Visit Zimbabwe

The Essence of Zimbabwe

While few people know of the country’s ancient ruins, the whole world is aware of its most famous site, the thunderous crash of Victoria Falls, and those who visit Zimbabwe are rewarded with Big Five animal sightings, and charmed by courteous and welcoming locals.

Why choose a tour in Zimbabwe?

With wonderful wildlife, legendary landscapes, and glimpses of long-ago lifestyles, Zimbabwe offers adventure, history, and unforgettable experiences.

The undisputed jewel in its crown is Victoria Falls, evocatively known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, ‘the smoke that thunders’. One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, where, every minute, millions of litres of Zambezi River water crashes over the high cataract, the cascade creates a permanent heavy spray which, in turn, creates a thriving rainforest on its banks, and rainbow arcs across its broad span.

Hwange National Park, a former royal hunting ground, is now the biggest, and arguably the best, of Zimbabwe’s game reserves; regarded as one of Africa’s premier conservation areas, and teeming with wildlife including, including the Big Five: lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, and elephant herds.

Antelope Park is a private reserve, where zebra, wildebeest, giraffe and hartebeest share the savannah with 190 species of birds, from vultures to sunbirds and hornbills; and within the UNESCO listed hills of Matobo National Park, wildlife roams in a setting strewn with giant boulders, where ancient rock art is evidence of Stone Age human habitation.

The ‘Great Zimbabwe’ ruins of a stone-built city shed light on medieval life. Founded in the 11^th-century, abandoned in the 15^th, and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its fortified enclaves frame the capital of the Shona peoples’ Bantu-speaking ancestors.

Jules Verne tours in Zimbabwe are combined with discovery in Botswana, exploring the ornithologists’ paradise of the Okavango Delta, a watery world of pools, pans, and plains; and the mahogany forests of Chobe National Park, renowned for its concentration of game, and known as ‘The Land of Giants’ for its huge herds of elephants.

Zimbabwe also forms the final miles of a remarkable rail journey which begins in South Africa, with its beautiful Blyde River Canyon, and the wilderness miles of huge Kruger Park; crosses to Mozambique’s capital, Maputo, set on the edge of the Indian Ocean; visits the mountain and valley scenery of the tiny, land-locked Kingdom of Eswatini; and tours the length of Zimbabwe to conclude at Victoria Falls.

When to go on Zimbabwe holidays

Zimbabwe enjoys a temperate climate with seasonal variations. The coolest months are April and May, with daytime temperatures around 20-25°; June to August is generally warm and dry; September and October hot and dry, often peaking above 30°; and November to March is the hot and humid rainy season, when (sometimes torrential) downpours can be expected in the afternoons, but are generally short-lived.

The country’s landscapes (and safaris) change with the seasons, from lush, long-grass landscapes during ‘the rains’, to the sun-baked dry months of June to October, when animals are more readily seen as they gather at water resources.

Who are Zimbabwe tours suited to?

With a wealth of wildlife, very varied landscapes, departures in every season, and accommodation ranging from peaceful lodges to the prestigious Victoria Falls Hotel, Zimbabwe’s grandest and oldest, there are tour routes and tempos to meet the ideals of most adventurous travellers.

Jules Verne’s convivial small-group tours are enjoyed by singles, couples, families, and friends alike, and our journey from Victoria Falls to the Okavango Delta offers ‘No Single Supplement’ dates, and a singles-only tour date for solo travellers.

Why book Zimbabwe tours with Jules Verne?

With 45 years’ experience and a passion for creating extraordinary adventures, Jules Verne visits iconic landmarks and lesser-known sites. Our Zimbabwe safaris typically take to the tracks with small groups of travellers and a knowledgeable driver/guide, well versed in the habits and habitats of the country’s amazing animals. Memorable moments across the tours include a bird-watching cruise at Antelope Park, ‘mokoro’ canoe safaris in the Okavango delta, and viewing Victoria Falls from a sunset Zambezi River cruise or a helicopter over the spectacular cascade.

All our guided tours to Zimbabwe are ABTA and ATOL protected, and we offer a 100% price guarantee, so you can book with complete confidence.