Zimbabwe Photo Safaris
Iconic Landscapes, Big Game Encounters, and Photographic Access Without the Crowds
Why Zimbabwe Is a Hidden Gem for Wildlife Photography
Zimbabwe is where iconic African wildlife and dramatic landscapes meet a photographic pace that’s calm, immersive, and uncrowded. From the open floodplains of Mana Pools to the wild herds of Hwange, and the mist-laced magic of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe is fast becoming a favourite for photographers who want more than just a checklist.
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Here, you’ll walk alongside elephants, shoot low from ground level, and time your drives around light and movement, not park hours. With partner camps that understand photography, experienced guides, and access to private conservancies, this is where your portfolio will find its story.
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Zimbabwe has a rich history, with the ancient city of Great Zimbabwe showcasing impressive stone ruins. Wildlife, including elephants and rhinoceroses, can be found in its national parks, making it a fantastic destination for nature enthusiasts seeking the "African Big 5", photographers and safari tour seekers.
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The best times to visit Zimbabwe are between May to the end of September.
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Capital City - Harare
International Airport/s - Robert Gabriel Mugabe & Victoria Falls International Airport. (HRE & VFA)
Economic Stability - Stable
Crime - Low
Currency - US Dollar
Health Care - Private Hospitals are well equipped
Malaria - Yes (all areas our safaris visit)
Vaccinations - Recommended (consult your medical professional)
Medivac Available - Yes​
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Our Safari Partners
Trusted Safari Partners Committed to Photography, Conservation & Authenticity
We proudly work with a handpicked network of safari camps, conservation organisations, and locally owned operators across Africa. Every partner we choose reflects our values, ethical guiding, sustainability, photographic access, and deep respect for wildlife and local communities.
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Our safari partners aren’t just service providers, they’re part of our extended family.
Mana Pools - Ground-Level Photography & Pure Wilderness
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mana Pools National Park stretches along 2,500 km² of the Zambezi River floodplain. It’s one of the few parks in Africa where you can legally walk unaccompanied, though guided photo safaris offer a safer and more rewarding experience. Home to elephant, hippo, lion, and the elusive painted wolf, Mana is revered for its ethereal light, ancient trees, and a photographic intimacy that’s hard to replicate.
Mana Pools National Park is a sacred place for photographers. Here, you shoot on foot, at eye-level with elephants, under cathedral-like trees in the Zambezi floodplain. This is creative freedom, raw and unforgettable.
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Photographic Highlights:
African wild dogs hunting at eye level
Elephants crossing the Zambezi River at sunset
Over 400 species of birds for creative compositions
Walking safaris with elephants and painted wolves
Dust-kicked action at sunset
Canoe safaris with low, slow, silent perspective
Forest light filtering through Ana trees
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Recommended Camps:
Kanga Camp – Remote, waterhole photography from camp
Zambezi Expeditions – Adventure-style mobile with canoe access
Nyamatusi Camp – Luxury, riverfront, perfect light control
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Best time to visit:
July–October - for dry season concentration and peak predator activity, and best for walking conditions
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Photographic Safari Experiences in Zimbabwe
Botswana offers a variety of safari experiences, allowing visitors to tailor their adventure:
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Canoe Safaris: Shoot from the water in Mana Pools. Close, quiet, and low-angle opportunities.
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Walking Safaris: Get up close to wildlife while exploring Zimbabwean Parks on foot. Shoot from ground level, track behaviour, especially in Mana Pools, Gonarezhou, and Matopos.
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Game Drives: Morning and afternoon golden light sessions. Private concessions + open vehicles for full creative control
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Photographic Safaris: Led by our professional guides, these safaris are designed to help photographers capture Botswana’s wildlife and landscapes in perfect light.
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Ground-Level Hides – unbeatable angles for Mana Pools and Hwange’s signature for elephants and predators.
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Photographic Workshops – Tailored for all levels, with pro guidance.
Hwange National Park - Herds, Predators, and Open Skies
At over 14,600 km², Hwange is Zimbabwe’s largest national park and one of Africa’s most ecologically diverse and best kept secrets. It hosts over 100 mammal species, including Zimbabwe’s largest elephant population, lions, cheetahs, and endangered African wild dogs. The terrain shifts from arid Kalahari sands to teak forests and open grasslands, offering photographers varied backdrops and consistent wildlife throughout the year.
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Hwange offers open landscapes, large elephant herds, and diverse ecosystems that allow for clear sightlines and beautiful framing.
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Photographic Highlights:
Lions in golden light
Elephants at waterholes
Low-angle shooting from ground-level hides
Dust trails, big skies, and layered landscapes
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Recommended Camps:
Camp Hwange – Known for ground-level photography and expert guides
Nehimba Lodge – Waterhole views and high predator activity
Somalisa Camp – Classic Hwange charm with photographic access to elephant waterholes and open plains
Bomani Tented Lodge – Great for rail safaris and community access
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Best time to visit:
July–October - for dry season wildlife concentration and best light
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Wildlife in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe offers exceptional biodiversity across its national parks — from riverside woodlands to dry savannahs and rocky outcrops. With fewer crowds and diverse habitats, it’s a photographer’s dream for both big game encounters and rare wildlife moments.
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Elephants: Hwange is home to one of Africa’s largest elephant populations, often seen at waterholes and hides.
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Big Cats: Lions, leopards, and cheetahs roam freely in Hwange, Mana Pools, and Gonarezhou.
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Birdlife: Over 650 bird species thrive here, including carmine bee-eaters, African skimmers, and fish eagles.
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River & Floodplain Wildlife: Mana Pools and Lake Kariba support rich aquatic and shoreline life, including hippos, crocs, and water monitors.
