An African hunt is always something special, but game hunting in Zimbabwe is truly something exceptional. As an international or American hunter, from the second your Zimbabwe hunting safari begins, you will be awestruck by the sheer beauty of the destination, the range of species, as well as hunters using tried and tested hunting methods to hunt an array of trophies. But what happens when hunters complete the hunting adventures and harvest the trophies? What else is there to do in this destination, apart from enjoying an incredible hunting safari?
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Why Go Hunting in Zimbabwe?
When it comes to game hunting destinations in Africa, Zimbabwe ranks highly as a sought-after location for an authentic African hunting experience. It is no wonder that international and American hunters rate this destination so highly! From species and scenery to hunting methods and experiences, Zimbabwe remains a top game hunting destination for many reasons:
- Outfitters provide Zimbabwe hunting safaris throughout the year, providing hunting safaris from January through to December.
- Zimbabwe offers untamed, unfenced hunting adventures in stunning scenery and diverse landscapes.
- Hunting in Zimbabwe allows you to target a wide range of species, including African plains game, dangerous game, and specialty game hunting trophies.
- Zimbabwe hunting safaris support conservation initiatives and programs.
- This African country is renowned for its exceptional quality trophies, specifically with the Cape Buffalo and Elephant species.
- Game hunting in Zimbabwe is a thrilling, exciting, and challenging African hunt, allowing hunting enthusiasts worldwide to experience an authentic African hunting safari.
- The Zimbabwean outfitters are some of the most knowledgeable and experienced worldwide, sharing their knowledge of this beautiful country and its wildlife offerings with hunters, allowing for a memorable African safari.
What are the Most Sought-After Species to Hunt in Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe remains a popular country in which to enjoy an African hunting trip. The area ticks the boxes in terms of species, challenges and rewards, a variety of hunting methods, memorable experiences, and beautiful scenery.
The area is alive with abundant game options, with some popular species being, amongst others:
Big 5 and Dangerous 7: Lion, Leopard, Cape Buffalo, Elephant, Hippo, and Nile Crocodile
African Plains Game: Kudu, Eland, Sable, Impala, Bushbuck, Wildebeest, Waterbuck, Tsessebe
Specialty Game: Warthog, Giraffe, Honey badger, Civet, Spotted Hyena, Brown Hyena
The Zimbabwe Hunting Safari is Complete. What Now?
For those enjoying game hunting in Zimbabwe, the question is often: Can I bring my family with me? And are these tourist activities to enjoy after my African hunting safari?
The answer? Most definitely YES! Zimbabwe has a wide range of tourist activities to enjoy and experience. From young and old to single travelers or families, this diverse African destination is a melting pot of heritage, culture, adventure, and outdoor activities just waiting to be explored and enjoyed! We’ve listed some of the most popular tourist attractions to enjoy after a Zimbabwe hunting safari:
Heritage & Cultural Activities
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Did you know that Zimbabwe is home to not one or two, but 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites? Three of these sites are cultural, with the other two being natural.
Cultural Sites
- Great Zimbabwe National Monument: These ruins are found in southeast Zimbabwe, about 19 miles southeast of Masvingo. This city once served as the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe.
- Matobo Hills: Located in southern Zimbabwe, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is located around 22 miles south of Bulawayo. This site is renowned for its ancient rock art, unique rock formations, and granite landscapes.
- Khami Ruins National Monument: This monument is located about 13 miles west of Bulawayo. The ancient site served as the seat of the Torwa dynasty, succeeding the Great Zimbabwe city from about 1450 to 1650 AD.
Natural Sites
- Mana Pools National Park, Sapi and Chewore Safari Areas: This site is in northern Zimbabwe, along the lower Zambezi River. It forms a border with Zambia and is renowned for its abundant wildlife, including species such as the Cape Buffalo, Elephants, and other species. This area is an important conservation area within Southern Africa, supporting wildlife populations and preserving the habitats.
- Victoria Falls: Locals know this waterfall as “Mosi-oa-Tunya“or “The Smoke that Thunders.” It is one of Africa’s most beautiful natural wonders and is considered by some as the largest waterfall in Africa, due to its dimensions and flow volume.
Bulawayo
Zimbabwe’s second-largest city is well worth visiting, effortlessly combining modern elegance with colonial charm. The city’s rich cultural heritage provides a great platform for visitors to explore, with tourist attractions including:
- National Gallery of Zimbabwe: A vibrant and diverse collection of both indoor and outdoor exhibits.
