Whilst going on a safari in Zimbabwe is a truly unforgettable experience there are a few things you should know to ensure your trip runs as smoothly as possible. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the plethora of information on the web but here are 5 essential tips you should keep in mind before you travel.
Where to visit in Zimbabwe
As you might expect, there are diverse accommodation options to cater for the kind of comfort you desire which may well dictate where you visit. For example, if you crave the luxury of a big, comfortable bed and a spa-like bathroom, you can find it at Somalisa Camp in Hwange National Park.
However, if you prefer to indulge a deeper connection with nature and want to get more intimate with the wildlife, Zambezi Expeditions in Mana Pools National Park is probably a better bet.
When to visit Zimbabwe
Most parks in Zimbabwe, offer year-round wildlife viewing to Safari lovers. However, if you want a fully tailored experience you should plan to visit in the season that’s best for you and this depends on the animals you want to see and what weather you prefer.
The hot and dry season is from August to October whilst the rainy season is from November to March. The hot and dry season is the best time to visit if you want to spot wildlife because they cluster around the remaining waterholes.
What to bring
You need to have a kit list you can tick off when you’re packing or shopping for what to bring. Tourists generally consider bringing essential items like food, battery charging devices and even medicine. If you’re having a hard time figuring out what you should pack, here are a few items we recommend:
- Sweat-wicking T-shirts / Vests for hot days
- Jacket and trousers
- Comfortable walking shoes and sandals
- Camera and film or digital camera and spare memory card
- Sunglasses with Ultra Violet-filter lenses
- Sun cream or organic sun barriers
Who to share your trip with
A trip like this is always that little bit more special if you have someone to share it with but who to take can become a head-scratching dilemma.
If you want to make it a family adventure, you’ll be pleased to know that the Southern-African country offers excellent value for money and it’s easy to plan and book a Zimbabwe safari at africaodyssey.com, as well as at other leading online safari holiday sites.
If it’s more of a romantic getaway you’re after you can also find many great honeymoon deals on line, just make sure you book well in advance and search around for the best deals.
Getting everything together
Now you have established what your safari trip should look like, it’s important that you organise the logistics well in advance; this includes organising your passport, securing your visa, cash and paperwork.
You will need to get comprehensive insurance cover and make sure the policy includes emergency assistance and air evacuation. Additionally, since Zimbabwe is a multi-currency and cash economy, we recommend you carry enough US dollars that will cover the duration of your stay because ATMs are scarce.
