This directory includes operators we’re aware of. Inclusion is not an endorsement. Always research and read reviews before booking. Request references for significant bookings.
Safari & Lodge Operators
Premium/Luxury Safari
African Bush Camps
Specialty: Luxury tented camps, conservation-focusedProperties:
- Somalisa (Hwange)
- Khulu Bush Camp (Hwange)
- Nyamatusi (Mana Pools)
- Kanga Camp (Mana Pools)
- Zambezi Expeditions
- Web: africanbushcamps.com
- Email: enquiries@africanbushcamps.com
- Phone: +263 24 288 0000
Wilderness Safaris
Specialty: Premium ecotourism, multi-country operationsProperties:
- Linkwasha Camp (Hwange)
- Little Makalolo (Hwange)
- Davison’s Camp (Hwange)
- Ruckomechi Camp (Mana Pools)
- Web: wilderness-safaris.com
- Email: enquiry@wilderness.co.zw
- Phone: +263 24 288 2842
&Beyond
Specialty: Luxury safari lodges, personalized serviceProperties:
- &Beyond Matetsi River Lodge (Victoria Falls area)
- Web: andbeyond.com
- International reservations available
Great Plains Conservation
Specialty: Conservation-led luxuryProperties:
- Tembo Plains (Sapi Reserve, Mana Pools area)
- Web: greatplainsconservation.com
Mid-Range & Value Safari
Imvelo Safari Lodges
Specialty: Hwange National Park specialist, community partnershipsProperties:
- Bomani Tented Lodge
- Camelthorn Lodge
- Nehimba Lodge
- Gorges Lodge (Victoria Falls)
- Web: imvelosafarilodges.com
- Phone: +263 83 284 4567
The Hide
Specialty: Intimate Hwange experienceProperties:
- The Hide Safari Camp (Hwange)
- Web: thehide.com
- Phone: +263 77 212 4567
Hideaways
Specialty: Safari lodges and Victoria FallsProperties:
- Elephant’s Eye (Hwange)
- Nantwich Lodge (Hwange)
- Web: hideaways-africa.com
Goliath Safaris
Specialty: Walking safaris, Mana Pools expertProperties:
- Goliath Safaris Camp (Mana Pools)
- Web: goliathsafaris.com
- Phone: +263 772 127 128
Budget & Camping Safari
| Operator | Specialty | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Safari Excellence | Budget mobile safaris | safariexcellence.com |
| Natureways | Canoe safaris, camping | Contact locally |
| National Parks | Self-drive, camping | zimparks.org |
Victoria Falls Activity Operators
Major Activity Companies
Wild Horizons
Activities:
- White water rafting
- Bungee jumping
- Helicopter flights
- River cruises
- Safari excursions
- Transfers
- Web: wildhorizons.co.zw
- Phone: +263 83 284 4571
- Email: res@wildhorizons.co.zw
Shearwater Adventures
Activities:
- White water rafting
- Jet boats
- Cruises
- Helicopter flights
- Bridge activities
- Web: shearwateradventures.com
- Phone: +263 83 284 4471
Safari Par Excellence
Activities:
- Game drives
- Chobe day trips
- Transfers
- Walking safaris
- Cultural tours
- Web: safpar.com
- Phone: +263 83 284 4424
Zambezi Helicopter Company
Activities:
- Scenic flights over Victoria Falls
- Flight of Angels
- Photography flights
- Phone: +263 83 284 4428
Specialized Activities
| Activity | Recommended Operator | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bungee Jump | Wild Horizons / Shearwater | Same operator (bridge) |
| Zip Line | Wild Horizons | Multiple lines |
| Canopy Tour | Wild Horizons | Forest canopy experience |
| Sunset Cruise | Wild Horizons, Shearwater | Multiple vessels |
| Devil’s Pool | Livingstone Island (Zambia side) | Book through hotels |
| Microlight | Batoka Sky | Book in advance |
| Elephant Experiences | Wild Horizons | Various interactions |
| Lion Walk | Various | Ethical considerations |
Destination Management Companies (DMCs)
Full-Service DMCs
For Tour Operators & Travel Agents:
More trade resources
| DMC | Specialty | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Africa Albida Tourism | Victoria Falls, luxury, MICE | africaalbidatourism.com |
| Wild Horizons | Activities, transfers, packages | wildhorizons.co.zw |
| UTC (United Touring) | Ground transport, tours | utczim.co.zw |
| Jenman African Safaris | Multi-country, overland | jenmansafaris.com |
| Sense of Africa | Southern Africa packages | senseofafrica.com |
Cultural & Special Interest Tours
Cultural Experiences
| Operator/Experience | Focus | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Great Zimbabwe Tours | Archaeological, historical | Masvingo |
| Village Tours | Traditional village life | Victoria Falls |
| Township Tours | Urban culture | Bulawayo, Harare |
| Shona Sculpture Workshops | Art experiences | Harare |
Birdwatching
| Operator | Specialty | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| BirdLife Zimbabwe | Conservation, birding | birdlifezimbabwe.org |
| Local guides | Often through lodges | Ask accommodation |
Photography Safaris
| Operator | Specialty |
|---|---|
| African Bush Camps | Dedicated photo hides |
| The Hide | Photography focus |
| Specialist guides | Available through lodges |
Transfer & Ground Transport
Ground Transportation
| Company | Services | Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Wild Horizons Transfers | Airport, inter-lodge | Victoria Falls |
| Safari Par Excellence | All transfers | Victoria Falls |
| UTC | Nationwide ground | All Zimbabwe |
| Driveaways | Self-drive rental | Harare |
| Avis/Budget/Europcar | Car rental | Major airports |
- Many hotels arrange private drivers
- Self-drive with driver option from rental companies
- Ask lodge for trusted local recommendations
Booking Tips
How to Choose an Operator
Red Flags:
- No physical address or unclear location
- Pressure to pay in unusual ways
- Unable to provide references
- No reviews or very new operation
- Significantly cheaper than competitors
- Member of tourism associations (ZTA, SATOA)
- Established web presence
- Verifiable reviews on TripAdvisor, Google
- Clear terms and conditions
- Responsive communication
- Proper insurance and safety equipment
- Research reviews on multiple platforms
- Ask for references (especially for expensive bookings)
- Confirm all inclusions in writing
- Understand cancellation policies
- Use secure payment methods
- Get emergency contact numbers
Questions to Ask
For Safari Lodges:
- What’s the guide-to-guest ratio?
- What vehicles do you use?
- What activities are included?
- What’s the typical wildlife viewing?
- Are there age restrictions?
- What safety equipment is provided?
- What’s your safety record?
- Are guides certified?
- What happens if weather cancels?
- What’s included (photos, refreshments)?
- What type of vehicle?
- Is it air-conditioned?
- How long is the journey?
- Are stops included?
- What if flight is delayed?
Tourism Associations
Industry Bodies
Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA)
- Official tourism body
- Licensing and standards
- Web: zimbabwetourism.net
- Safari industry body
- Member operators follow code of conduct
- Hotel and hospitality standards
Quick Reference by Region
Victoria Falls:
- Activities: Wild Horizons, Shearwater, Safari Par Excellence
- Lodges: Africa Albida, various hotels
- Wilderness Safaris, African Bush Camps, Imvelo, The Hide
- Wilderness Safaris, African Bush Camps, Goliath Safaris
- Local operators, Big Cave, Amalinda
- Various local guides, hotel-arranged tours
- Local guides, package from hotels
Last updated: January 2025 Note: This directory is for information purposes. Contact operators directly for current availability and pricing. We recommend independent research before booking.