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Painted Wolves (Wild Dogs): A conservation stronghold, Zimbabwe is one of the best places to track and photograph wild dogs.
Gonarezhou National Park - Wild, Untouched, and Off the Map
In Zimbabwe’s remote southeast, Gonarezhou National Park offers raw wilderness, low traffic, and huge photographic potential. Think red cliffs, baobabs, and elephants in surreal light. It’s lesser-known, but unforgettable.
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Gonarezhou, meaning “Place of Elephants,” spans over 5,000 km² and forms part of the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Park. The park features dramatic Chilojo Cliffs, wide rivers, and baobab forests.
It's a haven for elephants, hippos, nyala, and bird species, offering rare wilderness photography and very few other visitors, ideal for immersive storytelling.
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Photographic Highlights:
Towering sandstone cliffs at sunrise
Bull elephants under baobab trees
Hidden lagoons and riverbanks with clean reflections
Rare species like nyala and African wild cats
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Recommended Camps:
Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge – Overlooks the Save River; guides trained for photo pace
Singita Pamushana Lodge – Ultra-luxury lodge with panoramic views, private photo guides
Malilangwe House – Exclusive-use villa for families or private groups, offering full photographic freedom and high-end service
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Best time to visit:
April–October mid-season for best light and access
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Victoria Falls – Safari Gateway & A Photographer’s Dream
Victoria Falls, known as “The Smoke That Thunders,” is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and sits on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. The surrounding area includes Zambezi National Park, a 56,000-hectare wilderness home to elephant, buffalo, antelope, and occasional predators like lion and leopard. This makes Victoria Falls more than a scenic wonder, it’s also a gateway to real wildlife encounters within minutes of town.
Victoria Falls isn’t just a scenic stop, it’s a photographic playground. From misty rainbows at sunrise to wildlife sightings just minutes from town, it offers a perfect pre- or post-safari extension with real photographic value.
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Photographic Highlights:
The falls at sunrise/sunset from multiple viewpoints
Zambezi River by boat, sunrises and sunsets
Helicopter and microflight aerial photography
Elephants and buffalo in Zambezi National Park
Local life, street scenes, and dramatic light after storms
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Recommended Camps:
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge – Overlooks a busy waterhole, great wildlife at golden hour
Victoria Falls Hotel – Historic, elegant, and perfectly positioned
Elephant Hills Resort – Elevated views of river and wildlife
The Palm River Hotel – Luxury riverside setting with photographic access
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Best time to visit:
May–August for peak water flow and clear skies; Oct–Dec for dramatic dry-season contrast
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Tips for Photography in Zimbabwe
To make the most of your photo safari in Botswana, follow these expert tips:
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Camera Gear: Go wide and long - 24–70mm for scenery + 200–600mm for wildlife
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Best Times for Photography: July–October is peak for visibility, predator activity, and golden light
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Patience and Preparedness: The best photos happen when you slow down and stay longer at the scene. Ask about vehicle configurations - many camps offer beanbags and flat beds
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Handy tips: Keep dust covers handy and charge gear nightly - solar power is common
Lake Kariba & Matusadona - Water, Wilderness, and Untapped Potential
Remote and quietly beautiful, Lake Kariba and Matusadona National Park offer a more off-grid experience for photographers seeking a blend of aquatic wildlife, wide landscapes, and predator activity. This region combines boating safaris with traditional game drives, creating opportunities for layered compositions and reflections few other parks can match.
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Matusadona covers over 1,400 km² along the southern shores of Lake Kariba and includes rugged escarpments, floodplains, and lakeshore forests. It's home to lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and offers strong raptor photography from both vehicle and boat. Kariba's dramatic skies and vast water scenes give photographers a rare mix of water-based and dryland wildlife storytelling.
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Photographic Highlights:
Elephants feeding along the lakeshore
Lion and leopard along the floodplains
Water-based scenes with birds, crocs, and hippos
Expansive sunset silhouettes over the lake
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Recommended Camps:
Bumi Hills Safari Lodge – Elevated views over Kariba, boat and drive combo safaris
Changa Safari Camp – Lakefront setting, excellent for water-based photographic access
Musango Safari Camp – Small, intimate, and tailored for slow-paced, intentional wildlife viewing
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Best time to visit:
May–October for cooler temps, clearer visibility, and shrinking water levels that draw animals to the lakefront
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Matobo Hills - Rock Art, Rhinos & Textured Storytelling
For those drawn to composition, texture, and story, Matobo National Park offers something beautifully different. This is where wildlife photography meets culture, geology, and quiet moments in spiritual spaces.
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Matobo National Park may be compact at just 424 km², but it’s rich in cultural and geological history. The park is famous for its granite outcrops, ancient San rock art, and a stronghold population of white and black rhino, which can often be tracked on foot. Its unique textures and spiritual atmosphere give photographers a rare blend of wildlife and abstract landscape opportunities.
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Photographic Highlights:
White rhinos on foot
Silhouettes and shadows among granite kopjes
Rock art and abstract landscape photography
Cultural storytelling with local communities
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Recommended Camps:
Amalinda Lodge – Built into granite boulders, with walking access
Khulu Bush Camp – Set near Matobo Hills with excellent access to walking safaris and rhino conservation zones
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Best time to visit:
May–October for cooler temps, clearer visibility, and shrinking water levels that draw animals to the lakefront
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Ready to Photograph Zimbabwe’s Wildest Stories?
Zimbabwe offers raw beauty, quiet wilderness, and rare moments that reward patience and perspective. Whether it’s walking with elephants in Mana Pools or chasing golden light in Hwange, we’ll help you design a photo safari that lets you create with purpose, in a country where every sighting feels earned, and every shot tells a story.