Zimbabwe Safari Beyond Victoria Falls

Few places on Earth stir the soul quite like Victoria Falls. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, or The Smoke That Thunders, it’s a spectacle that defies imagination—the Zambezi River plunging into a vast chasm in a roaring mist visible for miles. Travelers arrive for this wonder, but those who linger soon discover that Zimbabwe’s magic extends far beyond the Falls, offering world-class Zimbabwe safari experiences, luxurious lodges, and deeply immersive wildlife encounters.

Victoria Falls – Gateway to Zimbabwe Safari Adventure

Victoria Falls is far more than a photo stop—it’s the perfect introduction to a Zimbabwe safari. The surrounding rainforest shimmers in the spray, filled with the cries of hornbills and vervet monkeys. For thrill-seekers, helicopter flights, white-water rafting, and sunset cruises reveal the Falls from every angle. Even a simple stroll along the edge of the gorge offers moments of awe—the spray on your face, the thunder beneath your feet, the rainbow arcing across the mist.

The town itself has evolved into a boutique safari hub, blending charm with sophistication. Victoria Falls River Lodge, set on the banks of the Zambezi, offers chic tented suites with plunge pools and river views, perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure. Matetsi Victoria Falls, just upriver, combines contemporary design with warm Zimbabwean hospitality and intimate wildlife sightings right on the property. Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel provides old-world elegance just minutes from the Falls, with gardens, fine dining, and a refined, peaceful atmosphere. Each captures a different facet of this remarkable destination—part romance, part adventure, all wonder.

Hwange National Park – Zimbabwe’s Elephant Kingdom

A few hours south, Hwange National Park unfolds—a vast wilderness spanning nearly 5.6 million acres. Home to over 40,000 elephants, lions, cheetahs, and painted dogs, Hwange offers classic Zimbabwe safari game drives across endless plains, shimmering pans, and dense teak forests. Dawn and dusk are magical here: the golden light turning the savannah into a living painting, elephants silhouetted against the horizon, and lions emerging from the shadows.

Zimbabwe’s expert safari guides are among Africa’s most respected, trained to bring every animal track, call, and movement to life. Walking with them is an education in the language of the bush—a deeply personal encounter with nature. Guides also share stories of conservation and community, giving visitors a sense of connection to the land and its people.

Luxury safari camps like Somalisa or Wilderness Little Makalolo combine style with authentic wildlife experiences. Guests can enjoy sundowners overlooking waterholes where elephants roam, private decks with views of roaming herds, and evenings around a campfire listening to the sounds of the African night. Hwange delivers moments that linger long after the safari ends, blending wildness and comfort seamlessly.

Mana Pools National Park – Zimbabwe’s Untamed River Wilderness

Travel north along the Zambezi, and the wilderness deepens into Mana Pools National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most enchanting wild spaces. Here, the river meanders through floodplains dotted with islands, creating a landscape that feels almost suspended in time.

Mana Pools is celebrated for walking safaris and canoe adventures, offering travelers a chance to connect closely with elephants stretching high into albida trees, hippos grazing in the river, and lions stalking the golden floodplains. The abundant birdlife adds color and sound—from fish eagles plunging into the water to delicate weavers constructing nests in the trees.

This park’s intimacy is unparalleled: it’s rare to encounter other travelers, allowing a sense of true immersion in Zimbabwe’s wild heart. Lodges such as Chikwenya, Nyamatusi and Ruckomechi provide understated luxury with open-sided suites, private decks, and riverside views that make each morning magical. Sunrise walks, canoe trips, and private sundowners turn every day into a deeply personal safari experience, unlike anywhere else in Africa.

Why Choose a Zimbabwe Safari?

Zimbabwe is home to nine national parks, each with unique landscapes—from ancient rock art in Matobo Hills to the rugged cliffs of Gonarezhou and the tranquil waters of Lake Kariba. The country’s parks feel intimate, guiding is highly skilled, and experiences are immersive, slow-paced, and personal.

What sets Zimbabwe apart is its combination of iconic natural wonders like Victoria Falls, vast wilderness areas, and world-class luxury lodges, all paired with highly trained guides who are among the best in Africa. This makes Zimbabwe ideal for travelers who want a deep, authentic safari connection, blending adventure, wildlife, and luxury.

Journey Beyond the Rainbow: Zimbabwe Safari Highlights

Our Beyond the Rainbow itinerary brings together Zimbabwe’s highlights in one seamless journey. Guests begin at Victoria Falls, experiencing its grandeur and adventure, before venturing to Hwange National Park for game drives and elephant encounters. The adventure culminates in Mana Pools, where walking and canoe safaris immerse travelers in untamed wilderness.

Along the way, stays in boutique lodges highlight Zimbabwe’s blend of luxury and authenticity, while expert guides bring each safari moment vividly to life. The itinerary captures the essence of Zimbabwe: wild beauty, intimate wildlife encounters, and experiences that create lifelong memories.

Zimbabwe – A Safari That Stays With You

Zimbabwe leaves its mark not only through landscapes but through depth of experience, expert guiding, and quiet moments in the bush. Come for the thunder of Victoria Falls. Stay for Hwange’s dawn light, Mana Pools’ riverside serenity, and the warmth of a country that welcomes travelers like old friends.