What to do while in Zimbabwe

Jan 08, 2026

The beginning of a new year always comes with a long list of plans. Life and work goals, personal commitments, travel ideas that may or may not come into being. And on this one - the biggest question for many is not only where to go, but what kind of experience fits both your pocket and the time available.

For travellers considering Zimbabwe, the Gwango website makes trip planning a lot easier. Our Activities page offers a clear overview of what is available in our destination areas including Bulawayo, Matobo and Hwange -  with upfront pricing and clear details that help you plan ahead. We provide a realistic sense of what can be done, how long each activity takes and roughly what it will cost - so you can be well prepared before arrival.

Bulawayo and Matobo experiences
Activities in Bulawayo and Matobo lend themselves to a more unhurried, varied style of travel. There is a nice balance between nature, culture and history, making it well suited to visitors who want an experience that goes beyond the game drives.

For anyone looking for that mix during their travels, the day could begin with a guided morning hike through the Hillside Dams Conservancy, walking through granite outcrops and shaded paths at the edge of the city. For more of a wildlife focus, the Rhino Safari in Matobo National Park is always a highlight. It combines a guided drive through the dramatic Matobo landscape and (conditions permitting) you will have a chance to track rhino on foot and understand the conservation work protecting them.

The Rock Art and Landscapes Safari adds another layer to the experience, linking ancient San rock art sites with sweeping views from World’s View. For travellers interested in people and culture, the Bulawayo Cultural City Tour brings markets, craft centres and the Natural History Museum together into a well-rounded introduction to the city and its stories.

Each of these activities departs from Gwango Tamarillo Estate and includes clear departure times and inclusions, so you can conveniently plan your itinerary. 

Hwange experiences
In Hwange, the focus naturally shifts toward wildlife and wide open spaces. The Hwange Activities page lays out a range of options, from short excursions to full day adventures, allowing visitors to choose how immersive you want your safari experience to be.

Sunrise and sunset safaris in Hwange National Park offer classic game viewing at the most active times of day, while the Full Day Safari allows for deeper exploration. You will venture into different sections of the park, complete with a packed lunch and an unhurried day of game viewing, from waterholes with snorting hippos to open plains alive with predators.

Closer to the lodge, sunset safaris on the Gwango Estate and night excursions tracking elephants by moonlight offer something quite different, often surprising guests with how much wildlife exists beyond the boundaries of the national park. Cultural tours at Gwango Heritage Resort and farm tours at Gobelo link the safari experience to local history, food and everyday life.

Hwange is a birder’s hotspot, attracting a large number of bird species across a variety of habitats, including vast Kalahari sands, teak woodlands, fossil dunes, vlei and grasslands. So having a dedicated note on bird watching in Hwange on the Activities page, which outlines the diversity of species found in the area, is especially helpful for travellers planning trips around specific interests.

A useful planning tool
The Gwango Activities page works as a practical and much needed planning tool. Having prices, durations and basic inclusions listed upfront helps you think realistically about budgets, timing and priorities before committing to a trip.

For anyone mapping out travel plans for the year ahead, it is a helpful place to start. Whether the idea is a short cultural escape in Bulawayo, a wildlife focused stay in Hwange, or a mix of both, the overview makes it easier to see what is possible and build a trip around it. 

To book any activity or to ask for guidance on what might work best for a particular itinerary, enquiries can be sent directly to reservations@gwango.com