Do you love to go on safari in Africa, but don’t want crowds around you? If yes! Then, Zimbabwe is your answer. It has places for safaris that many people are unaware of. You will find many amazing animals in its national parks. You can see huge groups of elephants, hippos relaxing by the rivers, and many rare birds. If you love animals and want to see them without big crowds, Zimbabwe is a great choice. If you are serious about seeing animals in the wild, I’ve picked ten parks that you should not miss.
Top 10 Must-Visit National Parks in Zimbabwe
1. Hwange National Park
If you want to visit an amazing place full of wildlife, go to Hwange National Park. It is Zimbabwe’s biggest and most popular park. And do you know why it’s famous? It’s famous for its more than 40,000 elephants, making it one of the best places in Africa to see them. But if you think it’s all about elephants, you are wrong. You’ll also find over 100 different types of other animals and more than 400 kinds of birds. During the dry months, from June to October, you can spot animals such as lions, large buffalo, speedy cheetahs, and wild dogs. So, if you are on a budget and looking for cheap flights to Zimbabwe from the UK, keep Hwange National Park at the top of your list.
2. Mana Pools National Park
If you love walking safaris, Mana Pools Park is a real gem. Close your eyes for a moment and just imagine exploring a beautiful, wild area on foot. It feels great, right? That’s what Mana Pools is all about. You’ll need to be ready for some walking, but it’s totally worth it. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can see elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and lions, especially close to the water. To see the most wildlife, visit during the dry season when they all gather at the river.
3. Matobo National Park
If you go a little south of Bulawayo, you’ll find Matobo Park. It is famous for its granite rocks and for being a safe place for rhinos. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site with a fascinating history and diverse wildlife. You can walk to find rhinos there. You might also see some leopards, klipspringers, and eagles.
4. Gonarezhou National Park
Do you know the meaning of Gonarezhou? It means Place of Elephants. It’s a vast park in Zimbabwe, and it’s connected to other parks in Mozambique and South Africa. If you think what makes it special is wild, and you won’t find many people there. You’ll get to see amazing animals like elephants, lions, buffalo, nyala, and wild dogs there.
5. Matusadona National Park
Have you ever imagined a place where the lake meets the wild? That’s Matusadona National Park! You can go on safaris both on land (in a car) and on the lake (in a boat). You can see many animals, including hippos, Crocodiles, giant elephants, Beautiful fish, and eagles flying in the sky. Lions and leopards also inhabit the area, but they are difficult to spot. Matusadona used to have many black rhinos, but sadly, their numbers went down because people hunted them illegally (this is called poaching).
6. Chizarira National Park
Do you want a safari with no one else around? Chizarira is your spot. Because it’s a very quiet park in Zimbabwe, which means you often won’t see anyone else in its huge 2,000 square kilometres. You can find it next to the Zambezi Escarpment. There are elephants, lions, leopards, and antelopes, but you’ll need to be patient to see them. If you enjoy adventures and have travelled extensively, this place is perfect for you, as the park is very wild and lacks amenities such as shops or accommodations.
7. Kazuma Pan National Park
Have you ever imagined a secret wildlife paradise? If not, think of a special park called Kazuma Pan. It’s located in the very top left corner of Zimbabwe, close to the country of Botswana. And do you know what the best time to visit this place is? When it’s not rainy. Because that’s when many elephants, buffalo, and zebras come to drink water. And if you are a birdwatcher, you are going to love this place. There are more than 350 kinds of birds. It’s a worthwhile extra trip if you visit Victoria Falls or Hwange.
8. Nyanga National Park
If you’re looking for a different kind of trip, consider visiting Nyanga in the Eastern Highlands. It is a beautiful place with mountains, waterfalls and forests. You can spend your days hiking or trying to catch trout in the rivers. You won’t see big animals like lions, but you might spot smaller ones like blue duiker (a tiny deer), Samango monkeys, or even a leopard if you’re lucky. It’s a great spot to relax in nature and see some wildlife.
9. Zambezi National Park
Want to see cool animals? Go to Zambezi National Park! It’s close to Victoria Falls, but many people overlook it. You can spot elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and different kinds of antelopes there. You can easily visit it from Victoria Falls town, making it simple to include it as part of your visit.
10. Chimanimani National Park
If you’re looking for a calm and peaceful escape, Chimanimani Mountain Park is the perfect destination. If you think you will find lions or elephants here, you won’t. However, it’s teeming with plants, butterflies, and smaller wildlife. It’s a great spot to enjoy nature without big crowds.
Final Words
Want to see wild nature without huge crowds? Zimbabwe’s national parks are just the place. You can see big groups of elephants in Hwange, paddle next to hippos in Mana Pools, or find rhinos in Matobo. If you love wild animals, there’s something great here for you. And do you know that most travellers fly into the capital city first? So, it’s a good idea to look at a guide to Harare Airport before planning your safari. Plan your trip well, travel smart, and get ready to enjoy wild nature at its best.
