Zimbabwe’s National Parks and Reserves

Zimbabwe protects approximately 13% of its land area through a network of 10 national parks, 14 safari areas, 3 recreational parks, and numerous other protected zones. These areas safeguard some of Africa’s most pristine wilderness and exceptional wildlife populations, including the Big Five, African wild dogs, and over 680 bird species.

Quick Comparison: Major National Parks

Hwange NP

Size: 14,651 km² Famous For: Largest elephant population (45,000+), Big Five Best Time: May-October (dry season) Access: Easy, 2hrs from Victoria Falls Accommodation: Luxury lodges to budget camps Entry: $20-30 per person/day

Mana Pools NP

Size: 2,196 km² Famous For: Walking safaris, canoeing, photographic opportunities Best Time: April-October Access: Remote, 4x4 required Accommodation: Camps and lodges (limited) Entry: $20-30 per person/day UNESCO World Heritage Site

Gonarezhou NP

Size: 5,053 km² Famous For: Dramatic landscapes, red elephants, remote wilderness Best Time: May-October Access: Remote, 4x4 essential Accommodation: Limited camps Entry: $20-30 per person/day Part of Great Limpopo TFCA

Matusadona NP

Size: 1,407 km² Famous For: Lake Kariba, houseboat safaris, excellent game viewing Best Time: April-November Access: Boat or air charter Accommodation: Houseboats, lakeside camps Entry: $20-30 per person/day

Matobo Hills NP

Size: 424 km² Famous For: Granite kopjes, white rhino walks, rock art, Cecil Rhodes’ grave Best Time: Year-round Access: Easy, 35km from Bulawayo Accommodation: Lodges and camps Entry: $15-20 per person/day UNESCO World Heritage Site

Chizarira NP

Size: 2,000 km² Famous For: Rugged escarpment, wilderness, remote safari Best Time: April-October Access: Extremely remote, 4x4 + preparation Accommodation: Basic camps (self-catering) Entry: $15-20 per person/day

Detailed Park Profiles

Zimbabwe’s Flagship Wildlife Destination

Location: Northwest Zimbabwe, 2 hours south of Victoria FallsSize: 14,651 km² (larger than Connecticut)Established: 1928Landscape:

Kalahari woodland and grassland
Seasonal pans (vleis) crucial for wildlife
Flat to gently undulating terrain
Mix of teak forests, mopane woodland, and open grassland
Over 100 artificial waterholes maintain wildlife in dry season

Wildlife Highlights:

Elephants: 45,000+ (one of world’s largest populations)
Big Five: All present, including good lion and leopard populations
Wild Dogs: Regular sightings, one of Zimbabwe’s best locations
Plains Game: Massive herds of buffalo (30,000+), sable, roan, kudu, giraffe
Predators: Lion (500+), spotted hyena, cheetah
Birds: 400+ species including raptors, ground hornbills, kori bustards

Best Time to Visit:

Peak (June-October): Dry season, animals congregate at waterholes, excellent game viewing
Good (April-May, November): Shoulder season, fewer tourists, good wildlife
Challenging (December-March): Wet season, animals dispersed, difficult access, but beautiful landscapes and baby animals

Activities:

Game drives (day and night where permitted)
Hide viewing at waterholes (exceptional photography)
Walking safaris in certain areas
Bird watching
Photography safaris

Accommodation:

Luxury: Somalisa, Little Makalolo, Linkwasha, The Hide
Mid-Range: Hwange Safari Lodge, Sable Sands
Budget: National Parks camps (Sinamatella, Robins, Main Camp)
Self-catering: Available at park camps

Access:

2 hours from Victoria Falls by road
1 hour from Bulawayo by air to private airstrips
Good roads to main areas (2WD possible in dry season)
4x4 recommended for remote areas

Entry Fees: $20-30 per person per day (international visitors)Park Contact: ZimParks HwangeFor more details: See our Hwange National Park destination guide

