Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is a country that has reclaimed its crown as a leader in African luxury. In 2026, it is celebrated not just for the thundering majesty of Victoria Falls, but for its commitment to “low-volume, high-value” tourism. This is a land of massive elephant herds, ancient granite citadels, and the legendary Mana Pools—where the safari experience is intimate, raw, and profoundly moving.

Whether you are sipping a gin and tonic on the deck of a 19th-century colonial hotel or tracking lions on foot in the Zambezi Valley, Zimbabwe offers a timeless elegance that few other destinations can match.

Why we love Zimbabwe

We love Zimbabwe for its “Guiding Gold Standard.” Zimbabwean professional guides are arguably the best-trained in Africa, turning every game drive into a deep masterclass in ecology. We love the “Regenerative Travel” spirit of 2026—where lodges like Khulu Bush Camp and Sapi Explorers work hand-in-hand with local communities. It is a country that feels grand yet accessible, offering world-class infrastructure alongside some of the last truly wild frontiers of the South.

The Most Beautiful Places in Zimbabwe

From the “Smoke that Thunders” to the ancient ruins:

1. Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya)

The undisputed star. In 2026, the luxury scene in Vic Falls is vibrant and varied. For a classic stay, the Victoria Falls Hotel (the “Grand Old Lady”) remains the pinnacle of colonial-era grace. For a modern, water-front retreat, the Palm River Hotel or the ultra-chic Matetsi Victoria Falls offer private river frontage and private plunge pools just a short hop from the falls.

2. Hwange National Park

Zimbabwe’s largest and most famous park. Known for having one of the world’s highest concentrations of elephants. In 2026, the private concessions like Linkwasha and Somalisa Camp offer “armchair safaris” where elephants often come to drink from the camp’s pools. The park’s teak forests and vast plains provide a cinematic backdrop for Big Five encounters.

3. Mana Pools National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the home of the “Walking Safari.” This is where the Zambezi River creates a series of pools and floodplains that draw wildlife in staggering numbers. For 2026, Nyamatusi Camp and Tembo Plains (a Relais & Châteaux property) offer a level of sophisticated isolation that is hard to find anywhere else. It is the best place to witness the famous “standing” elephants that reach for the pods of the Ana trees.

4. Lake Kariba & Matusadona

The world’s largest man-made lake. In 2026, “Houseboat Luxury” is a major trend—spending 3 nights on the Matusadona luxury cruiser or staying at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge, which offers panoramic views of the “lake of stars” and its resident hippos and crocodiles. The skeletal trees rising from the water create one of the most hauntingly beautiful landscapes in Africa.

5. Matobo Hills & Great Zimbabwe

A journey into the spiritual and historical heart of the nation. The Matobo Hills are a surreal landscape of balancing granite boulders and ancient San rock art. Stay at Amalinda Lodge, which is built directly into the rocks. Further east, the Great Zimbabwe National Monument—the ruins of an 11th-century city—offers a powerful look at the sophisticated ancient Bantu civilizations that gave the country its name.

Highlights of a Tour Through Zimbabwe

  • The “Flight of Angels”: A helicopter tour over Victoria Falls remains a bucket-list essential, providing the only way to truly grasp the scale of the 1.7km wide curtain of water.
  • Underground Hides: In Hwange, lodges like The Hide offer underground bunkers that bring you eye-level with elephants at a waterhole—a photographer’s dream.
  • Canoeing the Zambezi: In Mana Pools, a private canoe safari allows you to glide silently past hippos and birdlife, experiencing the river as it has been for millennia.

Essential Travel Tips

  • When to go: The Dry Season (May to October) is perfect for wildlife viewing, particularly in Hwange and Mana Pools. To see Victoria Falls at its most powerful, visit between April and May.
  • Getting around: In 2026, Zimbabwe’s domestic air network (Grand Air, Fastjet) makes hopping between Harare, Vic Falls, and the bush camps highly efficient. We recommend light aircraft transfers for the most spectacular views.
  • Visa Ease: The KAZA Univisa allows for seamless travel between Zimbabwe and Zambia—perfect for seeing the Falls from both sides.
  • Language: English is the official language and is spoken fluently. A friendly “Ndeipi” (Hello in Shona) or “Salibonani” (in Ndebele) will be met with great warmth.