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Sample Zimbabwe Itineraries

Planning your Zimbabwe itinerary Planning a trip to Zimbabwe can be overwhelming with so many incredible destinations to choose from. These carefully crafted itineraries will help you make the most of your time, whether you have a few days or several weeks to explore.

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Quick Getaways (3-5 Days)

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Victoria Falls Long Weekend (3 Days)

Perfect for a quick visit or an add-on to a South Africa or Botswana trip.
  • Arrive at Victoria Falls Airport
  • Check into accommodation in Victoria Falls Town
  • Afternoon visit to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe side)
  • Sunset cruise on the Zambezi River
  • Dinner at The Boma for cultural entertainment
  • Morning adventure activity (choose one):
    • White water rafting
    • Helicopter flight over the falls
    • Zipline or gorge swing
  • Lunch at Lookout Café with gorge views
  • Afternoon wildlife activity:
    • Game drive in Zambezi National Park, or
    • Elephant encounter/interaction
  • Evening at leisure with dinner at a local restaurant
  • Morning craft market shopping for souvenirs
  • Visit to Victoria Falls Bridge or local village tour
  • Lunch at River Brewing Company
  • Transfer to airport for departure
Optional extension: Add a day trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana for an incredible safari experience just 1.5 hours away.

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Harare City Break (4 Days)

Experience Zimbabwe’s capital city and nearby attractions.
  • Arrive at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport
  • Check into accommodation in Harare
  • Visit National Gallery of Zimbabwe
  • Afternoon tea at Meikles Hotel
  • Sundowner drinks at Bronte Hotel Garden
  • Dinner in Avondale or Sam Levy’s Village
  • Morning visit to Mbare Market (with local guide)
  • Lunch at Amanzi Restaurant
  • Afternoon at Shona Sculpture Garden
  • Evening performance at Theatre in the Park (seasonal)
  • Dinner at Coimbra Portuguese Restaurant
  • Full-day excursion to Chinhoyi Caves
  • Visit the stunning blue pool and cave system
  • Picnic lunch at the caves
  • Return to Harare in late afternoon
  • Dinner and craft beer at Pariah State
  • Morning visit to Wild Is Life animal sanctuary
  • Last-minute shopping at Doon Estate craft market
  • Lunch at Café Nush
  • Transfer to airport for departure

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One-Week Itineraries (7 Days)

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Classic Zimbabwe (7 Days)

The essential first-timer’s introduction to Zimbabwe’s major highlights.
  • Arrive at Victoria Falls Airport
  • Check into accommodation
  • Afternoon visit to Victoria Falls
  • Sunset cruise on the Zambezi River
  • Morning adventure activity (helicopter flight, rafting, or bungee)
  • Lunch at Lookout Café
  • Afternoon at leisure or optional wildlife activity
  • Dinner at The Boma with cultural performances
  • Morning road transfer to Hwange National Park (2 hours)
  • Check into safari lodge
  • Afternoon game drive
  • Dinner at lodge with wildlife viewing
  • Early morning game drive
  • Mid-day rest at lodge
  • Late afternoon game drive or walking safari
  • Evening stargazing and dinner
  • Final morning game drive
  • Road transfer to Bulawayo (3 hours)
  • Check into accommodation
  • Evening exploration of Bulawayo city center
  • Full-day excursion to Matobo National Park
  • Morning rhino tracking on foot
  • Visit to World’s View and Cecil Rhodes’ grave
  • Afternoon rock art viewing
  • Return to Bulawayo for dinner
  • Morning visit to Railway Museum or Natural History Museum
  • Transfer to Bulawayo Airport for departure
Optional extension: Add a flight to Harare for 2-3 days exploring the capital.