UNESCO World Heritage Site & Walking Safari Paradise

Location: Northern Zimbabwe, on Zambezi River border with ZambiaSize: 2,196 km²Established: 1963UNESCO Status: 1984 (World Heritage Site)Landscape:

Zambezi River floodplain
Ancient river channels and pools
Open floodplains backed by mopane woodland
Iconic albida trees along riverine areas
Dramatic escarpment backdrop
Pristine wilderness with minimal infrastructure

Wildlife Highlights:

Elephants: Large bulls with massive tusks, often standing on hind legs to reach albida pods
Big Five: All except rhino (recently reintroduced to IPZ)
Predators: Lion, leopard, spotted hyena, wild dogs
Unique Behavior: Tree-climbing lions, elephant social interactions
Hippo & Crocs: Abundant in Zambezi and pools
Birds: 450+ species, including carmine bee-eater colonies (Sep-Nov)

Best Time to Visit:

Prime (April-October): Dry season, excellent game along river
Peak Wildlife (August-October): Most concentrated game, low water
Birding (September-November): Carmine bee-eater colonies
Closed: Parks usually closes late November-April/May (wet season, roads impassable)

Activities:

Walking safaris: Mana Pools’ specialty (one of few parks allowing independent walking)
Canoeing: Multi-day Zambezi canoe safaris (April-November)
Game drives: Excellent, especially in dry season
Photographic safaris: World-class opportunities
Fishing: Tiger fish in Zambezi (August-November)

Accommodation:

Luxury: Ruckomechi, Kanga Camp, John’s Camp
Mid-Range: Vundu Camp
Budget/Self-Catering: National Parks campsites (Nyamepi, etc.)
Mobile Safaris: Various operators run walking/camping expeditions
Important: Book well in advance (limited capacity)

Access:

Remote: 4x4 essential
6-8 hours from Harare via Makuti
Air charter to Mana West or airstrips
Roads can be challenging even in dry season
River crossings may be required

Entry Fees: $20-30 per person per day (international visitors)Special Notes:

Wilderness area - limited facilities
Self-sufficiency required for camping
Extreme temperatures (40°C+ in October)
Bring all supplies from Harare or Kariba
No fences - wildlife roams freely through camps

Conservation: Part of Lower Zambezi-Mana Pools Transfrontier Conservation AreaFor more details: See our Mana Pools destination guide

The Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park

Location: Southeast Zimbabwe, border with MozambiqueSize: 5,053 km²Established: 1975Name Meaning: “Place of Elephants” (Shona)Landscape:

Dramatic red sandstone Chilojo Cliffs
Baobab-studded plains
Save and Runde rivers with riverine forest
Mopane and acacia woodland
Rocky outcrops and gorges
More rugged and dramatic than other parks

Wildlife Highlights:

Elephants: 11,000+ “red elephants” (dust-colored from local soil)
Big Five: Present (including small black rhino population)
Wild Dogs: Strong population
Rare Species: Roan antelope, Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, nyala
Birds: 400+ species including Pel’s fishing owl, Bradfield’s hornbill
Unique: One of Africa’s most pristine wilderness areas

Best Time to Visit:

Prime (May-October): Dry season, accessible, game concentrated at rivers
Spectacular (September-October): Peak wildlife, dramatic landscapes
Challenging (November-April): Wet season, difficult access, but lush and green

Activities:

Game drives (vast road network)
Walking safaris in certain areas
Fishing (Save River)
Chilojo Cliffs viewing
Bird watching
Rock art sites
Visiting research stations

Accommodation:

Luxury: Singita Pamushana (outside park), Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
Mid-Range: Few options
Budget: National Parks camps (Chipinda Pools, Mabalauta, Swimuwini)
Self-Catering: Available at camps
Camping: Basic campsites

Access:

Remote: 450km from Harare, 200km from Masvingo
4x4 essential year-round
Multiple entrance gates
Air charter to Chipinda or Buffalo Range airstrips
Very limited services nearby

