9-Day Highlights of Zimbabwe Safari Tour Overview

The 9-Day Highlights of Zimbabwe Safari Tour is a carefully designed journey showcasing some of Zimbabwe’s most remarkable wildlife, natural wonders, cultural heritage, and scenic landscapes. This safari combines the spectacular Victoria Falls, the vast wilderness of Hwange National Park, the ancient Great Zimbabwe Monument, and the dramatic landscapes and wildlife of Matobo National Park.

Zimbabwe offers far more than traditional game viewing. From the thundering waters of Victoria Falls to the expansive savannah of Hwange and the granite landscapes of Matobo, this 9-day safari gives travelers an opportunity to experience several distinct sides of the country.

Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest national park and supports large populations of elephants, lions, buffalo, leopards and wild dogs, together with nearly 400 bird species. Victoria Falls, meanwhile, is one of Zimbabwe’s major natural attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The journey also introduces you to Zimbabwe’s cultural history at Great Zimbabwe, while Matobo National Park provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, rhino tracking and exploring spectacular granite rock formations.

Whether you are looking for a first-time Zimbabwe safari, a wildlife photography holiday, a cultural adventure, or a combination of nature and heritage, this itinerary provides a diverse Zimbabwe experience in nine days.

Safari Highlights

Visit the spectacular Victoria Falls
Guided Victoria Falls rainforest walk
Sunset experience on the Zambezi River
Explore Hwange National Park
Morning and afternoon game drives
Search for elephants, lions, buffalo, leopards and wild dogs
Experience Zimbabwe’s famous wildlife landscapes
Visit the ancient Great Zimbabwe Monument
Explore the granite landscapes of Matobo National Park
Rhino tracking experience in Matobo
Visit scenic viewpoints and historic sites
Excellent opportunities for wildlife and landscape photography
Experience Zimbabwean culture and heritage
Comfortable safari lodges and hotels

Safari Details

Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
Country: Zimbabwe
Main Destinations: Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Great Zimbabwe and Matobo National Park
Safari Type: Wildlife, Nature, Culture and Heritage Safari
Starting Point: Victoria Falls
Ending Point: Bulawayo
Accommodation: Mid-range, luxury or premium safari lodges and hotels
Transport: 4×4 safari vehicle
Main Activities: Game drives, Victoria Falls tour, boat cruise, rhino tracking, cultural sightseeing and heritage tours

Detailed 9-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe

Arrive at Victoria Falls International Airport, where you will be met by your safari representative and transferred to your hotel or lodge.

After check-in and some time to relax, you can explore the town of Victoria Falls or enjoy your first views of the surrounding Zambezi region.

Depending on your arrival time, there may be an opportunity to enjoy an optional sunset activity along the Zambezi River.

Accommodation: Victoria Falls lodge/hotel
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Victoria Falls Tour and Zambezi Sunset Cruise

After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of Victoria Falls National Park.

Walk along the established viewpoints overlooking different sections of the Falls and experience the spray, rainforest vegetation and dramatic landscapes surrounding the Zambezi River.

Victoria Falls stretches approximately 1,708 metres and reaches a height of about 108 metres.

In the afternoon, enjoy some free time before taking a Zambezi River sunset cruise.

As the sun sets, look out for hippos, crocodiles and birdlife along the river while enjoying the changing colours over the Zambezi.

Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Victoria Falls lodge/hotel
Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Day 3: Victoria Falls – Hwange National Park

After breakfast, depart Victoria Falls and drive towards Hwange National Park.

Hwange is Zimbabwe’s largest national park, covering approximately 14,650 square kilometres. The park is known for its large elephant population and diverse wildlife, including lion, leopard, buffalo, wild dog, sable and roan.

Arrive at your safari lodge in time for lunch and relaxation.

Later in the afternoon, embark on your first Hwange game drive.

The afternoon provides an excellent introduction to the park as you explore waterholes, woodland and open savannah in search of wildlife.

Accommodation: Hwange safari lodge/camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4: Full-Day Hwange National Park Safari

Spend a full day exploring Hwange National Park.

Rise early for a morning game drive when wildlife is active and temperatures are cooler. Your guide will search for elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, antelopes and other wildlife.

Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation before heading out again for an afternoon and evening game drive.

Hwange contains around 100 mammal species and nearly 400 bird species, making it an important destination for both wildlife viewing and birdwatching.

Enjoy a sunset in the wilderness before returning to camp.

Accommodation: Hwange safari lodge/camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5: Hwange – Great Zimbabwe Monument

Enjoy an early breakfast before departing Hwange and continuing towards Great Zimbabwe.

This is a longer travel day, but it takes you from Zimbabwe’s famous wildlife wilderness into one of the country’s most important cultural and archaeological landscapes.

Arrive at your accommodation and relax.

If time permits, enjoy an introductory visit around the Great Zimbabwe area.

Accommodation: Great Zimbabwe area lodge/hotel
Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Day 6: Great Zimbabwe Cultural and Heritage Tour

After breakfast, visit the Great Zimbabwe Monument, one of Zimbabwe’s most significant heritage attractions.

Explore the impressive stone structures, enclosures and archaeological remains while learning about the history and civilization associated with Great Zimbabwe.

Your guide will explain the significance of the monument and its role in Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage.

After the tour, return to your lodge for relaxation.

Accommodation: Great Zimbabwe area lodge/hotel
Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Day 7: Great Zimbabwe – Matobo National Park

After breakfast, depart for Matobo National Park in southwestern Zimbabwe.

