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Zimbabwe Wildlife

Zimbabwe Wildlife

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Zimbabwe

Wildlife

Zimbabwe is home to the big five animals. It also has more than 100 animal species and more than 400 bird species. Zimbabwe’s fortune in wildlife makes it eye-catching to tourists.

The chief game reserve in Zimbabwe is the Hwange national park in the Matabeleland north of Zimbabwe. This is where most Zimbabwe Wildlife is.

Having 8 national parks, Zimbabwe is a perfect place to have a wildlife safari. Visit and experience a perfect Zimbabwe Safari.

Game viewing in Zimbabwe

In order for people to view wildlife, they can visit the best national parks that we have on our Zimbabwe Safari Packages.

There they can have a beautiful experience as they engage in different activities such as boat cruises, Bamba tram experience, game drives, and helicopter flights.

  • Hwange national park
  • Victoria falls national park
  • Mana Pools national park
  • Matobo national park
  • Matusadonha national park
  • Gonarezhou national park.
  • Nyanga National park
  • Zambezi national park.

Major National park in Zimbabwe

Hwange National Park is the largest in Zimbabwe, situated in the Matabeleland North province of Zimbabwe.

This is the best park to see Wildlife In Zimbabwe as it has over a hundred animal species and over four hundred bird species. People can engage in walking, hunting, and game-viewing safaris.

Zimbabwe wildlife highlights

Zimbabwe boasts of having different wildlife species. Visit our game parks and have a perfect game-viewing experience. Here are places that are perfect for game viewing.

Visit Hwange national park where most of Zimbabwe’s animals are found. You can experience elephant walks, lion walks, and horse riding there.

You can go for game viewing by safari trucks, walking safaris, or helicopter game viewing.

Furthermore, you can go to Victoria Falls and view the wild animals at Zambezi National Park.

There you can also have the full-day Chobe activity that allows you to have a game viewing in the comfort of your boats or safari cars.

Lastly, you can visit Mana Pools National Park where you can experience the untamed wildlife.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

The cold and dry season starts from May up to mid-October is the best time for wildlife viewing in a Zimbabwe Safari.

For people that enjoy wildlife viewing, this is the Best Time To Visit Zimbabwe because it is easy to see animals looking for food and water. Furthermore, there won’t be much green hence it is easy to spot animals.

The game viewing experience in High Season vs. Low Season

High Season (April to October)

High Season (April to October)

Low vegetation and better wildlife viewing

Green surroundings and the low season mean lower rates of accommodation and safari cost

Less rain and a lot of sunshine make mosquito free

Excellent time to see the new-born animals

Less crowded parks mean more exclusivity

The wide presence of migratory birds the bird watching excellent

The temperature can go up to 32 degrees Celsius.

Less rain in the afternoon has negative impacts on safaris

The nights and morning gets cold

In low-lying areas, the temperature can go high

Wildlife Conservation in Zimbabwe

Elephants and rhinos in Zimbabwe are mostly prone to poaching because of their very valuable horns.

The rhino horns are sold at $65 thousand per kilogram. The elephant tusks are made from ivory which is sold for up to $689 per kilogram.

Because of this, these animals suffer a risk of poaching leading to a reduction in their numbers. If this is not solved these animals will be extinct in the next 10 years.

Zimbabwe has put in place measures to protect these animals such as the Imire Rhino and wildlife conservation trust which aims at educating the community on the negative impacts of poaching.

Below is a list of organizations that are fighting for animal conservation.

  • Vic falls anti-poaching unit in Victoria falls
  • Painted dog conservation in Hwange
  • Kariba animal welfare fund trust in Kariba

Zimbabwe Wildlife Safari Packages

Zimbabwe Wildlife Tour 7 days

See massive herds of elephants in the Hwange National Park and enjoy a tour down the Zambezi River via Mana Pools National Park. Stay at the Hwange bush camp and spot different animal species during your Zimbabwe Safari. For the Mana pools tour, stay in a houseboat and get a chance to take pictures of the beautiful sunset and sunrise.

Zimbabwe Water and Wildlife Safari 9 days

See the beauty of Zimbabwe on a safari. Starting in Hwange National Park, explore the largest park in Zimbabwe. You'll be able to see lions, leopards, spotted hyenas, cheetahs, and very large herds of elephants

Matusadona National Park is the next stop. Lake Kariba shore forms part of this park and therefore gives visitors a great mixture of land and water safari activities. The park is also one of the last remaining places where you can spot a Black Rhino.