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Extended Itineraries (10-14 Days)

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Complete Zimbabwe Experience (10 Days)

Comprehensive exploration of Zimbabwe’s premier destinations with perfect balance of wildlife, adventure, and culture.
  • International arrival at Victoria Falls Airport
  • Transfer to accommodation in Victoria Falls town
  • Afternoon at leisure to recover from travel
  • Sunset cruise on Zambezi River with drinks and snacks
  • Welcome dinner at local restaurant
  • Morning visit to Victoria Falls National Park
  • Explore all viewpoints along the Falls rim
  • Rainforest walk (get wet in spray!)
  • Lunch at Victoria Falls Hotel or Lookout Café
  • Afternoon helicopter flight over the Falls (12-15 min recommended)
  • Evening cultural dinner at The Boma
  • Full-day white water rafting on Zambezi River (Grade 5 rapids)
  • Includes gorge hike in/out, lunch on riverbank
  • Afternoon recovery and relaxation
  • Optional: Evening game drive in Zambezi National Park
  • Casual dinner at River Brewing Company
  • Morning optional activity (bungee jump, zip-line, or village tour)
  • Road transfer to Hwange National Park (2-2.5 hours)
  • Check into safari lodge
  • Afternoon game drive introduction to Hwange
  • Evening at waterhole viewing platform
  • Dinner under stars at lodge
  • Pre-dawn wake-up call
  • Sunrise game drive (4 hours) with bush breakfast
  • Return to lodge for brunch and midday rest/pool time
  • Afternoon walking safari with armed guide (2 hours)
  • Sundowner drinks in the bush
  • Night drive returning to lodge (spot nocturnal wildlife)
  • Dinner and evening wildlife stories with guide
  • Final early morning game drive
  • Hearty breakfast at lodge
  • Road transfer to Bulawayo (3-3.5 hours)
  • Check into Bulawayo accommodation
  • Afternoon city tour (Railway Museum, Natural History Museum)
  • Evening at leisure exploring local restaurants and bars
  • Dinner at Cattleman’s Steakhouse or similar
  • Early departure for Matobo Hills National Park (1 hour drive)
  • Morning rhino tracking walk (2-3 hours)
  • Picnic lunch at scenic viewpoint
  • Afternoon visit to World’s View (Cecil Rhodes’ grave)
  • Rock art tour at Nswatugi or Pomongwe Cave
  • Return to Bulawayo late afternoon
  • Farewell Bulawayo dinner
  • Morning flight or road transfer to Masvingo (3-4 hours by road)
  • Check into accommodation near Great Zimbabwe
  • Lunch at hotel
  • Afternoon guided tour of Great Zimbabwe Monument
  • Explore ancient stone ruins and learn about Kingdom of Zimbabwe
  • Sunset views over the monument
  • Dinner at lodge
  • Morning at leisure (optional: visit local craft village)
  • Road transfer to Harare (4-5 hours)
  • Check into Harare accommodation
  • Afternoon visit to National Gallery or Mbare Market with guide
  • Evening in Avondale or Sam Levy’s Village (shops, restaurants, bars)
  • Dinner at Pariah State or Amanzi Restaurant
  • Morning visit to Wild Is Life animal sanctuary
  • Or optional: Chapungu Sculpture Park
  • Last-minute shopping at Doon Estate craft market
  • Lunch at Café Nush
  • Transfer to Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport
  • International departure
Budget Estimate: 2,500−5,000perperson(mid−range),2,500-5,000 per person (mid-range), 5,000-10,000+ (luxury)

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Ultimate Zimbabwe Adventure (14 Days)

