Zimbabwe & Zambia Tours and Safaris
Zimbabwe and Zambia Tours help you discover two of Africa’s most authentic safari destinations from Victoria Falls to the wild plains of Hwange and the predator-rich valleys of South Luangwa.
Zimbabwe and Zambia Tours – The Ultimate Safari Gateway to Southern Africa
Few destinations in Africa offer the level of diversity, authenticity, and raw wilderness found in Zimbabwe and Zambia. Together, these two Zimbabwe and Zambia Tours powerhouses form one of the continent’s most spectacular wildlife circuits, anchored by the world-famous Victoria Falls, the natural midpoint that connects their landscapes, cultures, and ecosystems.
Best Zimbabwe and Zambia Tours and Safaris
7 Days Victoria Falls, Hwange & Chobe Highlights
A perfect combination of Victoria Falls sightseeing, Hwange’s wildlife, and a Chobe River safari adventure.
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10 Days Zambia Explorer – Luangwa & Lower Zambezi
Track big cats in South Luangwa and enjoy canoeing and riverside luxury in the Lower Zambezi.
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8 Days Hwange Wildlife & Victoria Falls Safari
Experience Hwange’s massive elephant herds and complete your journey with Victoria Falls tours.
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5 Days Victoria Falls & Livingstone Escape
A short but breathtaking tour exploring both sides of Victoria Falls with curated activities.
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6 Days Lower Zambezi Wilderness Safari
Discover Zambia’s Lower Zambezi with canoeing, tiger fishing, game drives, and riverside sundowners.
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9 Days Fly-In Zambia Luxury Safari
A seamless fly-in journey across Zambia’s top parks with exceptional lodges and private guiding.
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11 Days Zambia Safari Grand Circuit
Explore Kafue, South Luangwa, and Lower Zambezi in one powerful wildlife-rich safari.
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4 Days Victoria Falls & Chobe Safari
Marvel at Victoria Falls before crossing into Chobe for a river safari and big-game encounters.
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9 Days Mana Pools & Hwange Walking Safari
A wild, immersive adventure with on-foot experiences in Zimbabwe’s most iconic parks.
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3 Days Victoria Falls Signature Tour
A refined, curated journey experiencing the best viewpoints and activities at Victoria Falls.
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12 Days Ultimate Zimbabwe Safari
Explore Zimbabwe’s signature parks — Hwange, Mana Pools, Matobo, and Victoria Falls.
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14 Days Zambia & Zimbabwe Luxury Safari
A grand cross-border journey featuring the very best of both countries’ wildlife hotspots.
Request a Detailed ItineraryZambia is renowned for its intimate, uncrowded and raw safari experiences, the home of the walking safari, legendary big cat sightings in South Luangwa, and the riverfront wilderness of the Lower Zambezi. It’s a country designed for travelers who want to feel fully immersed in nature, close to wildlife and far from mass tourism.
Zimbabwe, on the other hand, stands out for its exceptional guiding standards, diverse wildlife regions, and world-class national parks. From the elephant-rich plains of Hwange National Park to the dramatic riverbanks of Mana Pools, Zimbabwe offers depth, contrast, and consistent game viewing year-round — all in a warm, welcoming cultural setting.
As demand grows for more immersive and multi-country journeys, Zimbabwe and Zambia tours have become the preferred choice for safari enthusiasts seeking rich experiences across borders. Travelers can explore Victoria Falls from both sides, combine big-game safaris with canoeing or walking adventures, and enjoy smooth border transitions that make these countries ideal for combination safari itineraries.
With deep regional expertise, handpicked lodges, seamless logistics, and a commitment to personalised service, Nextgen Safaris is the perfect partner to craft your dream safari. We design tailor-made Zimbabwe and Zambia tours that balance wildlife, adventure, luxury and cultural insight, delivering journeys that are authentic, exclusive and unforgettable.
Why Choose a Zimbabwe and Zambia Tours?
A Zimbabwe and Zambia safari is one of Africa’s most rewarding and well-balanced wildlife journeys — a combination that blends raw wilderness, world-class guiding, and easy cross-border access around the iconic Victoria Falls, the natural heart of Southern Africa. These two countries complement each other perfectly, offering contrasting landscapes and experiences that create a seamless, multi-country safari circuit.
