If you’re looking for a way to get up close and personal with some of the world’s most majestic creatures, look no further than Zimbabwe.
It is home to some of the largest herds of elephants in Africa and offers visitors a fantastic opportunity to observe elephants in their natural habitat.
From game reserves to national parks, there are some of the best places to see elephants in Zimbabwe in the world.
Our top picks for elephant viewing in Zimbabwe include Hwange National Park, Victoria Falls National Park, and Zambezi National Park.
They’re all known for their stunning landscape and views as well as rich wildlife. Read on!
Do Wild Elephants Still Exist In Zimbabwe?
Yes! Zimbabwe has the second-largest elephant population in Africa, with an estimated 100,000 elephants living in the wild.
Most of these animals inhabit the national parks and game reserves in the northern part of the country. Elephant herds are also found along some rivers and coastlines in western Zimbabwe.
The elephant population in Zimbabwe is threatened by poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict.
The government has taken steps to protect the species, such as increasing anti-poaching patrols, setting up designated wildlife corridors, and promoting eco-tourism.
In addition, local communities are being educated about the importance of conserving wildlife.
Read on for our list of the Best Places To See Elephants In Zimbabwe!
1. Hwange National Park
Located in the western part of Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park is one of the best places to go on an African safari.
Quick facts:
| Number of Elephants: | 45,000-50,000 |
| Location: | https://goo.gl/maps/1nxyNniuaMENJH8T7 |
| Homepage: | https://www.zimparks.org.zw |
It is home to one the largest population of elephants in Africa that can be seen up close. Hwange used to be called Wankie Game Reserve and it is the largest natural reserve in Zimbabwe.
It lies in the northwest of Zimbabwe, just off the main road between Bulawayo and Victoria Falls.
It’s estimated that the park has a capacity of carrying 15,000 elephants and that population has risen almost beyond control (it’s a good thing!).
The area is home to one of Southern Africa’s greatest elephant herds of up to 350 animals. These larger herds are commonly referred to as “Super herds” and are unique to the Hwange area.
In addition to elephants, you’ll also have the opportunity to see lions, leopards, rhinos, and other wild animals in their natural habitat.
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2. Victoria Falls National Park
Victoria Falls National Park is another top destination for elephant viewing in Zimbabwe.
Quick facts:
| Number of Elephants: | 4,000 in Victoria Falls area |
| Location: | https://goo.gl/maps/YSqX7HxcuZU7NjoS6 |
| Homepage: | https://national-parks.org/zimbabwe/victoria-falls |
But it’s not just the elephants that make this park worth visiting. Visitors can also witness the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, which is one of the largest waterfalls in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The falls are located on the Zambezi River and form a natural border between Zimbabwe and Zambia.
In addition to elephants, the park is home to a variety of other wildlife such as zebras, buffaloes, giraffes, and more.
Visitors can take guided walks or game drives to explore the area and get up close to elephants.
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3. Mana Pools National Park
In Mana Pools National Park, visitors have a high chance of encountering elephants while on safari.
Quick facts:
| Number of Elephants: | 12,000 |
| Location: | https://goo.gl/maps/6cUSLhS884v4qn8EA |
| Homepage: | https://national-parks.org/zimbabwe/mana-pools |
Elephants can often be seen in large herds around the park’s water sources, especially during the dry season when elephants come to drink from the Zambezi River.
Apart from elephants, Mana Pools is also home to a wide range of other wildlife. Lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas are among the large predators that roam the park.
The park is also known for its high concentration of hippos, which can be seen both in the river and in pools throughout the park.
Other animals commonly spotted include baboons, impalas, kudus, waterbucks, and zebras.
Mana Pools National Park offers visitors the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with wildlife, whether on a guided safari drive or a walking safari.
Walking safaris are particularly popular, as they allow visitors to experience the bush on foot and get closer to animals such as elephants in a safe and controlled manner.
In addition to wildlife viewing, Mana Pools National Park also offers excellent fishing and canoeing opportunities.
The Zambezi River is known for its bream and tiger fish, which can be caught using a variety of methods.
Canoeing on the river is a great way to see the park from a different perspective and spot wildlife along the riverbank.
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4. Zambezi National Park
Zambezi National Park is renowned for its impressive population of elephants that roam freely throughout the area.
Visitors can enjoy an up-close elephant-viewing experience and witness elephants in their natural habitat.
Quick facts:
| Number of Elephants: | 1,000 |
| Location: | https://goo.gl/maps/K6fnk9pV4FeCjYTu8 |
| Homepage: | N/A |
The park is also home to various other wildlife species such as hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, zebras, and many more.
The only way to truly appreciate the incredible wildlife of Zambezi National Park is through a guided safari. These journeys provide you with a first-person look into the animal kingdom, from wildebeest and elephants to zebras and cheetahs.
Zambezi National Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as fishing and bird watching that attract visitors from near and far.
Birdwatchers will be delighted to discover over 400 species of birds living here, while fishermen can look forward to experiencing the thrill of catching bream or tiger fish in the Zambezi River.
In conclusion, Zambezi National Park is an excellent destination for wildlife enthusiasts who want to see elephants and other African wildlife in their natural habitat.
With its impressive elephant population, variety of other wildlife species, and unique activities, this park offers visitors a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
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5. Gonarezhou National Park
Gonarezhou National Park is the second-largest national park in Zimbabwe, covering over 5,000 square kilometers of land.
Located in the southeastern corner of the nation, this park is a natural paradise for elephants.
