Zimbabwe

Anchored by the Falls

Zimbabwe's best-known draw is Victoria Falls, where the Zambezi River drops into a narrow gorge in a curtain of spray visible for miles. The town of Victoria Falls has grown into an adventure travel hub around the falls themselves, offering a range of activities alongside the natural spectacle. Victoria Falls town also sits within a short drive of Chobe National Park across the border in Botswana, making a multi-country add-on straightforward for travellers with extra time.

Wildlife beyond the waterfall

Inland, Hwange National Park holds one of the largest elephant populations in Africa, and Mana Pools along the Zambezi River is known for walking safaris and canoe trips past hippo and elephant. Zimbabwe's parks see fewer visitors than some of its neighbours, which appeals to travellers seeking a quieter safari experience; our Victoria Falls Adventure itinerary is built around this side of the country. Zimbabwe's culture blends Shona and Ndebele traditions, visible in the country's music, crafts and the stone ruins of Great Zimbabwe further inland.

When the falls run fullest

The Zambezi's flow varies enormously through the year: the falls are at their most dramatic, with heavy spray and full width, from roughly February to May following the rainy season, while lower water levels later in the year, from around August onward, expose more of the rock face and open up activities such as swimming at the top of the falls when conditions allow. May through September is generally the most comfortable and driest stretch for combining the falls with wildlife viewing.