Wellness & Spa Guide
Zimbabwe offers unique wellness experiences that combine world-class spa treatments with the healing power of nature. From luxurious lodge spas overlooking waterholes to yoga sessions with the sounds of the African bush, wellness in Zimbabwe is unlike anywhere else.Safari Wellness: The safari experience itself is inherently restorative—disconnecting from technology, immersing in nature, and following natural rhythms of dawn and dusk. Many visitors find safari to be profoundly rejuvenating even without formal spa treatments.
Wellness Experiences
What’s Available
Wellness Options in Zimbabwe
Spa Treatments:
- Massage (various styles)
- Body treatments and wraps
- Facials and skincare
- Manicures and pedicures
- Couples treatments
- African-inspired therapies
- Yoga sessions
- Meditation
- Guided walks in nature
- Sunrise/sunset contemplation
- Stretching after game drives
- Hot springs (limited locations)
- Swimming in natural pools
- Forest bathing (Eastern Highlands)
- Stargazing for mental clarity
- Digital detox
- Traditional healing experiences (cultural)
- Local botanicals and ingredients
- African massage techniques
Where to Find Wellness
Victoria Falls Area
Victoria Falls Hotel Spa
Historic Luxury
- Full-service spa
- Colonial elegance
- Range of treatments
- Couples options
- Pool and relaxation areas
Zambezi Sands River Camp
River Setting
- In-room treatments
- Riverside relaxation
- Small, intimate
- Nature immersion
Matetsi Victoria Falls
Ultimate Luxury
- World-class spa facilities
- African-inspired treatments
- Private treatment rooms
- Yoga and wellness programs
Various Hotels
In-House SpasMany Victoria Falls hotels offer:
- In-room massage
- Basic spa treatments
- Pool and relaxation
- Couples packages
Safari Lodge Spas
Spa in the Bush
Lodges with Spa Facilities:
What to Expect:
| Lodge | Location | Spa Features |
|---|---|---|
| Somalisa Acacia | Hwange | Bush spa, pool |
| Linkwasha | Hwange | Spa treatments available |
| Ruckomechi | Mana Pools | Spa tent |
| The Hide | Hwange | Treatment room |
| Elephant’s Eye | Hwange | Spa facilities |
| Bumi Hills | Lake Kariba | Full spa |
- Spa facilities vary from dedicated buildings to treatment tents
- Often with stunning views
- African-inspired products
- Qualified therapists
- Book in advance (especially couples)
- May have limited hours
- Open-air treatment rooms
- Views of wildlife
- Natural sounds as backdrop
- African botanicals
- Sunset treatments possible
Eastern Highlands
Mountain Wellness
Natural Setting:
The Eastern Highlands offer a different wellness experience:
- Cool mountain air
- Forest walks
- Waterfalls
- Peaceful lodges
- Natural swimming holes
- Leopard Rock Hotel - Golf resort with spa
- Various lodges - Some offer treatments
- Self-catering options for personal retreat
- Hiking and nature walks
- Bird watching (meditative)
- Mountain yoga
- Forest bathing
- Waterfall visits
Spa Treatments
Common Treatments
What's on the Menu
Massage:
Body Treatments:
| Type | Description | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Swedish | Relaxation, flowing strokes | 60-90 min |
| Deep Tissue | Muscle tension relief | 60-90 min |
| Hot Stone | Heated basalt stones | 60-90 min |
| African | Local techniques, products | 60-90 min |
| Aromatherapy | Essential oils | 60-90 min |
| Couples | Side-by-side treatments | 60-90 min |
- Body scrubs (often with African ingredients)
- Body wraps
- Hydrating treatments
- After-sun care
- Detox treatments
- Cleansing facials
- Anti-aging treatments
- Hydrating facials
- Men’s facials
- Express facials
- Manicures and pedicures
- Hair treatments
- Foot reflexology
- Head and scalp massage
African-Inspired Treatments
Local Ingredients & Techniques
Common African Ingredients:
- Marula oil
- Rooibos
- Shea butter
- Baobab
- African potato
- Wild herbs
- African body ritual (full body experience)
- Bush scrub with local botanicals
- Traditional healing-inspired treatments
- Hot stone with African oils
- Local products used
- Signature African treatments
- Seasonal specialties
- Unique lodge offerings
Yoga & Movement
Yoga in Zimbabwe
Yoga Experiences
Where to Practice:
- Some luxury lodges offer yoga
- Often on request or scheduled sessions
- Victoria Falls hotels may arrange
- Bring your own mat (or ask)
- Morning sunrise yoga
- Post-safari stretching
- Guided meditation
- Private sessions (by request)
- Most lodges have space for personal practice
- Deck or outdoor areas
- Ask staff for quiet spots
- Sunrise/sunset particularly special
- Arranging private instruction
- Combining personal practice with safari
- South Africa for dedicated retreat centers
Movement & Nature
Gentle Activity Options:
The Bush as Gym:
Safari naturally includes:
| Activity | Location | Wellness Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Nature walks | All areas | Forest bathing, grounding |
