Top 10 Best Zimbabwe Luxury Safari Camps & Lodges
Where Untamed Beauty Meets Unmatched Elegance
The Heart of Southern Africa’s Wild Majesty
Nestled in the soul of Southern Africa, Zimbabwe stands as one of the continent’s most captivating safari destinations. Often overshadowed by its more publicized neighbors, it remains an unspoiled gem—a country of vast wilderness, thundering waterfalls, and raw, soulful beauty. Beyond the grandeur of Victoria Falls lies an awe-inspiring world where untamed national parks cradle the most refined expressions of luxury. Here, opulence and wilderness coexist, offering discerning travelers not just comfort, but a deeply immersive journey into Africa’s wild heart.
Luxury safaris in Zimbabwe aren’t defined merely by plush furnishings or gourmet cuisine. Instead, they are shaped by the power of location, exquisite design blending with the natural world, and an unwavering commitment to conservation and authenticity. The top camps and lodges in Zimbabwe don’t just host guests—they awaken them to Africa’s soul, infusing every sunrise, game drive, and silent starlit night with purpose and presence.
Matetsi Victoria Falls: Elegance on the Edge of Thunder
Set on a vast private reserve near the world-famous Victoria Falls, Matetsi Victoria Falls redefines what it means to experience safari luxury on the Zambezi River. Sprawled across 55,000 hectares of private wilderness, this lodge combines contemporary African design with timeless tranquility. The suites, crafted with natural materials and a minimalist ethos, offer floor-to-ceiling views of the river, inviting guests into an intimate dance with the surrounding wild.
While the thunder of the Falls lies just a short drive away, the true rhythm of Matetsi is found in its game drives, river cruises, and guided walks. Here, every moment is steeped in grandeur—not the grandeur of excess, but of elemental beauty. Cuisine, service, and privacy are woven seamlessly into an experience that honors both land and luxury.
Singita Pamushana: Zimbabwe’s Crown Jewel
Deep within the untouched landscapes of Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, Singita Pamushana Lodge rises like a fortress of refinement. It is not just one of Zimbabwe’s finest luxury lodges—it is a benchmark for safari excellence across Africa. Anchored on sandstone hills above a tranquil lake, the lodge is an ode to Zimbabwean culture, infused with bold colors, traditional patterns, and panoramic views.
The surrounding reserve—home to a thriving population of endangered black rhino, elephant herds, leopards, and African wild dogs—ensures unforgettable wildlife encounters. But what truly sets Pamushana apart is its vision. Managed under a long-term conservation model, this lodge is not only a sanctuary for guests but a guardian of future generations of flora and fauna. It is where lavish living and lasting impact align.
Linkwasha Camp: Contemporary Luxury in Hwange’s Wild Soul
Positioned within Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest and most wildlife-rich reserve, Linkwasha Camp offers a sleek, modern contrast to its rugged surroundings. Here, a minimalist design ethos meets unfiltered wilderness, with expansive glass and canvas suites giving way to uninterrupted views of Hwange’s plains and pans.
From the shaded comfort of a private plunge pool, elephants are often seen roaming just meters away. The camp’s proximity to a prolific waterhole makes it one of the best locations in the park for in-camp wildlife viewing. Though modern in look, Linkwasha never feels disconnected from its roots. Every meal, every activity, and every interaction is deeply grounded in the heritage of the land and the heartbeat of the bush.
Bumi Hills Safari Lodge: Luxury Overlooking Lake Kariba
Perched high above the shimmering expanse of Lake Kariba, Bumi Hills Safari Lodge offers a safari experience layered with breathtaking water vistas, rich wildlife sightings, and indulgent tranquility. The lodge’s location, elevated on a remote hilltop, ensures panoramic views that stretch endlessly across the lake and into Zambia beyond.
It is a place where traditional game drives are complemented by sunset cruises, fishing excursions, and cultural visits to nearby Tonga communities. The infinity pool seems to spill into the horizon, while suites are adorned with handcrafted details and gentle earthy tones. At Bumi Hills, luxury becomes a reflection of the lake’s eternal calm, offering guests a uniquely aquatic twist on the classic safari.
Somalisa Camp: Hwange’s Eco-Chic Sanctuary
In the heart of Hwange National Park, where ancient acacia trees whisper secrets of centuries past, Somalisa Camp emerges as a trailblazer in eco-conscious luxury. With a design that blends canvas, wood, and copper elements, the camp honors both tradition and innovation. Here, sustainability isn’t a feature—it’s a philosophy. Solar power, water recycling, and locally sourced materials form the foundation of a camp that seeks harmony, not domination.
