Epic Shots in Zimbabwe: Top 10 Photographic Safari Highlights
Epic Shots in Zimbabwe: Top 10 Photographic Safari Highlights: Zimbabwe’s spectacular scenery, plentiful animals, and cryptic old ruins make it an ideal destination for photographic safaris. The landlocked country boasts some of the most stunning scenery on the African continent, if not the entire world.
Its photographic highlights include the impressive granite formations of Matobo National Park, the ancient stone remains of Great Zimbabwe, the rock art sites of Mashonaland and Matabeleland, and the breathtaking riverine woods of Mana Pools National Park. Then there’s Victoria Falls, which many travelers like to picture from above.
Though it is hard to cover all of Zimbabwe’s great photographic spots, we have selected ten of the best that any keen photographer should add to their itinerary. Read on to find out more about them.
1) Hwange National Park
A herd of elephants, giraffes and zebras grazing in unity in Hwange national Park
Hwange National Park, located in the northwest part of Zimbabwe, is the country’s largest natural reserve. It includes semi-desert scrub, large savannahs, mopane trees, teak forests, and towering granite highlands. Its remarkable fauna includes over 100 mammal species, including one of the world’s greatest elephant populations.
Other animals found in the park include lions, leopards, African wild dogs, buffaloes, sable and roan antelopes, giraffes, wildebeest, and even gemsbok (oryx). Twitchers will love it here, as there are over 400 bird species documented. The park contains a number of lodges and campsites. Each provides guided game drives, strolling safaris, and nighttime drives.
Best for spotting elephants, lions, and African wild dogs. Other unusual animals observed here include aardvarks, porcupines, servals, and the highly endangered pangolin.
Photographic Highlight: An image of elephant silhouettes against the vibrant colors of a traditional African sunset.
2. Mana Pools National Park.
A canoe trip down the Zambezi River
Mana Pools National Park is located below the Zambezi River, which marks Zimbabwe’s border with Zambia. In actuality, Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park sits on the other side, providing an open setting for free-roaming species such as elephants and hippos.
Mana Pools was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984, citing its unspoiled wilderness and outstanding natural beauty. When you get here, you’ll understand. Its sceneries include riparian forests with mahogany, ebony, baobab, and vachellia (acacia) trees, as well as the Zambezi River’s vast floodplains.
The park is known for its big hippos and crocodile populations, as well as elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and a variety of antelope species. More than 380 bird species, including waterbirds and woodland species, make it a popular birding destination. Mana Pools offers safari lodges as well as luxury tented camps for accommodation.
Best for spotting hippos, crocodiles, and elephants. Here, you can also see endangered cheetahs, wild dogs, and brown hyenas. Mana Pools is known for its excellent walking safaris.
Photographic Highlight: Close-ups of animals during guided walking safaris, including elephants picking fruit on their hind legs.
3. Matobo National Park.
Matobo Hills National Park.
This Park is known for its granite koppies, old rock formations that seem to balance oddly, and wooded valleys. It is another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Zimbabwe’s southern region, near Bulawayo, with significant natural and historical value. Perhaps its most noticeable characteristic is the presence of granite “kopjes” known as matobo (bald heads) in isiNdebele.
In terms of wildlife, the park is well-known for its excellent rhino conservation efforts, making it one of the greatest places to witness black and white rhinos. Matobo is also notable for its leopard population (one of the largest in southern Africa), as well as zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, and a varied range of bird species. It is also known for its breathtaking ancient rock art, as well as hiking, rock climbing, and mountain biking.
Best for viewing rhinos, leopards, rock hyraxes (dassies), black eagles, and ancient rock art.
Photographic Highlight: Capturing rhinos against a backdrop of amazing rock formations.
4. Gonarezhou National Park.
A group of friends on a game drive in Gonarezhou National Park
Gonarezhou, with its towering red sandstone cliffs, baobab trees, and rivers, is a hidden gem for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. It’s also off the beaten track, which means it’s far less popular than other parks.
It is part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, which borders South Africa’s Kruger National Park and Mozambique’s Limpopo National Park. As such, it exemplifies the region’s wide, harsh terrain. Many consider Gonarezhou to be one of Africa’s last untouched wildernesses.
Its most recognizable feature is the enormous red sandstone Chilojo Cliffs, which provide for stunning photographs. It also supports the Big Five and an elusive colony of African wild dogs. Elephant herds thrive in baobab-dotted scrubland, vachellia (acacia) woodlands, riverine environments, and enormous mopane forests. The park is also known as an adventure and 4×4 attraction.
Best for spotting elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes.
Photographic Highlight: The magnificent Chilojo Cliffs at daybreak.
5) Victoria Falls
The Zambezi River marks the boundary between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Victoria Falls; Mosi-oa-Tunya; The Smoke That Thunders. Whatever you call it, this is one of Africa’s most famous natural wonders and one of the world’s largest waterfalls. It represents the transition from the upper to the middle Zambezi, spanning 1,708 m and dropping up to 108 m below.
Zimbabwe and Zambia share this UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the Zimbabwean side, Victoria Falls National Park stretches several kilometers either side of the falls and is ideal habitat for elephants, buffalo, white rhinos, and a variety of antelope.
