Pools have travellers returning in force. Add Victoria Falls and you have one of Africa's most rewarding safari countries.
Our four picks from Safari.com cover the classic Hwange–Falls combo, Mana Pools walking and canoeing, a full Zimbabwe circuit, and the popular Zimbabwe-Botswana grand tour.
Top 4 Zimbabwe safari tours
We hand-picked these Zimbabwe safari itineraries from Safari.com — Africa's leading safari operator (World Travel Awards 2024 & 2025, Trustpilot 4.9/5, 58,000+ travellers since 2006). Book directly with their team and we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
July–October is dry-season prime — Hwange waterholes are packed with game, walking conditions in Mana Pools are excellent, and the Zambezi is full enough for canoeing.
November–April green season is wonderful for birding but Mana Pools and many Hwange camps close due to access issues. April–June is shoulder season — green landscapes, good wildlife, and lower rates.
What to pack
Walking shoes for Mana Pools and Hwange bush walks.
Long sleeves and trousers for walking and tsetse.
Warm fleece for winter early-morning drives.
Swimwear — Victoria Falls Devil's Pool (Aug–Jan) and most lodges have pools.
USD cash — Zimbabwe runs on USD for tourists.
Yellow fever certificate if arriving from a YF country.
How much does a Zimbabwe safari cost?
Indicative 2026 budgets, per person sharing:
Hwange + Victoria Falls (6 days): $2,700–$4,500
Mana Pools walking/canoe (7 days): $4,200–$6,500
Zimbabwe classic circuit (9 days): $4,800–$7,500
Zim + Botswana (12 days): $7,000–$11,000
Park fees are roughly $20–$30/day. Zimbabwean guides are some of the most experienced in Africa and the country offers excellent value compared to Botswana.
Stay connected on your Southern Africa safari
Skip airport SIM queues. Activate a Safari eSIM before you fly and get instant 4G/LTE data on arrival — perfect for sharing photos from the bush.
Yes — tourist areas are extremely safe and Zimbabweans are famously welcoming. Use a reputable operator like Safari.com, who handle all logistics and avoid sensitive areas.
What makes Mana Pools special?
It's one of the few parks in Africa where you can walk unguided (with permits) and explore by canoe. The acacia woodlands, Zambezi floodplain, and famous standing elephants (Boswell and his successors) make it a photographer's dream.
Hwange or Kruger?
Hwange feels wilder and less crowded; Kruger has better infrastructure and easier self-drive. Hwange has Africa's largest concentration of elephants outside Botswana — a real spectacle in the dry season.
What currency does Zimbabwe use?
Tourist transactions are in USD — bring crisp small-denomination notes ($1, $5, $10, $20). Cards are accepted at most lodges but cash is king for tips and small purchases.
Can I combine Victoria Falls with Hwange?
Yes — it's the classic Zimbabwe combo. Vic Falls town is 2.5 hours by road or a 1-hour charter flight to Hwange. Most operators package the two together.
Safari.com is Africa's leading safari company (World Travel Awards 2024 & 2025). We earn a small affiliate commission on bookings — at no extra cost to you.