> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://travel-info.co.zw/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# National Parks and Reserves

> Compare Zimbabwe's national parks and wildlife reserves. Entrance fees, best seasons, accommodation options, and what makes each park unique for safari visitors.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/zimbabwetravelinfo/9I2-3LwwvSGrRNlv/images/wildlife/elephants-woodland.jpg?fit=max&auto=format&n=9I2-3LwwvSGrRNlv&q=85&s=0cb30a5ddc2bf454b5148186ffcd8553" alt="Elephants in woodland" width="500" height="334" data-path="images/wildlife/elephants-woodland.jpg" />

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

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Hwange NP" icon="elephant">
    **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
  </Card>

  <Card title="Mana Pools NP" icon="water">
    **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**
  </Card>

  <Card title="Gonarezhou NP" icon="tree">
    **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**
  </Card>

  <Card title="Matusadona NP" icon="fish">
    **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
  </Card>

  <Card title="Matobo Hills NP" icon="rock">
    **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**
  </Card>

  <Card title="Chizarira NP" icon="mountain">
    **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
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Detailed Park Profiles

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Hwange National Park">
    ### Zimbabwe's Flagship Wildlife Destination

    **Location:** Northwest Zimbabwe, 2 hours south of Victoria Falls

    **Size:** 14,651 km² (larger than Connecticut)

    **Established:** 1928

    **Landscape:**

    * 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 Hwange

    **For more details:** See our [Hwange National Park destination guide](/destinations/hwange-national-park)
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Mana Pools National Park">
    ### UNESCO World Heritage Site & Walking Safari Paradise

    **Location:** Northern Zimbabwe, on Zambezi River border with Zambia

    **Size:** 2,196 km²

    **Established:** 1963

    **UNESCO 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 Area

    **For more details:** See our [Mana Pools destination guide](/destinations/mana-pools)
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Gonarezhou National Park">
    ### The Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park

    **Location:** Southeast Zimbabwe, border with Mozambique

    **Size:** 5,053 km²

    **Established:** 1975

    **Name 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](/destinations/gonarezhou)
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Matusadona National Park">
    ### Lake Kariba's Wildlife Paradise

    **Location:** Northern Zimbabwe, on southern shore of Lake Kariba

    **Size:** 1,407 km²

    **Established:** 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](/destinations/matusadona-national-park)
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Matobo Hills National Park">
    ### Ancient Granite Wonderland & Rhino Sanctuary

    **Location:** Southwest Zimbabwe, 35km south of Bulawayo

    **Size:** 424 km²

    **Established:** 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](/destinations/matobo-hills)
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Other Parks & Reserves">
    ### Chizarira National Park

    **Size:** 2,000 km²
    **Location:** Northern escarpment above Zambezi Valley
    **Features:** Remote wilderness, dramatic escarpment views, challenging access
    **Wildlife:** Elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, wild dogs (rare sightings)
    **Best For:** Adventurous, self-sufficient travelers seeking extreme wilderness
    **Access:** 4x4 essential, very remote, minimal facilities

    ***

    ### Zambezi National Park

    **Size:** 56 km²
    **Location:** Immediately upstream from Victoria Falls
    **Features:** Zambezi River frontage, riverine wildlife, sunset cruises
    **Wildlife:** Elephant, buffalo, hippo, crocs, numerous plains game
    **Best For:** Easy game viewing combined with Victoria Falls visit
    **Access:** Easy from Victoria Falls town, 2WD acceptable
    **Activities:** Game drives, river cruises, fishing

    ***

    ### Chimanimani National Park

    **Size:** 171 km²
    **Location:** Eastern Highlands on Mozambique border
    **Features:** Mountain wilderness, hiking trails, endemic flora
    **Wildlife:** Small mammals, primates, leopard (rare), exceptional birds
    **Best For:** Hikers, botanists, mountain scenery lovers
    **Access:** 4x4 to base, then hiking only
    **Activities:** Multi-day hiking, rock pools, waterfalls

    ***

    ### Nyanga National Park

    **Size:** 330 km²
    **Location:** Eastern Highlands, highest point in Zimbabwe
    **Features:** Mt. Nyangani (2,592m), trout fishing, waterfalls, ancient ruins
    **Wildlife:** Reedbuck, eland, samango monkeys, endemic birds
    **Best For:** Hiking, fishing, cool climate escape, scenery
    **Access:** Easy from Mutare, good roads
    **For more details:** See our [Nyanga destination guide](/destinations/nyanga)

    ***

    ### Victoria Falls National Park

    **Size:** 23 km²
    **Location:** Surrounding Victoria Falls
    **Features:** Protects rainforest around Falls, Zambezi gorges
    **Wildlife:** Spray forest species, raptors in gorges, occasional elephant/buffalo
    **Best For:** Falls viewing, rainforest walks, unique habitat
    **Access:** Walk from Victoria Falls town
    **Entry Fees:** \$30-50 for Falls entry
    **For more details:** See our [Victoria Falls destination guide](/destinations/victoria-falls)
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Park Fees & Permits

