Zambia and Zimbabwe – Personal Travel Studio

Zambia and Zimbabwe are two of southern Africa’s most rewarding destinations.

And there’s much more to discover than Victoria Falls, extraordinary though it is.

Both countries offer exceptional wildlife, beautiful safari lodges, remarkable landscapes and opportunities to experience Africa away from the busiest safari routes.

There’s Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park and Mana Pools, Zambia’s South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi, and of course the magnificent Zambezi River connecting the two countries.

Phillip has travelled into Zimbabwe from Botswana and Namibia, staying at Elephant Camp and visiting Victoria Falls.

For us, these countries work beautifully as standalone safari destinations or as part of a longer African journey.

Our travels in Zambia and Zimbabwe

Phillip’s journey began in Botswana, exploring the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park before crossing into Namibia to join the wonderful Zambezi Queen.

From there, the journey continued by road into Zimbabwe.

The highlight was Victoria Falls, one of the world’s greatest natural spectacles.

Phillip stayed at Elephant Camp, a beautiful luxury lodge overlooking the surrounding wilderness.

It’s a wonderful setting from which to explore the falls while enjoying the atmosphere of a safari lodge.

What makes this combination particularly special is the variety.

Remote safari camps, wildlife along the Chobe River and then the extraordinary experience of Victoria Falls.

It’s exactly the sort of journey we love creating.

That journey gives us a personal starting point for discussing Victoria Falls and the experience of arriving there after time on safari. It also shows why the order of a holiday matters: each stage can offer a different perspective while still feeling connected to the places before it.

We would draw on Phillip’s Zimbabwe experience when considering this combination, then look carefully at any additional regions you want to include. Zambia brings further possibilities, but a longer route needs enough time for the travelling as well as the wildlife.

For us, the aim is to give each stop a worthwhile place in the holiday, with time to settle in and enjoy the surroundings.

Why we love Zambia and Zimbabwe

The attraction for us is the relationship between the rivers, wildlife and places to stay. Victoria Falls can be the starting point for a holiday, but the quieter days in camp often provide the space to appreciate the wider landscape.

We particularly like the possibility of experiencing a safari in different ways. A game drive offers one perspective, while an appropriately guided walk or river outing can draw your attention to other details. Choosing a camp with the right mix of activities gives the stay its own character.

There is also room to keep the journey focused. You might pair Hwange with the falls, or spend longer exploring two contrasting regions in Zambia. Both approaches can work well without trying to cross every border or visit every park.

Thoughtful pacing lets the memorable moments stand on their own. A quiet morning overlooking the river can belong in the itinerary just as naturally as a day devoted to wildlife.

For us, Zambia and Zimbabwe offer far more than one famous waterfall.

They’re destinations where extraordinary wildlife, beautiful wilderness and memorable journeys come together.

Our Zambia and Zimbabwe picks

These six choices include the places described in Phillip’s journey alongside ideas for exploring further. We would select a combination around your interests, the season and how much travelling you enjoy.

Victoria Falls – The Smoke That Thunders

Victoria Falls is one of Africa's most spectacular sights.

Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning The Smoke That Thunders, the falls stretch across the Zambezi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The scale is extraordinary.

Depending on the season, enormous volumes of water plunge into the gorge below, creating clouds of spray visible from miles away.

Both countries offer different perspectives.

Zimbabwe provides extensive viewpoints along the falls, while Zambia offers opportunities to explore the eastern side and, seasonally, experiences such as Livingstone Island.

We'd recommend allowing at least two or three nights rather than rushing through.

We would discuss which side suits your plans and how the water levels may affect the experience during your stay. Leave room for an unhurried visit rather than fitting the falls between transfers. A comfortable base nearby also gives you time to enjoy the river and the surrounding area without making every day a full programme of excursions.

Victoria Falls – The Smoke That Thunders

Victoria Falls is one of Africa's most spectacular sights.

Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning The Smoke That Thunders, the falls stretch across the Zambezi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The scale is extraordinary.

Depending on the season, enormous volumes of water plunge into the gorge below, creating clouds of spray visible from miles away.

Both countries offer different perspectives.

Zimbabwe provides extensive viewpoints along the falls, while Zambia offers opportunities to explore the eastern side and, seasonally, experiences such as Livingstone Island.

We'd recommend allowing at least two or three nights rather than rushing through.

Hwange National Park

Hwange is Zimbabwe's largest national park and one of its finest safari destinations.

It's particularly renowned for elephants, but also offers opportunities to encounter lions, leopards, buffalo and African wild dogs.

The landscape combines woodland, open plains and waterholes, creating excellent wildlife viewing, particularly during the dry season.

There are some wonderful intimate safari camps here.

For us, Hwange combines naturally with Victoria Falls, allowing you to enjoy a traditional safari before or after visiting the falls.

The choice of camp helps shape how you experience the park. We would consider its setting, guiding and the activities available, along with how it connects to the rest of your holiday.