Quick facts:
| Number of Elephants: | 12,000 |
| Location: | https://goo.gl/maps/t2HAKhtMoYwiin2eA |
| Homepage: | https://gonarezhou.org |
Gonarezhou National Park is not only home to the African elephant but also numerous other species, including wild cats like lions and leopards, antelopes, giraffes, zebras – and additional wildlife.
A rather unique feature of Gonarezhou National Park is the stunning Chilojo Cliffs, which offer panoramic views of the park and surrounding areas.
The cliffs are known to be a popular spot for photography (don’t fall off if you’re taking a selfie!)
Visitors can also spot a variety of birds, including eagles, hornbills, and vultures, among others.
Gonarezhou National Park really has an impressive elephant population, a variety of other wildlife species, unique landscapes, and birdwatching opportunities.
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6. Matusadona National Park
Matusadona National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in wildlife, particularly those keen on seeing elephants.
The park is located in northern Zimbabwe and is home to a significant elephant population, along with other wildlife such as lions, leopards, buffalo, and antelopes.
Quick facts:
| Number of Elephants: | 700 |
| Location: | https://goo.gl/maps/68L5M449jHM8vd6eA |
| Homepage: | https://www.mv-matusadona.com/zimbabwes-matusadona-national-park/ |
Matusadona National Park is one-of-a-kind, with its awe-inspiring location on the banks of Lake Kariba. Sighting wildlife in their own environment becomes an extraordinary experience as visitors can take advantage of a wide array of activities available to explore the park.
It offers game drives, walking safaris and boat cruises await those who wish to embark on a journey through this remarkable reserve!
Visitors to Matusadona National Park can also enjoy birdwatching, fishing, and breathtaking views of Lake Kariba and the surrounding mountains.
Matusadona National Park offers a more intimate and exclusive wildlife experience compared to some of the larger national parks in Zimbabwe.
The park’s remote location and smaller size allow visitors to get up close and personal with the animals, without the crowds of tourists often found in larger parks.
If you’re interested in wildlife, particularly elephants, Matusadona National Park is a destination you shouldn’t miss.
With its stunning location on the shores of Lake Kariba, impressive elephant population, and unique activities, the park offers an unforgettable experience that is sure to leave you with lasting memories.
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7. Chobe National Park
Chobe National Park is a popular destination for wildlife lovers due to its large elephant population.
The park is known for having some of the highest elephant concentrations in Africa, and visitors are almost guaranteed to see elephants in their natural habitat.
Quick facts:
| Number of Elephants: | 50,000 (main population on the Botswana side) |
| Location: | https://goo.gl/maps/sNY6jmFcrraFne8T9 |
| Homepage: | https://chobenationalpark.co.za |
In addition to elephants, Chobe is home to a variety of other wildlife species, including lions, leopards, buffaloes, zebras, and more.
Chobe National Park is unique in that it offers visitors the opportunity to see elephants in a variety of ways.
For a unique viewpoint of the wildlife in Chobe National Park, visitors can take part in thrilling boat safaris on the river. As they explore this watery landscape, it’s not uncommon to spot elephants wading across or to witness other animals such as hippos and crocodiles basking along the shore.
While the majority of Chobe National Park is located in Botswana, the northwestern part of the park extends into Zimbabwe.
This makes it a convenient option for visitors to Zimbabwe who wants to experience the park’s wildlife without traveling too far.
Overall, Chobe National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in seeing elephants and other African wildlife in their natural habitat.
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8. Matobo National Park
Matobo National Park used to host elephant herds in the past but it’s been a while since the last spotting.
It is however a great place to visit for leopards and white rhinos which are both spotted quite regularly. The park has Zimbabwe’s largest concentration of leopards.
Recommended, but not for elephants specifically.
Quick facts:
| Number of Elephants: | 0 |
| Location: | https://goo.gl/maps/e2bDxSLRJBHGn5oX9 |
| Homepage: | https://zimbabwetourism.net/portfolios/matobo-hills/ |
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Final Thoughts
Zimbabwe is one of the best places in Africa to see elephants in their natural habitat.
Hwange National Park, the largest park in Zimbabwe, is one of the top picks. It boasts a diverse range of wildlife, including a massive elephant population.
Visitors can enjoy game drives or walking safaris to see these elephants up close in their natural habitat.
Victoria Falls National Park offers an unparalleled opportunity to get up close and personal with elephants as they congregate at the watering holes.
Not only that, but it’s also a great chance to behold other majestic creatures such as buffalos, zebras, and giraffes in their natural environment!
Gonarezhou National Park, located in the southeastern part of Zimbabwe, is the second-largest park in the country. Gonarezhou is on the border with Mozambique, with which it shares a 100 km boundary.
The park’s remote location allows visitors to experience a more exclusive and intimate wildlife encounter.
Zambezi National Park is also worth visiting for an up-close elephant-viewing experience. The park is home to many elephants, hippos, and crocodiles, and visitors can spot other animals too.
Zimbabwe offers a wealth of opportunities for observing elephants in their natural habitat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Seeing Elephants In Zimbabwe
Most elephants can be found in Hwange National Park which is home to the largest population of elephants, approximately 50,000, in Zimbabwe.
The best time to see elephants in Zimbabwe is during the dry season, which typically runs from July to October.
In addition to elephants, Zimbabwe is home to various other animals, including lions, leopards, buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, hippos, and more. Many of these can be seen in the national parks and game reserves throughout the country.
Before visiting, you must be familiar with the regulations in each park or reserve. For example, some parks may restrict the vehicle type you can use or how close you can get to animals. Additionally, many parks require visitors to be accompanied by a guide.
