Skip to main content

​
Campsites in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe offers exceptional camping experiences - from well-equipped national park sites to remote bush camps and private camping grounds. This directory covers all camping options across the country.
Prices listed are approximate and in USD. National park fees are additional. Always book in advance during peak season (July-October).

​
National Park Campsites

Managed by Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks). Basic facilities typically include ablution blocks, braai stands, and sometimes power points.

​
Hwange National Park

Zimbabwe’s largest national park with multiple camping options.
Location: Southern section, near Main Camp office Facilities: Ablutions with hot water, power points, braai stands, swimming pool nearby, shop Capacity: 20+ sites Price: $15-20 per person per night Best for: First-time visitors, families Coordinates: -18.3667, 26.5000
Location: Northern section, elevated position Facilities: Ablutions, braai stands, stunning views over Mandavu Dam Capacity: 10 sites Price: $15-20 per person per night Best for: Birders, photographers Coordinates: -18.1833, 26.1833
Location: Northern section Facilities: Basic ablutions, braai stands, remote atmosphere Capacity: 8 sites Price: $15-20 per person per night Best for: Adventurous campers seeking solitude Coordinates: -18.1000, 26.0500
Location: Near Sinamatella Facilities: Basic, communal braai area, dam views Capacity: 5 sites Price: $15-20 per person per night Best for: Game viewing at the dam
Location: Central-north section Facilities: Basic ablutions, excellent game viewing platform Capacity: Limited sites Price: $15-20 per person per night Best for: Serious wildlife enthusiasts

​
Mana Pools National Park

UNESCO World Heritage site with exclusive camping on the Zambezi floodplains.
Location: Central riverine area Facilities: Ablutions, braai stands, water points Capacity: 30 sites Price: $20-30 per person per night Best for: Main base for Mana exploration Coordinates: -15.7500, 29.4000
Location: Along the Zambezi riverfront Facilities: Private sites, basic ablutions, fire pits Capacity: 1 group per site (max 12 people) Price: $50-100 per site per night Best for: Private groups, professional photographers Note: Must book entire site
Location: Eastern section Facilities: Very basic, remote Capacity: Limited Price: $20-30 per person per night Best for: Adventure seekers wanting true wilderness

​
Gonarezhou National Park

Zimbabwe’s second-largest park, known for the iconic Chilojo Cliffs.
Location: Northern section, park headquarters Facilities: Ablutions, braai stands, swimming pool Capacity: 15 sites Price: $15-20 per person per night Best for: Base for northern Gonarezhou Coordinates: -21.2500, 32.0500
Location: Southern section, near Chilojo Cliffs Facilities: Basic ablutions, stunning cliff views Capacity: 8 sites Price: $15-20 per person per night Best for: Photography, scenic camping
Location: Southern section Facilities: Very basic Capacity: 5 sites Price: $15-20 per person per night Best for: Remote wilderness experience
Location: Near Mwenezi River Facilities: Basic ablutions, natural rock pool Capacity: 6 sites Price: $15-20 per person per night Best for: Swimming, relaxed camping

​
Matobo National Park

Ancient granite landscapes with rock art and rhino tracking.
Location: Central Matobo, near dam Facilities: Ablutions with hot water, braai stands, swimming dam Capacity: 20 sites Price: $15-20 per person per night Best for: Families, swimming, rock art exploration Coordinates: -20.5000, 28.5000
Location: Eastern section Facilities: Basic ablutions, scenic dam setting Capacity: 10 sites Price: $15-20 per person per night Best for: Quieter alternative to Maleme
Location: Western section Facilities: Basic ablutions Capacity: 8 sites Price: $15-20 per person per night Best for: Bird watching

​
Matusadona National Park

Remote wilderness on Lake Kariba’s shoreline.
Location: Eastern section, park headquarters Facilities: Ablutions, braai stands, lake access Capacity: 10 sites Price: $15-20 per person per night Best for: Lake Kariba camping base Coordinates: -16.7833, 28.4167
Location: Western boundary Facilities: Very basic, boat access recommended Capacity: 5 sites Price: $15-20 per person per night Best for: Fishing, adventure camping

​
Eastern Highlands

Mountain camping with cool climate and scenic views.
Location: Central Nyanga Facilities: Ablutions, braai stands, trout fishing Capacity: 15 sites Price: $15-20 per person per night Best for: Fishing, mountain hiking Coordinates: -18.2833, 32.7500
Location: Northern Nyanga Facilities: Basic ablutions, scenic dam Capacity: 8 sites Price: $15-20 per person per night Best for: Trout fishing, quiet retreat
Location: Mutekeswane Base Camp Facilities: Basic ablutions, mountain hut available Capacity: 10 sites Price: $15-20 per person per night Best for: Hikers, mountain climbers Coordinates: -19.8000, 33.0000
Location: Bvumba Mountains Facilities: Basic camping area in gardens Capacity: Limited Price: $10-15 per person per night Best for: Botanical enthusiasts, birders