The most comprehensive Zimbabwe experience including wilderness areas and cultural immersion.
Day 1:
  • Arrive Victoria Falls, settle in
  • Afternoon Falls visit
  • Sunset cruise
Day 2:
  • Morning: White water rafting (full day)
  • Lunch on river
  • Evening at leisure
Day 3:
  • Morning: Helicopter flight and optional bungee/zip-line
  • Afternoon: Game drive Zambezi National Park
  • Evening: Dinner at The Boma
Day 4:
  • Transfer to Hwange (2 hours)
  • Check into lodge
  • Afternoon game drive
Day 5:
  • Full day safari: morning game drive, walking safari, night drive
  • All meals at lodge
  • Evening at waterhole hide
Day 6:
  • Another full safari day
  • Focus on wild dog tracking if present
  • Optional: Visit Painted Dog Conservation center
  • Photography opportunities at watering holes
Day 7:
  • Fly from Hwange to Mana Pools (charter flight)
  • Settle into wilderness camp
  • Afternoon walking safari along Zambezi
  • Dinner and briefing under stars
Day 8:
  • Pre-dawn walking safari (3-4 hours)
  • Morning canoeing on Zambezi
  • Afternoon game drive
  • Night sky stargazing
Day 9:
  • Walking safari to Long Pool
  • Close encounters with elephants
  • Final afternoon in Mana Pools
  • Evening departure for Harare (charter flight)
Day 10:
  • Arrive Harare, check into hotel
  • Afternoon city tour (National Gallery, Parliament)
  • Evening at Borrowdale Village or Sam Levy’s
Day 11:
  • Morning: Mbare Market with local guide
  • Lunch: Local restaurant experience
  • Afternoon: Shona sculpture garden and artist studio visits
  • Evening: Live music venue or theater performance
Day 12:
  • Drive to Eastern Highlands (4 hours)
  • Check into Nyanga or Vumba accommodation
  • Afternoon: Light hiking and mountain views
  • Cool mountain climate, peaceful evening
Day 13:
  • Morning: Mt. Nyangani summit hike (3-4 hours)
  • Or: Pungwe Falls and gorge exploration
  • Afternoon: Visit Honde Valley tea estates
  • Evening: Relax at mountain lodge
  • Traditional dinner with local ingredients
  • Morning: Final mountain views and breakfast
  • Drive back to Harare (4 hours)
  • Last-minute shopping if time permits
  • Airport transfer for international departure
  • Or extend further!
Budget Estimate: 4,000−8,000perperson(mid−range),4,000-8,000 per person (mid-range), 10,000-20,000+ (luxury)

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Great Zimbabwe Circuit (14 Days)

Perfect for those wanting to explore beyond the usual tourist trail, including remote parks and lesser-known gems.
Day 1:
  • Arrive Harare
  • City orientation and rest
  • Dinner at Amanzi or Pariah State
Day 2:
  • Morning: National Gallery and city tour
  • Afternoon: Wild Is Life sanctuary
  • Evening: Avondale restaurants
Day 3:
  • Day trip to Chinhoyi Caves
  • Swimming in crystal-blue pool
  • Return to Harare evening
Day 4:
  • Drive to Nyanga (4 hours)
  • Settle in, afternoon nature walks
Day 5:
  • Mt. Nyangani summit hike
  • Afternoon exploring waterfalls
Day 6:
  • Drive to Chimanimani (2 hours)
  • Prepare for multi-day trek
Day 7:
  • Begin 2-day Chimanimani trek
  • Hike to base camp with guide and porters
  • Wild camping in mountains
  • Swimming in crystal pools
Day 8:
  • Summit Bailey’s Folly or other peaks
  • Descend and return to Chimanimani village
  • Rest and recovery
Day 9:
  • Drive to Masvingo/Great Zimbabwe (4 hours)
  • Check into lodge
  • Afternoon tour of Great Zimbabwe ruins
  • Sunset over monument
Day 10:
  • Morning: Lake Mutirikwe/Kyle recreation
  • Visit local craft village
  • Afternoon drive toward Gonarezhou
Day 11:
  • Arrive Gonarezhou (remote, 4x4 essential)
  • Check into basic camp
  • Afternoon game drive
  • Wilderness atmosphere
Day 12:
  • Full day exploring Gonarezhou
  • Chilojo Cliffs viewpoint
  • Red elephants and baobabs
  • True wilderness safari
  • Runde River exploration
Day 13:
  • Morning game drive
  • Return to Masvingo (6 hours)
  • Overnight in Masvingo
Day 14:
  • Drive or fly to Harare (4 hours / 1 hour)
  • Last-minute shopping
  • International departure
Budget Estimate: $3,000-6,000 per person (includes remote areas, self-drive portions)

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Specialized Itineraries

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Wildlife Photography Safari (10 Days)

Designed for serious photographers with specialized guides, ideal timing, and best locations.