Entry Fees: $20-30 per person per day (international visitors)Conservation:

Part of Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (includes Kruger NP and Limpopo NP)
Allows wildlife to migrate across international borders
Gonarezhou Conservation Trust manages with ZimParks

Special Notes:

Most remote and least visited major park
True wilderness experience
Self-sufficiency essential
Limited fuel and supplies
Extreme heat (35-45°C in summer)

For more details: See our Gonarezhou destination guide

Lake Kariba’s Wildlife Paradise

Location: Northern Zimbabwe, on southern shore of Lake KaribaSize: 1,407 km²Established: 1975 (after Lake Kariba filled)Landscape:

Lake Kariba shoreline (dramatic seasonal fluctuations)
Drowned forest and petrified trees
Brachystegia and mopane woodland
Dramatic Matusadona mountain range backdrop
Sanyati Gorge (stunning)
Mix of rugged hills and lake plains

Wildlife Highlights:

Elephants: Large population utilizing lake resources
Big Five: All present
Lion: Strong pride dynamics studied by researchers
Buffalo: Large herds along shoreline
Hippo & Crocodiles: Abundant in lake and bays
Water-Associated Game: Waterbuck common
Birds: 240+ species, exceptional for fish eagles and waterbirds

Best Time to Visit:

Prime (April-November): Dry season, game along shoreline
Peak (September-October): Most concentrated wildlife
Wet Season (December-March): Animals disperse, but lush; fishing excellent
Accessible year-round (boat access)

Activities:

Houseboat safaris: Unique to this park
Boat-based game viewing: Approach wildlife from water
Fishing: World-class tiger fishing
Game drives: Along shoreline and inland
Walking safaris: With professional guides
Birdwatching from boats
Sunset cruises

Accommodation:

Houseboat Charters: Premier experience (self-catering or crewed)
Luxury Lodges: Spurwing Island, Bumi Hills Safari Lodge
Mid-Range: Rhino Safari Camp, Musango Safari Camp
Budget: Limited options
National Parks: Basic facilities at Tashinga

Access:

No road access to most lodges
Boat transfer from Kariba town (1-3 hours)
Air charter to private airstrips
4x4 access to Tashinga possible but challenging

Entry Fees: $20-30 per person per day (international visitors)Unique Features:

Only major park with water-based primary access
Houseboat safaris distinctive to Zimbabwe
Combines lake recreation with wilderness safari
Excellent for families (safe water activities)

Conservation:

Intensive Protection Zone for black rhino
Research station studying lion dynamics
Matusadona Anti-Poaching Project (MAPP)

Special Notes:

Lake levels fluctuate dramatically (affects access and scenery)
Combine with Victoria Falls and Hwange for complete safari
Excellent for photography from boats

For more details: See our Matusadona destination guide

Ancient Granite Wonderland & Rhino Sanctuary

Location: Southwest Zimbabwe, 35km south of BulawayoSize: 424 km²Established: 1926 (oldest park in Zimbabwe)UNESCO Status: 2003 (World Heritage Site - cultural and natural)Landscape:

Spectacular granite kopjes (inselbergs)
Unique balancing rock formations
Deep valleys and hidden caves
Ancient rock art sites (2,000+ years old)
Mix of woodland and grassland
Dramatic, otherworldly landscapes

Wildlife Highlights:

White Rhino: Successful breeding population (rhino walks available)
Black Rhino: Small population in Intensive Protection Zone
Leopard: Excellent population in rocky terrain
Black Eagle (Verreaux’s Eagle): Highest breeding density globally
Other: Sable antelope, kudu, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest
Birds: 300+ species, excellent raptor viewing

Best Time to Visit:

Year-round destination
Dry Season (May-October): Best wildlife viewing, comfortable temperatures
Wet Season (November-April): Lush landscapes, wildflowers, baby animals
Rock Art: Best lighting in morning

Activities:

