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The Ultimate Zimbabwe Itinerary

By Ilala Lodge on January 30, 2017

Zimbabwe is a classic dry-season safari destination, home to astounding natural wonders, teeming wildlife and some of the finest safari camps on the continent. In our opinion, the ultimate Zimbabwe itinerary includes 5 destinations; Lake Kariba, Mana Pools, Gonarezhou, Hwange National Park and the spectacular Victoria Falls.

Here’s why we think you shouldn’t miss any of them:

Gonarezhou National Park

Not a well-known addition to most southern African safaris, Gonarezhou is the ideal destination for travellers looking to avoid the crowds of places like Victoria Falls or Kruger National Park.

Gonarezhou National Park
Meaning ‘elephant’ in the local language, the park is home to several thousand elephants and maybe even more impressive baobab trees. You’ll have the park almost to yourself and be able to enjoy the wildlife and birdlife with some of the best guides in the business.

Hwange National Park

Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s biggest national park and home to some of the finest wildlife the country has to offer. You can see all of the Big 5 at Hwange – although rhinos are very difficult to find – as well as cheetah, wild dog, sable and more.

Hwange National Park
The park is home to a handful of top-quality safari camps and some of the best walking and 4×4 safari guides you’ll experience in the country.

Mana Pools National Park

A sanctuary on a great stretch of the Lower Zambezi River, Mana Pools offers the opportunity to add a remote and wild dimension to your Zimbabwe itinerary. Game viewing is possible by boat, canoe, traditional 4×4 and on foot in a wild mix of water and land-based game viewing.

Mana Pools National Park
Bird lovers will appreciate the wide variety of species found in the wetlands and Mana is also a great area to see big predators and herds of elephant. Accommodation ranges from rough and rustic to high-end mobile camps.

Lake Kariba

Nothing quite completes an experience of Zimbabwe than a stay on a houseboat in Kariba. A long favourite of locals and international visitors, Lake Kariba is the place to be for tiger fishing and fantastic game viewing from the comfort of a luxury houseboat. A highlight of a stay in Kariba will undoubtedly be watching the sun set over the lake with a refreshing G&T in hand.

Lake Kariba
Victoria Falls

End your safari in Zimbabwe in the lap of luxury on the doorstep of the mighty Victoria Falls. The Victoria Falls is the hub of tourism in Zimbabwe and a convenient destination to enter or exit the country. Aside from seeing the largest curtain of falling water in the world, Victoria Falls is a fantastic place to get your heart racing with activities including white-water rafting, bungee jumping and helicopter tours over the falls.

Victoria Falls
Ilala Lodge is located a short walk from Victoria Falls and our Activity Desk will help you arrange all your activities during your stay. Get in touch with our friendly reservations team at +263 (13) 44737/8/9 or email onlinereservations@ilalalodge.com. We look forward to welcoming you to Zimbabwe.

Image Credits:
Andrew Ashton
Andrew Ashton
Vince O’Sullivan
Peter Glenday
paulafrenchp
Ilala Lodge

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