What makes this combination exceptional is the shared access to Victoria Falls. Whether you begin on the Zambian side in Livingstone or the Zimbabwean side in Victoria Falls Town, each offers unique viewpoints, curated activities and unforgettable encounters with the world’s most powerful waterfall. Most travelers choose to see both sides, one for drama and spray, the other for panoramic beauty.
Zambia is ideal for travelers seeking authentic, intimate, and uncrowded safari experiences. This is the birthplace of the walking safari, where expert guides lead you through the untamed wilderness on foot. South Luangwa National Park is famous for its extraordinary leopard sightings, while the Lower Zambezi is known for canoe safaris, tiger fishing and luxury riverside camps overlooking elephant herds and hippo pods.
Zimbabwe offers a different but equally powerful appeal. The country is celebrated for its exceptionally high-quality guiding, vast landscapes, and varied wildlife. Hwange National Park holds some of Africa’s largest elephant populations, while Mana Pools National Park is a paradise for walking safaris, canoeing, and iconic encounters with painted wolves and big cats. In Matobo National Park, visitors experience rare rhino tracking among dramatic granite formations.
Travel between Zimbabwe and Zambia is smooth and effortless thanks to easy border crossings at Victoria Falls Bridge, Kazungula and Livingstone, making this duo one of the most convenient multi-country safari combinations in Africa. Whether you’re planning a luxurious honeymoon, a family-friendly wildlife holiday, or a photography-focused safari, the region offers unmatched diversity, exclusivity, and value.
For travelers seeking luxury safari lodges, authentic wildlife moments, world-class adventure, and seamless cross-border itineraries, a Zimbabwe and Zambia safari package delivers an experience that feels both wild and beautifully curated. With deep regional expertise, strong lodge partnerships, and custom itinerary design, Nextgen Safaris creates the perfect journey across two of Africa’s most inspiring safari destinations.
Top Safari Destinations in Zimbabwe & Zambia
A journey through Zimbabwe and Zambia reveals some of Africa’s most extraordinary national parks — wild, untouched, and full of character. From predator-rich valleys to elephant sanctuaries, and from canoe-filled waterways to dramatic escarpments, each destination brings its own mood, rhythm, and signature experiences. Together, they create a safari circuit that is unmatched anywhere in Southern Africa.
Top Safari Destinations in Zambia
South Luangwa National Park – The Valley of the Leopard
Known as one of Africa’s greatest wildlife sanctuaries, South Luangwa is a magnet for safari purists. The park is celebrated for its exceptional leopard sightings, dense concentrations of predators, and the birthplace of the world-famous walking safari. Open plains, oxbow lagoons, and abundant wildlife make every game drive extraordinary.
Lower Zambezi National Park – Riverfront Luxury & Canoe Safaris
A magical blend of water and wilderness, the Lower Zambezi is one of Africa’s most scenic parks. Here you can canoe alongside elephants, watch lions hunt on the floodplains, and enjoy luxury tented camps right on the riverbanks. Night drives, boat safaris, and tiger fishing add layers of adventure to this immersive safari experience.
Kafue National Park – Vast, Wild, and Undiscovered
Kafue National Park is a hidden giant, one of Africa’s largest national parks, offering pristine landscapes, rare antelope species, and extraordinary birdlife. The Busanga Plains come alive between July and October with huge herds, lions, cheetahs and hot-air balloon safaris.
Livingstone – Zambia’s Gateway to Victoria Falls
Livingstone is the adventurous heart of Zambia, home to breathtaking views of Victoria Falls, river cruises on the Zambezi, helicopter flights, and cultural experiences. It is the perfect entry or exit point for all Zambia and Zimbabwe safari tours
Top Safari Destinations in Zimbabwe
Hwange National Park – Elephants, Big Predators & Big Skies
Zimbabwe’s flagship park, Hwange National Park, is renowned for its massive elephant herds (over 40,000), strong lion prides, and exceptional guiding. With varied habitats — from teak forests to open grasslands, Hwange National Park offers some of Southern Africa’s richest, most reliable game viewing year-round.