- The Old Bulawayo Museum: This museum allows visitors to step back in time and explore the rich history of the Ndebele people in this reconstructed town and heritage center. Both young and old alike will be fascinated with the heritage and culture of these proud people.
- Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Statue: This statue honors a key politician and revolutionary and provides great insight into Zimbabwe’s political roots, making it a must-see for visitors interested in the country’s heritage.
- Bulawayo Railway Museum of Zimbabwe: All aboard! Visiting this impressive museum is a must for all families in the region. The vast collection of vintage steam trains, as well as its wide range of memorabilia, will have both young and old fascinated. Who isn’t keen to jump on an old train to explore all it has to offer?
- National History Museum of Zimbabwe: This museum ticks the boxes for those interested in geology and science, with its wide array of interactive exhibits providing an exciting and educational experience for visitors.
Harare
Zimbabwe’s capital and largest city is found in the northeastern section of the country, and is home to a melting pot of cultures, people, activities, and experiences. A visit to this vibrant city is a must, with numerous activities available to enjoy:
- The Avondale Flea Market: This urban market is the place to go for curios, souvenirs, and crafts!
- The Museum of African Liberation: This museum allows visitors some useful insight into both African and Zimbabwean history
- Harare Gardens: This beautiful park is the city’s largest public park, and the perfect venue for a bit of downtime, a picnic, or simply people watching after a long day’s sightseeing
- The National Gallery of Zimbabwe: Offering occasional live performances, exhibits of art, sculpture, and outdoor exhibits, the gallery is well worth visiting
- Mukuvisi Woodlands: This urban nature reserve offers cycling and walking trails that tick the boxes for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Outdoor & Adventure Activities
Victoria Falls
Known locally as “The Smoke that Thunders,” this waterfall is breathtakingly beautiful and well worth a visit for any tourist in the region. The area is alive with differing tourist activities in which to partake, depending on how relaxed – or adrenaline-filled- you want your experience to be.
For adventure seekers to the falls, perhaps a bungee-jumping session, some white-water rafting, zip-lining, or even a gorge swing will get those heart rates up and at ‘em!
For those wanting a more relaxed experience, a majestic sunset cruise on the Zambezi River might be an option. The Victoria Falls Bridge provides mesmerizing views over the area, and even a scenic helicopter flip might be the order of the day to get a bird’s eye view of the region.
Chinhoyi Caves
Zimbabwe’s Chinhoyi Caves are located near Chinhoyi and about 70 miles from Harare. These caves are a national monument and a popular tourist attraction.
These caves are a series of interconnected dolomite and limestone caves, known for their beauty, cultural significance, as well as a dive site for experienced divers. From enjoying the scenery to going diving in the “Sleeping Pool,” these caves provide ample entertainment for tourists.
Mutarazi Falls
These idyllic waterfalls are found in Mutarazi National Park within the Manicaland province in Zimbabwe. They are the tallest waterfalls in Zimbabwe, at around 2,499 to 2,533 feet.
Be prepared to travel on a dirt road for approximately 11-13 miles to reach this natural wonder, but the attraction is well worth the trip!
Activities in the area include:
- Zip lining
- Nature and Hiking Trails
- Skywalk Bridges
Lake Kariba
Lake Kariba is in northeastern Zimbabwe and forms the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. It is the world’s largest manmade lake, measuring around 139 miles long, up to 25 miles wide, and reaching a depth of around 95 feet. The area is renowned for its abundant and diverse wildlife and natural beauty.
Many tourists visit this area to enjoy its wildlife, as well as the wide array of water sports and activities, such as:
- Sunset Cruises down the Zambezi River, enjoying the views of Africa’s wilderness at its best
- The area is renowned for world-class fishing for tigerfish and bream. Many lodges and charters are found around the lake, allowing fishermen to catch the “one that got away!”
- For those wanting a leisurely holiday, houseboats or boats can be hired to explore the huge lake at their own pace.
- The area offers cultural tours of villages found near Lake Kariba, as well as numerous wildlife safaris to view the abundant wildlife in the region.
- Many Zimbabwe hunting safaris also take place in the region, with the lake being a premier destination for Nile Crocodile and Hippo hunting in Zimbabwe.
