Zimbabwe is one of Africa’s top walking safari destinations, offering a thrilling way to experience the wild on foot. Unlike game drives, walking safaris allow you to track animals up close, observe the smaller details of the bush, and truly connect with nature.
With some of Africa’s most skilled safari guides, Zimbabwe guarantees safe and unforgettable walking safari adventures. From tracking big game in Mana Pools to following rhinos in Matobo Hills, each safari offers something unique. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a first-time bushwalker, this guide highlights seven of the best walking safaris in Zimbabwe, including what to expect, where to stay, and expert tips to enhance your experience.
1. Mana Pools National Park – The Ultimate Walking Safari
If you’re looking for the best walking safari in Zimbabwe, Mana Pools is the ultimate destination. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers incredible up-close encounters with elephants, lions, wild dogs, and hippos along the beautiful Zambezi River floodplains. Mana Pools is perfect for those who want to feel the adrenaline of walking among Africa’s giants.
What Makes It Special?
- Home to some of Africa’s most relaxed elephants, making for incredible safe close-up experiences.
- Guides track large predators on foot, offering heart-pounding, yet safe encounters.
- Scenic floodplains, acacia forests, and riverine ecosystems provide an awe-inspiring backdrop for your walk.
- Experience the “armchair safari” at Kanga Pan, where wildlife comes to you.
Where to Stay?
- Kanga Camp – Remote and overlooking a year-round water source.
- Zambezi Expeditions – Combines walking safaris with canoeing on the Zambezi.
- Nyamatusi Camp – Luxury tented camp with a focus on conservation and adventure.
2. Hwange National Park – Big Game Encounters on Foot
Hwange is Zimbabwe’s largest national park and is home to over 40,000 elephants, making it an exciting place to track big game on foot. For a thrilling and varied walking safari, Hwange delivers a rich mix of landscapes, wildlife, and adventure.
What Makes It Special?
- Diverse landscapes, from open plains to woodland forests, create a rich safari experience.
- Frequent lion, elephant, buffalo, and wild dog sightings.
- Numerous waterholes act as magnets for wildlife, ensuring high chances of close-up encounters.
- Home to one of Africa’s largest populations of painted wolves (African wild dogs).
Where to Stay?
- Camp Hwange – Renowned for expert guides and a strong focus on walking safaris.
- Bomani Tented Lodge – Located in a private concession, allowing for more exclusive experiences.
- The Hide – Offers unique sleep-out experiences under the stars.
3. Gonarezhou National Park – Remote & Wild Adventure
If you’re searching for true wilderness, Gonarezhou—meaning “Place of Elephants”—is one of Zimbabwe’s wildest and most remote parks. It’s a place where you can truly disconnect from the modern world. Gonarezhou offers the perfect blend of raw adventure and stunning scenery, making it a dream for bush lovers.
What Makes It Special?
- Fewer tourists, meaning private and intimate walking safari experiences.
- Breathtaking Chilojo Cliffs provide some of the best sunset views in Zimbabwe.
- Elephant-rich landscapes, along with excellent opportunities to track leopards, lions, and buffalo.
- One of Zimbabwe’s best-kept secrets for adventure seekers.
Where to Stay?
- Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge – A luxury eco-lodge offering guided bush walks with expert trackers.
- Gonarezhou Bush Camp – A mobile tented experience deep in the heart of the park.
4. Zambezi National Park – Walking Safaris Near Victoria Falls
If you’re staying in Victoria Falls but craving a real bush experience, Zambezi National Park is a must-visit. Just a short drive from the falls, this untouched wilderness offers exceptional walking safaris. Perfect for those wanting an adventurous yet convenient safari experience near Victoria Falls.
What Makes It Special?
- Easy access from Victoria Falls, ideal for those wanting a quick safari fix.
- Riverine forests and open plains provide diverse landscapes to explore.
- High chance of encountering elephants, buffaloes, hippos, and crocodiles along the river.
- A less crowded alternative to Mana Pools, but with similarly beautiful scenery.
Where to Stay?
- Tsowa Safari Island – A unique luxury retreat on an island in the Zambezi River.
- Victoria Falls River Lodge – Offers both game drives and exceptional walking safaris.
5. Matusadona National Park – Bush & Lake Experience
Matusadona blends bush and water safaris, offering stunning landscapes along the shores of Lake Kariba. If you want a safari that combines walking, boating, and breathtaking views, Matusadona is unmatched.
What Makes It Special?
- Scenic combination of Miombo woodlands, open floodplains, and the vast lake.
- Excellent opportunities for tracking lions, leopards, and elephants on foot.
- Incredible birdwatching, with over 240 species recorded.
- Less touristy, providing a more secluded walking safari experience.
Where to Stay?
- Changa Safari Camp – A luxury tented camp with direct lake views.
- Bumi Hills Safari Lodge – Offers panoramic views of Lake Kariba.
6. Matobo National Park – Rhino Tracking on Foot
Matobo National Park is Zimbabwe’s top destination for tracking rhinos on foot and features ancient granite rock formations. For those wanting a mix of adventure, culture, and conservation, Matobo is ideal.
What Makes It Special?
- Best place in Zimbabwe to see both white and black rhinos up close.
- A UNESCO-listed area with over 3,000 San rock paintings.
- Offers a blend of history, scenery, and wildlife.
Where to Stay?
- Amalinda Lodge – Built into ancient granite caves, offering a unique safari setting.
- Big Cave Camp – Eco-friendly lodge with spectacular views.
- Farmhouse Lodge – Situated on the boundary of the Matopos National Park.
7. Save Valley Conservancy – Exclusive Private Safari
The Savé Valley Conservancy is one of the largest private game reserves in Africa. Located in the South Eastern lowveld of Zimbabwe, bordering on the Save River on its eastern side, the Conservancy comprises 750,000 acres of diverse wildlife habitat. Save Valley is known for its luxury walking safaris. A premium destination for exclusive, high-end walking safaris.
What Makes It Special?
- Great place to see rare species like cheetahs.
- High-quality guiding and conservation-focused safaris.
- Offers immersive bushcraft and tracking skills experiences.
Where to Stay?
- Sango Dadiso Camp – Provides a true off-grid safari experience.
- Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge – Overlooks the Save River, perfect for walking safaris.