Several nights give you more opportunities to explore and allow the days to develop their own rhythm. There should be time to enjoy the camp as well as head out in search of wildlife. A quieter afternoon can be a welcome balance to an early start, particularly after travelling from another destination.

Hwange National Park

Hwange is Zimbabwe's largest national park and one of its finest safari destinations.

It's particularly renowned for elephants, but also offers opportunities to encounter lions, leopards, buffalo and African wild dogs.

The landscape combines woodland, open plains and waterholes, creating excellent wildlife viewing, particularly during the dry season.

There are some wonderful intimate safari camps here.

For us, Hwange combines naturally with Victoria Falls, allowing you to enjoy a traditional safari before or after visiting the falls.

The choice of camp helps shape how you experience the park. We would consider its setting, guiding and the activities available, along with how it connects to the rest of your holiday.

Mana Pools and the Zambezi

Mana Pools is one of Zimbabwe's most remarkable wilderness areas.

Situated alongside the Zambezi River, it's famous for its beautiful riverine landscapes, elephants, predators and exceptional walking safari opportunities.

Across the river lies Zambia's Lower Zambezi National Park.

Both offer wonderfully remote safari experiences, with opportunities for game drives, guided walks and river-based activities.

It's a particularly appealing region for travellers looking for something quieter and more adventurous.

The atmosphere around the river is a large part of the appeal. We would choose accommodation and activities around your interests, whether you want longer outings or more time enjoying the setting of the camp.

Walking and water activities depend on the operator, season and local conditions, so we would check the details before building them into your plans. Allow several nights to appreciate the area, and avoid assuming that crossing to the opposite bank is a simple transfer between camps.

Mana Pools and the Zambezi

Mana Pools is one of Zimbabwe's most remarkable wilderness areas.

Situated alongside the Zambezi River, it's famous for its beautiful riverine landscapes, elephants, predators and exceptional walking safari opportunities.

Across the river lies Zambia's Lower Zambezi National Park.

Both offer wonderfully remote safari experiences, with opportunities for game drives, guided walks and river-based activities.

It's a particularly appealing region for travellers looking for something quieter and more adventurous.

South Luangwa and Kafue – Zambia's safari wilderness

Zambia is particularly celebrated for its walking safaris.

South Luangwa National Park is one of Africa's great wildlife destinations, with excellent predator sightings, elephants, hippos and beautiful riverside camps.

Further west, Kafue National Park offers enormous wilderness areas and wonderfully varied habitats.

Both are excellent choices for travellers wanting a safari that feels remote, personal and closely connected to nature.

We'd particularly recommend Zambia for those who have already experienced a traditional African safari and want something different.

We would look at these as distinct choices rather than automatically combining them. The best fit depends on your dates, preferred camp style and the experiences you would like to prioritise.

A carefully chosen base gives you time to appreciate the surroundings and get to know the daily rhythm. Guiding is especially important when exploring on foot, and we would discuss the available activities alongside your comfort and interests before deciding on the shape of the stay.

South Luangwa and Kafue – Zambia's safari wilderness

Zambia is particularly celebrated for its walking safaris.

South Luangwa National Park is one of Africa's great wildlife destinations, with excellent predator sightings, elephants, hippos and beautiful riverside camps.

Further west, Kafue National Park offers enormous wilderness areas and wonderfully varied habitats.

Both are excellent choices for travellers wanting a safari that feels remote, personal and closely connected to nature.

We'd particularly recommend Zambia for those who have already experienced a traditional African safari and want something different.

We would look at these as distinct choices rather than automatically combining them. The best fit depends on your dates, preferred camp style and the experiences you would like to prioritise.

Lower Zambezi National Park

Zambia's Lower Zambezi offers the chance to build a safari around the river as well as the land. A stay here can provide a rewarding contrast to another wildlife region, particularly when you would enjoy some variety in how you explore.

Depending on the camp and conditions, activities may include game drives, guided walks and canoe or boat outings. We would look at what is available for your dates and which experiences are suitable for everyone travelling. There is no need to include every activity simply because it appears on a list.

The accommodation deserves attention too. You may value a view of the water, a quieter atmosphere or more time between excursions.

We would allow several nights and consider the connections carefully, so arrival and departure days do not dominate the stay. The river setting is part of the reason to come, and it deserves time to be enjoyed without constantly moving on.

Lower Zambezi National Park

The accommodation deserves attention too. You may value a view of the water, a quieter atmosphere or more time between excursions.

Elephant Camp near Victoria Falls

Elephant Camp has a personal connection to our suggestions for Zimbabwe, as this is where Phillip stayed during his visit to Victoria Falls. It offers a way to enjoy the falls while keeping a lodge setting at the centre of the stay.

We would consider it for travellers who want comfortable accommodation and time in the surrounding landscape alongside their sightseeing. The views towards the wilderness and Batoka Gorge give the property an appeal beyond simply being a base for an excursion.

Allow time to enjoy the lodge itself, particularly if you arrive after several busy safari days. A visit to the falls can be balanced with a quieter afternoon, rather than filling every available hour.

