Why Zimbabwe Should Be Your Next Safari Destination: Luxury, Wilderness & Culture
Discover Africa’s Best-Kept Safari Secret
While travelers flock to Kenya’s Maasai Mara or South Africa’s Kruger National Park, Zimbabwe remains one of Africa’s best-kept safari secrets—a land of untamed wilderness, legendary guides, and luxury that offers exceptional value for money. For those seeking an off-the-beaten-path safari destination that blends extraordinary wildlife encounters with cultural depth, Zimbabwe delivers in spades.
From the elephant herds of Hwange National Park to the ancient rock art of Matobo Hills, a safari in Zimbabwe is as rich in history as it is in wildlife. At the heart of this experience is Amalinda Safari Collection, offering luxury safari experiences in Zimbabwe at Hwange and Matopos—two of Africa’s most remarkable yet underexplored national parks.
A pride of 11 lions takes down a buffalo on the Amalinda Safari Collection private concession
Why Zimbabwe Stands Out as One of the Best Safari Destinations in Africa
Unbeatable Value for Money
For travelers looking for an affordable luxury safari, Zimbabwe offers some of the best value on the continent. Compared to Botswana’s high-end pricing or South Africa’s often crowded reserves, Zimbabwe delivers an authentic, high-quality experience at a fraction of the cost.
At Amalinda Safari Collection, travelers can choose from a range of accommodations:
Khulu Bush Camp: An intimate luxury tented camp with private guided walks and a waterhole where wildlife gathers.
Ivory Lodge: A family-friendly option in Hwange, perfect for first-time safari-goers seeking great game viewing at an affordable price.
Sable Valley Lodge: A mid-range property offering secluded game drives and an underground photographic hide.
Amalinda Lodge – A boutique lodge in Matopos, blending history, culture, and rhino tracking adventures.
With fewer tourists and lower costs than neighboring safari destinations, Zimbabwe allows you to stretch your budget further without compromising on the experience.
2. Africa’s Last True Wilderness
If you dream of a safari where vast landscapes stretch unspoiled by crowds, Zimbabwe offers one of Africa’s last great wildernesses.
Hwange National Park spans 14,600 square kilometers, making it larger than the Serengeti, yet with only a fraction of the visitors.
At Sable Valley Lodge, guests enjoy exclusive, uncrowded wildlife encounters, where elephants, lions, and leopards roam freely.
Private concessions ensure intimate, personalized safari experiences, with off-road driving, night game drives, and walking safaris unavailable in most national parks.
This is where luxury meets adventure, offering a safari experience that feels entirely your own.
Zimbabwe is renowned for the best walking safaris in Africa
3. Best Walking Safaris in Africa
Zimbabwe’s walking safari culture is legendary, pioneered by some of the best guides on the continent. Unlike traditional game drives, walking safaris immerse you in the raw beauty of the wilderness, allowing for up-close encounters with wildlife in a way few other destinations can offer.
Khulu Bush Camp offers walking safaris led by expert pro guides, giving guests an adrenaline-fueled, yet safe, way to explore Hwange.
Matopos National Park is home to some of Africa’s last remaining rhinos, and at Amalinda Lodge, you can track these magnificent creatures on foot—a truly humbling experience.
For those seeking an intimate connection with nature, Zimbabwe’s walking safaris are second to none.
4. A Zimbabwe Cultural Safari: Ancient Rock Art & Living Heritage
Beyond its wildlife, Zimbabwe offers one of Africa’s most richly layered cultural experiences.
Matopos National Park is home to UNESCO-listed San rock art, dating back over 13,000 years. Guests at Amalinda Lodge can explore these ancient paintings, gaining insight into the spiritual traditions of Africa’s earliest inhabitants.
The region is steeped in Ndebele history, with visits to local communities offering authentic cultural exchanges.
The Cecil Rhodes’ Grave and World’s View provide a window into Zimbabwe’s colonial past, contrasted against the resilience and vibrancy of its present-day communities.
This is not just a safari—it’s a journey through time.
5. Escape the Crowds: Uncrowded, Exclusive Safari Experiences
Unlike the Maasai Mara or Serengeti, where hundreds of safari vehicles compete for the best view, Zimbabwe offers privacy and exclusivity.
The country receives less than 5% of Africa’s total safari tourists (Zimbabwe Tourism Authority), meaning you’re more likely to have an entire game drive sighting to yourself.
Guest testimonials highlight the feeling of having the wilderness to yourself, where every safari moment is personal and unspoiled.
Private concessions in Hwange and Matopos offer tailored experiences without the crowds, making Zimbabwe a perfect destination for those seeking a quiet, immersive safari.
Amalinda Safari Collection’s private concession spans 15,000 acres
Amalinda Safari Collection: Where to Stay in Zimbabwe
Hwange National Park Accomodation
Khulu Bush Camp – Luxury tented camp with private decks overlooking a waterhole where elephants gather daily.
Sable Valley Lodge – Family-friendly, intimate lodge with expert-led game drives and walking safaris.
Ivory Lodge – Affordable, family-friendly lodge with easy access to Hwange’s prime game-viewing areas.
Matopos National Park: A Cultural & Rhino Safari Experience
Amalinda Lodge – A boutique retreat set among granite boulders, offering rhino tracking, ancient rock art tours, and cultural excursions.
Why Zimbabwe Beats Other Safari Destinations
Botswana: Higher cost for similar game viewing.
South Africa: More crowds, fewer walking safari options.
Kenya & Tanzania: Popular parks limit exclusivity.
In Zimbabwe, you get world-class safari experiences at a fraction of the cost, with unmatched privacy and adventure.
Planning Your Zimbabwe Safari
For the ultimate safari experience, combine Hwange’s wildlife with Matopos’ cultural wonders:
Best time to visit: Dry season (May–October) for peak game viewing; Matopos is great year-round.
Multi-park packages: Amalinda Safari Collection offers Stay 6, Pay 5 deals, making it easier to explore both parks.
Exclusive activities: From walking safaris to private game drives, customize your experience for an unforgettable adventure.
Experience Africa’s Best-Kept Safari Secret
If you’re seeking a luxury safari in Zimbabwe that blends adventure, history, and exclusivity, there’s no better place than Amalinda Safari Collection.
Are you ready to uncover Africa’s best-kept secret? Plan your journey today and experience the wild beauty of Hwange and Matopos.