Rhino tracking walks: Close encounters with white rhinos
Game drives
Rock art tours: Visit ancient San paintings
Historical sites: Cecil Rhodes’ grave (World’s View), Leander Starr Jameson grave
Hiking and walking trails
Rock climbing (with permits)
Bird watching (especially raptors)
Photography: Unique landscapes

Accommodation:

Luxury/Mid-Range: Big Cave Camp, Amalinda Lodge, Camp Amalinda
Budget: National Parks lodges and cottages
Self-Catering: Maleme Rest Camp
Camping: Maleme Dam campsite
Day Trips: Easily accessible from Bulawayo

Access:

Easy: 35km from Bulawayo (paved road to park)
2WD accessible to main areas
4x4 for some remote sections
Well-marked roads within park
Can be visited as day trip

Entry Fees: $15-20 per person per day (international visitors)Cultural Significance:

Sacred site for local communities
Over 3,000 rock art sites (largest concentration in southern Africa)
Spiritual ceremonies still conducted
Cecil Rhodes burial site
Historical importance during Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle

Conservation:

Intensive rhino monitoring and protection
Black eagle research program
Community conservation partnerships

Special Notes:

Most accessible national park for day visits
Combines wildlife, culture, history, and dramatic scenery
Excellent for families
Rhino walks must be booked in advance

For more details: See our Matobo Hills destination guide

Park Fees & Permits

National Park Entry Fees

International Visitors:

Major Parks (Hwange, Mana Pools, Gonarezhou, Matusadona): $20-30 per person per day
Smaller Parks (Matobo, Chizarira, Nyanga): $15-20 per person per day
Victoria Falls National Park: $30-50 per person (includes Falls viewing)

Regional Visitors (SADC):

Generally 50% of international rates

Zimbabwe Residents:

Significantly reduced rates (often $5-10 per day)

Children:

Usually half price (under 12 years)

Important Notes:

Fees subject to change - verify before travel
Payment typically in USD (cash preferred, some accept card)
Receipts valid for calendar day only
Some lodges include park fees in rates

Vehicle Fees

Cars & Light Vehicles:

$10-20 per vehicle per day (varies by park)

Note: Many luxury lodges include vehicle and guide; independent travelers pay vehicle fees separately.

Special Activity Permits

Walking Safaris:

Professional guide required in most parks
Permits included in guided safari costs
Mana Pools allows some independent walking (guides recommended)

Fishing Permits:

Required for fishing in parks
$20-40 per person per day (varies)
Seasonal restrictions apply

Camping Fees:

National Parks campsites: $15-30 per person per night
Must be booked in advance
Some sites are self-catering only

Rhino Tracking (Matobo):

$25-40 per person (in addition to park entry)
Must be booked in advance
Limited availability

Professional Photography/Filming:

Special permits required for commercial work
Fees vary significantly
Apply well in advance through ZimParks

KAZA Univisa

What It Is:

Transfrontier visa covering Zimbabwe and Zambia
Allows multiple entries to both countries
Valid for 30 days

Cost: $50 (when available)Status: Sometimes suspended - check current availabilityWhere to Get:

Victoria Falls border posts
Livingstone border
Some embassies

Benefits:

Visit Victoria Falls from both sides
Combine Zimbabwe and Zambia safaris
More cost-effective than separate visas

Current Status: Verify availability before travel as program is periodically suspendedFor more visa information: See our Visa & Entry Requirements guide

Park Facilities & Services

Accommodation Options
Facilities & Infrastructure
Park Rules & Regulations

Luxury Private Lodges:

All-inclusive (meals, activities, drinks, park fees)
Professional guides and vehicles
Exclusive wildlife viewing
$600-1,500+ per person per night
Book 6-12 months in advance for peak season

Mid-Range Lodges:

Guided activities included
Comfortable accommodation
Good guides and equipment
$200-600 per person per night

National Parks Accommodation:

