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Zimbabwe’s National Parks and Reserves

Elephants in woodland 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.

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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

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Detailed Park Profiles

  • Hwange National Park
  • Mana Pools National Park
  • Gonarezhou National Park
  • Matusadona National Park
  • Matobo Hills National Park
  • Other Parks & Reserves

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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

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Park Fees & Permits

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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

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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)

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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

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CAMPFIRE Program

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Planning Your Park Visit

1

Choose Your Park(s)

Consider:
  • Time available
  • Budget
  • Wildlife priorities
  • Comfort level (luxury vs. camping)
  • Accessibility needs
  • Season/timing
  • Combination options
2

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)
3

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
4

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
5

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)
6

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

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Booking & Contact Information

Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks): 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