Tour Operators & Safari Companies
A curated directory of reputable tour operators, safari companies, and activity providers operating in Zimbabwe. These companies have established track records in Zimbabwe tourism.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: [email protected]
- 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: [email protected]
- 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: [email protected]
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.