Zimbabwe elephant safaris

An elephant safari in Zimbabwe with Wilderness offers access to some of the country’s best wildlife destinations, such as Hwange and Mana Pools national parks.

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Tailor-made

Personalised safaris including Wilderness camps, partner properties, city stays, transfers, activities and experiences to suit your dates and interests.

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193 awards since 2020, with our safari lodges consistently voted among the top in the world, as well as recognition for our positive Impact initiatives.

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Exclusive

With small guest numbers, we provide access to remote concessions in some of Africa’s wildest safari destinations, with the option of private vehicles and guides for additional flexibility.

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Diverse

We operate in eight African countries, with 55+ camps promising a range of activities from boating, to walking, game drives and more, for a full immersion in nature and local culture.

The best places to see elephants on safari in Zimbabwe

From the waterholes of Hwange National Park to the riverine majesty of Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe is one of Africa's best elephant destinations, home to vast populations of African savannah elephants. Within both of these destinations, Wilderness operates small, remote camps in private concessions where you have access to a range of safari activities. 

Wilderness' guide to elephants

Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe's largest national park and one of the finest places in Africa to see elephants. Home to an estimated 45,000 elephants, one of the largest populations on the continent, Hwange supports enormous herds, especially during the dry season (June–October) when elephants gather around the park's waterholes.


Wilderness operates three camps in Hwange: Little Makalolo, Linkwasha and Davison's, each positioned for exceptional elephant safaris. Thanks to the park's network of waterholes, elephants are often visible directly from camp. Safari activities in Hwange include twice-daily game drives, guided walking safaris and night drives. At Linkwasha and Little Makalolo, photographic hides place you at eye level with elephants as they drink, bathe and interact just metres away, offering one of the most intimate elephant encounters in Africa. Star Beds at these Zimbabwe safari camps also add another dimension to the experience, allowing you to sleep beneath the stars while listening to the sounds of elephants moving through the surrounding bush.

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Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

Elephant seen standing in the woodlands of Mana Pools, Zimbabwe

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mana Pools National Park offers one of the most unique elephant safari experiences in Zimbabwe. Situated along the Zambezi River, this extraordinary ecosystem supports an estimated 3,000 African savannah elephants, many of which congregate beneath the towering albida trees that line the floodplains, stretching up from their hind legs to reach the seed pods, creating unique opportunities for photographing elephants.


Wilderness operates three camps in Mana Pools: Chikwenya, Ruckomechi and Little Ruckomechi, offering an array of activities for elephant enthusiasts. In addition to game drives, you can enjoy guided walking safaris that bring you up close to the iconic reaching elephants that have learned to rise onto their hind legs to stretch for those nutritious seed pods. Canoeing excursions along the Zambezi River and catch-and-release fishing also offer a unique perspective as herds drink and cross the riverbanks.


Wilderness Ruckomechi also features a celebrated Star Bed overlooking a busy waterhole, where you can spend the night in the midst of elephants without disturbing their natural behaviour. 

Discover Mana Pools

Elephant safari tours & packages in Zimbabwe

Be inspired by these safaris in Zimbabwe and get in touch to create a private tour tailored to your interests. Your itinerary can be elevated with a range of exclusive, privately arranged experiences, while you may even decide to book out one of our smaller safari camps for the exclusive use of your group. Speak to your Travel Designer to arrange your personalised safari.
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Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to see elephants in Zimbabwe?

 

The best time to see elephants in Zimbabwe in both Hwange and Mana Pools is during the dry season, typically from June to October when water becomes scarce and elephants concentrate around permanent rivers and waterholes. The reduced vegetation during these months also makes it easier to observe elephants. That said, the green or rainy season in Hwange National Park also offers a beautiful elephant experience, with lush landscapes and moody skies allowing for great elephant photography opportunities. 

 

 

What type of elephant safaris can you do in Zimbabwe?

 

In Zimbabwe, Wilderness offers a wide variety of elephant safari experiences, each designed to bring you closer to these remarkable animals. Traditional 4x4 game drives are a constant in mornings and afternoons, with full day game drives and night drives also a possibility. You can also choose to just enjoy watching the elephants as they come to drink at a waterhole right in front of your Zimbabwe safari lodge. Guided walking safaris are a particular highlight of an elephant safari in Zimbabwe, allowing you to leave the vehicle behind.


Accompanied by some of Africa's most highly qualified guides, you can follow elephant tracks and examine spoor, and gain great insight into how they survive in these vast ecosystems. What truly sets Mana Pools apart, however, is the opportunity to experience elephants from the water. Seasonal boating and canoeing excursions on the Zambezi River offer a unique perspective as herds come down to drink, while you can also enjoy superb birdwatching. 

 

 

What type of elephants do you see in Zimbabwe?

 

Zimbabwe is home to African savannah elephants (Loxodonta africana), the largest land mammals on Earth. These elephants are known for their impressive size, complex social structures and highly intelligent behaviour. On a safari in Zimbabwe, you can encounter breeding herds of elephants, made up of related females and their young, as well as impressively large, solitary bulls that roam independently or in loose bachelor groups. 

 

 

Are elephant sightings guaranteed in Zimbabwe?

 

Elephant sightings in Zimbabwe can never be fully guaranteed, as these are free-ranging wild animals. That said, when you plan a safari to areas like Hwange National Park and Mana Pools, your chances of seeing elephants in Zimbabwe are highly likely, especially in the dry season. With expert guides, access to remote, protected areas, carefully positioned safari camps, and personalised tours, we are able to offer you some of the best opportunities for seeing elephants in the wild.