Safari accommodations represent some of Zimbabwe’s most distinctive lodging options:

Luxury Safari Lodges:

• All-inclusive with gourmet meals and premium drinks
• Expert guides and private vehicles often available
• Spacious rooms/suites with high-end amenities
• Swimming pools, spas, and viewing decks
• Price range: $500-1,500+ per person per night
• Examples: Linkwasha Camp (Hwange), Bumi Hills (Kariba), Little Ruckomechi (Mana Pools)

Tented Camps:

• Permanent or seasonal luxury tents on platforms
• En-suite bathrooms with hot water
• Comfortable furnishings while maintaining bush feel
• Communal dining and lounge areas
• Price range: $300-800 per person per night
• Examples: Davison’s Camp (Hwange), John’s Camp (Mana Pools)

Mobile Camps:

• Seasonal operations that move with wildlife
• Authentic safari experience with comfortable basics
• Shared or private bathroom facilities
• Often focused on specific activities (canoeing, walking)
• Price range: $250-500 per person per night
• Examples: Goliath Safaris (Mana Pools), Natureways (Zambezi)

National Parks Lodging:

• Government-run accommodations within parks
• Basic but comfortable lodges and chalets
• Self-catering facilities usually available
• Limited services compared to private lodges
• Price range: $50-150 per night
• Examples: Main Camp (Hwange), Nyamepi (Mana Pools)

An excellent mid-range option with personal service:

Urban B&Bs:

• Primarily in residential neighborhoods of major cities
• Owner-operated with personalized service
• Home-cooked breakfasts
• Local knowledge and advice
• 3-10 rooms typical size
• Price range: $40-100 per night
• Examples: Kutandara Lodge (Harare), Hornung Park Lodge (Bulawayo)

Rural Guesthouses:

• Located in small towns and countryside
• Great base for exploring lesser-known areas
• Often historic or character properties
• Home-style meals usually available
• Price range: $30-80 per night
• Examples: Frog & Fern (Chimanimani), Inn on Great Zimbabwe

Farm Stays:

• Working farms offering accommodation
• Insights into rural Zimbabwean life
• Home-cooked meals featuring farm produce
• Activities often included (farm tours, horse riding)
• Price range: $40-120 per night
• Examples: Farmhouse Lodge (Matobo), Eastern Highlands farms

As Zimbabwe’s premier tourist destination, Victoria Falls offers the widest range of accommodation:

Luxury Options:

• Victoria Falls Hotel: Colonial grande dame with falls view
• Victoria Falls Safari Lodge: Overlooking waterhole with wildlife viewing
• Ilala Lodge: Closest hotel to the falls
• Stanley & Livingstone: Boutique luxury on private reserve

Mid-range:

• Shearwater Explorers Village
• Batonka Guest Lodge
• Pioneers Victoria Falls
• The Kingdom Hotel

Budget-friendly:

• Shoestrings Backpackers
• Victoria Falls Backpackers
• Victoria Falls Rest Camp (camping and chalets)
• Adventure Lodge

Location Considerations:

• Town center accommodations: Walking distance to falls, restaurants
• Out-of-town lodges: More exclusive feel, need transport
• Zambian side alternatives: Consider Livingstone accommodation options

Zimbabwe’s largest national park offers diverse accommodation styles:

Main Camp Area (Eastern Hwange):

• National Parks accommodations (budget)
• The Hide Safari Camp (luxury)
• Hwange Safari Lodge (mid-range, outside park)
• Miombo Safari Camp (mid-range)
• Sable Sands (mid-range)

Sinamatella/Robins Areas (Central/Northern Hwange):

• National Parks facilities at Sinamatella and Robins
• Tuscany Lodge (mid-range)
• Nantwich Lodge (luxury)
• Hwange Bush Camp (mid-high end)

Private Concessions:

• Linkwasha Camp (luxury)
• Davison’s Camp (high-end)
• Little Makalolo (luxury)
• Somalisa Camp (luxury)
• Khulu Bush Camp (luxury)
• Nehimba Lodge (luxury)

Accommodation Tips:

