Zimbabwe Safaris: What Are Your Options?

Wonderful safari excursions abound in Zimbabwe, and their prices range widely. Thanks to the wide variety of choices, both first-time and repeat visitors can find what they’re looking for. Accommodation, activities, and mode of transportation all have a significant impact on how much a safari will cost. Choose the kind of safari that interests you and one of the top Zimbabwe attractions from the following:

• Fly-in Safaris & Charters: Because some of Zimbabwe’s safari hotspots are somewhat far apart from one another (like Mana Pools and Hwange), charter flights may be your most convenient and hassle-free option for seeing more than one park. Nevertheless, their cost is more than that of road transfers.
• Classic Safaris: A “classic” safari would include wildlife drives twice a day, traditional sundowners, and the expertise of trackers and guides. These are the norm for activity-based lodgings, while excursions like hot air balloon safaris and helicopter flips are usually not included. When travelling in a large company or with multiple generations, a private vehicle is often the best option.
• Adrenaline Adventures: Zimbabwe is the perfect place for extreme adventure because of its beautiful landscapes, several rivers (including the Zambezi and Vic Falls), and other natural features. Every daring tourist in search of an adrenaline rush can find the perfect action among the many options, including white water rafting, bungee jumping, zip lining, swimming at Devil’s Pool (seasonal), and many more.
• Hidden Gem Safaris: Several off-the-beaten-path locations in Zimbabwe are hidden gems, full of history, mystery, and breathtaking natural beauty. See places like Matusadona National Park and Gonarezhou National Park and Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve throughout your travels. When visiting a more remote area, it’s important to consider the transportation options. If you can take road transfers (and how comfortable they are), that’s great, but if you absolutely must use charter flights, the price will skyrocket.

How Much Does A Safari Cost In Zimbabwe?

The total cost of your safari, like any other vacation, will depend on your activities and destinations. Below is a table that breaks down the prices for Zimbabwe safaris, broken down by person and night, for both low and high season:

Please Note: All prices are approximate and based on one person sharing a room during high and low season. Foreign flights, visas, and extracurricular activities are not included. Keep in mind that conservation levies, taxes, and permits can and will alter. Typically, the busiest times of year are between July and October, as well as throughout the holidays and new year.

Zimbabwe Accommodation Costs

Zimbabwe, like most safari sites, offers a range of accommodation alternatives, from cosy camps and lodges to more luxurious and private choices. The total cost of your safari will depend on your choices and how easily accessible they are. The following table displays the prices for each season, broken down by room and night, for sharing.

Zimbabwe Accommodation Prices

Please Note: All prices are approximate and based on one person sharing a room during high and low season. Foreign flights, visas, and extracurricular activities are not included. Keep in mind that conservation levies, taxes, and permits can and will alter. Typically, the busiest times of year are between July and October, as well as throughout the holidays and new year.

How Does The Time Of Year Affect The Cost Of A Zimbabwe Safari?

While most expressions focus on place, timing is of the essence on safari. The total price of your vacation to Zimbabwe will depend on when you decide to go. The good news is that you may enjoy a wonderful vacation in Zimbabwe at any time of year because to the country’s stunning natural scenery.

Zimbabwe is most beautiful from May to October. The country’s busiest time of year, often called the dry winter, is perfect for a safari full of amazing wildlife viewing thanks to the lower malaria risk, milder temperatures, and lack of rain. However, prices go up during peak season due to increased demand and more foot traffic; hotels and planes sell out months in advance.

From November through March, Zimbabwe has its green season, also known as the rainy season, which is characterised by heavy rainfall, verdant flora, and a verdant, vivid landscape. Costs drop, fewer crowds mean better bargains on lodging and airfare, and value-adds like free nights, discounts, and upgrades are common during this time of year because less people choose to travel during the less-than-desirable weather.

The months of April and May are ideal for visiting Victoria Falls in particular. When the Falls are at their highest point of flooding, they provide breathtaking scenery.

Additional Costs

You should know that “all-inclusive” isn’t necessarily the most exhaustive definition. Safaris in Africa can imply many things, so it’s important to make sure you know what’s not covered. Before you even think about the costs, you might want to check out our blog post on African nations that do not require a visa for US citizens. That should take care of one of the concerns. Are there any potential hidden expenses that you might encounter? Below is our list for your perusal:

• International flights / getting to the country – as a rule of thumb, consider this excluded.
• Getting from place to place – internal transfers may be included with some accommodations, however, some others may be at your own cost. Charter flights are popular in Zimbabwe, but road transfers are also available in most cases.
• Vaccinations – certain destinations require vaccinations prior to arrival. These are excluded, and you will need to contact your healthcare professional to ensure the requirements are met.
• Tipping is always optional but highly recommended. It’s always worth carrying cash during your travels as it’s the easiest way to go about this. Consult our tipping guide for more information.
  Personal and travel insurance.
• Additional activities – anything over and above the included activity offerings at an accommodation, which typically extends to hot air balloon safaris and helicopter flips or sometimes even cultural excursions.
• The exchange rate – international card payments will likely incur a small fee for paying in a different currency. Zimbabwe’s national currency is the Zimbabwean Dollar, but other currencies, such as the US dollar, are sometimes accepted.

If you would like to consult with one of our Africa Safari Experts about your upcoming trip, they can help you plan every detail, including the transfers, so that your trip goes off without a hitch. However, keep in mind that delays are sometimes inevitable when travelling, so it’s best to plan ahead if you can.