1. Victoria Falls
Luxury
- Victoria Falls Hotel:
Iconic Edwardian-style five-star, lush gardens, elegant rooms, famous High Tea, direct views of the Falls spray. - Matetsi Victoria Falls:
Ultra-luxury suites on the Zambezi River, private plunge pools, spa, gourmet cuisine, exclusive game drives. - Old Drift Lodge:
Luxury tented suites on the river, private decks, plunge pools, superb guiding, all-inclusive.
Mid-Range & Classic
- Ilala Lodge:
Walkable to the Falls, comfortable rooms, pool, fine restaurant. - Bayete Guest Lodge:
Relaxed garden setting, family-friendly, pool, good value. - Victoria Falls Safari Lodge:
Iconic, sunset-facing lodge, wildlife at the waterhole, thatched rooms, restaurants and bars.
Budget & Camping
- Shoestrings Backpackers:
Fun, sociable, budget rooms and dorms, lively bar, tours desk. - Victoria Falls Rest Camp:
Affordable chalets and camping, central, basic but safe.
2. Hwange National Park
Luxury
- Linkwasha Camp (Wilderness Safaris):
Cutting-edge tented suites, star beds, infinity pool, best guiding, in private Linkwasha concession. - Somalisa Camp (African Bush Camps):
Award-winning, luxury tents, copper bathtubs, elephants at the pool, top service.
Mid-Range & Classic
- The Hide Safari Camp:
Consistently praised for guiding, comfy tents and suites, waterhole viewing, game drives, bushwalks. - Hwange Safari Lodge:
Large, classic lodge, pool, accessible, ideal for groups and families. - Ivory Lodge:
Elevated treehouse-style suites, excellent value, great for family safaris.
Budget
- Robins Camp:
Affordable en-suite chalets and camping, classic feel, communal bar/restaurant. - Sinamatella Camp:
Park-run, basic rooms and camping, stunning escarpment views, self-catering facilities.
3. Mana Pools National Park
Luxury
- Ruckomechi Camp (Wilderness Safaris):
Riverside luxury tents, open-air showers, infinity pool, outstanding wildlife, walking and canoeing. - Kanga Camp:
Remote, luxury tents overlooking Kanga Pan, dry season magnet for wildlife, walking safaris, excellent food.
Mid-Range & Classic
- Zambezi Expeditions (African Bush Camps):
Seasonal mobile tented camp on the Zambezi, intimate, outstanding guides, top canoeing. - Vundu Camp:
Classic tented bush camp, personal guiding, famous for wild dog and walking safaris.
Budget
- Nyamepi Camp:
Park-run, basic chalets and camping, right on the river, affordable for self-drivers and adventurers.
4. Matobo National Park
Luxury
- Amalinda Lodge:
Unique granite cave suites, spa, infinity pool, superb guiding to rhino, rock art, and Cecil Rhodes’ Grave.
Mid-Range & Classic
- Big Cave Camp:
Chalets built into granite rocks, thatched dining, fantastic views, walking and cultural tours. - Matobo Hills Lodge:
Comfortable rooms, friendly staff, pool, excellent for families and groups.
Budget
- Park Campsites:
Basic sites with ablutions, self-catering, great for overlanders.
5. Gonarezhou National Park
Luxury
- Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge:
Designer riverfront suites, infinity pool, community guides, immersive wildlife and cultural experiences.
Mid-Range & Classic
- Mahove Tented Camp:
Small, intimate camp, river views, guided walks, exceptional birding and game drives.
Budget
- Swamp Stop & Park Campsites:
Affordable camping or rustic self-catering chalets, perfect for self-drivers.
6. Lake Kariba & Matusadona National Park
Luxury
- Bumi Hills Safari Lodge:
Hilltop luxury with panoramic lake views, pool, spa, fishing, and game drives. - Changa Safari Camp:
Elegant tents, direct lake access, walking safaris, excellent for wildlife and fishing.
Mid-Range
- Rhino Safari Camp:
Comfortable tented chalets, relaxed, good guiding, affordable for the setting.
Budget
- Kariba Houseboats:
Self-catering or crewed, group-friendly, fishing, sunset cruises.
7. Eastern Highlands (Vumba, Nyanga, Chimanimani)
- Troutbeck Resort (Nyanga):
Iconic colonial-style, golf, hiking, family-friendly, beautiful gardens. - Inn on Ruparara (Nyanga):
Cottages with mountain views, horse riding, walking trails. - Leopard Rock Hotel (Vumba):
Luxury, historic, golf, gourmet cuisine, gardens. - Heaven Lodge (Chimanimani):
Budget-friendly, scenic views, access to hiking.
8. Harare & Bulawayo (Transit Stays)
- Meikles Hotel (Harare):
Landmark five-star, city center, historic, pool, dining. - Holiday Inn Bulawayo:
Modern comfort, pool, reliable, best for business travelers. - Armadale Lodge (Harare):
Boutique, lush gardens, personal service, great for small groups. - Parrot Lodge (Bulawayo):
Friendly, affordable, garden setting.
9. Quick-Reference Table: Zimbabwe Safari Accommodations by Park
| Park/Area | Luxury | Mid-Range/Classic | Budget/Camping |
|---|---|---|---|
| Victoria Falls | Vic Falls Hotel, Matetsi, Old Drift | Ilala Lodge, Safari Lodge, Bayete | Shoestrings, Rest Camp |
| Hwange NP | Linkwasha, Somalisa | The Hide, Ivory, Safari Lodge | Robins, Sinamatella Camp |
| Mana Pools NP | Ruckomechi, Kanga | Vundu, Zambezi Expeditions | Nyamepi Camp |
| Matobo NP | Amalinda Lodge | Big Cave, Matobo Hills Lodge | Park Campsites |
| Gonarezhou NP | Chilo Gorge | Mahove Tented Camp | Park Campsites, Swamp Stop |
| Matusadona/Lake Kariba | Bumi Hills, Changa Safari | Rhino Safari Camp | Kariba Houseboats |
| Eastern Highlands | Leopard Rock, Troutbeck | Inn on Ruparara | Heaven Lodge, Campsites |
| Harare/Bulawayo | Meikles, Armadale, Holiday Inn | Parrot Lodge, Guesthouses | Hostels, Budget Hotels |
Final Tips
- Book Early: Luxury and classic camps fill fast in dry season (June–Oct), especially in Mana Pools and Hwange.
- Self-Drive & Overlanding: Zimbabwe is a favorite for adventurous travelers; many parks offer basic, affordable campsites.
- All-Inclusive & Activities: Most classic and luxury camps include game drives, bush walks, meals, and sometimes laundry/drinks.
- Community & Conservation: Many camps partner with local communities—ask about their social/environmental impact.
- Combine Destinations: Zimbabwe’s circuit is perfect for combining falls, rivers, savannah, and mountains.