| Game drive | Safari areas | Animal connection, wonder |
| Sunrise viewing | Anywhere | Meditation, intention setting |
| Swimming | Lodges with pools | Low-impact exercise |
| Bird watching | Everywhere | Mindfulness, patience |
| Canoeing | Zambezi, lakes | Gentle exercise, immersion |
- Walking to and from activities
- Getting in/out of vehicles
- Some walking safaris (moderate)
- Swimming pools at lodges
Digital Detox
Disconnecting
Unplugging in Zimbabwe
Why It Works:
- Limited wifi at many camps (by design or infrastructure)
- No TV in most safari rooms
- Natural rhythms take over
- Wildlife demands present-moment attention
- Stars without light pollution
- Inform people you’ll be offline
- Set auto-replies on email
- Download offline content before
- Bring physical books
- Leave phone in room during activities
- Use camera instead of phone for photos
- Embrace the silence
- Remote safari camps
- Houseboats on Kariba
- Wilderness Mana Pools
- Eastern Highlands lodges
Wellness Itinerary Ideas
Wellness-Focused 7 Days
Restorative Zimbabwe
Day 1-2: Victoria Falls
- Arrive, settle into luxury hotel
- Spa treatment upon arrival
- Gentle falls viewing
- Sunset cruise (relaxation)
- Yoga/stretch session
- Transfer to exclusive camp
- Spa treatments between activities
- Sunrise meditation
- Game drives at natural pace
- Private dining, early nights
- Lodge with spa facilities
- Morning game drive
- Midday spa treatments
- Afternoon wildlife
- Pool time, reading
- Stargazing
- Depart refreshed
Active Wellness Week
Day 1-2: Victoria Falls
- Falls exploration (walking)
- Kayaking or canoeing
- Stretching after activities
- Walking safaris
- Canoeing
- Active wildlife experiences
- Natural swimming (where safe)
- Mountain hiking
- Waterfall visits
- Cool climate recovery
- Forest walks
Practical Information
Booking Spa Treatments
How to Book
When to Book:
- Popular times (couples treatments) book early
- Some lodges require advance booking
- Ask when making accommodation reservation
- Some offer day-of booking if available
- What treatments are available?
- Do you have qualified therapists?
- What products do you use?
- Can we book couples treatments?
- What time slots are available?
- What’s the cancellation policy?
- Midday (11am-3pm) is ideal—between game drives
- Pre-dinner treatments work well
- Allow time to relax after
- Don’t book immediately before flight
Prices
Typical Treatment Costs:
Notes:
| Treatment | Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| 60-min massage | $60-150 |
| 90-min massage | $90-200 |
| Facial | $50-120 |
| Body scrub | $50-100 |
| Manicure | $30-50 |
| Pedicure | $40-60 |
| Couples massage | $150-350 |
- Prices vary by property
- Luxury lodges charge more
- Some include gratuity
- Tipping expected (10-15%)
- Packages may offer value
What to Bring
For Spa Treatments:
- Nothing needed—robes/slippers provided at spas
- Hair tie if preferred
- Remove jewelry before treatments
- Yoga mat (or request one)
- Comfortable clothing
- Meditation cushion/support
- Favorite essential oils
- Journal for reflection
- Comfortable walking shoes for nature
- Sunscreen for outdoor activities
- Hat for sun protection
- Water bottle
- Comfortable layers
- Books or e-reader
Health & Healing
Traditional Healing
Cultural Healing Experiences
Traditional Healers (N’anga):
Zimbabwe has rich traditional healing practices. However:
- Not typically offered as tourist experiences
- Should be approached with cultural sensitivity
- If interested, ask locally through trusted contacts
- Cultural tours may include information
- Cultural village visits may explain traditions
- Some lodges share local healing knowledge
- Botanical gardens (Harare) show medicinal plants
- Educational rather than participatory
Wellness Cautions
Health Considerations:
- Stay hydrated (especially for massage)
- Sun exposure—don’t spa immediately after sunburn
- Alcohol and spa don’t mix
- Inform therapist of health conditions
- Pregnancy—special considerations
- Game drives can be dusty—shower before spa
- Early mornings may conflict with spa timing
- Pace yourself—don’t overbook
- Allow rest time between activities
Beyond the Spa
Natural Wellness
Nature's Healing
Therapeutic Nature Experiences:
The Safari Effect:
Many visitors report feeling deeply rested after safari, often without spa treatments. The combination of:
| Experience | Wellness Benefit |
|---|---|
| Watching sunrise | Circadian rhythm reset, gratitude |
| Safari silence | Stress reduction, presence |
| Stargazing | Perspective, wonder |
| Waterfall views | Negative ions, awe |
| Wildlife observation | Mindfulness, patience |
| Bush sounds | Natural ASMR, calm |
| Walking barefoot | Grounding, earthing |
- Natural light cycles
- Fresh air
- Disconnection from routine
- Wonder and awe
- Physical activity
- Quality sleep …creates natural wellness.
Quick Reference
Last updated: January 2025