• Camps inside the park offer the best wildlife experience
• Book many months in advance for high season (July-October)
• Consider combination of park facilities and private lodges for different experiences
• Some camps close during rainy season (November-March)

Zimbabwe’s capital offers primarily business-oriented accommodation:

Luxury:

• Meikles Hotel: Historic five-star in city center
• Rainbow Towers Hotel: Modern high-rise with conference facilities
• Bronte Hotel: Colonial hotel with beautiful gardens
• The Amanzi Lodge: Boutique property in northern suburbs

Mid-range:

• Cresta Lodge: Business-friendly in quiet setting
• Holiday Inn Harare: Convenient city center location
• Monomotapa Hotel: Central location with city views
• N1 Hotel: Modern, functional option

Budget:

• Small World Backpackers
• New Ambassador Hotel
• Harare Safari Lodge
• Numerous guesthouses in suburbs

Location Advice:

• Northern suburbs (Highlands, Borrowdale): Safer, quieter, upscale
• City Center: Convenient but busier and less recommended at night
• Airport area: Practical for short layovers

Zimbabwe’s mountain region offers charming accommodations in scenic settings:

Nyanga Area:

• Troutbeck Resort: Historic highland retreat with fishing
• Rhodes Nyanga Hotel: Colonial-era hotel near park
• Pine Tree Inn: Mountain views and gardens
• Inn on Rupurara: Upscale country manor

Bvumba Mountains:

• Leopard Rock Hotel: Elegant hotel with championship golf course
• White Horse Inn: Historic country inn known for fine dining
• Inn on the Rupurara: Stylish mountain retreat
• Selborne Routledge: Charming forest hotel

Chimanimani:

• Frog & Fern Cottages: Rustic cottages with beautiful gardens
• Chimanimani Hotel: Historic hotel near national park
• Kweza Lodge: Simple but comfortable mountain lodge
• Farmhouse Lodge: Working farm with guest accommodation

Accommodation Features:

• Many properties offer fireplaces for cool mountain evenings
• Trout fishing often available or nearby
• Hiking trails frequently accessible from properties
• Beautiful gardens common in this fertile region

Zimbabwe’s second city and nearby Matobo Hills National Park:

Bulawayo City:

• Nesbitt Castle: Unique castle hotel with period furnishings
• Cresta Churchill: Reliable business hotel
• Holiday Inn Bulawayo: Modern option outside city center
• Bulawayo Club: Historic gentleman’s club converted to hotel
• Bulawayo Rainbow Hotel: Central city option

Matobo Hills Area:

• Big Cave Camp: Unique lodge built among granite boulders
• Amalinda Lodge: Luxury lodge integrated into rock formations
• Hermits Peak: Mid-range lodge with good views
• Matobo Hills Lodge: Comfortable lodge near park entrance
• Camp Amalinda: Safari-style tented camp

Location Considerations:

• Bulawayo accommodations: Good base for city exploration
• Matobo Hills properties: 30-45 minutes from city but closer to park
• National Parks accommodations: Basic but located inside park

Accommodations near Zimbabwe’s most important historical site:

Closest to Monument:

• Lodge at the Ancient City: Themed architecture reflecting Great Zimbabwe
• Great Zimbabwe Hotel: Older property closest to the ruins
• Norma Jeane’s Lakeview Resort: On Lake Mutirikwi, 15km from site

Masvingo Town (25km away):

• Inn on Great Zimbabwe: Comfortable mid-range option
• Flamboyant Hotel: Business hotel in town center
• Chevron Hotel: Budget-friendly option

Accommodation Notes:

• Limited luxury options in this region
• Properties may have seasonal closures
• Advance booking recommended as options are limited
• Consider Masvingo accommodation with day trips to monument

Remote wilderness accommodation along the Zambezi River:

Permanent Lodges:

• Chikwenya Camp: Luxury tented camp on private concession
• Nyamatusi Camp: High-end tented lodge
• Ruckomechi & Little Ruckomechi: Elegant river-facing tented camps
• Mana Pools Safari Lodge: Comfortable mid-range option
• Goliath Safaris Tented Camp: Specialist operator’s permanent camp

Seasonal Camps:

