WELCOME TO THE KAVANGO-ZAMBEZI
ZIMBABWE
The Kavango Zambezi TFCA is enormous, larger than Germany and Austria combined and nearly twice as large as the United Kingdom. It lies in the Kavango and Zambezi river basins where Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe converge.
Zimbabwe in depth.
Zimbabwe is a landlocked nation of great scenic beauty, boasting such natural and cultural wonders as Victoria Falls and Great Zimbabwe, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The majority of people live on the high central plateau, known as the Highveld. By contrast, the surrounding lowlands harbour some impressive tracts of wilderness, which include several of southern Africa’s top reserves and wildlife areas. It is here, in the country’s northwest corner, that Kavango Zambezi Zimbabwe is located. Its total area of some 71,500km2 represents some 14% of the park’s total, and offers some of its most exciting visitor experiences.
Hwange National Park lies along Zimbabwe’s border with Botswana and is the country’s premier reserve, protecting 14,650 km² of teak forest, thornveld and mopane woodland. The park is contiguous with the Chobe area of neighbouring Botswana, and the border between the two straddles a key wildlife dispersal area that sees one of Africa’s largest annual elephant migrations and lies at the heart of the Kavango Zambezi project.
Wildlife populations in Hwange are highly seasonal, but visit during the dry season and you’ll find enormous herds of elephant and buffalo thronging the permanent waterholes. Giraffe, zebra and numerous antelope species – including the majestic sable and roan – are present year-round, hippo frequent larger water bodies and all major predators occur, including lion, leopard, cheetah, spotted hyena and a notable population of African wild dogs. Thick bush can make game-viewing challenging at times, but with a good year-round road network and plentiful accommodation options, visitors are guaranteed a wealth of wildlife on any visit – including a fair selection of 365 bird species recorded here.
Adjoining Hwange are a number of smaller conservation areas, such as Deka and Matetsi, that share its basic ecology and wildlife. Adventurous travellers may also visit the remote Kazuma Pan National Park, immediately to the north, whose open plains are effectively an eastward extension of Botswana’s semi-arid Makgadikgadi Pans. The great cross-border elephant and buffalo migration also passes this way – and some of Kazuma’s wildlife, including oryx and brown hyena, reflect a Kalahari influence. This remote destination is inaccessible during the rains, when its waterlogged terrain teems with waterbirds.
North of Hwange, the land descends towards the Zambezi Valley. Here, marking the border with Zambia, southern Africa’s mightiest river flows eastwards towards the spectacular Victoria Falls, eventually plunging over the 1.7km-wide precipice in a cloud of spray known locally as Mosi oa Tunya (‘the smoke that thunders’). This is Kavango Zambezi’s greatest tourism hub, offering everything from bungee-jumping and whitewater-rafting to scenic flights and champagne cruises. But if you’ve come for the wildlife, you won’t be disappointed. There are baboons and warthogs roaming hotel grounds, hippo and crocodiles in the river and birds everywhere, including such local specials as Livingstone’s turaco and African finfoot. In Victoria Falls National Park you can explore a unique ‘rainforest’ created by the spray, and just upstream, in Zambezi National Park, you might meet elephant filing down to drink, or spot buffalo, kudu, giraffe and even the occasional lion among the riverine thickets.
East of Victoria Falls, the Zambezi continues eastwards – via a dramatic series of gorges – until it reaches Lake Kariba, an enormous man-made water body created in 1957 to supply hydroelectric power to Zimbabwe and Zambia. From a houseboat on the lake you can enjoy at leisure the hippos, crocodiles and other wildlife that frequent the shoreline. Alternatively, for rather more effort, you can head inland towards the dramatic Zambezi escarpment. Here, Chizarira National Park is a seriously off-the-beaten-track destination, promising adventurous visitors wild hiking and stirring views. Elephants and other large mammals were depleted by poaching here during the 80s and 90s but are now beginning to return, courtesy of Kavango Zambezi conservation projects. Meanwhile the rich habitat mosaic supports over 400 bird species, one-third of the Kavango Zambezi total, including such specials as taita falcon and Angola pitta.
Further east still, the rugged escarpment hills slope down to the flat fringes of the lake. Here, in Matusadona National Park, you will find plentiful elephant and buffalo grazing the shoreline, while lions stalk the floodplain and the last of the Zambezi Valley’s beleaguered black rhinos hide out in the foothillls. Surrounding safari areas, such as Chete and Charara, add additional conservation scope to this whole rich region – which is now the subject of some exciting new community-based rewilding programmes. If it’s adventure you’re after, you need look no further.
Explore Zimbabwe
Find out more about Zimbabwe
Uncover Kavango Zambezi’s Hidden Gems – Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust – Zimbabwe:
Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Photo Gallery
Selected Trips to Zimbabwe
Africa Travel Tours
Discover the heart of Africa with Africa Travel Tours – the experience of 17 years, where your journey is more than a vacation; it’s an extraordinary adventure filled with passion, expertise, and the promise of unforgettable moments.
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| Interest Category | |
| Description | |
| Zimbabwe |
Hwange |
THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE THROUGH WILD BOTSWANA
9 nights
An epic overland odyssey from Namibia to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, through one of the most wildlife-rich countries on Earth.
DAY 1
Welcome to Windhoek
DAY 2
Kalahari Desert road trip
DAY 3
Okavango Delta
DAY 4
Bushwalking in the Okavango Delta
DAY 5
Goodbye Delta, hello Maun
DAY 6
Baobab bushwalk
DAY 7
Chobe National Park
DAY 8
Chobe National Park game drive and river cruise
DAY 9
On to Victoria Falls
DAY 10
All good things must come to an end
| Destination | |
|---|---|
| Interest Category |
Adventure, Boating, Conservation, National Park, Safaris, Walking, Wildlife |
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| Partner Location |
Australia, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa, UK, USA |
| Trip Budget |
Desert, rock art and Victoria Falls
21 DAYS
This hands-on safari, which takes you through southern Africa in 21 days, is rich in contrast, diverse and full of experiences.