Mana Pools National Park – Africa’s Walking & Canoeing Paradise
Mana Pools, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most iconic safari destinations in the world. Its mix of open floodplains, ancient forests, and Zambezi waterways creates perfect conditions for walking safaris, canoeing, and up-close encounters with elephants, wild dogs, and big cats.
Matobo National Park – Home of the Rhino & Sacred Hills
A place of spiritual significance and wild beauty, Matobo blends culture with conservation. Visitors can track endangered white rhinos on foot, explore ancient rock art, and walk among dramatic granite kopjes that hold centuries of history.
Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe Side) – Panoramic Wonder of the World
While both sides are spectacular, the Zimbabwe side of Victoria Falls offers the best panoramic viewpoints and year-round water flow. Guided tours, helicopter flips, rainforest walks, and sunset cruises make this destination a must-stop on any Zimbabwe and Zambia safari itinerary.
Zimbabwe vs Zambia: Which Is Better for Safari?
Choosing between Zimbabwe and Zambia depends on your travel style, budget, and the type of safari experience you’re looking for. The table below highlights the key differences to help you decide — or to inspire a combined Zimbabwe & Zambia safari itinerary with Nextgen Safaris.
| Feature | Zimbabwe | Zambia |
|---|---|---|
| Wildlife | Famous for huge elephant herds in Hwange, wild dogs and big cats in Mana Pools, plus rhino in Matobo. Strong overall game density and excellent predator sightings. | Outstanding leopard sightings in South Luangwa, healthy lion populations, wild dogs, and large herds along the Zambezi. Especially strong for predators and nocturnal wildlife. |
| Landscape | Varied scenery: open savannahs in Hwange, Zambezi floodplains in Mana Pools, dramatic granite hills in Matobo, and rainforest around Victoria Falls. | River valleys, miombo woodlands, lagoons, and escarpments. South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi offer lush river systems and classic “big sky” African scenery. |
| Budget vs Luxury | Excellent value for money with a mix of mid-range and luxury camps. Often slightly better value than neighbouring countries for similar quality. | Strong focus on intimate, upscale bush camps and lodges. Pricing generally mid- to high-end, especially in prime areas like South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi. |
| Best Time to Visit | Best game viewing from June to October (dry season). Victoria Falls is most dramatic from February to May after the rains. | Peak safari season from June to October; some camps close in the rainy months. Shoulder seasons offer good value and fewer crowds. |
| Activities | Game drives, walking safaris, canoeing (Mana Pools), rhino tracking (Matobo), and Victoria Falls activities such as helicopter flips and sunset cruises. | Renowned for walking safaris, night drives, canoeing and boating on the Zambezi, tiger fishing, and immersive bush experiences. |
| Victoria Falls Viewpoint | Offers the most extensive viewpoints and year-round water flow. Best for classic panoramas and multiple walking trails. | Closer, more intimate angles near the edge of the Falls; seasonal “Devil’s Pool” and island visits when water levels are right. |
| Best For | Travelers seeking strong guiding, great game viewing, excellent value, and a mix of landscapes in one country. | Safari purists who love walking, remote bush camps, predator action, and riverside wilderness experiences. |
In reality, the best choice is often both. A combined Zimbabwe & Zambia safari lets you experience Victoria Falls from both sides and pair Hwange or Mana Pools with South Luangwa or the Lower Zambezi for the ultimate Southern Africa adventure.
Zimbabwe and Zambia Tours FAQs
Is Zambia or Zimbabwe better for safari?
Both countries offer outstanding safari experiences, and the best choice depends on your style of travel.
Zimbabwe is known for exceptional guiding, huge elephant herds in Hwange National Park, dramatic landscapes in Matobo, and the walking-and-canoeing paradise of Mana Pools.
Zambia excels in intimate bush camps, world-class walking safaris, and leopard-rich terrain in South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi.
Many travelers choose Zimbabwe and Zambia Tours to enjoy the strengths of both destinations in one seamless journey.
Which side of Victoria Falls is better to visit?
Each side offers something unique.
The Zimbabwe side provides the best panoramic viewpoints and year-round water flow.
The Zambia side delivers closer, more intimate experiences such as Knife-Edge Bridge, Devil’s Pool (in season), and island tours.
For the complete experience, most guests on Zimbabwe and Zambia Tours visit both sides.
