• Location: Matobo National Park, 35km from Bulawayo
• Terrain: Unique granite kopjes (inselbergs), balancing rocks
• Type: Day hikes and overnight options
• Wildlife: Leopard, white rhino, kudu, rock hyrax
• Cultural: Ancient rock art, historical sites

• Distance: 2-3km from parking
• Time: 1-2 hours round trip
• Difficulty: Moderate (steep granite slopes)
• Features: Cecil Rhodes’ grave, panoramic views, bronze plaques
• Historical: Rhodes chose this burial site for sweeping views
• Views: 360° over Matobo Hills (stunning at sunrise/sunset)

• Distance: 5-10km (various options)
• Time: 2-4 hours
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Features: Dam, wildlife, birds, balancing rocks
• Wildlife: White rhino possible, kudu, baboons
• Best: Morning or late afternoon

• Type: Guided wildlife walk
• Duration: 2-4 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate (uneven terrain)
• Purpose: Track and view white rhinos
• Guide: Armed guide required
• Cost: $40-60 (park entry + tracking fee)
• Experience: Close rhino encounters (10-30m)
• Booking: Must book in advance

• Access: Various short walks (15 min - 1 hour)
• Features: San paintings 2,000+ years old
• Sites: Nswatugi Cave, Pomongwe Cave, others
• Difficulty: Easy (short distances)
• Guide: Recommended for context and finding sites
• Best: Morning light for photography

• Options: 2-3 day trails with camping
• Terrain: Through kopjes and valleys
• Guide: Required
• Camping: Wild camping with guide
• Wildlife: Leopard, rhino, varied game
• Booking: Arrange through park or operators

• Year-round accessible
• Dry season (May-Oct): Easier walking, better wildlife
• Wet season (Nov-Apr): Lush, wildflowers, some trails muddy
• Any season: Beautiful granite formations

• Sturdy shoes (granite can be slippery)
• Sun protection (exposed terrain)
• Water (3+ liters)
• Camera
• Binoculars

• Balancing rocks (iconic formations)
• Granite kopjes (nowhere else quite like it)
• High density of black eagles
• Ancient rock art
• Cultural and natural heritage combined

• World-class granite rock climbing
• Hundreds of established routes
• Grades from easy to extremely difficult
• Bouldering opportunities throughout
• Natural protection (crack systems)

• Climbing experience and equipment
• Permits from Zimbabwe Parks
• Local ethics (some areas sacred)
• Guide recommended for route finding

• Several guiding companies in Bulawayo
• Gear rental sometimes available
• Multi-day climbing camps possible

• April-October (dry, good friction)
• Winter (May-August) can be cold

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Africa’s Premier Walking Safari Destination

• One of few African parks allowing independent walking (with caution)
• Walk alongside elephants, buffalo without vehicle barrier
• Professional guides expert in dangerous game
• Pristine wilderness experience
• Unmatched intimacy with wildlife

• 2-4 hour morning walks
• Professional guide with rifle
• Track animals, study signs
• Photography opportunities
• Return to lodge
• Suitable for moderate fitness
• Included in most lodge stays

• 3-5 day guided expeditions
• Mobile camping
• Cover 10-15km daily
• Varied terrain (floodplain, woodland, river)
• All equipment/food provided
• Excellent fitness required

• Mana Pools allows solo walking
• Only for very experienced bushwalkers
• Comprehensive wildlife knowledge essential
• Understanding of dangerous game behavior
• Self-responsibility for safety
• Most visitors should NOT attempt

• Elephants (often very close, on foot level)
• Buffalo (dangerous - approach with extreme care)
• Lions (occasionally encountered)
• Wild dogs (if lucky)
• Numerous antelope species
• Birds (excellent at slow pace)

• Guide’s instructions: Obey immediately, without question
• No sudden movements: Calm, controlled at all times
• Stay together: Group provides safety
• Downwind approach: Scent awareness critical
• Respect distance: Animals give warnings before charging
• No running: Unless guide instructs

• Elephant approach: Back away slowly, avoid eye contact if too close
• Buffalo encounter: Most dangerous, avoid confrontation
• Lion sighting: Remain calm, face animal, back away slowly
• Hippo on land: Give very wide berth, explosive speed
• Guide carries rifle: Last resort only

• April-October (park open, dry season)
• May-July: Comfortable temps, good wildlife
• August-October: Hot (35-45°C), exceptional wildlife concentration

• Moderate to good fitness
• Walk 10-15km in heat
• Carry daypack
• Uneven terrain
• Mental composure under stress

• Included in lodge rates (typically)
• Mobile walking safaris: $400-800 per person per day
• Park entry: $20-30 per day

• Most authentic wildlife experience possible
• All senses engaged
• See animal behavior vehicles miss
• Profound connection with wilderness
• Personal achievement
• Ultimate safari experience for many

