Zimbabwe Adventure
from £2,500
/per person
- Recommended 18-22 Days
Where this route takes you
It may well be a somewhat underrated destination, due in part to it’s turbulent past, but few countries capture the wildlife, landscapes, and adventure of Africa quite like a journey through Zimbabwe. From iconic wildlife to stunning landscapes and rich history, this route has it all.
Start at Victoria Falls, then explore Hwange National Park, home to lions, elephants, and wild dogs. Lake Kariba offers houseboats, fishing, and riverside wildlife, while Mana Pools delivers close-up safari experiences along the Zambezi. Harare and the nearby Chinhoyi Caves provide city life and history before you head into the lush Nyanga National Park and Honde Valley, with mountains, waterfalls, and ancient rock art.
Further south, the Great Zimbabwe Ruins showcase centuries of history, and Gonarezhou National Park offers rugged wilderness and uninterrupted wildlife. Crossing into South Africa, Marakele National Park impresses with dramatic cliffs, open savannah, and diverse wildlife.
With good roads, accessible parks, and unforgettable scenery, this route is perfect for self-drive overlanders looking for wildlife, adventure, and landscapes that stay with you long after the trip ends.
| Starting your adventure in the town of Victoria Falls, you'll collect your overlanding vehicle, equipped with everything you'll need for your upcoming adventure. The world famous Victoria Falls, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya or ‘the smoke that thunders,’ truly live up to their name with breathtaking power and mist that can be seen for miles. In full flow, the rising mist can be seen from miles away, while viewpoints bring you face to face with the spray, roar, and sheer scale of the world’s largest waterfall. For thrill-seekers, it’s also an adventure paradise. Bungee jumping, rope swings, and white-water rafting all await. For a more relaxed adventure, take a sunset boat trip on the Zambezi river to spot hippos, elephants stunning birdlife.
The surrounding area is home to several beautiful hotels, bars and restaurants boasting views of the falls and local wildlife as they wander down to drink at the watering holes. |
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| Your second stop will take you into Hwange National Park, one of Zimbabwe’s largest and most famous wildlife reserves. Home to lions, leopards, elephants, hyenas, cheetahs, and one of the last strongholds of the African wild dog, Hwange offers incredible opportunities to see these iconic animals in their natural habitat. You can explore the park at your own pace on a self-drive safari, or join a guided game drive to get expert insight into the bush and increase your chances of spotting elusive species. With its vast open plains, diverse wildlife, and classic African landscapes, Hwange is a real gem of Zimbabwe and a perfect introduction to the country’s safari experiences. |  |
| Your next stop will be Lake Kariba, the world’s largest man-made lake by volume and one of Zimbabwe’s most scenic destinations. Known for its breathtaking sunsets, tranquil waters, and rich wildlife along the shoreline, Kariba is perfect for a mix of relaxation and adventure. Spend your days on a houseboat exploring hidden bays, fishing for the famous tiger fish, or enjoying game viewing along Matusadona National Park’s shores where elephants, hippos, and crocodiles are abundant. In the evenings, take in the incredible birdlife and starlit skies from the deck, with the sounds of the lake all around you. |  |
| Your journey then takes you to Mana Pools National Park, a must-see for anyone wanting a real, hands-on safari experience. Located along the Zambezi River, it’s famous for walking safaris and close encounters with wildlife. You can see elephants right near camp, watch wild dogs on the hunt, and spot hippos and crocodiles in the river. You can explore on foot with a guide, take a canoe trip on the Zambezi, or just relax and watch the wildlife on the floodplains. It’s one of the few places where you really feel up close to nature. |  |
| After your first bush adventures, your journey brings you to Harare, Zimbabwe’s bustling capital. Known for its vibrant culture, the city offers a mix of history, markets, and modern amenities. Don’t miss the famous tree-lined avenues, which give Harare a leafy, relaxed charm as you drive through the city. On your way into the city, the Chinhoyi Caves are well worth a visit. These limestone caves feature stunning turquoise pools and fascinating rock formations. In Harare itself, you can explore local craft markets, enjoy a meal at one of the lively restaurants, or visit cultural spots like the National Gallery or Mbare Musika market. It’s a great place to restock, relax, and soak up some city culture before heading back into nature. |  |