The journey takes you towards Bulawayo and the spectacular Matobo Hills, characterized by granite rock formations and dramatic landscapes.

Matobo National Park covers approximately 424 square kilometres and is known for its granite hills, diverse wildlife and important rhino protection areas.

Arrive at your lodge and relax before an optional afternoon excursion.

Accommodation: Matobo lodge/camp
Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Day 8: Full-Day Matobo National Park – Rhino Tracking and Scenic Exploration

Wake up early for a full-day experience in Matobo National Park.

One of the highlights is a guided rhino tracking experience, offering an opportunity to learn about rhino conservation while exploring the park on foot.

Matobo is home to both black and white rhinos, as well as zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, impala, hyena and other wildlife. The park is also known for its significant birdlife, including black eagles.

Continue exploring the spectacular granite formations and scenic viewpoints.

Depending on your interests and timing, the day can also include cultural and historical sites around the Matobo Hills.

Return to your lodge for your final evening in the wilderness.

Accommodation: Matobo lodge/camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 9: Matobo – Bulawayo Departure

Enjoy breakfast at the lodge before your final transfer to Bulawayo.

Depending on your departure schedule, you may have time for a short city tour or additional sightseeing before being transferred to Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport for your onward flight.

Your 9-day Zimbabwe adventure ends with unforgettable memories of Victoria Falls, Hwange’s wildlife, Great Zimbabwe’s heritage and the remarkable landscapes of Matobo.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation

Accommodation is selected according to your preferred safari category:

Mid-Range

Comfortable lodges, safari camps and hotels offering good facilities, private rooms and convenient locations.

Luxury

Premium safari lodges and carefully selected hotels offering spacious rooms, quality dining, private facilities and enhanced safari experiences.

Premium Luxury

High-end lodges and exclusive safari camps with exceptional service, private settings, fine dining and personalized safari arrangements.

Specific properties can be selected according to availability, travel dates and your preferred budget.

Wildlife You May See

This safari provides opportunities to see a wide range of Zimbabwean wildlife, including:

African elephants
Lions
Leopards
African buffalo
African wild dogs
Giraffes
Zebras
Wildebeest
Impala
Kudu
Sable antelope
Roan antelope
Warthogs
Black and white rhinos
Hippos
Crocodiles
Numerous bird species

Wildlife sightings are naturally dependent on season, weather, location and animal movements.

Main Safari Activities

Victoria Falls Tour

Explore viewpoints around the Falls and experience one of Zimbabwe’s most famous natural attractions.

Zambezi Sunset Cruise

Enjoy an evening cruise along the Zambezi River with opportunities to see wildlife and birdlife.

Hwange Game Drives

Explore Zimbabwe’s largest national park on guided morning and afternoon game drives.

Great Zimbabwe Tour

Discover one of Zimbabwe’s most important archaeological and cultural heritage sites.

Rhino Tracking

Explore Matobo with experienced guides while learning about rhino conservation.

Matobo Scenic Exploration

Experience dramatic granite formations, valleys and viewpoints across the Matobo Hills.

Safari Inclusions

8 nights accommodation
Daily breakfast
Full board during selected safari lodge stays
Professional English-speaking safari guide
Private 4×4 safari vehicle
Victoria Falls guided tour
Zambezi sunset cruise
Hwange National Park game drives
Great Zimbabwe guided tour
Matobo National Park activities
Rhino tracking where available and permitted
National park entry fees
Conservation and applicable tourism fees
Airport transfers
Road transfers between destinations
Drinking water during safari
Government taxes and applicable service charges

Safari Exclusions

International flights
Domestic flights unless specified
Zimbabwe visa fees
Travel insurance
Personal shopping
Laundry services
Premium alcoholic drinks
Tips and gratuities
Optional adventure activities at Victoria Falls
Spa treatments
Personal telephone expenses
Additional accommodation before or after the safari
Any services not specifically mentioned in the itinerary

Best Time for the 9-Day Zimbabwe Safari

Zimbabwe can be visited throughout much of the year, although different seasons provide different experiences.

The dry season is particularly attractive for wildlife viewing because animals often gather around available water sources and vegetation becomes less dense.

The wetter months bring greener landscapes, seasonal changes and excellent birdwatching opportunities.

For travelers combining Victoria Falls, Hwange, Great Zimbabwe and Matobo, the best travel period can also depend on your priorities, especially whether wildlife viewing, waterfall conditions, birding or photography is the main focus.

What to Pack

Lightweight neutral-coloured safari clothing
Long-sleeved shirts
Comfortable trousers
Warm jacket or fleece
Comfortable walking shoes
Sandals
Wide-brimmed hat
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Binoculars
Camera and spare batteries
Personal medication
Small day backpack
Reusable water bottle
Travel documents
Lightweight rain jacket

Why Choose the 9-Day Highlights of Zimbabwe Safari?

This itinerary is designed for travelers who want to experience several sides of Zimbabwe rather than concentrating on one national park.

You experience:

Victoria Falls → Hwange Wildlife → Great Zimbabwe Heritage → Matobo Hills & Rhinos → Bulawayo

The result is a balanced safari combining wildlife, waterfalls, culture, history, conservation and spectacular landscapes.

Zimbabwe Tourism Authority currently highlights Victoria Falls, Hwange, Mana Pools, Great Zimbabwe, Matobo and other destinations as part of the country’s diverse tourism offering.

9-Day Highlights of Zimbabwe Safari Tour