Self-drive tours in Zimbabwe

Probably Zimbabwe’s best-known sight and a highlight of many self-drive round trips: the impressive Victoria Falls. The falls, 1.7 kilometres wide and more than 100 metres high, carry the most water between March and May. In these months the spray can be seen from kilometres away. Between November and January the water level is at its lowest – at this time of year, visiting Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwean side is the best choice.

Hwange National Park is home to the Big Five and many other animal species: in total, more than 100 mammal and 400 bird species are known. The park, located in the west, borders the Kalahari in Botswana. Until 1928 many animals in the region were hunted, but since the area was established and declared a National Park, populations have recovered very well. More than 20,000 elephants, many impalas, kudus, wildebeest, sable antelope and oryx live here. The many herbivores also attract big cats: lions, leopards and cheetahs are native here.

For culture enthusiasts and active holidaymakers, the Eastern Highlands region on the border with Mozambique is a popular stop on tailor-made self-drive tours: the beautiful mountain landscape with its impressive waterfalls stretches for more than 300 kilometres. Tea and coffee are grown in the valleys. Nyanga Mountains National Park is also located here: at altitudes of up to 2,600 metres you can enjoy the fresh mountain air and explore the surroundings on hiking trails.

The Great Zimbabwe Ruins are a real highlight for culture enthusiasts on self-drive round trips in Zimbabwe. From the beginning of the 11th to the middle of the 15th century, the ancestors of the Shona people lived in the houses of this stone fortress. The buildings, weighing many tonnes, were built of stone, but without cement. Parts of the well-preserved settlement can still be visited today.