Safari in Zambezi Valley & Kariba
Experience the wild Zambezi River, from the iconic Mana Pools National Park to the shores of Lake Kariba, offering exceptional canoeing safaris and diverse wildlife.
Zambezi Valley & Kariba Parks Map
Explore safari parks across Zambezi Valley & Kariba
Zambezi Valley & Kariba Safari Parks
Explore safari parks in Zambezi Valley & Kariba
Charara Safari Area
Charara Safari Area is a protected area in Zimbabwe.
Chewore River
Chewore River is a protected area in Zimbabwe.
Chewore Safari Area
Part of the larger Zambezi Valley ecosystem, Chewore is a vast and wild safari area known for its excellent walking safaris and remote wilderness experience. It's home to large populations of elephant, buffalo, lion, and leopard, offering a challenging yet rewarding safari for experienced adventurers.
Dande Safari Area
Dande Safari Area is a protected area in Zimbabwe.
Doma Safari Area
Doma Safari Area is a protected area in Zimbabwe.
Hurungwe Safari Area
Hurungwe Safari Area is a protected area in Zimbabwe.
Mana Pools National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mana Pools is famous for its unique walking safaris, allowing visitors to encounter wildlife on foot, often with experienced guides. The park's floodplains along the Zambezi River attract large concentrations of elephants, buffalo, zebras, and various antelope species, alongside a healthy population of lions and wild dogs, offering exceptional photographic opportunities.
Matusadona National Park
Situated on the shores of Lake Kariba, Matusadona is a rugged and scenic park known for its significant black rhino population and large herds of buffalo and elephants that graze along the lake's fringes. The park offers a unique blend of land and water-based safaris, with opportunities for boat cruises to spot hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.
Nyamaneche National Park
Nyamaneche National Park is a protected area in Zimbabwe.
Panyame Community Conservancy
Panyame Community Conservancy is a protected area in Zimbabwe.
Phundundu Wildlife Area
Phundundu Wildlife Area is a protected area in Zimbabwe.
Rifa Educational Camp Reserve
Rifa Educational Camp Reserve is a protected area in Zimbabwe.
Sapi Safari Area
Sapi Safari Area is a protected area in Zimbabwe.
Compare Parks in Zambezi Valley & Kariba
Side-by-side comparison of safari parks in Zambezi Valley & Kariba
| Park | Area | Wildlife | Lodges | Crowds | Malaria | Airport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mana Pools National Park | 219,600 km² | 372 | - | Quiet | Moderate | ZW-0046 (19km) |
| Matusadona National Park | - | 274 | - | Quiet | Moderate | FVTB (21km) |
| Chewore Safari Area | - | 357 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | ZW-0027 (40km) |
| Charara Safari Area | - | 146 | - | Quiet | Moderate | KAB (32km) |
| Chewore River | - | 372 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | ZW-0028 (19km) |
| Dande Safari Area | - | 357 | - | Quiet | Moderate | ZW-0023 (18km) |
| Doma Safari Area | - | 357 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | FV77 (46km) |
| Hurungwe Safari Area | - | 372 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | FVRF (27km) |
| Nyamaneche National Park | - | 130 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | FVIP (19km) |
| Panyame Community Conservancy | - | - | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | MZ-0027 (25km) |
| Phundundu Wildlife Area | - | 372 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | ZW-0030 (21km) |
| Rifa Educational Camp Reserve | - | 254 | - | Quiet | Moderate | FVCD (10km) |
148 species recorded in Zambezi Valley & Kariba16 threatened
We love the raw, untamed beauty of the Zambezi Valley and Kariba. The air here hums with life, thick with the scent of dust and wild sage after a rain. We recommend exploring the Zambezi by canoe, paddling silently past pods of hippos and watchful crocodiles; the sunsets over the water are simply sensational. The sheer scale of Lake Kariba is breathtaking, a shimmering blue expanse that feels both ancient and profoundly peaceful.
Terrain & Altitude
A vast, low-lying basin characterized by wide floodplains, acacia woodlands, and rugged escarpments.
300-600m above sea level
Vegetation
Dominated by mopane woodlands, acacia thickets, and riparian forests along the river and lake shores.
Water Sources
The mighty Zambezi River and the vast, man-made Lake Kariba are the lifeblood, supplemented by seasonal rivers and pans.
Unique Features
The dramatic confluence of the wild Zambezi River and the immense, serene expanse of Lake Kariba creates a unique aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem.
Getting to the Zambezi Valley and Kariba is part of the adventure. While driving from Harare is feasible, we often suggest flying into one of the local airstrips for Mana Pools to maximize your time in the wild. For Kariba, a scenic drive is perfectly enjoyable, but chartering a small plane can offer breathtaking aerial views of the lake and surrounding bush.
Nearest Airports
Harare International Airport (HRE)
350km / 4-5hr drive to Mana Pools
Daily international and regional flights
Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA)
450km / 6-7hr drive to Kariba
Daily connections from Johannesburg and Cape Town
Bush Airstrips
Driving Routes
From Harare
We recommend taking the A1 highway towards Chirundu. The final stretch into Mana Pools is a well-maintained dirt road, but a 4WD is always a good idea, especially after rain.
From Harare
This route is mostly tarmac and offers scenic views as you descend towards the lake. Be prepared for some winding roads closer to Kariba town.
Temperature
23.8°C
75°F
Rainfall
323.2 mm
Heavy rains
Humidity
81.6%
Sunshine
8.7 hrs/day
Data source: Open-Meteo Archive API
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