Wildlife Tourist Activities
Hwange National Park
Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest national park at about 5,657 square miles. It is found in northwestern Zimbabwe, near the Botswana border.
This national park is home to four of Africa’s Big 5, namely the Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Lion, and Leopard, with only the Rhino not calling Hwange home. Hwange is renowned for its abundant array of wildlife, with more than 100 mammal species found there, including the endangered Wild Dog. Hwange is home to a large Elephant population, with numbers estimated at more than 30,000. These gentle African giants are said to make up one of Africa’s largest Elephant populations.
This national park ticks all the boxes in terms of a unique African safari experience, offering tourists a diverse range of activities in which to partake:
- Walking Safaris
- Day and Night Game Drives
- Horseback Safaris
- Birdwatching
- Cultural Tours of the surrounding areas
- Photographic Safaris
Hwange also offers different accommodation options to suit your budget and lifestyle, allowing travelers to totally immerse themselves in this extraordinary wildlife adventure
Gonarezhou National Park
This is Zimbabwe’s second-largest national park, sporting an area of approximately 1,950 square miles. Found in the Lowveld region of Zimbabwe, the park is renowned for its huge biodiversity and untamed wilderness, allowing visitors a truly African safari experience.
The park is home to a wide range of African cats, a large population of Elephants, Wild Dogs, as well as diverse bird life. The park has numerous accommodation options for those wanting to relax and unwind in this beautiful paradise.
Popular tourist activities in the park include:
- Game Drives
- Hiking and Walking Trails
- Cultural Experiences with the local Shangaan community
- Fishing
- Photographic Tours
Matobo National Park
This national park is renowned for its interesting granite structures. Situated in southwest Zimbabwe, the park is approximately 44, 500 ha and home to antelope species, Leopard, Rhinos, and more than 175 bird species. Interestingly enough, for bird lovers, it is also home to the world’s highest density of Black Eagles.
Visitors to Matobo National Park can enjoy bird watching, game drives, hiking, white Rhino tracking, and cultural experiences exploring the San’s rock art in the surrounding caves.
For those interested in spending a night or two, the park has accommodation and lodges to suit all tastes and budgets.
Mana Pools National Park
This park is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, found in northern Zimbabwe. This park is renowned for its large populations of dangerous game, including Hippos, Nile Crocodiles, Elephants, Leopards, and Lions, as well as many and varied antelope species.
This national park allows you to experience Africa at its best, there in the middle of the untamed wilderness as you camp in the park or chill in a simple bush lodge under the stars.
Tourist Activities in this national park include:
- Fishing
- Walking Safaris
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Bird watching
- Game Drives
Other popular game parks and national parks in Zimbabwe include Chimanimani National Park and Lake Kariba’s Matusadona National Park.
Zimbabwe: Tourism Delights after Hunting Adventures
While your initial thought was to enjoy some hunting in Zimbabwe, you can see without a shadow of a doubt that this destination offers a delightful array of tourism activities to explore and enjoy. These can be enjoyed pre- or post-hunting safari, alone or together with friends and family, and can be as exciting or chilled as you prefer.
But whatever you do, don’t delay in exploring this exquisite destination and booking your hunting adventure for a memorable and discerning African hunting safari.
Check out our latest range of Zimbabwe hunting safaris here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to hunt in Zimbabwe?
Yes, hunting in Zimbabwe is legal. Hunting takes place in Zimbabwe throughout the year.
Can you hunt dangerous game on a Zimbabwe hunting safari?
Yes, game hunting in Zimbabwe offers hunters a wide array of species, including members of Africa’s Big 5 and Dangerous 7. Dangerous game included on a Zimbabwe hunting safari includes Lion, Leopard, Cape Buffalo, Elephant, Hippo, and Nile Crocodile.
Is night hunting allowed in Zimbabwe?
While national parks do not permit hunting safaris to take place at night, communal or tribal areas, as well as private hunting concessions, do allow the targeting of night species on their land. Species that are hunted at night include Leopard, Lion, and Bushpig.
Is hunting with hounds allowed in Zimbabwe?
Hunting with hounds is allowed but does require a special permit.
Does the country have any tourist activities to enjoy after a Zimbabwe hunting safari?
Zimbabwe is a melting pot of cultures, people, experiences and activities and most certainly has a wide array of tourist activities to enthrall both young and old. From cultural to adventure, and outdoor to wildlife, Zimbabwe has you covered as a top-class tourist destination!