Zimbabwe Wildlife Safaris and Game Drives Tours

Matusadonha national park Safari

Matusadona National Park is excellently packed with wildlife and a combination of deltas and hills. It offers reservations for Zimbabwe's largest elephants and buffalos.

Participate in game drives, cruises, tiger fishing, and bird watching. Adventurous people can take walking safaris with expert guides and armed rangers.

The price is $1300 USD per person including food, accommodation, and activities.

Mana Pools day tour

Mana Pools is one of the top safari Destinations in Zimbabwe. Its scenic beauty and fascinating wildlife games make it an unforgettable place to visit. There is high wildlife concentration alongside the river and in the flood plains.

Large populations of elephants gather regularly at sunrise at the reserve’s waterhole, while lions are also drawn to the prey that comes to drink there. Have a day tour of this beautiful park.

The price is $130 USD per person including food and activities.

Interesting Facts about Wildlife in Zimbabwe

  • Elephants are herbivores. They can drink up to 50 gallons of water per day. They can eat for up to 22 hours a day.
  • Lions are carnivores. They can eat up to 40 kilograms of meat per meal. The colour of the lion’s mane shows how old the lion is.
  • Baboons can travel up to 4 miles a day.
  • Male Buffalos can weigh up to 800 kilograms. Buffalos are grazers and eat mostly grass.
  • A zebra can sleep whilst standing.

Wildlife Safari Cost

It is easier to calculate the Zimbabwe Safari Cost of a wildlife safari as a package. This reduces the risk of having surprise costs. Below are some Zimbabwe Safari Packages that show the costs of a wildlife safari:

8-Day Gonarezhou Nonstop

Gonarezhou boasts of fantastic game-viewing by vehicle and on foot, with lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog, elephant, and much more.

This tour takes in this fabulous area from the lodge, tented camp, and mobile fly-camp accommodation, offering a packed tour full of fantastic experiences. Offering comfort and a dedicated tour leader, this is a great second or third safari.

The price is $7,729 per person for accommodation including food, and activities.

Matusadonha national park Safari

Matusadona National Park is excellently packed with wildlife and a combination of deltas and hills. It offers reservations for Zimbabwe's largest elephants and buffalos.

Participate in game drives, cruises, tiger fishing, and bird watching. Adventurous people can take walking safaris with expert guides and armed rangers.

The price is $1300 USD per person including food, accommodation, and activities.

Zimbabwe Wildlife Safari Accommodation

There are some affordable and picturesque accommodations available in Zimbabwe which are the best suited for every type of traveller. Those are:

Amalinda Lodge

Remotely located in an ancient bushman's shelter, Amalinda Lodge's charm will leave an amazing impression on every visitor. Amalinda Lodge has nine individually thatched rooms including three romantic honeymoon suites. It has a swimming pool, a library and a spa included.

The prices range from $970 to $1062 per night per person.

Bumi Hills Safari Lodge

Bumi Hills Safari Lodge is located on top of a hill around 55 kilometres southwest of Kariba town. It has 20 rooms, all with a bath and shower, above fans, air conditioning, mini-bars, tea and coffee-making facilities, and a balcony.

Every room has a lake view, appreciating the sunrise and sunset views. At the centre are the endless swimming pool, cocktail bar, and spa.

The price of the lodge is $920 per night per person.

The Amazing Animals of Zimbabwe

Pangolin (Shikwaru)

Pangolins are African and Asian mammals covered by horny overlapping scales. These animals are only found in Zimbabwe.

They are hunted and used for meat or making medicine. Its scales are used to make jewellery, especially in Asian countries. Here are some interesting facts about pangolins:

  • Pangolin means rolling. This is the way they use to defend themselves.
  • Pangolin scales make up 20% of its weight.

African leopard

The African leopard is another leopard specie found in your Safari To Zimbabwe. It is among the big five animals in Zimbabwe. Here are thighs you didn’t know about the African leopard:

  • They are picky eaters.
  • They are the smallest member of the cat family.
  • There are scared of humans.

African lion

African lions are part of the big five animals found in Zimbabwe. They are the second biggest members of the cat family. These mammals are also known as the kings of the jungle. Here are fun facts about African lions:

  • They can leave for up to 18 years.
  • Their roars can be heard from 9 km away.
  • Males defend their territory by marking it with urine.

Nile crocodile

This is a large crocodile that comes from Egypt. It feeds on fish, hippos, and other crocodiles. Here are some fun facts about the Nile crocodiles:

  • They can crush a tortoise shell in one bite
  • They can bite 5 times stronger than a lion
  • It’s the largest crocodile in Africa.2

Vervet monkey

These are monkeys usually found in urban areas where farmers grow their crops. This animal can be highly aggressive around people and they can also be friendly. Here are some of the things you didn’t know about vervet monkeys.