| En-route to Nyanga National Park, you’ll find one of our favourite campsites in all of Africa, a quiet spot surrounded by stunning scenery. Nestled among rolling hills and granite outcrops, the campsite offers sweeping views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. The area is also rich in history, with ancient rock art nearby, giving a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the region’s early inhabitants. From here, you can watch the sun rise over the hills, take short walks to the rock formations and art sites, and soak in the natural beauty of Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands. |  |
| Next on your journey is Nyanga National Park, a highlight of Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands. Famous for its rolling hills, dramatic cliffs, rivers, and waterfalls, Nyanga offers a mix of scenic landscapes and outdoor activities. You can hike to Mount Nyangani, the country’s highest peak, explore Mutarazi Falls, or take in the spectacular vistas at the nearby World's View. The park is also rich in history, with ancient rock art and stone ruins scattered across the hills. With its combination of natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural sites, Nyanga National Park is a refreshing change from the lowland safari areas and a chance to experience Zimbabwe’s highland charm. |  |
| Honde Valley, a lush and fertile region in Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands. Known for its tea plantations, rolling hills, and misty mountains, Honde Valley offers a very different experience from the savannahs and parks you’ve visited. It’s a great place to slow down, enjoy the scenery, and explore local villages. You can take walks through the plantations, hike along scenic trails, or simply relax and take in the valley’s green landscapes and cool mountain air. With its peaceful vibe and stunning views, Honde Valley is a perfect spot to recharge before continuing your overland adventure. |  |
| Next, you’ll visit the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, a fascinating glimpse into one of Africa’s most important ancient civilizations. These stone structures, built from the 11th century onward, were once the center of a powerful kingdom. Walking through the walls, towers, and enclosures, you get a real sense of how advanced the builders were and how the site functioned as a political and cultural hub. The surrounding hills and valleys also make for great views and photo opportunities. It’s a must-see stop for anyone interested in history and archaeology. |  |
| One of Zimbabwe’s most remote and wild safari destinations. Known for its rugged landscapes, baobab-studded plains, and diverse wildlife, Gonarezhou is a true off-the-beaten-path experience. You can spot elephants, lions, hippos, and a variety of antelope, often with fewer crowds than in more popular parks. Exploring by self-drive or guided safari lets you experience the park at your own pace, and the dramatic scenery of the Chilojo Cliffs and sandstone gorges makes every stop a photo opportunity. It’s a highlight for anyone wanting a more untamed side of Zimbabwe. |  |
| After crossing into South Africa, Marakele National Park the Limpopo Province is a great stopping off point on your way to Johnanessburg. Set at the edge of the Waterberg Mountains, the park is known for its dramatic scenery, including rugged cliffs, deep valleys, and open savannahs, as well as a wide variety of wildlife such as elephants, lions, cheetahs, and numerous bird species. You can explore on self-drive game drives or guided tours, with plenty of spots to stop and take in the views. Marakele is also a great place for hiking and photography, making it a perfect mix of wildlife and landscape experiences before continuing to Johannesburg. |  |
| Completing your trip, you'll make your way to Johannesburg to return your hire vehicle. While in the city, it’s well worth taking a guided cultural tour of Soweto, the vibrant township that was once home to both Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. Here, you can visit historical sites like the Mandela House and the Hector Pieterson Memorial, learn about the struggles and triumphs of South Africa’s past, and experience the energy of local markets, street art, and cuisine. After soaking up the history, culture and maybe even Joburg's giant shopping malls, you can either head home or continue your African adventure, carrying memories of both incredible wildlife and unforgettable cultural experiences. |  |
Included
- All accommodation
- Specialist vehicle hire
- Insurance for 2 drivers
- Camping and off-roading equipment
- Expert advice and support before and during your trip
- Comprehensive itinerary document including detailed route maps and must see recommendations.
Excluded
- International and domestic flights
- Fuel
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Personal travel insurance
- Food and drinks (unless specified at accomodation)
