What Does a Zimbabwe Safari Cost?
A transparent price guide for 2026 — from budget camping to luxury lodges
Mid-Range Safari — 5 Days
Estimated total per person
$1,200 – $2,550
$240 – $510 per day
Safari lodges, boutique hotels, tented camps
Restaurant dining, half-board lodge rates
Guided drives, walking safaris, 2-3 activities/day
Private transfers, rental 4x4 with fuel
Prices exclude international flights, visa fees ($30–50 for most nationalities), travel insurance, and personal shopping. Luxury rates often include all meals, drinks, activities, and park fees.
Side-by-Side Comparison (5 Days)
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $125–$300 | $600–$1250 | $2000–$6000 |
| Meals | $50–$100 | $150–$300 | Incl. |
| Game Drives & Activities | $100–$200 | $250–$600 | Incl. |
| Transport | $75–$150 | $200–$400 | $250–$1000 |
| Total Estimate | $350–$750 | $1,200–$2,550 | $2,250–$7,000 |
Individual Activity Prices
| Activity | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Victoria Falls entry (Zim side) | $30 |
| Victoria Falls entry (Zambia side) | $20 |
| White water rafting (full day) | $150–180 |
| White water rafting (half day) | $110–130 |
| Bungee jumping (Victoria Falls Bridge) | $160 |
| Gorge swing | $115 |
| Helicopter flight (13 min) | $170 |
| Helicopter flight (25 min) | $290 |
| Microlight flight | $185 |
| Sunset Zambezi cruise | $55–85 |
Where to Stay by Budget
Budget
Shoestrings Backpackers
Victoria Falls · Backpacker lodge
$25–40/night
Hwange Main Camp
Hwange NP · NP self-catering
$15–25/night
Matobo Hills Lodge (camping)
Matobo · Campsite
$15–20/night
Mid-Range
Ilala Lodge
Victoria Falls · Boutique hotel
$180–280/night
Miombo Safari Camp
Hwange NP · Safari camp
$150–220/night
Amalinda Lodge
Matobo · Boutique lodge
$200–350/night
Luxury
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
Victoria Falls · Luxury lodge
$400–650/night
Somalisa Camp
Hwange NP · Luxury tented camp
$800–1,200/night
Big Cave Camp
Matobo · Luxury lodge
$350–500/night
Money-Saving Tips
Travel in green season (Nov–Mar)
Lodge rates drop 30–50%. Fewer crowds, lush scenery, baby animals. Trade-off: afternoon thunderstorms.
Book a package deal
Combining Victoria Falls + Hwange in one booking typically saves 15–25% vs. booking separately.
Self-drive Hwange
Rent a 4x4 and drive the main loops yourself. Park entry is only $15–20/day vs. $80–150 for guided drives.
Stay on the Zimbabwe side
Victoria Falls town is generally 20–30% cheaper than Livingstone (Zambia) for equivalent accommodation.
Eat at local restaurants
Mama Africa, The Three Monkeys, and other local spots serve excellent meals for $8–15 vs. $30+ at hotel restaurants.
Use KAZA UniVisa
The KAZA UniVisa ($50) covers both Zimbabwe and Zambia, saving you from buying separate visas ($30 + $20).
Ready to Plan Your Safari?
Use our trip planner to build a custom itinerary that fits your budget and interests.