Are you choosing which countries to put at the top of your 2025 travel list? There are dozens of different factors to take into consideration, including budget, activities, accommodation, distance, and more. With so many incredible options to choose from, the choice of where to visit can certainly be a difficult one!Â
As travel experts with years of experience, the team at Tailormade Africa highly recommends Zimbabwe as a top contender. While this Southern African nation may have experienced some difficulties in the early 2000s, its economy and tourism industry have been on the up and up for decades now.
With its wide-open plains, incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, and gorgeous lodges, a Zimbabwe safari adventure is sure to offer the holiday of a lifetime. In this article, we look at some of the most compelling reasons why Zimbabwe should be on your 2025 travel list.
A World-class Tourism Experience
Zimbabwe’s government has been pouring funding and resources into the tourism sector, which has helped the industry grow impressively in recent years. Successful marketing campaigns have reached thousands of international tourists who travel to Zimbabwe each year for their much-anticipated safari holidays.
Over the past decade or so, the tourism infrastructure has been elevated to a level that meets global standards. This means visitors can look forward to knowledgeable guides, seamless itineraries, safe transport, more flight options, and a wide variety of accommodation options.
Since Zimbabwe has become more accessible, it’s been praised as a convenient yet spectacular African safari destination. Visit this beautiful country in 2025 and you won’t be disappointed!
A Safe and Stable Country
Unfortunately, there is an unfounded misconception that it’s very dangerous to travel to any African country, including Zimbabwe. While you should always be wary of petty theft and keep your valuables tucked away when walking through busy, urban settings, Zimbabwe is known for being extremely safe.
When you book through a reputable tour company, all your transport needs will be taken care of, so you won’t need to navigate public transport. National parks and game reserves are known for having high levels of security, so you can look forward to a safe, stress-free holiday. Most locals are very friendly, and you can expect to be treated with respect.
See the Magnificent Victoria Falls
Also known as ‘the smoke that thunders,’ the Victoria Falls are a truly spectacular natural wonder and are undoubtedly one of Zimbabwe’s top attractions.
As one of the largest waterfalls in the world, these famous falls are a must-see attraction for nature lovers from around the world. Estimated to be well over 100,000 years old, the Victoria Falls are sure to take your breath away.
Marvel at the falls from one of the viewing platforms, or spoil yourself and your travel companions by booking a boat ride on the Zambezi River to see the falls from a different perspective. If you want to go a step further, you could even book a helicopter ride and enjoy a spectacular bird’s-eye view.
Incredible Wildlife Viewing Opportunities
Zimbabwe is probably best known for its amazing wildlife viewing opportunities, with the country being home to a wide variety of predators, grazing animals, and bird species. Whether you’re looking to see a lion hunting its prey, a leopard lazing about in a tree, or a family of elephants splashing in the river, a Zimbabwe safari holiday can offer all this and more!
While game drives are ever popular, there are other ways to view your favourite animals in their natural habitats, including walking safaris, boat trips, and kayaking safaris. Many of the private game reserves also offer night safaris, which give you the opportunity to familiarise yourself with the country’s nocturnal creatures.
Plenty of Cultural Events
Zimbabwe is home to a rich cultural heritage that provides fascinating insight into the nation’s history and traditions. In 2025, there are plenty of incredible cultural events to attend, including:
- Zimbabwe International Film Festival (ZIFF): 29 April to 3 May 2025
- Zimbabwe Heritage Festival: 31 May 2025
- Hurungwe Arts Festival: 25 to 27 July 2025
- BlowOut Culture Festival: 11 May
Some of the other heritage sites you may be interested in visiting include the ruins of Great Zimbabwe, a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site, and the ancient rock paintings in the Matobo Hills. You can immerse yourself in the diverse cultures of Zimbabwe by chatting to locals, eating traditional dishes, and visiting museums.
Unique Adventure Activities
Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or someone who prefers to suntan at the pool with a good book, Zimbabwe offers activities for every taste and preference. From bungee jumping over the Victoria Falls to casual kayaking safaris, there is truly something for everyone.
Some of the most popular activities on offer include
- Hiking
- Nature walks
- Game drives
- Kayaking
- Boat trips
- Fishing
- Bird watching
- Bungee jumping
- Helicopter rides
- Cultural experiences
When you plan your itinerary in advance, you can make sure to include any activities you want to enjoy during your holiday.
You Can Visit All Year Round
Zimbabwe’s peak season occurs in the dry months of May, June, July, August, and September, where you can expect clear skies and cooler weather. However, Zimbabwe is still a beautiful destination all year round. Just keep in mind that lodges in the Mana Pools are usually closed during the rainiest months of December and January. Other than that, you can still visit the other regions without issue. Some people actually prefer to visit in the rainy season as there is lush greenery, more newborn animals, and fewer tourists.
No matter when you are able to travel, Zimbabwe still proves to be a world-class destination.
Diverse Landscapes
Zimbabwe is often praised for being a captivating country filled with a diverse array of landscapes. Savanna accounts for around 65% of the land, but there are also plenty of woodland areas, mostly made up of Acacia and Miombo trees.
There are also the highland plateaus, found in the centre of the country, which are characterised by their rolling hills and lush vegetation. The eastern plateaus are the most mountainous and offer rich biodiversity with incredible bird watching opportunities.
The Zambezi River Valley offers a completely different landscape, filled with rapids, flowing water, Lake Kariba, and the famous Victoria Falls.
Accommodation Options for All
When people think of a Zimbabwe safari holiday, they might conjure up images of rustic tents with communal bathrooms. While plenty of rustic options still exist, there are now a plethora of luxury lodges and guesthouses available for those who want a bit of extra comfort.
You can look forward to high-quality linen, en suite bathrooms, private plunge pools, spa treatments, and so much more. Just because you are going on a safari holiday doesn’t mean you have to ‘rough’ it.
With that being said, those on a budget still have plenty of comfortable and convenient accommodation options available to them.
Do you think a Zimbabwe safari holiday could be on the cards for 2025 or 2026? If you’d like help planning your trip, the team of travel experts at Tailormade Africa would love to come up with a custom itinerary for you and your travel companions. Contact them today to chat more about your specific preferences for a safari holiday.