Its location near a perennial waterhole attracts a constant stream of elephants, often seen up close as they drink and bathe. Game drives delve deep into Hwange’s diverse ecosystems, while evenings at the camp unfold under vast starlit skies, surrounded by silence and storytelling. Somalisa is not just a camp—it is a conversation between man and nature, crafted with integrity and grace.
Amalinda Lodge: A Spiritual Safari in the Matobo Hills
Set amidst the spiritual landscape of the Matobo Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Amalinda Lodge is unlike any other. Carved into granite boulders that have stood for millennia, the lodge exudes an ancient energy. The rooms, built around natural rock formations, feel like sacred sanctuaries—organic, intimate, and deeply connected to place.
While wildlife sightings include rhinos, leopards, and a rich variety of birds, the true magic of Amalinda lies in its sense of history. Visitors walk in the footsteps of San bushmen, explore ancient cave paintings, and absorb the myths of these revered hills. It is a lodge where luxury is defined not just by comfort, but by meaning—an emotional safari into the past and into oneself.
Verney’s Camp: Classic Safari in a Private Wilderness
Located in a remote concession within Hwange, Verney’s Camp delivers a truly authentic yet refined safari experience. Tented suites are nestled discreetly beneath mopane trees, offering front-row seats to the rhythms of the bush. Elephants dominate the landscape here, and the absence of mass tourism allows for intimate encounters with nature.
The camp reflects classic safari romance, with lantern-lit dinners, crackling fire pits, and thoughtful hospitality. Everything at Verney’s is designed to make guests feel like privileged participants in the story of the land—never intruders, always guests of the wild. It is a timeless retreat, built on the belief that luxury lies in experience, not extravagance.
Zambezi Sands River Camp: Where the River Sings
On the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, inside Zambezi National Park, Zambezi Sands River Camp offers a water-rich safari escape, where the river itself becomes the protagonist. Guests awaken to the call of fish eagles and fall asleep to the symphony of frogs and flowing water. The luxury tents, set on raised decks, allow for immersive views of riverine life.
Activities here are diverse—canoeing, game drives, walking safaris, and romantic sundowners by the water. The camp is a sanctuary for both body and spirit, inviting guests to surrender to the rhythms of the river, while indulging in impeccable service and intimate luxury.
Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge: On the Edge of Gonarezhou’s Wild Heart
Situated on the escarpment overlooking the Save River and the vast wilderness of Gonarezhou National Park, Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge brings travelers to one of Zimbabwe’s last great frontiers. It is a place of immense space, ancient baobabs, and raw, untamed beauty. The lodge, perched high above the valley, offers unmatched views and an almost spiritual sense of isolation.
Gonarezhou, often called the “Place of Elephants,” is Zimbabwe’s most remote and wild park. Chilo Gorge invites guests into this untouched world with respect and reverence. Every suite is designed to reflect the surrounding environment, and every experience—from walking safaris to community visits—is designed to honor the deep, sacred relationship between land, wildlife, and people.
A Journey Into Africa’s Soul, Refined
To explore Zimbabwe through these luxury safari camps and lodges is not simply to visit a country. It is to enter into a living, breathing relationship with Africa itself. Each destination—whether set by a river, hidden in granite hills, or elevated above endless plains—offers more than high-thread-count linens and fine dining. It offers truth. It offers awe. It offers a chance to remember one’s place in the circle of life.
Zimbabwe’s finest lodges don’t attempt to tame the wild. They celebrate it. They whisper it gently into the hearts of their guests, reminding them that true luxury is not in the walls we build, but in the worlds we are allowed to witness.
Let WildHorn Africa Craft Your Luxury Safari Dream
For those ready to step into Zimbabwe’s most exclusive and soulful safari experiences, WildHorn Africa stands ready to guide you. With expertly tailored itineraries, insider knowledge, and a passion for authentic luxury, WildHorn Africa transforms your journey into something unforgettable.
Whether it’s a honeymoon under the stars, a family adventure with legacy, or a solo escape into the wilderness, trust WildHorn Africa to make every moment exceptional. Let the wild call, and let WildHorn answer.
Book your next luxury African safari with WildHorn Africa—where your story meets the heart of Africa.
