Rock Art
Visit the ancient rock art sites that dot the Matobo Hills.
Zimbabwe is making a comeback – hardly surprising seeing as it is one of the best wildlife destinations in Africa. However, it also prides itself on its rich history and varied landscapes. Explore the highlights on this safari through three contrasting national parks, culminating with some time beside the Victoria Falls.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
1
Elephants Drinking
Watch as elephants drink from the pool at Somalisa in Hwange.
River Safari
Spot wildlife along the river frontage of Mana Pools, exploring the Zambezi by boat.
4
Both Sides of the Falls
Have time to visit both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides of Victoria Falls.
Why Steppes?
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Why we like it
With fewer, smaller camps, Zimbabwe offers a quieter safari experience, albeit one packed with wildlife. This, combined with some of the best guides in Africa, means that it offers enviable value for money when compared with its more popular neighbours, such as Botswana. And this trip offers more than just a safari as well, starting with historic landscapes of the Matobos and finishing with the natural beauty of Victoria Falls.
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Day 1
Bulawayo - Matobo
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Day 2
Matobo
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Day 3
Matobo - Hwange
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Days 4-5
Hwange
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Day 6
Hwange - Mana Pools
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Days 7-8
Mana Pools
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Day 9
Mana Pools - Victoria Falls
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Days 10-11
Victoria Falls
Day 1
Bulawayo - Matobo
Day 2
Matobo
Rock Art
Visit the ancient rock art sites that dot the Matobo Hills.
Day 3
Matobo - Hwange
Days 4-5
Hwange
Elephants Drinking
Watch as elephants drink from the pool at Somalisa in Hwange.
Day 6
Hwange - Mana Pools
Days 7-8
Mana Pools
River Safari
Spot wildlife along the river frontage of Mana Pools, exploring the Zambezi by boat.
Day 9
Mana Pools - Victoria Falls
Days 10-11
Victoria Falls
Both Sides of the Falls
Have time to visit both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides of Victoria Falls.
More Details
Matobo Hills
Matobo National Park is situated in the southern part of the country and boasts black eagles, leopards, klipspringers and both black and white rhinos. At its heart lie the Matobo Hills, known for their unique geological formations of balancing boulders, but also as sacred ground for the resident Ndebele tribe.
Cecil Rhodes’ grave at World’s View is a popular stopping point. And despite his now controversial reputation, there is little argument that this vantage point affords some of the most beautiful views in the park.
Hwange National Park
This vast wilderness area of Kalahari sands, grasslands and teak forest is home to one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Zimbabwe, especially elephants, which congregate around the waterholes.
This mixture of landscapes provides a home for countless species, including African wild dogs, which – despite their endangered status – are still found here in significant numbers. Set out on game drives in search of these pack-hunting predators, as well as lions, leopards, sable antelopes, blue wildebeests, reedbucks and giraffes.
Mana Pools National Park
Mana Pools National Park is one of those parks where you can game view from a canoe, on foot and by 4X4 vehicle. It is renowned for its large concentration of wildlife, especially between April and October. This is when the internal water pans dry out and the animals flock to the permanent waterholes, making for fantastic sightings.
Explore the river frontage, islands, sandbanks and pools, flanked by forests of mahogany, wild figs, ebonies and baobabs. This is one of the few places where you are likely to see elephants go up on their hind legs to reach their favourite snack, the pods of the ana trees.
Victoria Falls
A holiday to Zimbabwe would not be complete without a visit to Victoria Falls, one of the world’s most spectacular natural attractions and a great place to relax after a wildlife-packed safari. Here, the Zambezi River crashes down in a white torrent – giving the falls their name, “The Smoke that Thunders”.
The town itself is both a meeting place of many cultural artists and also a focal point for action-packed fun. Activities include the glorious “Flight of Angels” helicopter ride over the falls, white water river rafting and kayaking, as well as more relaxing sundowner cruises along the Zambezi.
A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From $7,269 Per person
When to travel
Zimbabwe in January
The rainy season in Zimbabwe runs from the end of November to the start of March. The scenery is greener and birds are breeding, but rains can occasionally last for days.
Zimbabwe in February
The rainy season in Zimbabwe runs from the end of November to the start of March. The scenery is greener and birds are breeding, but rains can occasionally last for days.
Zimbabwe in March
The rainy season comes to an end, but water levels remain high and the Victoria Falls are in full flow. A great time to spot newborn animals.
Zimbabwe in April
As the dry season begins in April and May, national parks re-open but are still quiet. The landscapes remain lush and green, whilst water levels at the Victoria Falls are high, making for spectacular photographs above the falls.
Zimbabwe in May
As the dry season begins in April and May, national parks re-open but are still quiet. The landscapes remain lush and green, whilst water levels at the Victoria Falls are high, making for spectacular photographs above the falls.
Zimbabwe in June
June and July mark the coldest and driest months in the country. Temperatures overnight can drop close to freezing. It is not yet peak season but game start to congregate around water holes as the landscape dries out. Water levels drop at Victoria Falls, making for less spray and clearer views unobstructed by the spray.
Zimbabwe in July
June and July mark the coldest and driest months in the country. Temperatures overnight can drop close to freezing. It is not yet peak season but game start to congregate around water holes as the landscape dries out. Water levels drop at Victoria Falls, making for less spray and clearer views unobstructed by the spray.
Zimbabwe in August
August and September remain very dry, and temperatures start to rise to the high twenties in the daytime. It is peak season, with fantastic opportunities for wildlife viewing as animals congregate around the water holes.
Zimbabwe in September
August and September remain very dry, and temperatures start to rise to the high twenties in the daytime. It is peak season, with fantastic opportunities for wildlife viewing as animals congregate around the water holes.
Zimbabwe in October
October and November see very dry landscapes, as the dry season draws to a close. The ideal time to see wildlife, but there is more chance of a shower, especially towards the end of November.
Zimbabwe in November
October and November see very dry landscapes, as the dry season draws to a close. The ideal time to see wildlife, but there is more chance of a shower, especially towards the end of November.
Zimbabwe in December
The rainy season in Zimbabwe runs from the end of November to the start of March. The scenery is greener and birds are breeding, but rains can occasionally last for days.
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