• Guided walks from some lodges
• Focus on tracking, signs, smaller creatures
• Generally in less dangerous game areas
• 2-3 hour walks typical

• Walking trails available with guides
• Remote wilderness experience
• Good fitness required
• Combine with game drives

• Shore walks from lodges
• Island walks
• Boat drops for short walks
• Unique water-and-land combination

• Professional guide legally required
• Guide carries rifle
• Follow instructions precisely
• Appropriate footwear (closed toe, sturdy)
• Quiet clothing (no rustling fabrics)
• Bring water, sun protection
• Leave no trace

• Location: Within Victoria Falls National Park
• Distance: 2-3km of paths
• Time: 1-3 hours
• Difficulty: Easy (paved paths)
• Features: Multiple Falls viewpoints, rainforest

• Network of paved paths along Falls rim
• 16 designated viewpoints
• Each offers different perspective
• Dense rainforest from constant spray
• Get soaked in high-water season!
• Diverse birds and monkeys

• Devil’s Cataract
• Main Falls
• Horseshoe Falls
• Rainbow Falls
• Eastern Cataract
• Danger Point (closest to Falls)
• Knife Edge Bridge

• Morning (better light for photos)
• Feb-May (peak flow - expect to get VERY wet)
• Sep-Dec (lower flow, can actually see Falls)

• Rain jacket (plastic poncho) in high-water months
• Waterproof camera case
• Change of clothes (seriously, you’ll be soaked Feb-May)
• Slippery paths - careful footing

• 2-3 hour walks in national park
• Professional guide
• Track elephants, buffalo, antelope
• Learn bush craft and tracking
• River viewpoints

• Walk along edge of Zambezi gorges
• Dramatic views 100+ meters down
• See rapids rafters navigate
• Viewpoints of bridge, gorge walls
• 2-4km various trails
• Easy to moderate

• Research trail conditions
• Check weather forecast
• Tell someone your plans (itinerary, return time)
• Assess your fitness honestly
• Know your limits

• Carry map and compass (don’t rely solely on phone/GPS)
• Mark trailhead on GPS
• Note landmarks
• Don’t split up group in wilderness
• Know how to get help if lost

• Start early (especially mountains - afternoon storms common)
• Be prepared for rapid changes
• Hypothermia possible even in summer (altitude, wind, rain)
• Lightning danger in exposed areas
• Fog can disorient quickly

• Carry more water than you think you need
• Minimum 1 liter per 2 hours, more if hot
• Eastern Highlands: 2-3 liters
• Hot lowlands (Mana Pools): 5+ liters per day
• Water purification for multi-day treks

• Snakes: Watch where you step/place hands
• Baboons: Don’t feed, keep food secured
• Larger game: Maintain distance, make noise to avoid surprise encounters
• Elephants: Give right-of-way, back away slowly if too close

• Blisters (break in boots, use tape/moleskin)
• Sunburn (high altitude = stronger UV)
• Dehydration (drink before you’re thirsty)
• Fatigue (pace yourself, rest breaks)
• Getting lost (stay calm, retrace steps, use navigation)

• Most of country: 300-1,200m
• Eastern Highlands: 1,800-2,600m
• Highest: Mt. Nyangani (2,592m)

• Generally not high enough for serious altitude sickness
• But can feel effects above 2,000m:
  • Mild headache
  • Shortness of breath during exertion
  • Fatigue
  • Reduced appetite

• Stay hydrated (more important at altitude)
• Pace yourself (slower than sea level)
• Acclimatize if coming from lowlands (spend night in highlands before big hikes)
• Stop/descend if symptoms worsen

• Mt. Nyangani summit can be 5-15°C (even when 25-30°C in valley)
• Wind chill significant
• Winter (June-Aug): Below freezing possible at night
• Bring layers always

• Carry comprehensive first aid kit
• Include: bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, blister treatment, emergency blanket
• Know basic first aid (especially for multi-day treks)
• Specialized additions: snake bite kit (controversial efficacy), tick removal tool

• Limited/no cell coverage in mountains and parks
• Satellite phone/PLB for extended wilderness (rentals available)
• Whistle for signaling
• Tell someone detailed plans and expected return

• Lost: Stop, stay calm, retrace steps if certain, shelter in place if night approaching
• Injury: Assess severity, administer first aid, send for help if group, shelter in place if alone and can’t walk
• Weather: Seek shelter, stay dry, conserve energy, wait for improvement
• Wildlife threat: Back away slowly, don’t run (unless instructed by guide)

• Remote areas: evacuation can take many hours or days
• Travel insurance with emergency evacuation coverage essential
• Helicopter rescue possible but expensive and weather-dependent
• Know location of nearest help (park headquarters, lodges, villages)