The mist-soaked surroundings surrounding Victoria Falls are just as breathtaking as the falls themselves, with lush rainforests, thrilling gorge views, and stunning rainbows. There are several adventurous activities available, as well as a variety of accommodation options such as luxury hotels, lodges, and tent camps.
Best for: A diverse range of activities, stunning rainbows, lush rainforests, spectacular gorge vistas, and birds like the famed African fish eagle.
Photographic highlights: There are too many to list, but the cascading falls beneath a full moon must be among them!
6) Lake Kariba
Lake Kariba, which straddles the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, is the world’s largest man-made lake by volume. Its vast waters are punctuated by skeleton tree trunks that rise eerily from the quiet waters, providing a great backdrop for photography.
The fauna around Lake Kariba is numerous, including hippos, elephants, and crocodiles. Its birds include herons, kingfishers, and African fish eagles. Fishing from traditional wooden fishing boats and luxury boat trips are popular here.
Accommodation options near Lake Kariba range from luxury hotels, safari camps, and houseboats to more rustic campsites suited for family vacations.
Best for: sunsets, hippos, waterfowl, fishing, and boat tours.
Photographic Highlights: Evocative images of skeleton tree silhouettes captured during the golden hour.
7. Kazuma Pan National Park.
Tourists on a lion walk, kzuma national park
The lesser-known Kazuma Pan National Park is a protected region in Zimbabwe’s northern northwest. In contrast to the country’s hilly and mountainous parts, it provides a mix of magnificent plains views, plentiful wildlife, and a variety of birdlife in an unspoiled, calm, and diverse setting.
Animals tend to congregate in the park’s expansive grasslands, dense mopane woods, and periodic water pans. Ducks, cormorants, cranes, and storks are among the many bird species that visit the park, which is also known for its vast herds of buffalo and elephants. Lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, eland, reedbuck, gemsbok, roan, sable, and tsessebe antelopes can all be found here.
Best for seeing buffaloes, elephants, and other bird species, especially waterbirds.
Photographic Highlight: Capturing photographs of birds such as egrets, storks, and pelicans taking flight from the ponds.
8. Chimanimani Mountains
View of Chimanimani Mountains
The Chimanimani Mountains, which are part of Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands and border Mozambique, include Monte Binga, the country’s second-highest peak.
Visitors can view unique alpine plant ecosystems separated by waterfalls, crystal-clear streams, and steep canyons. If you enjoy landscape photography, you should add this destination to your Zimbabwe safari itinerary. Its magnificent vegetation includes unique orchids and aloes, which can be explored via various well-marked hiking trails.
Other activities include horseback riding, fishing, and golf. Chimanimani National Park protects most of the scenery, and while it isn’t a Big Five location, it is known for its birdlife. Chimanimani offers a variety of accommodations, including camping sites and luxury resorts.
Best for viewing scenery, waterfalls, and beautiful endemic vegetation.
Photographic highlights include sweeping panoramas from mountaintops and capturing shots of beautiful floral species.
9. Matusadona National Park.
Matusadona National Park, located in northern Zimbabwe, reaches to the shores of Lake Kariba. It’s a spectacular photography destination, with landscapes ranging from the peaceful but crocodile-infested shores of Lake Kariba to the jagged mountains of the Zambezi Escarpment.
Wildlife can be seen all around Zimbabwe, and the park is no exception. It features large herds of African elephants and formidable lion prides, which provide for some spectacular wildlife photography. The activities available include wildlife drives, walking safaris, and boat excursions. The park has a variety of housing alternatives, ranging from luxury lodges and houseboats to more basic bush camps and camping spots.
Best for: Seeing lions, elephants, and lake vistas as the light changes across the water.
Photographic Highlight: Reflections of animals on the lake’s mirror-like surface early in the morning.
10. Nyanga National Park.
View of Nyanga National Park.
Nestled in Zimbabwe’s serene Eastern Highlands, Nyanga National Park protects the country’s highest point, Mount Nyangani. The park’s severe highland environment supports intriguing species such as the rare Nyanga aloe and thriving populations of blue duikers and samango monkeys.
The environment includes rolling green hills, high-altitude meadows, and mist-covered mountains that conceal some of Zimbabwe’s most significant archaeological sites. Mount Nyangani attracts photographers not only for its majestic summits but also for the panoramic vistas of the surrounding countryside.
There are also many cascading waterfalls here, notably Mutarazi Falls, which is the highest in the country. Kudu, eland, sable antelope, leopard, and a diverse range of birds can all be found here. Popular activities include hiking, horseback riding, and trout fishing, with accommodations ranging from luxurious hotels to modest chalets and camping spots.
Best for: Landscapes, the stunning Nyangombe and Mutarazi Falls, and the old pit construction ruins.
Photographic Highlight: Wide-angle photos of Zimbabwe’s tallest peak, Mount Nyangani.
At Engagi Safaris, we understand that Zimbabwe’s breathtaking scenery and diverse animals make it a top choice for tourists, wildlife enthusiasts, and photographers alike. A safari in Zimbabwe, from the famed Victoria Falls to the quiet wildernesses of the country’s beautiful Eastern Highlands, provides unique chances for every photographer, whether you’re a seasoned professional or a hobbyist.