• John’s Camp: Authentic tented camp (May-November)
• Kanga Camp: Inland location focused on water hole
• Zambezi Expeditions: Mobile tented camp on riverfront
• Nyamepi Camp: National Parks camping ground
• Exclusive campsites: Various private sites for self-drivers

Important Notes:

• Most camps close during rainy season (November-April)
• Limited self-catering options
• Advance booking essential (up to a year for peak season)
• Charter flights required for most camps unless self-driving with 4x4
• National Parks accommodations very basic but affordable

Booking timeline recommendations:

8-12 months in advance:

• Luxury safari lodges during high season (July-October)
• Victoria Falls accommodations during peak periods
• Exclusive-use properties and villas
• Houseboats during school holidays

3-6 months in advance:

• Mid-range lodges in national parks
• City hotels during major events or conferences
• Eastern Highlands during holiday periods
• Victoria Falls in shoulder seasons

1-3 months in advance:

• City hotels during normal periods
• Budget accommodations in major tourist areas
• Mid-range options during low season
• Backpacker hostels (except during major events)

Last-minute possibilities:

• City business hotels on weekends
• Some guesthouses and B&Bs
• Budget options in less-visited areas
• Low season opportunities throughout the country

Note: Zimbabwe’s accommodation capacity is limited compared to demand in peak season. Earlier booking is always recommended, especially for specific properties.

Important payment considerations:

Payment Methods:

• Most international-standard properties accept credit cards
• Visa and Mastercard widely accepted; American Express limited
• Safari lodges often require bank transfers for deposits
• Cash (USD) accepted at most properties
• Mobile payment platforms gaining popularity in cities

Deposit Requirements:

• Luxury safari lodges: 20-50% deposit at booking, balance 30-60 days before arrival
• Hotels: First night deposit or credit card guarantee common
• Peak season bookings: Often require full prepayment
• Cancellation terms stricter during high season

Currency Considerations:

• Prices most commonly quoted in USD
• Some city hotels may quote in Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG)
• Clarify which currency is being used before booking
• Check for dynamic currency conversion fees on card payments

Tax Information:

• 15% VAT typically included in quoted rates
• 2% Tourism Levy may be added at some properties
• Confirm whether rates are inclusive or exclusive of taxes

How to choose the right safari accommodation:

Luxury vs. Authentic:

• Luxury lodges: Exceptional comfort, excellent food, premium service
• Tented camps: More authentic bush feel while maintaining comfort
• Mobile/expedition camps: Closest to traditional safari experience

Exclusivity Factors:

• Private concessions: Limited vehicles and exclusive traversing rights
• Communal conservancies: Support local communities while enjoying wildlife
• National park lodges: Often busier but access to public park areas

Activity Focus:

• Water-focused camps (Mana Pools, Kariba): Boating and water activities
• Walking-focused camps: Specialist guides and walking terrain
• Photography-oriented: Hides, specialized vehicles, optimal angles

Size Considerations:

• Small intimate camps (4-8 rooms): Personal attention, quiet atmosphere
• Medium lodges (8-12 rooms): Balance of privacy and social interaction
• Larger properties (12+ rooms): More facilities but less personalized

Family Friendliness:

• Minimum age restrictions vary widely (from no restriction to 16+)
• Family units/interconnecting rooms at select properties
• Dedicated family programs at certain lodges
• “Children’s safaris” with specialized activities

Maximizing value across different budget levels:

Luxury Level:

• Consider all-inclusive packages that include activities
• Look for “stay 4, pay 3” type offers in shoulder seasons
• Combine expensive parks with more affordable destinations
• Check if conservation fees are included in rates
• Evaluate full board vs. all-inclusive (activities included) options

Mid-range:

• National park accommodations offer great location at lower cost
• Self-catering options reduce meal expenses
• Combine self-driving with occasional guided activities
• Local guesthouses often offer excellent value
• Consider shoulder season for premium properties at reduced rates

Budget Level:

• Camping in national parks provides affordable wildlife access
• Backpacker lodges often offer affordable activity packages
• House rental for groups divides costs effectively
• Public campgrounds near parks (cheaper than inside)
• Free/low-cost activities near paid attractions