Day 1: Arrive in Harare
Harare is the capital of Zimbabwe. It’s a good first stop to get your bearings before heading off.
Spend your day exploring downtown. Visit the National Gallery of Zimbabwe to see some amazing local art. It’s a great introduction to Zimbabwean culture. Other spots worth checking out are Harare Gardens and the peaceful Mukuvisi Woodlands for a nature break in the city.
If you’re up for it, head to Avondale Market in the afternoon. You can grab some local street food and stock up on essentials before your adventures.
Day 2: Head to Great Zimbabwe Ruins
Start the day early and drive or take a bus south to Masvingo. From there, visit the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, Zimbabwe’s top historical site. These ruins are the remains of an ancient city thought to have been the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe between the 11th and 15th centuries.
Spend a few hours exploring the stone towers, walls, and the remnants of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s perfect for history buffs and a must-see when in Zimbabwe.
After your visit, you can overnight in Masvingo, which has a few good guesthouses and hotels.
Day 3: Continue to Bulawayo
Travel to Bulawayo, a relaxed city known for its wide boulevards and colonial-era architecture. This is Zimbabwe’s second-largest city, and it has a unique vibe compared to Harare.
Stroll through the National History Museum, which has a solid display of Zimbabwean history and natural heritage. It’s quite detailed but doesn’t take too long to get through. You can also check out the Railway Museum if you’re into locomotives.
In the afternoon, visit the Khami Ruins just outside the city. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s less visited than Great Zimbabwe, so you’ll likely have it to yourself.
Day 4: Matobo National Park
Take a short day trip from Bulawayo to Matobo National Park. This park is known for its stunning rock formations, ancient San (Bushmen) cave paintings, and rhino tracking opportunities.
A guided tour will greatly enhance your experience. You’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with these incredible animals thanks to specialized tracking skills by your guides. For history buffs, there’s also the site of Cecil John Rhodes’ grave, which boasts a view that’s hard to beat.
In the evening, return to Bulawayo for the night.
Day 5: On to Hwange National Park
Leave Bulawayo and head toward Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest wildlife reserve. It’s home to one of the biggest elephant populations in Africa, along with lions, zebras, buffaloes, and more.
Once you arrive, check into your lodge or camping area. In the afternoon, head out for your first game drive in the park. You’ll likely come across elephants and other wildlife as the day cools down.
Spend the night in or near the park. Many lodges offer night game drives if you want to keep going after dark.
Day 6: Full Day Safari in Hwange
Wake up early for a full day of safari activities. Early morning is one of the best times to spot wildlife, especially around waterholes. A full-day game drive gives you plenty of time to cover lots of ground and see everything the park has to offer.
If a full-day game drive isn’t your thing, split your safaris into two: one early in the morning and one in the evening. You’ll still have time for some relaxation in the middle of the day at your lodge or camp.
Spend another night here, resting up for your final day of exploring Zimbabwe.
Day 7: Victoria Falls
No trip to Zimbabwe is complete without visiting Victoria Falls. From Hwange, it’s a short drive or bus ride to the town of Victoria Falls.
Once you arrive, head straight to the falls. You can easily spend a few hours walking along the different viewpoints and getting soaked by the mist. The sheer size and power of the falls are hard to describe— it’s something you have to experience for yourself.
If you’re up for more adventure, there are plenty of activities to choose from. White-water rafting, bungee jumping, and helicopter flights over the falls are all available, depending on your energy levels and budget.
Spend the night in the town of Victoria Falls. It’s a nice place to end your Zimbabwe adventure.
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