Rivers that thunder, safaris that surprise

Zambia & Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls announces itself in mist you feel kilometers away. Zambia's South Luangwa pioneered walking safari, Lower Zambezi offers canoe expeditions at elephant eye-level, and both countries employ some of Africa's finest guides. The infrastructure is less polished than Botswana or South Africa, the camps more rustic, but the guiding quality and wilderness access often exceed more expensive destinations.

Regions & Landscapes

Zambia and Zimbabwe's regions offer authentic wilderness experiences and water-based adventures—from the thundering spectacle of Victoria Falls to remote river valleys where walking safaris reveal Africa's untamed character.

Victoria Falls

Shared by both countries, the mighty Zambezi plunges over a mile-wide cliff in one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders. Helicopter flights, sunset cruises, and viewpoint walks reveal different perspectives of this thundering masterpiece.

South Luangwa (Zambia)

Birthplace of the walking safari, where expert guides pioneer foot encounters with wildlife. Days reveal intricate ecosystem relationships impossible to appreciate from vehicles.

Lower Zambezi (Zambia)

A quieter gem where canoe safaris bring you eye-level with elephants drinking from the river. Days often end fishing for tigerfish or watching wildlife from camp decks overlooking channels where hippos surface at sunset.

Hwange National Park (Zimbabwe)

Zimbabwe's largest reserve, home to big elephant herds and excellent predator sightings, often in total solitude. One of Africa's most authentic safari experiences away from crowds.

Mana Pools (Zimbabwe)

Renowned for walking safaris and canoe adventures where few places let you track wild dogs on foot or drift silently past bull elephants standing mid-channel in the Zambezi.

Victoria Falls

South Luangwa (Zambia)

Birthplace of the walking safari, where expert guides pioneer foot encounters with wildlife. Days reveal intricate ecosystem relationships impossible to appreciate from vehicles.

Lower Zambezi (Zambia)

Hwange National Park (Zimbabwe)

Zimbabwe's largest reserve, home to big elephant herds and excellent predator sightings, often in total solitude. One of Africa's most authentic safari experiences away from crowds.

Mana Pools (Zimbabwe)

Renowned for walking safaris and canoe adventures where few places let you track wild dogs on foot or drift silently past bull elephants standing mid-channel in the Zambezi.

Wildlife

Zambia and Zimbabwe draw travelers for authentic encounters and adventure-based wildlife experiences—from massive elephant herds along the Zambezi to walking safaris that reveal Africa's wildest character.

Elephants

Especially around the Lower Zambezi and Hwange, where herds gather for drinking and bathing rituals. Canoe-level encounters provide unique perspectives on elephant behavior and family dynamics.

Big Cats

Lions and leopards across both countries, with Hwange and Mana Pools offering exceptional sightings often without other vehicles present for authentic wilderness encounters.

Canoe Safaris

Unique to the Zambezi River system, allowing silent approaches to drinking wildlife while navigating channels where hippos and crocodiles add appropriate excitement to every paddle stroke.

Walking Safari Specialists

Expert guides whose tracking skills and wilderness knowledge create foot safari experiences that reveal intricate ecosystem relationships impossible to appreciate from vehicles.

Elephants

Especially around the Lower Zambezi and Hwange, where herds gather for drinking and bathing rituals. Canoe-level encounters provide unique perspectives on elephant behavior and family dynamics.

Big Cats

Lions and leopards across both countries, with Hwange and Mana Pools offering exceptional sightings often without other vehicles present for authentic wilderness encounters.

Canoe Safaris

Unique to the Zambezi River system, allowing silent approaches to drinking wildlife while navigating channels where hippos and crocodiles add appropriate excitement to every paddle stroke.

Walking Safari Specialists

Expert guides whose tracking skills and wilderness knowledge create foot safari experiences that reveal intricate ecosystem relationships impossible to appreciate from vehicles.

Best Times to Visit

Dry Season:
June to October

Ideal for both game viewing and Victoria Falls experiences. Wildlife concentrates around rivers while the Falls maintain dramatic flow without excessive mist.

Green Season:
November to April

Lush landscapes and fewer travelers, though some remote areas become less accessible. Victoria Falls reaches peak flow during these months.

Why Zambia & Zimbabwe

These countries offer something increasingly rare—authentic wilderness adventure without compromise. Walking safaris where expert guides share traditional tracking knowledge. Canoe expeditions among elephants and hippos. Victoria Falls experienced from every angle through helicopter flights and sunset river cruises.

This is safari for adventurous souls who prefer depth over checklist encounters. The absence of crowds creates intimate wildlife encounters where guides adapt entirely to animal behavior rather than vehicle schedules, while the Zambezi River system provides water-based perspectives impossible elsewhere in Africa.

Zambia & Zimbabwe Pair Well With

Many travelers combine Zambia and Zimbabwe with destinations that complement their adventurous spirit:

Botswana combines Victoria Falls drama with pristine delta wilderness—comprehensive water-safari circuits across different river systems.

South Africa pairs authentic wilderness adventure with wine country sophistication—remote river camps to cosmopolitan cities.

Namibia contrasts water-rich landscapes with dramatic desert environments—remarkable diversity while maintaining authentic, less-crowded experiences.

See how these countries feature in our Botswana & Victoria Falls Signature Journey, or browse all Signature Journeys.

Ready to Experience Zambia & Zimbabwe?

From tracking wild dogs on foot to drifting silently past drinking elephants while hippos grunt nearby, we'll position you for encounters that reveal Africa's wildest, most authentic character.

Start Planning

Ready to Experience Zambia & Zimbabwe?

From tracking wild dogs on foot to drifting silently past drinking elephants while hippos grunt nearby, we'll position you for encounters that reveal Africa's wildest, most authentic character.

Start Planning

Ready to Experience Zambia & Zimbabwe?

From tracking wild dogs on foot to drifting silently past drinking elephants while hippos grunt nearby, we'll position you for encounters that reveal Africa's wildest, most authentic character.

Start Planning

Reverie Safaris

Destinations

Safari Itineraries

Private Jet Safaris

Private Villas

Client Stories

Planning Guides

Style Guide

About / Services

More Info

Cookie Policy