<Accordion>
  <Accordion title="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
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="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.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="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
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="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 availability

    **Where 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 suspended

    **For more visa information:** See our [Visa & Entry Requirements guide](/essentials/visas-and-entry)
  </Accordion>
</Accordion>

## Park Facilities & Services

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Accommodation Options">
    **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
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Facilities & Infrastructure">
    **Well-Developed Parks (Hwange, Matobo):**

    * Good road networks
    * Some paved roads
    * Signposted routes
    * Designated viewpoints
    * Rest camps with basics

    **Remote Parks (Mana Pools, Gonarezhou, Chizarira):**

    * Limited roads (sandy, rough)
    * Minimal signage
    * Few facilities
    * Self-sufficiency essential
    * 4x4 absolutely required

    **General Park Facilities:**

    * Petrol/fuel: NOT available in parks (fill up before entry)
    * Supplies: NOT available (bring everything)
    * Water: Some camps have boreholes, many don't - bring extra
    * Emergency services: Very limited - satellite phone recommended
    * Cell coverage: Minimal to none in most parks
    * Workshops/repairs: Not available

    **What to Bring:**

    * All food and water
    * Fuel (plus reserve)
    * Spare tire(s)
    * Basic tools
    * First aid kit
    * Maps/GPS
    * Fire-starting equipment
    * Flashlights/headlamps
    * All camping equipment if self-catering
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Park Rules & Regulations">
    **Speed Limits:**

    * Generally 40 km/h (25 mph) on park roads
    * Slower near camps and known wildlife areas
    * Excessive speed damages roads and disturbs wildlife

    **Hours:**

    * Most parks: Gates open sunrise (5:30-6:30 AM)
    * Gates close sunset (5:30-6:30 PM)
    * Must be in accommodation by sunset
    * Night drives only with authorized guides in certain parks

    **Wildlife Interaction:**

    * Stay in vehicle except at designated areas
    * Maintain safe distances (see wildlife guide)
    * No feeding animals (serious offense)
    * No off-road driving
    * Give animals right of way
    * No loud noises

    **Environmental:**

    * No littering (take all trash with you)
    * Stay on designated roads
    * No picking plants or flowers
    * No fires except in designated areas
    * Use biodegradable soaps
    * Bury human waste away from water

    **Safety:**

    * Carry sufficient water (4+ liters per person per day)
    * Tell someone your plans
    * Have emergency communication
    * Know location of nearest help
    * Carry comprehensive first aid

    **Prohibited:**

    * Firearms (unless specifically authorized)
    * Pets
    * Drones (without special permits)
    * Off-road driving
    * Noise pollution
    * Approaching wildlife
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Safari Areas & Hunting Concessions

<Card>
  **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)
</Card>

## Transfrontier Conservation Areas

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="KAZA TFCA" icon="map">
    **Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area**

    **Size:** 520,000 km² (world's largest conservation area)

    **Countries:** Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe

    **Zimbabwe 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
  </Card>

  <Card title="Great Limpopo TFCA" icon="tree">
    **Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area**

    **Size:** 35,000 km²

    **Countries:** Mozambique, South Africa, Zimbabwe

    **Zimbabwe 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
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## CAMPFIRE Program

<Accordion>
  <Accordion title="What is CAMPFIRE?">
    **Communal Areas Management Programme for Indigenous Resources**

    **Concept:**

    * 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
  </Accordion>
</Accordion>

## Planning Your Park Visit

<Steps>
  <Step title="Choose Your Park(s)">
    Consider:

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

  <Step title="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)
  </Step>

  <Step title="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
  </Step>

  <Step title="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
  </Step>

  <Step title="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)
  </Step>

  <Step title="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
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Booking & Contact Information

**Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks):**

* **Website:** [www.zimparks.zw](http://www.zimparks.zw)
* **Central Reservations:** [reservations@zimparks.org.zw](mailto:reservations@zimparks.org.zw)
* **Phone:** +263-4-706077/8
* **Head Office:** Borrowdale, Harare

**For Detailed Safari Planning:**
See our comprehensive [Safari Planning Guide](/planning/safari-planning) 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:

* [Hwange National Park](/destinations/hwange-national-park)
* [Mana Pools National Park](/destinations/mana-pools)
* [Gonarezhou National Park](/destinations/gonarezhou)
* [Matusadona National Park](/destinations/matusadona-national-park)
* [Matobo Hills National Park](/destinations/matobo-hills)

**For Wildlife Information:**
See our [Animals and Birds guide](/wildlife/animals-and-birds)

**For Conservation:**
Learn about [Conservation Efforts](/wildlife/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*
