Elevate Destinations

Experts in socially responsible luxury travel. We design travel experiences that support conservation and local communities without skimping on comfort.

Zimbabwe

Eco-Luxury Safaris and Tours

Safari on the other side of the Zambezi

Travel off the beaten path to a beautiful destination with some of the best wildlife viewings in the world. See African wildlife up-close, visit the thundering Victoria Falls, and explore lesser-known safari destinations such as Matetsi Private Game Reserve and Hwange National Park, renowned for visitors spotting the "big five" on game drives.

Zimbabwe offers an abundance of unique family safari experiences. While staying at socially minded and eco-friendly lodges, track rhinos with conservation experts, and embark on walking safaris and night safaris.

Together with local communities, we aim to ensure that any volunteer experiences we arrange benefit the people and environment. Discover the importance of conservation efforts in Zimbabwe by visiting non-profit organizations such as Painted Dog Conservation Organization.

Best times to visit Zimbabwe

For dry season: April - October
For wildlife: April - October
For higher water flow at Victoria Falls: February - June

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What our travelers are saying

  • “It was just an amazing adventure offering an experience unequalled and something that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. I’d recommend Elevate for the personal service, the wonderful itinerary, and their intimate knowledge of each lodge and conservancy.”

    –Lisa Warren, Kenya

  • A family stands in front of a safari vehicle, smiling and holding drinks, with dry grass and trees in the background.

    “Your selection of our 3 camps was excellent. Saw a multitude of wildlife and the guides and staff at the camps were enjoyable to be around and well qualified and accommodating. Always love the Sundowners. We can never get enough of seeing the wildlife of Africa. ”

    –Gene Hardy, Botswana

  • A group of eight people stand in a row outdoors, silhouetted against a sunset sky, with grass visible in the foreground.

    “It was truly our trip of a lifetime! Couldn't have been better!! The only downside of the trip was the 19 hour air travel from Cape Town to Detroit and then the recovery time! Wonderful trip!!! ”

    –Ken Green, South Africa

  • Two people riding camels in a desert landscape with clear blue sky and sandy hills in the background.

    “Our Morocco trip was the best one I have ever taken. Dominique and her team did an exceptional job with the hotels, drivers, and our guides. The Riads, Kasbah and glamping we experienced were amazing!”

    –Jay Pollit, Morocco

  • Six people in outdoor clothing and hats stand in a row on a dirt path beside a rhinoceros in Kenya, with trees and bushes in the background under a blue sky with clouds.

    “Lana, Emily, and the Elevate team provided extraordinary service from the planning through the execution. Every question or concern was answered promptly with great attention to detail. The trip firmly placed Kenya in our hearts and souls.”

    –The Patterson Family, Kenya

  • A giraffe leans its head through a large window into a dining room in Kenya, eating from the table as a smiling family of four enjoys their meal and watches the animal.

    “It felt like Kenya and the perfectly curated trip encouraged true connection with our kids—no screens, no distractions, just a deeper understanding of the world and of nature. At every turn of our trip, my husband and I witnessed our young children absorb their new surroundings and were in awe as we saw them become young travelers themselves. ”

    –The Baird/Ryan Family, Kenya

  • Rwanda: Two people wearing masks and outdoor gear take a selfie in a lush, green forest with a group of gorillas sitting on the ground in the background.

    “Thanks for planning such an amazing journey for us! Visiting chimps, gorillas, and monkeys was thrilling. The chimpanzee experience was fantastic—we were able to watch a baby and family playing on the ground for quite some time. Overall one of our best trips yet!”

    –Ben Kahrl and Connie Mao, Rwanda

  • A group of zebras graze near an acacia tree in the grassy savanna of Kenya, with a dirt road curving through the landscape and distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky.

    “An adventure of a lifetime. The highlights were the people and the animals. Elevate Destinations made all connections seamless. Itinerary design was catered to all of our interests and abilities. All accommodations were diverse but wonderful.”

    –Bonnie Cauffman, Kenya

  • South Africa: A vibrant garden with clusters of red and yellow flowers in the foreground, green and orange bushes in the middle, and a mountain under a blue sky with few clouds in the background.

