Zimbabwe Circuits for a Week or More

Longer Zimbabwe trips work as circuits: a loop through one region, with a clear idea of how you will cover each leg. Below are 5 circuits, with the transport facts that shape them.

Circuit 1: the Victoria Falls base (3 to 4 nights)

Stay in Victoria Falls and use half-day outings: the rainforest, a Zambezi cruise, rafting in season and a game drive in Zambezi National Park. Add a day across the border to Chobe if your visa allows it. The KAZA UniVisa costs US$50, lasts 30 days and covers a same-day Botswana trip, and it is not valid after an overnight stay there.

Circuit 2: Falls and Hwange (5 to 6 nights)

Drive about 172 to 195 km to Hwange Main Camp, roughly 2.5 hours, after your nights at the falls. Spend 2 to 3 nights in a lodge for early and late game drives. The best viewing runs from August to November, and the park has no boat trips, because water comes from pumped waterholes and seasonal pans.

Circuit 3: Bulawayo, Matobo and Great Zimbabwe (6 to 7 nights)

Bulawayo is about 440 km from Victoria Falls on the A8, so allow 5.5 to 6.5 hours or arrange a flight. Visit Khami Ruins and spend a full day in Matobo before continuing east to Masvingo, 4 to 5 hours away. Great Zimbabwe is about 27 km from town. Return to Harare in 3 to 4 hours.

Circuit 4: Zambezi Valley (5 to 7 nights)

Kariba town is roughly 340 to 365 km from Harare. Crewed houseboats set off from harbours there, and boat prices vary widely. Matusadona National Park lies across the water on the southern shore. For Mana Pools, travel by 4x4 on unpaved roads or by light aircraft, and leave before the floods of mid-December to the end of March. A ZimParks permit allows walking, and a licensed guide is strongly recommended.

Circuit 5: Gonarezhou and the lowveld (4 to 5 nights)

Visit between about April and November. The Chilojo Cliffs top is normally open from June or July when the Runde River can be crossed. Plan for a high-clearance vehicle, ideally a 4x4. Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge sits outside the park boundary, and fly-in guests land at Mahenye airstrip.

Eastern Highlands add-on

Nyanga, Bvumba and Chimanimani give a cool change, with hiking from April to October. Local conditions vary, so ask your lodge about trail and road status.

Moving between legs

  • Use scheduled flights, lodge transfers or a licensed private driver.
  • Avoid long-distance minibuses and night buses.
  • Skip night driving outside towns.
  • Carry small US dollar notes, plus a card as a backup.

Read more: Day trips in Zimbabwe and a 7 day itinerary .

Government advice is on the UK site , and Gonarezhou details are on its visitor page . Search accommodation on Booking.com .