  • They live up to 24 years.
  • They eat leaves, fruits, nuts, and flowers.
  • They make their alcohol by fermenting sugarcane.

Go for a wildlife adventure in Zimbabwe and witness the untamed beauty of its diverse ecosystems. Get up close to magnificent elephants, spot elusive big cats, and marvel at rare bird species. Experience the thrill of responsible wildlife tourism while supporting conservation efforts. Discover the wonders of Zimbabwe Wildlife and create unforgettable memories. Book your Wildlife Safari In Zimbabwe today!

Frequently Asked Questions

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Sable antelope(Ngwarati)

This is the national animal of Zimbabwe. It is mostly found in Hwange National Park. It is one of Africa’s biggest antelope. Here is a list of facts about the sable antelope:

  • The males compete for females and territory.
  • They are hunted for their horns for trophies.
  • Their horns are used for defence.

1. Elephants (Nzou)

Over 80% of elephants in Zimbabwe live in lower Zambezi. Hundreds of thousands of elephants live in Zimbabwe. They are an important part of the big five animals. Here are some of the fun facts about elephants:

  • They are the world’s largest land mammals.
  • Elephants have thick skin.
  • Their tusks are teeth made of ivory.

2. Lions (Shumba)

There are approximately 500 lions in Zimbabwe. These are Zimbabwe’s most dangerous animals. They are also a part of the African Big five animals. Here are some of the interesting facts about lions:

  • They are the kings of the jungle.
  • Lions can eat up to 40 kilograms of meat per meal.
  • They are the only cats who roar together.

3. Buffalo (Nyati)

There are 231,257 Buffalos in Zimbabwe. These animals protect each other from predators and are very aggressive. They are also a member of the Big Five animals. Here are some interesting facts about Buffalos:

  • They are known to kill lions.
  • Buffalos are good swimmers.
  • They can run as fast as a horse.

4. Rhinoceros (Chipembere)

Zimbabwe has 1000 rhinos. They are part of the big five animals. Here are some of the interesting facts about the rhinoceros.

  • They can weigh up to 30 tonnes.
  • Their horns are made of keratin, the same protein that makes human nails.
  • The name rhinoceros means nose horn.

5. Leopard (Ingwe)

In Zimbabwe, leopards are mostly found in the Matobo national park. There are 16,064 leopards in Zimbabwe. They are part of the big five animals. Here are some fascinating facts one needs to know about leopards:

  • They are the strongest among all cats.
  • They can climb even when carrying heavy prey.
  • They are hard to trace in the wild.

Cheetah (Dindingwe)

There are approximately 7000 cheetahs you can find in Zimbabwe. They are mostly found at the Matusadonha national park and Mana Pools National Park. Here are some of the fun facts about cheetahs.

  • It is the fastest animal in the world.
  • They like hunting small animals that they can chase and kill.
  • They hunt during day time.

Giraffe(Twiza)

There are 7,985 giraffes in Zimbabwe. They are mostly found in the south and the western part of Zimbabwe. Giraffes are the tallest mammals in the world. Here are some of the things you should know about giraffes.

  • Their legs are taller than most humans.
  • The tongue of a giraffe can be up to 45 cm long.
  • They are known as models who move same-sided legs at once.

Hippopotamus(Mvuu)

Most hippos are found in the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe. This animal has the largest mouth of all land mammals. Here are things you didn’t know about hippos.

  • They can hold their breath for an average of 5 minutes when swimming.
  • They are active at night
  • Their mouths can break a watermelon in one bite.

Zebra(Mbizi)

Most game parks in Zimbabwe have zebras. These animals have unique stripes like fingerprints. Here are things to know about zebras.

  • Zebra stripes act as insect repellent and sunscreen.
  • New-born zebras can stand for six minutes.
  • They can sleep while standing up.

Hwange national park is the largest in Zimbabwe. This is where you find the top wild animals in Zimbabwe. This is the best place to see wildlife in Zimbabwe as it has over a hundred animal species and over four hundred bird species.

This is where most elephants are found. People can engage in walking, hunting, and game-viewing safaris while on a Zimbabwe Safari Tour.

Here is a list of other national parks that have a lot of animals

  • Victoria falls national park
  • Mana Pools national park
  • Matobo national park
  • Matusadonha national park
  • Gonarezhou national park.

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