Zimbabwe Private Tour, Guide: Ruins + Bulawayo + Matopos + Hwange + Victoria Falls
10 NIGHTS
Explore beautiful Zimbabwe on this private tour, travelling with your own driver guide. Visit the astonishing Great Zimbabwe ruins, the city of Bulawayo and beautiful Matopos National Park, where Cecil John Rhodes is buried at World’s View, before continuing to Hwange National Park & Victoria Falls. English speaking guide, all transfers, sightseeing & game viewing included.
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The Elephant Camp
The Elephant Camp has been rated one of the best luxury lodges in Zimbabwe, and is within close proximity to the Victoria Falls and the bustling tourist town. Set within the Victoria Falls National Park, The Elephant Camp overlooks the Zambezi Gorges with a magnificent view of the Victoria Falls spray.
| Destination | |
|---|---|
| Partners | |
| Description | |
| Zimbabwe |
Victoria Falls |
Dinner Cruise on Zambezi River
Our Dinner Cruise offers everything and more. Not only the magical colours of the Zambezi River at dusk but a truly unique four-course dinner served as you savour the splendour of the setting sun. Ideal for food and nature lovers wanting it all. Embark from the Pure Africa Waterfront and head off into the evening. After your favourite drink is poured, you’ll be ushered to your set table where a delectable series of dishes freshly prepared on the boat and paired to premium drinks are served. Silhouettes of elephants against the sunset and hippos noisily grunting in the distance will most certainly add to the ambience.
| Destination | |
|---|---|
| Partners | |
| Zimbabwe |
Victoria Falls, Zambezi NP |
| Description |
Kaza Undercover
21 Nights/22 Days
Join this 22-day adventure through Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, starting in the Okavango Delta—a National Heritage Site pulsating with life. Experience different activities at Nxamaseri Island Lodge and continue the adventure in Moremi Game Reserve, Savute, and Chobe, encountering abundant wildlife and landscapes. Explore Victoria Falls, known for its exploration activities, and venture into Hwange National Park for game viewing. Enjoy immersive encounters in Hwange, with visits to local village schools. Depart to Livingstone for thrilling adventures and proceed to Kafue National Park for diverse wildlife encounters. Continue the safari quest in Lower Zambezi with morning drives, canoeing, tiger fishing, and walking safaris. Bid farewell with a shared transfer to Jeki airstrip on the way to Lusaka Airport.
| Destination | |
|---|---|
| Interest Category |
Adventure, Backpackers, Birding, Boating, Conservation, Cultural Experiences, Culture, Fishing, National Park, Photography, Safaris, Walking, Wildlife |
| Partners | |
| Partner Location |
South Africa |
| Trip Budget |
Musango Safari Camp
On Lake Kariba, just off the shoreline of the Matusadona National Park, you’ll find Musango Safari Camp—an exclusive 16-bed, owner-run camp. Accessible by a short flight from Victoria Falls or Harare to Bumi Hills, Musango a family run exclusive camp for those who seek the remote beauty of a traditional camp with all the comfort, experiences and relaxation that only Lake Kariba can offer
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| Description |
Look Out Cafe
The Wild Horizons Lookout Café is an iconic restaurant in Victoria Falls where casual dining is a decadent affair. Menus range from cocktails and canapes to diverse meal options for seated dinners. Imported wine from South African vineyards and flavours foraged from nature make the ‘place on a plate’ sentiment a reality. Delicious food, staggering views and exceptional service make the Lookout Café a must-try place to eat out in Victoria Falls.
| Destination | |
|---|---|
| Partners | |
| Description | |
| Zimbabwe |
Victoria Falls |
Old Drift Lodge
Upstream of the iconic Victoria Falls, on the banks of the Zambezi River, lies Old Drift Lodge. The lodge boasts luxury accommodation overlooking the pristine Zambezi National Park, a mere 7 kilometers from the mighty Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Old Drift Lodge is nestled within a wild paradise frequented by elephant, buffalo, herds of sable, eland, zebra, giraffe, kudu, waterbuck and impala.
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Sunset Cruise + The Eatery Dinner (Combo)
Combining two of our most popular offerings, The Eatery Dinner & Cruise extends your time on the Zambezi River. Commencing with a magical Sunset Cruise on our flagship Zambezi Explorer, meander through the watery wilderness, passing small river islands and lush vegetation with the spray of the Victoria Falls in the background. Once the sun has set and as the skies darken, you’ll head back to the Pure Africa Waterfront for a seamless continuation to your delicious al fresco dinner at The Eatery. One experience that allows you to spend the whole evening and into the night, with us. After all, why choose one when you can have both.
| Destination | |
|---|---|
| Partners | |
| Zimbabwe |
Victoria Falls, Zambezi NP |
| Trip Budget | |
| Description |
From the Cape to the Zambezi
21 DAYS
Hands-on safari from Cape Town across the Namib and Kalahari deserts to the Okavango Delta and the Victoria Falls
Only a few thin stems and leaves betray the tuber in the Kalahari sand, which the old hunter digs from the San people to rub them, press them in their hands and obtain vital drops of water. “Bi! (Klicklaut)”, “Milk”, the San call this tuber and they are masters of water search, fire, track reading and survival in one of the most inhospitable terrain on earth. Learn how to catch the morning dew in ostrich egg shells and embark on a unique adventure in the south of the African continent.