​
Other National Parks & Reserves

Location: 30km from Harare Facilities: Ablutions, braai stands, boat launch Capacity: 20+ sites Price: $10-15 per person per night Best for: Weekend escapes from Harare Coordinates: -17.9000, 30.8000
Location: Near Masvingo Facilities: Ablutions, braai stands, lake access Capacity: 15 sites Price: $10-15 per person per night Best for: Combining with Great Zimbabwe visit Coordinates: -20.2167, 31.0000
Location: Near Kwekwe Facilities: Basic ablutions, fishing Capacity: 10 sites Price: $10-15 per person per night Best for: Fishing enthusiasts
Location: Near Kadoma Facilities: Ablutions, dam access Capacity: 8 sites Price: $10-15 per person per night Best for: Day trips, fishing

​
Victoria Falls Area Campsites

Popular camping options near the adventure capital.
Location: 2km from Victoria Falls town Facilities: Hot showers, flush toilets, pool, bar, restaurant, WiFi Capacity: 30+ sites Price: $15-25 per person per night Best for: Budget travelers, backpackers Contact: +263 83 2844308
Location: Victoria Falls town Facilities: Backpacker-style, shared ablutions, pool, bar Capacity: Limited camping spots Price: $15-20 per person per night Best for: Backpackers, activity seekers
Location: Along Zambezi River upstream from Falls Facilities: 25 exclusive riverside sites, basic ablutions Capacity: 25 sites (1-4 groups per site) Price: $30-50 per site per night Best for: Fishing, river camping, wildlife Coordinates: -17.8833, 25.7667

​
Private & Community Campsites

​
Hwange Area

Location: Near Hwange Main Camp Facilities: Shared ablutions, braai, access to lodge facilities Capacity: 10 sites Price: $20-30 per person per night Best for: Affordable Hwange camping with some amenities
Location: Matobo Hills Facilities: Basic camping with access to lodge Capacity: 5 sites Price: $25-35 per person per night Best for: Rock art tours, rhino tracking

​
Lake Kariba Area

Location: Kariba town Facilities: Ablutions, lake views, boat access Capacity: 15 sites Price: $15-20 per person per night Best for: Lake activities, fishing trips
Location: Western Lake Kariba Facilities: Basic campsites along the lakeshore Capacity: Multiple sites Price: $15-20 per person per night Best for: Fishing, boating, wildlife

​
Eastern Highlands

Location: Nyanga Facilities: Hot showers, braai, mountain setting Capacity: 12 sites Price: $15-25 per person per night Best for: Mountain hiking base
Location: Chimanimani Facilities: Rustic camping, community-run Capacity: 8 sites Price: $10-20 per person per night Best for: Hikers, community tourism
Location: Chimanimani village Facilities: Basic camping with access to hotel facilities Capacity: 10 sites Price: $10-15 per person per night Best for: Pre/post mountain hikes

​
Harare & Surrounds

Location: North of Harare Facilities: Camping with pool, bar, restaurant Capacity: 20 sites Price: $15-20 per person per night Best for: Harare stopover, overlanders
Location: Near Harare Facilities: Bush setting, ablutions, game viewing Capacity: 10 sites Price: $20-30 per person per night Best for: Wildlife near the city

​
Bulawayo & Surrounds

Location: Near Bulawayo Facilities: Farm camping, ablutions, pool Capacity: 15 sites Price: $10-15 per person per night Best for: Budget travelers, Matobo base
Location: Adjacent to Khami Ruins Facilities: Basic camping near UNESCO site Capacity: 5 sites Price: $10-15 per person per night Best for: History enthusiasts

​
Overlander & Transit Campsites

Popular stops for self-drive travelers and overland trucks.

N1 Hotel Campsite - Harare

Secure parking, hot showers, restaurant. Ideal Harare transit stop.

Rainbow Hotel Campsite - Vic Falls

Town location, pool access, walking distance to activities.

Municipal Campsites

Various towns offer basic municipal camping - enquire locally.

Service Station Camping

Some rural stations allow overnight camping - always ask permission.

​
Camping Tips for Zimbabwe

  • National Parks: Book through ZimParks online or at regional offices
  • Peak Season (July-October): Book 2-3 months in advance
  • Exclusive Sites: Often require full site booking, not per-person
  • Payment: Cash (USD) often preferred; some accept mobile money
  • All camping equipment (rarely available for hire)
  • Firewood (often available for purchase)
  • Drinking water or purification
  • Food and cooking supplies
  • Torch/headlamp with extra batteries
  • First aid kit and any medications
  • Warm clothing (nights can be cold, especially May-August)
  • Never leave food unattended - baboons and monkeys are common
  • Store food in vehicles or secure containers
  • Be aware of wildlife, especially at night
  • Don’t walk between sites after dark in wildlife areas
  • Keep a torch handy for nighttime ablution visits
  • Follow fire safety rules - use designated braai areas
  • Elephants: Common in Hwange, Mana Pools - give them space
  • Hippos: Active at night near water - be cautious
  • Hyenas: May investigate camps - secure all food
  • Snakes: Check shoes and bedding; don’t walk barefoot
  • Mosquitoes: Use repellent and nets, especially Oct-April

​
Campsite Facilities Guide

Facilities: Pit latrines, cold water (if any), fire pit Found at: Remote national park sites, wild camping areas Bring: All water, toilet paper, all supplies Price range: $10-15 per person

​
Booking Resources

Zimbabwe Parks & Wildlife

Official national park campsite bookings

Contact Us

Need help finding the right campsite? Get in touch

​
Register Your Campsite

Own or manage a campsite in Zimbabwe? List it in our directory.

Add Your Campsite

Free listing with optional verification and promotional packages.