Safari in Central Highveld
Explore the accessible wildlife and cultural sites of Zimbabwe's Central Highveld, including reserves near Harare and the Midlands.
Central Highveld Parks Map
Explore safari parks across Central Highveld
Central Highveld Safari Parks
Explore safari parks in Central Highveld
Antelope Game Park
Antelope Game Park is a protected area in Zimbabwe.
Chengeta Game Reserve
Chengeta Game Reserve is a protected area in Zimbabwe.
Chinhoyi Caves Recreational Park
Chinhoyi Caves Recreational Park is a protected area in Zimbabwe.
Gosho Park
Gosho Park is a protected area in Zimbabwe.
Haka Game Park
Haka Game Park is a protected area in Zimbabwe.
Imire Rhino and Wildlife Conservation Wilderness
A private conservancy focused on rhino breeding and conservation, Imire offers intimate wildlife encounters, including opportunities to interact with rhinos and elephants. It's a great option for families and those interested in learning about conservation efforts firsthand, with a variety of other plains game also present.
Lake Macilwane Recreational Park
Lake Macilwane Recreational Park is a protected area in Zimbabwe.
Mufurudzi River
Mufurudzi River is a protected area in Zimbabwe.
Mukuvisi Woodlands
Mukuvisi Woodlands is a protected area in Zimbabwe.
Ngezi Recreational Park
Ngezi Recreational Park is a protected area in Zimbabwe.
Pamuzinda
Pamuzinda is a protected area in Zimbabwe.
Sebakwe Dam Recreational Park
Sebakwe Dam Recreational Park is a protected area in Zimbabwe.
Umfurudzi National Park
Umfurudzi National Park is a protected area in Zimbabwe.
Compare Parks in Central Highveld
Side-by-side comparison of safari parks in Central Highveld
| Park | Area | Wildlife | Lodges | Crowds | Malaria | Airport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Imire Rhino and Wildlife Conservation Wilderness | - | 289 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | FVWD (18km) |
| Antelope Game Park | - | 264 | - | Quiet | Moderate | FVGW (6km) |
| Chengeta Game Reserve | - | 313 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | ZW-0074 (7km) |
| Chinhoyi Caves Recreational Park | - | 54 | - | Moderate | Moderate | FVCC (20km) |
| Gosho Park | - | 289 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | FVHP (12km) |
| Haka Game Park | - | 330 | - | Quiet | Moderate | HRE (13km) |
| Lake Macilwane Recreational Park | - | 330 | - | Moderate | Moderate | FVLA (17km) |
| Mufurudzi River | - | 209 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | FVMD (42km) |
| Mukuvisi Woodlands | - | 330 | - | Moderate | Moderate | HRE (10km) |
| Ngezi Recreational Park | - | - | - | Quiet | Moderate | FVMI (46km) |
| Pamuzinda | - | 219 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | ZW-0074 (2km) |
| Sebakwe Dam Recreational Park | - | - | - | Quiet | Moderate | FV76 (25km) |
119 species recorded in Central Highveld9 threatened
We find the Central Highveld's landscape to possess a subtle, understated beauty, a refreshing contrast to the more dramatic lowveld. The air here, particularly in the cooler months, carries a crispness that invigorates, and we love the way the golden light filters through the Miombo canopy at dawn. The ancient granite kopjes are not just geological features; they are silent sentinels, offering breathtaking panoramic views that truly make you feel connected to the land's deep history. We recommend seeking out a sundowner spot atop one of these kopjes; the sunsets are sensational, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple.
Terrain & Altitude
Rolling hills and plateaus, often interspersed with granite kopjes, characterize this elevated region.
1,200-1,700m above sea level
Vegetation
Miombo woodland dominates, characterized by Brachystegia species, interspersed with open grasslands and riverine vegetation along watercourses.
Water Sources
A network of perennial rivers, seasonal streams, and numerous man-made dams provide vital water sources throughout the year.
Unique Features
Distinctive granite kopjes, ancient geological formations, punctuate the landscape, offering unique vantage points and micro-habitats.
We find that flying into Harare offers the most convenient access to the Central Highveld, allowing for easy self-drive or guided transfers. While the main roads are generally excellent, we always recommend hiring a reliable 4WD vehicle for exploring the reserves themselves, as some internal tracks can be challenging, particularly after rain.
Nearest Airports
Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (HRE), Harare
0-200km / 0-2.5hr drive
Daily connections from Johannesburg, Nairobi, and Addis Ababa on various carriers including Airlink, Kenya Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines.
Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport (BUQ), Bulawayo
150-300km / 2-4hr drive
Regular connections from Johannesburg on Airlink and Fastjet.
Driving Routes
From Harare
Excellent tarmac roads connect Harare to most sites within the Central Highveld. We recommend a 4WD if exploring smaller, unpaved tracks within reserves, especially during the wet season.
From Bulawayo
Well-maintained national highways provide direct access to the western Central Highveld. Again, a 4WD is advisable for off-road exploration within protected areas.
Temperature
20.8°C
69°F
Rainfall
241.9 mm
Heavy rains
Humidity
79.4%
Sunshine
9.5 hrs/day
Data source: Open-Meteo Archive API
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