Zimbabwe National Parks
Zimbabwe has a long list of large parks. In fact, over 13% of Zimbabwe is dedicated to Zimbabwe National Parks and Game Reserves, and that does not include the many private game reserves.
These reserves offer a wide variety of wildlife and are renowned for having large animal populations, making elephant, hippo and lion spotting a great deal easier. The most famous is the 15,000 km2 Hwange National Park; true big game country and extremely accessible.
Other popular and rewarding wildlife destinations include the middle Zambezi’s Mana Pools National Park and Lake Kariba’s Matusadona National Park. Scenic beauty and a healthy rhino population is provided by Matobo National Park.
Here is a list of Zimbabwe’s National Parks and Game Reserves.
Chimanimani National Park
Chimanimani National Park is located in the eastern highlands of Zimbabwe and is known for its rugged mountain scenery and diverse flora and fauna. Visitors can enjoy hiking, bird watching, and wildlife spotting. Wildlife in the park includes baboons, vervet monkeys, klipspringer, and several species of birds.
Best time to visit: April to October when the weather is cool and dry.
Chivero Recreational Park
Chivero Recreational Park is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and camping. It is home to several species of fish and birdlife, including African fish eagles, kingfishers, and cormorants.
Best time to visit: April to October.
Chizarira National Park
Chizarira National Park is one of Zimbabwe’s least-visited parks but is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and buffalo. Visitors can enjoy game drives and guided walks.
Best time to visit: July to October.
Gonarezhou National Park
Gonarezhou National Park is one of Zimbabwe’s largest national parks, covering over 5,000 square kilometers. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, and wild dogs. Visitors can enjoy game drives, walking safaris, and bird watching.
Best time to visit: May to October.
Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park
Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park is a conservation area that spans across Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Mozambique. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and rhinos. Visitors can enjoy game drives and guided walks.
Best time to visit: May to October.
Hwange National Park
Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest national park, covering over 14,000 square kilometers. It is home to over 100 mammal species and 400 bird species. Visitors to the park can enjoy game drives, guided walks, bird watching, and other activities.
Best time to visit: July to October.
Kazuma Pan National Park
Kazuma Pan National Park is located in the northwest of Zimbabwe and is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, buffalos, and giraffes. Visitors can enjoy game drives and bird watching.
Best time to visit: April to October.
Kuburi Wilderness Area
Kuburi Wilderness Area is located in the southeast of Zimbabwe and is known for its rugged terrain and diverse wildlife. Visitors can enjoy hiking, bird watching, and wildlife spotting.
Best time to visit: May to October.
Malapati Game Reserve
Malapati Game Reserve is located in the south of Zimbabwe and is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and hyenas. Visitors can enjoy game drives and guided walks.
Best time to visit: May to October.
Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve
Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve is a private reserve located in the southeast of Zimbabwe. The reserve is home to several species of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and leopards. Visitors can enjoy game drives, walking safaris, and bird watching.
Best time to visit: May to October.
Mana Pools National Park
Mana Pools National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Zimbabwe’s most popular national parks. It is located on the banks of the Zambezi River and is known for its abundant wildlife, including elephants, lions, buffalos, and hippos. Visitors can enjoy game drives, walking safaris, canoeing, and fishing.
Best time to visit: July to October.
Manyame Recreational Park
Manyame Recreational Park is located near Harare and is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and camping. The park is home to several species of fish and birdlife, including African fish eagles and cormorants.
Best time to visit: April to October.
Matobo National Park
Matobo National Park is located in the southwest of Zimbabwe and is known for its unique granite formations and ancient rock paintings. Visitors to the park can enjoy game drives, guided walks, and rock climbing.
Best time to visit: May to October.
Matusadona National Park
Matusadona National Park is located on the shores of Lake Kariba and is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and buffalos. Visitors can enjoy game drives, walking safaris, and fishing.
Best time to visit: July to October.
Mtarazi Falls National Park
Mtarazi Falls National Park is located in the eastern highlands of Zimbabwe and is home to Zimbabwe’s highest waterfall. Visitors can enjoy hiking, bird watching, and wildlife spotting.
Best time to visit: April to October.
Mushandike Sanctuary
Mushandike Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary located in the south of Zimbabwe. It is home to several species of wildlife, including rhinos, lions, and giraffes. Visitors can enjoy game drives and guided walks.
Best time to visit: May to October.
Mutirikwi National Park
Mutirikwi National Park is located in the southeast of Zimbabwe and is known for its rich birdlife, including African fish eagles and kingfishers. Visitors can enjoy bird watching, fishing, and boat cruises.
Best time to visit: May to October.
Ngezi Recreational Park
Ngezi Recreational Park is located in the northwest of Zimbabwe and is a popular destination for fishing and boating. The park is home to several species of fish and birdlife, including African fish eagles and cormorants.
Best time to visit: April to October.
Sebakwe Recreational Area
Sebakwe Recreational Area is located in the north of Zimbabwe and is known for its scenic beauty and diverse wildlife. Visitors can enjoy game drives, walking safaris, and bird watching.
Best time to visit: May to October.
Umfurudzi Safari Area
Umfurudzi Safari Area is located in the northeast of Zimbabwe and is home to several species of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and leopards. Visitors can enjoy game drives, walking safaris, and bird watching.
Best time to visit: May to October.
Victoria Falls National Park
Victoria Falls National Park is home to one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders, Victoria Falls. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, buffalos, and hippos. Visitors can enjoy game drives, walking safaris, and a variety of adventure activities, such as bungee jumping and white water rafting.
Best time to visit: May to October.
Zambezi National Park
Zambezi National Park is located on the banks of the Zambezi River and is known for its abundant wildlife, including elephants, lions, and buffalos. Visitors can enjoy game drives, walking safaris and boat cruises. The park also offers a variety of adventure activities, such as white water rafting, bungee jumping, and helicopter rides.
Best time to visit: July to October.
Weather and Climate
Zimbabwe has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The rainy season lasts from November to March, with the dry season lasting from April to October. The best time to visit Zimbabwe’s national parks is during the dry season when the weather is mild and wildlife is easier to spot. However, some parks are best visited during the rainy season when the landscape is lush and green, and some migratory birds can be seen.
Wildlife
Zimbabwe’s national parks and game reserves are home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the “big five” game animals: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos. Other popular animals to see include giraffes, zebras, hyenas, cheetahs, and various antelope species.
Activities
There are plenty of activities to enjoy in Zimbabwe’s national parks and game reserves. Game drives are a popular way to see wildlife, with experienced guides leading visitors through the park. Walking safaris allow visitors to get up close and personal with nature, and guided walks are a great way to learn about the flora and fauna of the parks.
Fishing is a popular activity in some of Zimbabwe’s parks, with visitors having the chance to catch various fish species, including tigerfish. Bird watching is also a popular activity, with Zimbabwe being home to over 600 bird species.
For the more adventurous, there are plenty of adventure activities to enjoy, such as white water rafting, bungee jumping, and helicopter rides. These activities can be enjoyed in parks such as Zambezi National Park and Victoria Falls National Park.
Zimbabwe’s national parks and game reserves offer a unique Zimbabwe Wildlife Safari experience for visitors. From the world-renowned Hwange National Park to the spectacular Victoria Falls National Park, there is a park to suit every traveler’s interests. With plenty of activities to enjoy and a range of wildlife to see, Zimbabwe’s national parks are a must-visit destination for any nature lover. When planning a trip, it’s important to consider the weather and the best time to visit each park to make the most of your experience.