How much does a Zimbabwe or Zambia safari cost?
Prices vary depending on season, lodge category, and itinerary length.
- Mid-range safaris start around $250–$450 per day
- Luxury and exclusive camps range from $700–$1,800+ per day
Combination Zimbabwe and Zambia Tours often offer the best value, especially around Victoria Falls and multi-park circuits.
Can you combine Botswana, Zambia & Zimbabwe in one safari?
Absolutely. This is a very popular route because the countries meet at the Kazungula border.
Travellers can easily link Chobe National Park (Botswana) with Victoria Falls, Hwange, South Luangwa, and the Lower Zambezi.
These multi-country itineraries are some of the most rewarding Southern Africa combinations offered within our Zimbabwe and Zambia Tours portfolio.
Is Zambia safe for tourists?
Yes. Zambia is one of Africa’s safest and friendliest travel destinations. Safari regions such as Livingstone, South Luangwa, and the Lower Zambezi are well-managed and highly secure.
Nextgen Safaris ensures all logistics, transfers, and accommodations on your Zimbabwe and Zambia Tours meet strict safety standards.
Is Zimbabwe safe to travel?
Yes. Zimbabwe is widely regarded as safe for tourists, especially in major safari regions like Victoria Falls, Hwange, Mana Pools, and Matobo Hills.
Tourism is a major economic pillar, and visitor safety is taken seriously.
All our Zimbabwe and Zambia Tours include trusted guides, vetted lodges, and reliable transport for total peace of mind.
When is the best time to visit Victoria Falls?
The best time depends on what you want to see:
- High water (Feb–May): Most dramatic flow, huge spray, thunderous power
- Low water (Aug–Dec): Best for views, photography, and activities like Devil’s Pool
Many guests planning Zimbabwe and Zambia Tours choose to time their visit to experience both sides in different conditions.
How many days do you need for a Zimbabwe and Zambia safari?
A comfortable itinerary usually ranges from 7 to 12 days.
Shorter trips of 3–5 days work well for Victoria Falls and Chobe extensions, while longer 10–14 day journeys explore Hwange, Mana Pools, South Luangwa, and the Lower Zambezi — the signature route for premium Zimbabwe and Zambia Tours.
Are walking safaris safe in Zambia and Zimbabwe?
Yes. Walking safaris are conducted by highly trained, licensed professional guides — some of the best in Africa.
Zambia (especially South Luangwa) is famous for pioneering the walking safari, while Zimbabwe’s guides undergo the continent’s most rigorous training.
When booked through trusted operators like Nextgen Safaris, walking experiences are extremely safe and deeply rewarding.
What are the visa requirements for Zimbabwe and Zambia?
Most travelers can enter both countries using:
- Single-entry visas
- Double-entry visas
- Or the convenient KAZA UniVisa, which covers Zimbabwe, Zambia, and day trips to Botswana.
This is ideal for guests enjoying multi-country Zimbabwe and Zambia Tours, especially around Victoria Falls and Chobe.
Can I see the Big Five on Zimbabwe and Zambia Tours?
Yes — both countries offer excellent opportunities.
Zimbabwe has strong elephant, lion, buffalo, and rhino sightings (especially in Hwange and Matobo), while Zambia offers fantastic leopard encounters and big herds along the Zambezi.
A combined itinerary maximizes your chances of seeing the entire Big Five.
Are Zimbabwe and Zambia good for luxury safaris?
Absolutely. Both countries offer some of Africa’s finest luxury lodges and intimate bush camps.
From riverside suites in the Lower Zambezi to exclusive camps in Mana Pools and Hwange, Zimbabwe and Zambia Tours deliver world-class comfort, guiding, and hospitality.
Are Zimbabwe and Zambia good for families or honeymooners?
Yes. Families benefit from private vehicles, family-friendly lodges, and safe wildlife regions.
Honeymooners enjoy secluded camps, intimate riverfront settings, and dramatic sunsets on the Zambezi.
Zimbabwe and Zambia Tours are especially popular for romantic escapes and milestone celebrations.
Start Planning Your Zimbabwe and Zambia Tours
Tell us your travel dates and we’ll create a personalised, private safari itinerary tailored to your style, pace, and budget.
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