Basic lodges, chalets, and cottages
Self-catering (bring all supplies)
Budget-friendly ($30-100 per person)
Book through ZimParks website or offices
Often fully booked in peak season

Camping:

Designated campsites in most parks
Facilities vary (some have ablutions, others very basic)
$15-30 per person per night
Must bring all equipment and supplies
No fences - wildlife passes through camps

Mobile Safaris:

Operator brings temporary camp to remote areas
Includes all equipment, meals, guides
Authentic bush experience
$300-800+ per person per night

Safari Areas & Hunting Concessions

Safari Areas:Zimbabwe has 14 designated Safari Areas surrounding national parks where controlled hunting and photographic safaris occur:Purpose:

Buffer zones between parks and communal lands
Controlled hunting generates conservation revenue
Protects corridors for wildlife movement
Reduces human-wildlife conflict

Photographic Safaris:

Many safari areas also host non-hunting lodges
Often less crowded than national parks
Can offer excellent wildlife viewing
Private concessions with exclusive access

Hunting:

Strictly regulated by ZimParks
Quotas based on scientific population management
Controversial but significant conservation funding source
Professional hunters must be licensed
CITES regulations strictly enforced

Examples:

Chewore, Dande, Sapi Safari Areas (near Mana Pools)
Deka Safari Area (near Hwange)
Sengwe Corridor (connecting Gonarezhou to South Africa)

Transfrontier Conservation Areas

KAZA TFCA

Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation AreaSize: 520,000 km² (world’s largest conservation area)Countries: Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, ZimbabweZimbabwe Parks Included:

Hwange National Park
Victoria Falls National Park
Zambezi National Park
Matetsi Safari Area
Panda-Masuie Forest Reserves

Vision:

Allow wildlife migration across borders
Connect ecosystems
Benefit local communities
Support regional tourism

Status: Developing - fences being removed, corridors established

Great Limpopo TFCA

Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation AreaSize: 35,000 km²Countries: Mozambique, South Africa, ZimbabweZimbabwe Component:

Gonarezhou National Park
Malipati Safari Area
Sengwe Corridor

Connected to:

Kruger National Park (South Africa)
Limpopo National Park (Mozambique)

Benefits:

Elephant migration routes restored
Genetic diversity maintained
Reduced human-wildlife conflict
Regional tourism development

Status: Operational - wildlife movement established

CAMPFIRE Program

What is CAMPFIRE?

Communal Areas Management Programme for Indigenous ResourcesConcept:

Communities living near wildlife areas benefit from conservation
Revenue from safari tourism and controlled hunting goes to communities
Incentivizes conservation over poaching or habitat conversion
Communities become stewards of wildlife

How It Works:

Rural districts manage wildlife on communal lands
Lease hunting quotas and photographic safari rights
Revenue funds community projects (schools, clinics, infrastructure)
Employs local people as guides, scouts, and in tourism
Compensation for crop damage and livestock loss

Success:

Pioneering model copied globally
Wildlife populations increased in CAMPFIRE areas
Reduced poaching in participating communities
Generated millions in community revenue

Challenges:

Revenue distribution sometimes unequal
Human-wildlife conflict remains issue
Administrative capacity varies
Economic fluctuations affect hunting revenue

Tourist Impact:

Staying at community-run lodges supports CAMPFIRE
Safari fees in communal areas benefit locals
Demonstrates conservation’s value to communities

Planning Your Park Visit

Choose Your Park(s)

Consider:

Time available
Budget
Wildlife priorities
Comfort level (luxury vs. camping)
Accessibility needs
Season/timing
Combination options

Book Accommodation

Luxury lodges: 6-12 months advance for peak season
National Parks camps: Book via ZimParks website as early as possible
Confirm all details in writing
Verify what’s included (meals, activities, park fees)

Arrange Transport

Self-drive: 4x4 essential for remote parks
Fly-in safaris: Air charter to private airstrips
Transfer services: Many lodges arrange transfers
Verify road conditions before departure