Highlights:
  • Professional photo guide throughout
  • Specialized photo vehicles with 360° access
  • Dawn and dusk priority shooting times
  • Wildlife behavior prediction and positioning
  • Post-processing sessions in evenings
Itinerary:
  • Days 1-2: Victoria Falls (Falls photography, aerial shots)
  • Days 3-6: Hwange (waterhole hides, Big Five, wild dogs)
  • Days 7-9: Mana Pools (walking safaris, elephants, carmine bee-eaters Sep-Nov)
  • Day 10: Return to Harare, portfolio review
Best Time: August-October (peak wildlife, good light)Cost Estimate: $5,000-10,000 per person (includes specialized photo guide and vehicles)

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Adventure Adrenaline (8 Days)

For thrill-seekers wanting maximum adventure activities.

Highlights:
  • White water rafting (Grade 5)
  • Bungee jumping (111m)
  • Gorge swing, zip-line
  • Helicopter and microlight flights
  • Walking safaris (dangerous game)
  • Rock climbing (Matobo Hills)
  • Mt. Nyangani summit
  • Kayaking Lake Kariba
Itinerary:
  • Days 1-3: Victoria Falls (all extreme sports)
  • Days 4-5: Matobo Hills (rhino walks, rock climbing)
  • Days 6-7: Eastern Highlands (mountain hiking, trekking)
  • Day 8: Return to Harare and departure
Fitness Level: High - excellent fitness requiredCost Estimate: $2,500-4,000 per personBest Time: April-October (dry season)

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Cultural Immersion (10 Days)

Deep dive into Zimbabwean culture, history, and communities.

Highlights:
  • Great Zimbabwe Monument extensive tour
  • Multiple rock art sites
  • Village homestays
  • Traditional craft workshops
  • Music and dance experiences
  • Local market experiences
  • Meet with traditional leaders
  • Participate in traditional ceremonies (if timing permits)
Itinerary:
  • Days 1-2: Harare (National Gallery, Mbare Market, artist studios)
  • Days 3-4: Great Zimbabwe & surrounding villages
  • Days 5-6: Matobo Hills (rock art, cultural sites)
  • Days 7-8: Rural village homestay experience
  • Days 9-10: Return to Harare, craft shopping, departure
Cultural Focus: Authentic interactions, not performancesCost Estimate: $1,800-3,500 per person (includes homestay, guides)Best For: Those seeking genuine cultural understanding

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Birdwatching Expedition (12 Days)

Targeting Zimbabwe’s 680+ bird species across diverse habitats.

Highlights:
  • Specialist birding guide throughout
  • Target endemic and near-endemic species
  • Multiple habitat types
  • Carmine bee-eater colonies (Sep-Nov)
  • African Pitta (summer visitor)
  • Raptors (Matobo, Mana Pools)
Itinerary:
  • Days 1-2: Harare area birding
  • Days 3-5: Mana Pools (450+ species, waterbirds, raptors)
  • Days 6-8: Hwange (grassland and woodland species)
  • Days 9-10: Victoria Falls and Zambezi (spray forest specialties)
  • Days 11-12: Eastern Highlands (forest and mountain endemics)
Target Species: Swynnerton’s Robin, Roberts’ Prinia, Boulder Chat, othersBest Time: November-March (wet season, breeding, migrants)Cost Estimate: $4,000-7,000 per person (includes specialist guide)

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Practical Planning Tips

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Sample Costs Summary

  • 3-5 Day Trips
  • 7-10 Day Trips
  • 10-14 Day Trips
Victoria Falls Long Weekend (3 Days):
  • Budget: $600-1,000
  • Mid-Range: $1,200-2,000
  • Luxury: $2,500-4,000
Harare City Break (4 Days):
  • Budget: $500-800
  • Mid-Range: $1,000-1,600
  • Luxury: $2,000-3,500

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Ready to Plan Your Zimbabwe Adventure?

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