Top 5 Wildlife Encounters on Zimbabwe Safaris

From enjoying the childlike antics of playful vervet monkeys to witnessing the sheer power of the mighty lioness as she takes down her prey, Zimbabwe safaris offer so many exciting animal encounters to look forward to.

It’s not just about seeing African animals; it’s about the magic of witnessing them in their natural habitat, understanding their behaviours and feeling a connection to the wild. 

In this post, we will highlight five truly exceptional wildlife experiences you can look forward to when you visit Zimbabwe, ranging from the iconic to the more elusive.

Close Encounters with Elephants

No Zimbabwe safari experience is complete without spotting a herd of elephants. These majestic giants are the world’s largest living land animals, and seeing them in real life is truly an unforgettable experience. 

Their gentle nature and family dynamics are fascinating to watch! Since the 1980s, the country’s elephant population has doubled thanks to local conservation efforts.

Seeing a Pride of Lions Hunt Their Prey

Imagine this… you’re out on a 4×4 safari in the African bush, and you spot a pride of lions quietly stalking their prey. Everyone is silent as they watch in anticipation of the hunt that unfolds! 

You might think seeing something like this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but the truth is, these kinds of incredible moments unfold quite regularly on safari.

Spotting an Endangered African Wild Dog

Nothing compares to the thrill of seeing an African wild dog on a safari holiday in Zimbabwe. Unfortunately, due to poaching and habitat fragmentation, there are only around 700 African wild dogs left in the country. Also known as ‘painted’ dogs, these beautiful canines can be found in Hwange National Park, the Zambezi Valley and Mana Pools.

Watching Hippos on a Boat Safari

While 4×4 safaris are undoubtedly the most popular type of safari in Zimbabwe, you should not miss out on embarking on a boat safari experience. 

Cruise along the mighty Zambezi River or the tranquil Lake Kariba as you search for mighty hippopotamuses and lazy crocodiles. Hippos thrive underwater and are incredible swimmers, so be sure to keep an eye out for these semi-aquatic animals on your next boat safari.

Enjoying the Antics of Playful Monkeys

You may not even have to leave the comfort of your camp to witness cute vervet monkeys leaping from tree to tree. The babies, which are commonly spotted in late spring and early summer, are particularly adorable. 

Often found in wooded areas near water sources, these mischievous creatures will impress you with their acrobatic skills. Just remember that they are still wild animals, so you should always keep your distance.

Whether you’ve always wanted to see a pride of lions take down their prey, or you’re a keen birdwatcher who dreams of spotting and capturing rare species in a surreal setting, a safari in Zimbabwe can offer you all this and more. 

Here at Tailormade Africa, we would love to hear more about what your dream safari holiday looks like. Contact us for a custom itinerary for you and your travel companions.