Top 7 Best Bush Camps in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is home to some of Africa’s most stunning wilderness areas, offering authentic and immersive safari experiences. The country’s bush camps provide a unique way to explore its wildlife, from intimate tented camps to luxurious lodges in remote areas. If you are looking for a true African adventure, here are the top 7 best bush camps in Zimbabwe where you can enjoy the beauty of the wild.
1. Mana Pools National Park: Ruckomechi Camp
Situated on the banks of the Zambezi River, Ruckomechi Camp in Mana Pools National Park offers a quintessential African bush experience. The camp’s location provides stunning views of the river and access to one of Zimbabwe’s most renowned wildlife areas. Guests can see elephants, lions, wild dogs, and a variety of bird species from the comfort of their tents. The camp’s intimate setting, with only six luxurious tents, ensures a private and serene atmosphere.
Activities:
- Game drives
- Walking safaris with expert guides
- Boat trips on the Zambezi River
- Birdwatching
2. Hwange National Park: Linkwasha Camp
Linkwasha Camp is located in the Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest and most famous wildlife reserve. Known for its large elephant herds, Hwange is also home to the Big Five. The camp combines luxury with adventure, offering spacious tents and a private waterhole for game viewing. It is an excellent base for exploring the park’s diverse wildlife, including lions, leopards, and buffaloes, as well as rare sightings of wild dogs.
Activities:
- Morning and afternoon game drives
- Walking safaris
- Night game drives
- Visit to the famous Ngamo Plains for elephant sightings
3. South Luangwa National Park: Chinzombo Camp
Although Chinzombo Camp is located on the Zambian side of the border, its proximity to Zimbabwe’s South Luangwa National Park makes it an ideal option for visitors to the region. The camp offers the perfect mix of luxury and authenticity, with spacious, tented suites overlooking the Luangwa River. The park is known for its large concentrations of animals, including the Big Five, as well as its thriving populations of hippos, crocodiles, and birds.
Activities:
- Walking safaris with expert guides
- Game drives in open vehicles
- Night game drives
- River safaris
4. Gonarezhou National Park: Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge offers a more remote and authentic experience in Gonarezhou National Park, one of Zimbabwe’s least explored and most beautiful parks. The lodge provides a unique opportunity to see elephants, lions, leopards, and rhinos in a less crowded environment. The park is known for its vast, rugged landscapes and stunning gorges. The Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge offers both luxury tented camps and traditional safari lodges, creating an intimate connection with the surrounding wilderness.
Activities:
- Game drives
- Walking safaris
- Sunset river cruises
- Cultural village visits
5. Matobo Hills National Park: Matobo Hills Safari Lodge
Matobo Hills Safari Lodge is located in the heart of the Matobo Hills National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its striking granite hills and ancient rock formations. The park is also one of the best places to view rhinos in Zimbabwe, particularly black and white rhinos. The lodge offers private, secluded tents set amid the hills, providing a peaceful, off-the-grid experience with opportunities for game viewing and exploration of the cultural heritage sites in the area.
Activities:
- Rhino tracking on foot
- Game drives
- Cultural tours to ancient rock paintings
- Birdwatching, including sightings of the endangered Black Eagle
6. Zambezi National Park: Little Makalolo Camp
Located within the Zambezi National Park, Little Makalolo Camp offers an exclusive and intimate experience in one of Zimbabwe’s most popular wildlife areas. The park is home to elephants, lions, leopards, and the rare wild dog. Little Makalolo is known for its waterhole, which attracts large numbers of animals, providing guests with unparalleled wildlife viewing from the comfort of the camp. The camp’s six tents are designed to ensure privacy while providing luxurious amenities.
Activities:
- Day and night game drives
- Walking safaris
- Visit to the nearby waterholes for great wildlife sightings
- Stargazing in the evenings
7. Hwange National Park: Elephant’s Eye Camp
Elephant’s Eye Camp, located on the edge of Hwange National Park, is a small, family-run bush camp that provides an intimate and authentic safari experience. Known for its incredible elephant sightings, the camp is situated near a popular waterhole frequented by elephants and other wildlife. This camp’s combination of comfort and adventure offers a great base for exploring the park’s diverse ecosystem, which includes the Big Five, wild dogs, and over 400 bird species.
Activities:
- Game drives
- Walking safaris with local guides
- Visit to the local village
- Birdwatching
Plan your safari.
Zimbabwe’s bush camps offer an authentic and unforgettable safari experience, combining luxury with the opportunity to explore the country’s stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. Whether you are looking to witness the Big Five in Hwange National Park, track rhinos in Matobo Hills, or relax on the banks of the Zambezi River, these camps provide the perfect base for your adventure. With expert guides, intimate settings, and diverse wildlife, Zimbabwe’s bush camps are a must for any safari enthusiast.
