Classic Victoria Falls & Botswana safari tour
from US$11,190 per person
See a different side to Zimbabwe on a trip built just for you, by someone who lives there.
The dramatic scenery and Big Five wildlife alone would be enough to tempt visitors to Zimbabwe. Add in the spirit of the people and the spectacle of Victoria Falls, and you have a top wishlist destination filled with life. From the sheer variety of creatures roaming immense plains, to the distinctive and gracious local culture, you'll find no shortage of memorable experiences here. Sample something different with a canoe safari, and dive into history by following in the footsteps of Cecil Rhodes and David Livingstone.
Uncovering Zimbabwe’s soul is best done with someone who knows it well. That’s why we pair you with trusted local experts, who bring years of experience to help you design the perfect trip, tailored to your every need and designed to support the local communities.
Dry season and optimal wildlife viewing conditions: May to October
Victoria Falls at their fullest: February to May, after the summer rains
In Zimbabwe, the wildlife and natural experiences are truly unparalleled. Canoe past hippos and elephants along the Zambezi in Mana Pools, track rhinos among the granite boulders of the Matobo Hills, or drift across Lake Kariba on a houseboat as the sun sinks into the water. Each region shows a different face of the country, where genuine hospitality and a rich heritage meet one of Africa’s most rewarding safari countries.
US $4,500 - $5,000+
All of our tailor-made trips can be 100% customized to your style—from budget stays to higher-end escapes. Prices are per person, based on a 7-day trip.
How it works
Build a trip from scratch with a local Zimbabwe expert, or pick a curated itinerary as your starting point and customize it until it's yours.
Free to plan. No commitment until you book
Trip ideas
from US$11,190 per person
Meet your local experts
Our local experts aren’t travel agents working from a brochure. They’re people who live locally and know the destination like the back of their hand. Alongside them, you’ll craft an authentic and immersive trip, filled with intimate knowledge and passion for the place they call home.
Start planning your trip
Zimbabwe is home to Victoria Falls, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya ("The Smoke That Thunders"). Its sheer power and beauty offers an unforgettable sensory experience that stays with you long after you’ve left.
I've made time for a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, just above Victoria Falls. Float along one of Africa’s most iconic rivers, surrounded by hippos, crocodiles, and elephants. The sunsets over the Zambezi are unbelievably vibrant!
Partnering with TravelLocal has had a transformative impact: we’ve seen a significant increase in travelers seeking authentic experiences - and that’s exactly what we’re passionate about offering.
78,000+ travelers have had a more authentic, tailor-made vacation
Places & highlights
Featured storyOur local expert shares her Zimbabwe travel tips and firsthand perspective of this remarkable country she calls home.

Discover the beauty of Zimbabwe's National Parks, from wildlife-rich safaris to awe-inspiring landscapes. Explore the best parks to visit!

Discover Zimbabwe's national parks for a wildlife-rich safari, from the largest Hwange National Park to Mana Pools National Park.

From the thundering Victoria Falls to the balancing rocks of the Matobo Hills, we recommend the top experiences for nature in Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe's UNESCO World Heritage Sites range from culturally fascinating to naturally spectacular. Read on to discover more...

Discover Africa's tribal cultures ethically, from the Maasai of Tanzania to the San Bushmen of Botswana, with our African tribal experiences.
Good to know

The dry season, roughly May through October, is ideal for safari experiences. The vegetation thins out and animals gather around waterholes, which makes wildlife easier to spot. For Victoria Falls at full power, visit between February and May. Expect heavy spray during that window, and lower water levels around October and November.
Yes, tourist areas like Victoria Falls, Hwange, and Mana Pools are generally very safe. Use the same common sense you would anywhere and avoid political gatherings, keep valuables out of sight in cities, and follow your guide’s advice on safari. A local expert can help you plan smoothly.
Most US travelers need a visa. You can usually get a tourist visa at a port of entry or by applying through Zimbabwe’s official eVisa portal. Your passport must be valid at the time of entry and contain two blank pages for entry. If you are arriving via South Africa, at least six blank pages must be available.
The official currency is the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG), but the US dollar is the practical currency for travelers and covers almost all tourist expenses. ATMs rarely dispense US dollars for international cards, so bring small-denomination bills. Ones, fives, and 10s are the most useful, since change can be hard to come by.
The Zimbabwe side offers the broader, more classic panoramic views. Its trail of viewpoints faces most of the falls head-on. The Zambian side gets you closer to the water and offers seasonal experiences like Devil’s Pool. Many travelers see both, and crossing the bridge between the two countries is easy.
Plan on at least seven to 10 days. That gives you time for Victoria Falls plus a safari in Hwange National Park. If you have two weeks, you can add Mana Pools, Lake Kariba, or Matobo Hills. Zimbabwe also pairs well with Botswana’s Chobe or Zambia’s South Luangwa for a longer regional trip.
Next steps
Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll match you with a local expert who knows the destination inside and out. It’s free to get a quote.