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Zimbabwe is one of the best countries in Africa for walking and canoe safaris, because of how its guides are trained. A Zimbabwean professional guide spends at least two years as a learner, passes written, shooting and oral exams, and finishes with a seven-day practical exam in the bush before they can lead guests on foot. The best places to walk are Mana Pools, Hwange and Matusadona. The classic canoe trips paddle the Zambezi River between Kariba and Mana Pools. Written by Bryan Fawcett.
Last reviewed: 21 October 2026 against ZimParks guide licensing, the Zimbabwe Professional Guides Association, the Mana Pools visitor code of conduct and published 2026 operator prices.

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How Zimbabwean guides are licensed

Guides are licensed by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), working with the professional guides association. The path to a full Professional Guide licence:
1

First aid and learner exams

A first aid certificate, then written exams in four subjects: law, wildlife habits and habitats, firearms and general knowledge. Canoe guides also sit a canoeing paper. Candidates must be Zimbabwean citizens or permanent residents and over 18.
2

At least two years as a learner

Learner guides work under a fully licensed guide, keeping a logbook of their experience.
3

Shooting proficiency

A tough shooting test with a heavy rifle (.375 calibre minimum). Walking guides need a score of at least 85.
4

Oral interview

Candidates must show their logbook, and walking guides must have shot four dangerous animals themselves, including elephant and buffalo.
5

Seven-day proficiency exam

A week-long practical exam in a national park, usually in November, where candidates guide the examiners themselves.
Canoe guides also need 250 logged hours on the river. Ask to see your guide’s licence. Any reputable operator will be happy to show it.

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Walking safaris

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Where to walk

  • Mana Pools: Zimbabwe’s best-known walking park, on the open floodplain beside the Zambezi. Elephants, lions, painted dogs and buffalo, often seen on foot.
  • Hwange: walking from private camps and concessions, with big elephant herds in the dry season.
  • Matusadona: walks along the Lake Kariba shoreline.
  • Matobo: rhino tracking on foot with ZimParks rangers or licensed guides.

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Mana Pools walking rules

Mana Pools is one of the few parks in Africa where visitors may walk without a guide, but there are strict rules. The park’s visitor code of conduct (revised 2023) says:
  • Unguided walking needs a walking permit from the park office, and is allowed only on the open floodplain, not in riverine forest or thick bush. You walk entirely at your own risk.
  • No more than 12 people may walk up to a sighting, and you must stay at least 30 m from elephants, lions, painted dogs and dens.
  • Don’t follow other walking groups.
  • Breaking the rules can mean a fine of up to US$1,000 and a 12-month ban from all Zimbabwe national parks.
Unless you are very experienced with dangerous game, walk with a licensed guide or a ZimParks ranger. Elephants, buffalo and lions on the floodplain are wild, and accidents do happen.

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When to walk

June to October is the walking season. The grass is short, visibility is good and animals stay near water. In the rains (roughly November to April) many camps close and roads in the Zambezi Valley become difficult.

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Canoe safaris on the Zambezi

Paddling the Zambezi below Lake Kariba is one of Zimbabwe’s great adventures. You travel in two-person Canadian canoes with a licensed canoe guide, camping on river islands, with elephants on the banks and hippos in the water. Prices are from published 2026 rates by a Kariba-based canoe operator, and usually exclude national park fees (US$24 a day for international visitors at Mana Pools; see park fees). Good to know:
  • No canoeing experience needed. Guides teach you on the first morning.
  • Minimum age is usually 14 for scheduled trips. Some operators run private family trips for younger children.
  • Group size is usually 2 to 8 guests.
  • Pack light. Operators typically allow about 10 kg in a dry bag.
  • Season: canoe trips run most of the year. The dry season (June to October) is best for wildlife, and October is very hot.

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Safety tips for walking and canoeing

  • Listen to your guide’s briefing and follow instructions immediately. Walk in single file and stay quiet.
  • Wear neutral colours (khaki, green, brown) and comfortable, broken-in shoes.
  • Never run from an animal unless your guide tells you to.
  • On the river, follow your guide’s line exactly and stay out of the water.
  • Get travel insurance that covers walking and canoeing, and medical evacuation. See travel insurance.

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Sources

Last modified on October 21, 2026