Best time to visit Zimbabwe for a safari

The best time to go to Zimbabwe on safari is June to October. This is winter in the country, and in most of its wildlife reserves, including Hwange and Mana Pools national parks, winters are dry, causing vegetation to thin and wildlife to congregate around water sources, making sightings easier and very rewarding. If your priority is seeing as many animals as possible this is the best time to visit Zimbabwe. Additionally, cooler temperatures also mean more comfortable daytime game drives and fewer insects.

The opposite season, November to March, is summer in the southern hemisphere, which brings rain to many of Zimbabwe’s safari areas, transforming the landscapes with lush greenery. This is the best time for birdwatching, as many seasonal migrants arrive with the rains, while dramatic skies and thunderstorms provide atmospheric scenery for photography, and newborn animals abound, which can make for thrilling predator sightings. Although our lodges in Hwange National Park remain open during the summer season, those in Mana Pools National Park pause operations. 

If you want to visit Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwean side, then they will be at their fullest from February to May, after the summer rains. While the curtain of water during this time is undoubtedly impressive, the mist can be so thick that it obscures some viewpoints and you'll almost certainly get soaked. June to August offers a good balance, with strong water flow, cooler temperatures and clearer views of the Falls. By September to early December, water levels are much lower, revealing the gorge rock face and creating excellent visibility. 

Zimbabwe in April–August

April to August is one of the best times to visit Zimbabwe. Days are warm and sunny, nights are cool, and there is hardly any rain. Vegetation begins to thin, making wildlife easier to spot as animals gather around permanent water sources. 

In Hwange National Park, the Ngamo Plains dry out, with huge numbers of antelope seen in the open grasslands, attracting predators, creating excellent opportunities to see lions, cheetahs and African wild dogs. Our camps in Mana Pools National Park also open for the safari season in April, making a combination safari between Zimbabwe’s two famed safari areas possible, and recommended.

The Victoria Falls are also spectacular throughout this period. Although water levels gradually begin to decline from their annual peak, the Falls still deliver impressive volumes of water while allowing much clearer views than earlier in the year. Cooler temperatures also make it pleasant to explore the network of walking trails around the Falls without the intense summer heat.

This is one of Zimbabwe's busiest travel periods, so booking accommodation and flights well in advance is recommended.

September to November deliver some of Zimbabwe's most rewarding wildlife viewing. During these months water becomes scarce and animals concentrate around any water that remains, making sightings exceptionally reliable with predators active around the shrinking water sources. The sparse vegetation also provides excellent visibility and walking safaris are a highlight during these months. Warmer temperatures also make extended night drives more comfortable. Towards the end of November, the rains begin to fall, heralding the start of the green summer season. The rains also attract migratory birds to the area, and our camps in the Mana Pools region pause operations.

The Victoria Falls presents a very different experience from earlier in the year. Water levels are significantly lower, revealing much of the basalt cliff face behind the Falls and offering uninterrupted views into the gorge below. White-water rafting through Batoka Gorge is at its best as more of the rapids become exposed.

December to March is green season in Zimbabwe and rains transform the landscape after months of dry weather. Rivers begin to rise, afternoon thunderstorms are common and humidity increases. Migratory birds arrive from across Africa and Europe and many remote safari lodges, including Wilderness' camps in Mana Pools are closed during this time. That said, safaris to Hwange National Park are possible year-round. This is a time favoured by photographers thanks to the atmospheric scenery and presence of newborn antelope, while you may also be able to find more affordable rates and last-minute availability.

Victoria Falls gradually builds towards its annual peak during these months. Water levels rise as rainfall spreads across the Zambezi catchment and scenic flights over the Falls become increasingly spectacular as more water pours over the precipice. It is also easy to see why they are given the name Mosi-oa-Tunya or ‘The Smoke That Thunders’. Expect to get wet while exploring the viewpoints, and while the mist can obscure the view at times, the sheer power of the Falls is unforgettable.