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Safari vehicle in Zimbabwe For a first Zimbabwe safari, combine Victoria Falls with Hwange National Park in the dry season, from about May to October. Main Camp is about 195 km, roughly 2.5 hours, from Victoria Falls. For walking and canoeing, go to Mana Pools. For a lake safari by boat, go to Matusadona on Lake Kariba. For wild, empty country, go to Gonarezhou in the south-east. Park fees for international visitors are US$24 a day at Hwange, Mana Pools and Matusadona, and US$30 at Gonarezhou, in 2026. Written by Bryan Fawcett.
Last reviewed: 21 October 2026 against the official ZimParks 2026 tariff and park pages, the Gonarezhou Conservation Trust’s 2026 rates, Kariba Ferries’ 2026 fares, Natureways Safaris’ 2026 canoe rates and the reviewed park guides on this site. Fees, closures and lodge rates change. Check with ZimParks, the Trust or your operator before you book.

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Step 1: choose your park

For full profiles see national parks and reserves. For all fees, including overnight and SADC rates, see park fees 2026.
  • First safari: Victoria Falls and Hwange. Add Zambezi National Park for a short extra drive from town.
  • Zambezi Valley: Mana Pools, Lake Kariba and Matusadona. Allow time: Harare to Kariba is about 365 km, and Kariba to Mana Pools is about 165 km via Makuti.
  • The south: Gonarezhou with Save Valley and Malilangwe and Great Zimbabwe.
  • History and wildlife: Matobo, Bulawayo and Hwange.
See travel distances and our itineraries.

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Step 2: pick the right time

Closures to plan around:
  • Mana Pools is largely closed in the main rains, roughly mid-November or December to March. ZimParks sets the dates each year.
  • Gonarezhou is closed to all tourists from 10 January to 1 March, and its remote camps close from late November.
See weather by month and when to visit.

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Step 3: choose your safari style

  • Lodge safari: a private lodge or camp provides guided game drives, walks and meals. The easiest option, and often the best guiding. Lodges in private concessions can usually offer walks and night drives.
  • Self-drive: hire a car (4x4 for the remote parks), stay in ZimParks chalets or campsites, and drive yourself. Cheapest and most independent, but you need to be self-sufficient.
  • Walking safari: on foot with a licensed professional guide. Zimbabwean guides train for at least two years and pass a week-long practical exam. See walking and canoe safaris.
  • Canoe safari: paddle the Zambezi below Kariba for 3 to 10 days, camping on islands.
  • Houseboat: live aboard on Lake Kariba, with tender boats for fishing and game viewing.
  • Fly-in: charter flights link Victoria Falls, Hwange, Kariba, Mana Pools and other airstrips. Lodges or operators book them.

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Step 4: budget

Lodge rates change by season and operator, so get quotes directly. These are published 2026 prices you can plan around: What lodge rates usually include: accommodation, meals, guided activities and often park fees. Ask about park fees, drinks, transfers and charter flights, which are often extra. Other costs: a visa (US$30 single entry for most nationalities; see visas), travel insurance with medical evacuation, and tips. See our tipping guide.

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Step 5: book

  • ZimParks camps, chalets and lodges (Hwange, Mana Pools, Matobo and others): book through ZimParks at info@zimparks.org.zw or +263 242 707625. Popular sites such as Mana Pools’ Nyamepi riverfront and Chitake fill months ahead in the dry season.
  • Gonarezhou campsites and bush camps: book through the Gonarezhou Conservation Trust at reservations@gonarezhou.org or +263 779 788 811.
  • Private lodges: book directly or through a tour operator. For July to October, book early, as small camps fill up.
  • Ask your guide for their licence. Zimbabwean professional guides are licensed by ZimParks, and a reputable operator will show it.

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Step 6: get ready

  • Malaria: most safari areas are in malaria zones. See a travel health clinic before you go. See health and safety.
  • Insurance: get travel insurance that covers medical evacuation, and walking or canoeing if you plan to do them.
  • Cash: bring US dollars in small notes for park fees and tips. Card machines at remote gates don’t always work. See currency and money.
  • Packing: neutral colours, warm layers for June and July mornings, a hat, sunscreen, binoculars and a torch. Light aircraft often limit luggage, so ask your operator about soft bags and weight limits. See the packing guide.
  • Etiquette: stay in the vehicle unless your guide says otherwise, keep quiet near animals, and never feed wildlife. See safari etiquette.

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Safaris with children

  • Canoe safaris: the minimum age is usually 14 on scheduled trips. Some operators run private family trips for younger children.
  • Walking: age limits are set by each operator. Singita’s bush walks at Malilangwe, for example, have a minimum age of 16.
  • Easy options: Hwange’s ZimParks camps, Matobo and Zambezi National Park are easy to reach and good for families.
See family travel.

National parks and reserves

Park fees 2026

Walking and canoe safaris

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Sources

Last modified on October 21, 2026