Zimbabwe & Zambia
- premier destinations for walking safaris
Zimbabwe and Zambia offer some of the continent’s most rewarding experiences for travellers who want Africa at its most authentic. Together, they’re home to extraordinary safari areas, exceptional guiding, and the thunder of Victoria Falls, one of the greatest natural wonders on earth.
Less “polished” than some of Africa’s more famous names, perhaps, but often all the more memorable for it.
One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and the world’s largest sheet of falling water. Amongst the most iconic and awe-inspiring sights in Africa.
Home to superb wildlife areas with outstanding guiding and a more authentic feel.
A brilliant choice for travellers who want something less obvious and more immersive.
From river safaris and sunset cruises along the Zambezi to walking safaris and classic game drives.
These destinations often feel less commercial and deeply rewarding for travellers who want the real thing.
Zimbabwe and Zambia deliver some of Africa’s most special safari experiences for travellers willing to look beyond the big-name checklist.
Zimbabwe stands out for its guiding and depth, while Zambia is especially exciting for those who want a more remote and adventurous edge, particularly around the Lower Zambezi and South Luangwa. Add Victoria Falls into the mix, and you have a journey that feels exhilarating, varied, and genuinely unforgettable.
High season (typically June to September) is the classic time for safari in both Zimbabwe and Zambia. As the landscape dries out, wildlife gathers more predictably around rivers and waterholes, making game viewing particularly strong in areas like Hwange, Mana Pools, South Luangwa, and the Lower Zambezi.
This is a superb time for travellers whose main priority is safari, especially if they want exceptional guiding and activities like walking safaris and canoeing in the right areas. It’s also the busiest time to travel, so the best camps and lodges can book up quickly.
You can visit Victoria Falls year-round, but the water flow is usually much lower towards the end of the dry season, particularly from around August to October, so this isn’t always the best time if you want to see the Falls at their most powerful.
Low season (usually November to March) brings greener landscapes, dramatic skies, fewer visitors, and a softer, more atmospheric side to both countries. It can be a beautiful time for photography, birding, and travellers who enjoy safari with a little more space and a little less pressure.
Some safari areas become more difficult to access during the rains, especially in parts of Zambia, and wildlife can be more dispersed than in peak dry season. That said, there can still be excellent value and very rewarding experiences in the right places.
This is also the period when Victoria Falls begins to build towards its fullest flow, especially from the later part of the rainy season onwards.
Shoulder season (typically April to May and October to November, depending on the destination) can be one of the most rewarding times to visit Zimbabwe and Zambia, particularly if Victoria Falls is high on your wish list. This is when the Falls are often at their most dramatic, with huge volumes of water thundering over the edge and creating the full spectacle they’re famous for.
Aside from October, when the Falls are dry, shoulder season can also be a wonderful time to combine the Falls with safari, especially in places like Hwange or the Lower Zambezi, as the landscapes are still lush and the experience is often less crowded than in peak safari season. Wildlife viewing may not yet be at its absolute dry-season best in every area, but the trade-off can be more than worth it if you want to see Victoria Falls in full flow and are looking for great value for money.
The obvious headline, and for good reason. A dramatic experience that works brilliantly as part of a wider itinerary.
Zimbabwe’s flagship Big Five safari destination and largest protected area, known for elephants and excellent guiding.
A remote wildlife haven located along the Zambezi River, and simply beautiful. Legendary for walking safaris and canoe-based experiences.
One of Zambia’s finest safari regions, nicknamed the “Valley of the Leopard” due to having one of the highest concentrations of leopards in the world. Also known for pioneering walking safaris and a truly immersive bush experience.
Perfect for birding (400+ species) and travellers who want safari with a more adventurous twist – think river safaris and canoeing in spectacular surroundings.
Speak to our Africa experts and let’s create your Zimbabwe or Zambia adventure.