    “The safaris were the best! Each camp was wonderful, the guides were excellent and all exceeded my expectations! Every guide we had was excellent! Being in such close contact with nature is really a spiritual experience — very grounding and helps one put things in perspective.”

    –Judy Szor, South Africa

  • Kenya: A giraffe with a distinct pattern stands among tall grass and green bushes in Kenya, with flat-topped trees and mountains in the background under a clear sky.

    “It not only fulfilled a dream of mine to go on a safari in Africa, but it exceeded any expectations I ever had of the experience. Elevate designed the perfect trip for a first time safari. ”

    –Cindy Watson, Kenya

  • Tanzania: A group of impalas stands alert in tall grass, surrounded by green trees in a savanna landscape.

    “It was a great experience for our daughter. You clearly alerted the staff that we were traveling with a kid that was special needs and it showed. They were outstanding, really sensitive, caring, open, accepting, and engaging with her. She had a great time. Thank you for all you did to make that happen. I know I'll be asking again to do a trip with her. I loved it.”

    –Kahrl Family, Tanzania

  • A herd of elephants, including adults and calves, grazes on green grass under a large, leafy acacia tree in the Tanzanian savanna, with blue sky and distant trees in the background.

    “It was a delightful trip, the best of the ones that I have taken. Each day had more than one highlight to remember. So thank you for such a fine itinerary. I have complete confidence in recommending you to others.”

    –Julia Kahrl, Tanzania

Your Questions Answered

What to know about Zimbabwe

When is the best time to visit Zimbabwe?

The best time to visit Zimbabwe for wildlife viewing and safaris is during the dry season, from April to October. If you want to see Victoria Falls at its most powerful, plan your trip between February and June, when the water flow is at its peak.

What wildlife can be seen on a Zimbabwe safari?

On a Zimbabwe safari, you can encounter the "big five"—elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhino—especially in areas like Hwange National Park and Matetsi Private Game Reserve. Other commonly seen animals include zebras, sable antelopes, roan antelopes, wild dogs, cheetahs, and a variety of bird species. In late June through August, huge herds of elephants can be seen in Hwange National Park as they come in search of water.

What are the best things to do in Zimbabwe?

There are an incredible number of things to do in Zimbabwe during your travels. Set out on exciting game drives, walking safaris, and night drives to see wildlife. Experience the magnificent Victoria Falls up close, and increase your heart rate with exhilarating activities like white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and abseiling. If you prefer a more laid-back experience, consider taking a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River or sleeping beneath the stars. For those interested in making a positive impact, we encourage you to engage in conservation efforts, such as visiting the Painted Dog Conservation Organization, helping to resupply waterholes for wildlife, or tracking rhinos alongside conservation experts.

What does a typical Zimbabwe itinerary look like?

A typical Zimbabwe itinerary often begins at the stunning Victoria Falls before moving on to Hwange National Park, the country's largest game reserve. Here you can participate in game drives, walking safaris, and conservation-focused activities. Many travelers also like to include neighboring countries such as Zambia and Botswana in their plans. For a more in-depth safari experience, consider visiting Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park.

How many national parks are in Zimbabwe?

Zimbabwe has eleven national parks, each with its own unique draw. Hwange National Park is renowned for its large elephant population, while Matobo National Park is distinguished by its unique rock formations. Mana Pools National Park is the place for gorgeous river views and diverse ecosystems, while Victoria Falls National Park is famous for the Zambezi River and its breathtaking waterfall.

Why should I choose Elevate Destinations as my Zimbabwe travel guide?

Elevate Destinations offers unique, socially minded, and eco-friendly safari experiences in Zimbabwe. We partner with local communities to ensure that your trip benefits both the people and the destinations you're visiting. You can participate in conservation activities, stay at lodges that directly support local education and healthcare, and enjoy exceptional guiding and service from local staff. Elevate Destinations is committed to responsible tourism and creating meaningful, positive impacts through every journey.

What is special about Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe?

Victoria Falls, locally known as "Mosi-oa-Tunya," is one of the world's most impressive natural wonders. At the top of the falls, the Zambezi River, spanning over a mile wide, cascades down a series of basalt gorges, producing a mist and noise that can be seen and heard from miles away. Additionally, Victoria Falls is recognized as the adventure capital of the country.
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