We would check the room arrangements, transfers and included activities for your dates before finalising the booking. That helps make the stay feel like a considered part of the holiday, whether it comes at the beginning or the end.

Elephant Camp near Victoria Falls

Things to do in Zambia and Zimbabwe

Explore the viewpoints at Victoria Falls

Give yourself time to appreciate Victoria Falls from more than one viewpoint. The scale, spray and sound create an experience that changes as you move along the paths, with the season shaping what you can see.

We would choose the timing and side of the falls around your wider route and interests. A guided visit can provide context, while an unhurried pace leaves room to stop and take in the surroundings. Conditions may affect visibility and access to particular experiences.

Rather than treating the visit as a quick photograph stop, allow it a proper place in the holiday, with time to return to your accommodation afterwards and relax.

Join a walking safari with an expert guide

Exploring on foot can change what you notice about the bush. Tracks, plants and smaller details become part of the experience, while your guide helps explain the surroundings and the signs of wildlife.

We would discuss the nature of the walk before including it, considering the terrain, duration and requirements of the operator. Different camps offer different experiences, so a walking safari should match your interests and comfort rather than be assumed to suit everyone.

Follow the guide's instructions throughout and let the setting determine the pace. The reward is the opportunity to pay closer attention, with time to understand more of the landscape between the larger wildlife encounters.

Watch wildlife on a game drive in Hwange

A game drive in Hwange gives you time to explore its changing landscapes and watch animals in their surroundings. The waterholes, woodland and open areas each bring a different setting to the day's wildlife viewing.

We would allow several drives from your camp, rather than depending on a single outing for a particular sighting. Returning to an area can reveal something different, and patient observation often becomes more rewarding than continually moving on.

Between outings, enjoy the lodge and leave room to rest. A safari works best when the early starts feel worthwhile and there is time to appreciate both the animals and the quieter hours of the stay.

Enjoy a cruise on the Zambezi

Time on the Zambezi offers a different perspective from a day spent travelling by road. A cruise can be a gentle way to enjoy the river scenery and the changing light, particularly during a stay near Victoria Falls.

We would choose the outing around the location of your accommodation and the style of experience you prefer. A smaller boat and a larger cruise can feel quite different, so the details matter as much as the departure time.

Wildlife sightings depend on the day, but the river itself is reason enough to pause. Keep the evening relaxed afterwards and enjoy the contrast with the more active parts of your journey.

Explore the Lower Zambezi with a river guide

For travellers who enjoy a more active outing, a guided canoe experience can offer a different way to explore parts of the Lower Zambezi. The river channels and banks bring another dimension to a stay in the area.

We would check suitability carefully, including the operator's requirements, conditions and the experience of everyone travelling. These are wildlife environments, and the guidance of qualified professionals is central to the outing. A boat excursion may be a better choice if you prefer a different pace.

The aim is to enjoy the setting in a way that suits you, complementing the land activities rather than feeling obliged to try every available option.

Spend time enjoying the setting of your camp

A safari camp is more than somewhere to sleep between outings. Its setting can become an important part of the holiday, especially when you leave a little time to enjoy the view and absorb the atmosphere.

We would avoid filling every hour with activities. After an early start, a relaxed lunch and an afternoon at camp can make the next outing more enjoyable. This is also a chance to ask your guides about what you have seen and consider what interests you for the following day.

Choose accommodation that you look forward to returning to, with the comfort and surroundings that make those quieter moments feel worthwhile too.

Zambia and Zimbabwe FAQs

When is the best time to visit?

The dry season, generally May to October, is particularly rewarding for safari wildlife viewing.

Victoria Falls changes dramatically throughout the year, with the highest water levels usually following the summer rains.

We'd consider both the safari regions and the experience you want at the falls before recommending travel dates.

Is Victoria Falls in Zambia or Zimbabwe?

Both. The falls sit on the border, and each country offers different viewpoints and experiences.

How long should I stay at Victoria Falls?

We'd recommend two or three nights, allowing time to explore the falls and enjoy some of the surrounding activities.

Which country is better for a safari?

Both are exceptional. Zambia is particularly renowned for walking safaris and remote wilderness, while Zimbabwe offers outstanding wildlife in Hwange and Mana Pools.

Can I combine Victoria Falls with Botswana?

Absolutely. Phillip has travelled this combination himself, continuing from Botswana and Namibia into Zimbabwe.

Is Zambia suitable for a luxury safari?

Very much so. South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi offer beautiful intimate camps, exceptional guiding and wonderfully remote settings.

Can I visit both countries on one holiday?

Yes. Zambia and Zimbabwe combine naturally, particularly around Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River.

Do all camps offer walking and river activities?

No. The activities available depend on the camp, location, season and conditions. We would check the details and any participation requirements before including a particular experience in your itinerary.

Can I see the falls and enjoy a safari on the same holiday?

Yes. Victoria Falls can be combined with a focused safari stay or a longer journey through several regions. We would choose the sequence around the time you have available and the connections, leaving enough nights to enjoy each part.