Zambia and Zimbabwe: two ways to the heart of Africa

"The only man I envy is the one who has not yet been to Africa, for he has so much to look forward to." — Richard Mallin. Zambia and Zimbabwe are two countries connected by a river — two different perspectives on Africa, a continent still largely undiscovered by many tourists. Part of the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe follows the course of the Zambezi River — a mighty waterway that forms one of the most magnificent waterfalls in the world, nourishes the savannahs, and sustains the rhythm of life for thousands of animals. Zambia and Zimbabwe showcase Africa in all its splendour — from the untouched wilderness to the comfort of exclusive lodges. Here, you can spend the night under the open sky in the heart of the savannah or watch the sunset over the Zambezi from the deck of a boat.

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West Lake
Huangshan
Suzhou
Shanghai
Marrakech
The Nile
Pyramids of Giza
Serengeti
Taj Mahal
The Great Barrier Reef
Tahiti
Easter Island
Machu Picchu
The Dead Sea
Petra
Hot air balloon flight
Wadi Rum
Johannesburg
A convertible adventure
Helicopter flight over Cape Town
Vatnajökull National Park
Volcanoes National Park
Mountain gorillas
Rwandan culture
Serengeti National Park
Selinda Private Nature Reserve
The Kalahari Desert
Okavango Delta
Cruise along the Zambezi
Retro steam locomotive
The Great Migration
Amboseli Park
Tsavo West National Park
Krýsuvík Geothermal Area
Reykjanes Peninsula
South Shetland Islands
King George Island flight
Punta Arenas
Solio Reserve
Maasai Mara Reserve
Starlit sleepover
Samburu safari
Children's safari
Sheldrick Trust
Breakfast with giraffes
The Drake Passage
Resort island
Eco-lodge in the jungle
Koh Ker and Beng Mealea
A gourmet dinner
The Temple of Ta Prohm
Angkor Wat
Reykjavik
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Midnight sun
Solar Eclipse
Fjords of East Greenland
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Excursions on Zodiacs
Whales
Gerlache Strait
South Georgia
Falkland Islands
Antarctic Peninsula
Expedition
Walk around Ushuaia
Movie night
A luxury resort
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Diving
Island dinner
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Barbecue
SUP boarding
Jet Ski
Whale sharks
Manta rays
Snorkelling
Peking Duck
Glass Bridge
Baofeng Lake
Tianmen Mountain
Zhangjiajie National Park
Temple of Heaven
The Great Wall of China
Beijing
Freycinet NP and Wineglass Bay
Mount Field National Park
Moorilla Winery and MONA
Culinary cruise
Chocolate factory
Wine Tasting and Gastronomy
Climbing Mount Wellington
Tasmanian Devil
Picnic on the Beach
Cataract Gorge
Helicopter Flight
Cradle Mountain National Park
Melbourne City Tour

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Victoria Falls

It is impossible to talk about Zambia and Zimbabwe without beginning with the Victoria Falls, one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Locals call it Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning "the smoke that thunders" — a name that is well deserved. Millions of litres of water plunge from a height of over 100 metres, creating a thick curtain of mist that can be seen from up to 30 kilometres away. 

Rainbow over Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, Africa

Victoria Falls from Zambia

Zambia offers the closest possible contact with the waterfall. Here, especially during the rainy season (from November to March), the power of the water is felt physically — drops scatter for tens of metres, filling the air with moisture.

The main attraction on the Zambian side is Livingstone Island, named after the explorer David Livingstone. Livingstone was the first European to see the falls in 1855 and named them after the Queen. From here, one of the most spectacular views of Victoria Falls can be enjoyed.

During the low-water season (August — January), you can take a dip in the Devil's Pool, a natural pool right on the edge of the cliff. Other natural pools near the waterfall’s edge are available for swimming in other months.

Victoria Falls from Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is considered the best vantage point for the viewing Victoria Falls. Around 15 observation decks offer panoramic views of 75% of the waterfall. This side never runs dry, even during the dry season, so the flow remains powerful all year round.

From one of the observation decks, you can see the entire waterfall. On sunny days, you may even witness a rainbow floating in the air, reflected in the mist.

For the more adventurous, there is a bungee jump from 111 metres directly above the Zambezi Gorge or a zipline that allows you to soar over the raging waters at great speed.

Victoria Falls from a bird’s-eye view

Experiencing the waterfall from the ground is breathtaking, but the best way to truly grasp its scale is from the air. Helicopter and microlight flights offer a stunning aerial perspective of this natural wonder. Only from this height can you fully appreciate how the wide river suddenly plunges into the chasm, transforming into a raging torrent before calming once more as it flows into the vast African savannah.

The Ruins of Great Zimbabwe

Aerial view of the Great Enclosure of the ruins of Great Zimbabwe, Africa

Long before Europeans arrived in Africa, developed cities already existed in the south. The most significant of these is Great Zimbabwe, an ancient complex that was the centre of a powerful state and an important trading hub.

Construction began in the 12th century and reached its peak between the 13th and 15th centuries. Great Zimbabwe covered an area of approximately 730 hectares and was the largest stone city south of the Sahara.