Prepare & Pack

Verify park entry fees and payment methods
Pack appropriate clothing (neutral colors)
Bring binoculars and camera
Carry field guides
Ensure sufficient supplies for self-catering
Download offline maps

Confirm Requirements

Valid passport (6+ months validity)
Zimbabwe visa (if required)
Park reservations confirmed
Travel insurance (including medical evacuation)
Vaccinations current (Yellow Fever certificate if arriving from endemic area)

Stay Safe & Respectful

Follow park rules strictly
Respect wildlife and habitats
Support conservation through responsible tourism
Leave no trace
Share your positive experiences to support conservation

Booking & Contact Information

Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks):

Website: www.zimparks.zw
Central Reservations: [email protected]
Phone: +263-4-706077/8
Head Office: Borrowdale, Harare

For Detailed Safari Planning: See our comprehensive Safari Planning Guide for:

Choosing the right safari type
Booking strategies
What to expect
Packing lists
Photography tips
Safety information

For Individual Park Details: Visit our destination guides:

For Wildlife Information: See our Animals and Birds guide For Conservation: Learn about Conservation Efforts

Planning a safari? We can help you choose the perfect park combination and arrange your ideal Zimbabwe wildlife experience! Last updated: January 2025

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Culture & Experiences

Wildlife & Nature

Adventure Activities

National Parks and Reserves

Zimbabwe’s National Parks and Reserves

Quick Comparison: Major National Parks

Hwange NP

Mana Pools NP

Gonarezhou NP

Matusadona NP

Matobo Hills NP

Chizarira NP

Detailed Park Profiles

Zimbabwe’s Flagship Wildlife Destination

UNESCO World Heritage Site & Walking Safari Paradise

The Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park

Lake Kariba’s Wildlife Paradise

Ancient Granite Wonderland & Rhino Sanctuary

Chizarira National Park

Zambezi National Park

Chimanimani National Park

Nyanga National Park

Victoria Falls National Park

Park Fees & Permits

Park Facilities & Services

Safari Areas & Hunting Concessions

Transfrontier Conservation Areas

KAZA TFCA

Great Limpopo TFCA

CAMPFIRE Program

Planning Your Park Visit

Booking & Contact Information

Get Started

Culture & Experiences

Wildlife & Nature

Adventure Activities

​Zimbabwe’s National Parks and Reserves

​Quick Comparison: Major National Parks

Hwange NP

Mana Pools NP

Gonarezhou NP

Matusadona NP

Matobo Hills NP

Chizarira NP

​Detailed Park Profiles

​Zimbabwe’s Flagship Wildlife Destination

​UNESCO World Heritage Site & Walking Safari Paradise

​The Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park

​Lake Kariba’s Wildlife Paradise

​Ancient Granite Wonderland & Rhino Sanctuary

​Chizarira National Park

​Zambezi National Park

​Chimanimani National Park

​Nyanga National Park

​Victoria Falls National Park

​Park Fees & Permits

​Park Facilities & Services

​Safari Areas & Hunting Concessions

​Transfrontier Conservation Areas

KAZA TFCA

Great Limpopo TFCA

​CAMPFIRE Program

​Planning Your Park Visit

​Booking & Contact Information

Zimbabwe’s National Parks and Reserves

Quick Comparison: Major National Parks

Detailed Park Profiles

Zimbabwe’s Flagship Wildlife Destination

UNESCO World Heritage Site & Walking Safari Paradise

The Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park

Lake Kariba’s Wildlife Paradise

Ancient Granite Wonderland & Rhino Sanctuary

Chizarira National Park

Zambezi National Park

Chimanimani National Park

Nyanga National Park

Victoria Falls National Park

Park Fees & Permits

Park Facilities & Services

Safari Areas & Hunting Concessions

Transfrontier Conservation Areas

CAMPFIRE Program

Planning Your Park Visit

Booking & Contact Information