Romantic Escapes in Zimbabwe

Romance in Zimbabwe means river light, quiet lodges and big skies rather than beaches. The country has no coastline, and lakes and rivers hold crocodiles and hippos, so the best moments happen on boats with a crew, on lodge decks and at the dinner table.

Victoria Falls for two

  • Sunset cruise: A cruise on the upper Zambezi at dusk is the classic first evening. A river levy of about US$12 per person is added to the operator price.
  • Afternoon tea: The Victoria Falls Hotel, built in 1904, serves afternoon tea on Stanley’s Terrace from about 15:00 to 17:30, and non-guests can book a table.
  • Dinner: The Boma, Place of Eating, at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge serves dinner only, from about 19:00 to 22:00. Book ahead.
  • Lodges: Victoria Falls River Lodge has treehouse suites on Kandahar Island that are reached by boat, and Matetsi Victoria Falls is a private reserve about 40 km above the falls with 18 suites in two camps. The Elephant Camp sits above a wildlife sanctuary. Amenities and age rules differ, so confirm what each lodge offers.
  • A helicopter flight: The 12 to 13 minute flight over the falls and gorge costs about US$150 to 190 through resellers, plus a park levy of about US$18.

Wild nights in Hwange

Hwange has several camps with private game drives, and Little Makalolo, run by Wilderness, offers a star bed for sleeping under the sky. Game viewing is best from August to November, and October can pass 40 C, so pack for heat.

Lake Kariba

A crewed houseboat charter from Kariba town gives you a private deck, a cook and a captain. Bumi Hills Safari Lodge, on the Kariba shore near Matusadona, adds game drives, boat cruises and catch-and-release tigerfish fishing. Prices on Kariba vary hugely, so request written quotes. Do not swim from the boat or the shore.

Planning tips

  • Book lodges early for the dry season from about May to October.
  • Prices are quoted in US dollars, so carry small, undamaged notes.
  • Malaria is present in these areas, so ask a doctor about protection before travel.
  • Do not walk around Victoria Falls town after dark, because elephants and buffalo graze in the streets.
  • Never ride elephants or handle predator cubs, even where a lodge offers it.

Read more: Couple activities and Multi-day trips .

Check entry rules at the UK government advice . Compare stays on Booking.com .