Its stone walls, built without a single gram of cement, have stood for centuries. Some reach 11 metres, and the construction techniques remain a mystery: the stones are tightly fitted together, creating remarkably stable structures.

This site remains unique but is not the only one — other stone complexes exist in Southern Africa, yet Great Zimbabwe is the largest and best-preserved.

Safari

Safari vehicle and warthogs in Lower Zambezi National Park, Africa

Africa is famous for its safaris, and Zambia and Zimbabwe are two true gems on the map for wildlife enthusiasts.

Zambia is considered the birthplace of walking safaris, and one of the best places to experience this is South Luangwa. Here, you can encounter elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and an abundance of leopards.

For those who prefer water-based exploration, the Lower Zambezi National Park offers a fantastic alternative, allowing visitors to observe wildlife from a canoe or boat. Elephants frequently cross the river, while hippos and crocodiles lurk in the water.

Another iconic destination is Kafue, Zambia’s largest national park and one of Africa’s biggest. It is renowned for its wetlands and rare antelope species.

The most famous safari destination in Zimbabwe is Hwange, where you can see vast herds of elephants, lions, and cheetahs. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mana Pools National Park is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and the opportunity to observe wildlife by the water. Here, elephants have learned to stand on their hind legs to reach leaves from trees.

For those seeking solitude, Gonarezhou is an ideal choice. It is a wild and little-known park where you can experience pristine nature without crowds of tourists.

In addition to land and water safaris, you can also try an air safari — a helicopter flight over Victoria Falls or a hot air balloon ride over the Zambezi Valley. If you want to experience the savannah at night, night safaris are organised in South Luangwa and Hwange, where you may encounter leopards, hyenas, and other predators as they hunt.

Beyond the major national parks, you can also go on a safari in Mosi-oa-Tunya, near Victoria Falls. This is the only place in Zambia where you can see southern white rhinos in the wild. It is also home to elephants, zebras, giraffes, and buffalo, and the absence of predators makes it an excellent location for hiking and river cruises on the Zambezi.

Safari accommodation options range from luxury lodges overlooking the river to classic safari camps and budget campsites.

Lusaka and Harare

Famous Jacaranda street in Harare Zimbabwe, Africa

Unlike most African capitals, Lusaka (Zambia) and Harare (Zimbabwe) do not appear to be typical tourist hotspots. Instead, these cities move to their own unique rhythm.

Lusaka is a dynamic and fast-paced city with modern high-rises alongside bustling markets and leafy avenues. Here, you can experience the many faces of Zambia, from business districts to traditional craft workshops. Soweto Market, the city’s main marketplace, is a labyrinth of stalls selling everything from colourful chitenge fabrics to African spices and antiques. For a deeper insight into Zambian culture, a visit to the National Museum is highly recommended. The museum showcases artefacts from the country’s struggle for independence and works by local artists.

Harare, on the other hand, is an unexpectedly green capital. The city boasts art galleries, while giant marabou storks wander through its parks. The National Gallery of Zimbabwe houses an impressive collection of ancient masks and sculptures of the Shona people, whose descendants still reside there. Just outside the city, the National Botanical Gardens are home to more than 900 species of plants, many of which are unique to Zimbabwe.

When is the best time to go?

The optimal time for safari:

May — October (dry season): the best time for safari. Animals congregate at water sources, and the vegetation is less dense, making it easier to observe.

November — April (green season): more picturesque landscapes, but the animals are less visible due to the abundance of water. In South Luangwa, many newborn cubs can be seen at this time.

Visiting Victoria Falls:

February — May: The waterfall is full-flowing and especially spectacular, but due to the powerful flow of water, the view can be limited due to water mist.

August — January: less water, but better visible rock relief. During this period, you can swim in the "Devil's Pool."

Mystical Moments Devil's Pool Zambia, Africa

Lake Kariba is the largest man-made lake on Earth. It was formed following the construction of the Kariba Dam on the Zambezi River and covers an area of 5,400 km², stretching between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Zambia is home to one of the highest waterfalls in Africa, Kalambo Falls. Standing at 235 metres, it is the second-highest waterfall on the continent after Tugela Falls in South Africa. The waterfall is located on the border between Zambia and Tanzania.

Zimbabwe is one of the countries with the largest number of official languages. The state recognises 16 official languages, including English, Shona, and Ndebele, making it one of the most multilingual countries in the world.

South Luangwa National Park is renowned for its walking safaris. In the 1950s, naturalist Norman Carr pioneered the concept, allowing tourists to observe wildlife on foot instead of in vehicles. Today, South Luangwa is considered one of the best places in the world for such an experience.

The Balancing Rocks are a natural wonder in Harare. In Zimbabwe’s capital, you can see enormous boulders that appear to defy gravity as they precariously balance on top of one another. These geological formations have become a national symbol of the country.

Explore Zambia and Zimbabwe with Scenario Travel!

Experience the power of Victoria Falls, embark on a safari in the wilderness of South Luangwa and Hwange, walk in the footsteps of elephants, and explore the ancient ruins of Great Zimbabwe.

Our team will craft the perfect African adventure for you. We will handpick the finest lodges with breathtaking views, design unique safari routes, and arrange cruises on the Zambezi River — so you can truly experience the magic of Africa!

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