Zimbabwe is one of Africa’s most rewarding yet underappreciated safari destinations. With iconic natural landmarks like Victoria Falls, vast and biodiverse parks such as Hwange National Park, Mana Pools, Matobo Hills, and Gonarezhou, Zimbabwe offers a wide range of ecosystems, from dry savannahs to lush riverine forests. The country boasts incredible wildlife viewing, excellent guiding (some of the best in Africa), and unique experiences like walking safaris and canoe expeditions. Despite past political instability, tourism infrastructure is strong and steadily improving, with intimate lodges, luxurious camps, and professional safari operators.
One of Zimbabwe’s biggest draws is its diverse safari activities. Unlike in many countries where game drives dominate, here you can walk, canoe, or boat through wilderness areas and enjoy closer, more immersive experiences. Mana Pools National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers legendary canoe safaris along the Zambezi River and close encounters with elephants on foot. Hwange is teeming with elephants and predators, while Matobo is a stronghold for rhino tracking. Birders will be thrilled with the over 600 species found in the country, particularly in the wetter months.
Zimbabwe also offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural depth. Beyond wildlife, you’ll find the ancient rock art and granite kopjes of Matobo Hills, the Great Zimbabwe ruins, once the heart of a powerful civilization, and thriving communities that provide authentic cultural interactions. Whether you’re seeking luxury, adventure, or off the beaten path travel, Zimbabwe delivers profound encounters with wild Africa at a slower, more soulful pace.
We will be glad to receive your safari inquiry and bookings to help you plan and organize your Zimbabwe Safari. Our able safari managers will be ready to go through the process to customize and tailor-make your next safari adventure in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe’s climate is divided into three primary seasons: the dry season (May to October), the wet season (November to March), and the transitional shoulder months (April and November). Each season offers a different perspective on the land and its wildlife. The dry season, especially from June through October, is widely regarded as the best time for classic safaris, with cooler temperatures, thinning vegetation, and abundant wildlife around permanent water sources. In contrast, the wet season transforms the country into a lush paradise, perfect for birding, calving season, and photography though accessibility to remote parks may be limited.
Generally, Zimbabwe is best to visit in the dry season months of July – October when the parks are dry, viewing is dramatic, easy and action packed.
LOW SEASON:
January to March
The height of the wet season, this period sees fewer tourists, lower prices, and lush, green landscapes. Accessibility to remote areas becomes more challenging, and some lodges close due to flooding or limited demand. However, it’s a paradise for birders, photographers, and those seeking solitude or good deals.
high SEASON:
June to September
This is the core dry season when Zimbabwe’s parks are at their best. Wildlife viewing is at its peak as animals congregate around waterholes, and vegetation is sparse, making spotting easy. Parks like Hwange and Mana Pools offer excellent game viewing, and Victoria Falls, though lower in water, is ideal for adventure activities like white water rafting. Prices are higher, and bookings should be made well in advance.
PEAK SEASON:
July & August
These are the most popular months, falling within the Southern Hemisphere’s winter school holidays. Expect dry, cool weather, exceptional wildlife sightings, and vibrant safari scenes. Most lodges are fully booked, and safari rates are at their highest. However, these months also provide the most comfortable conditions for travelers.
This month by month guide will help you understand the nuances of travel in Zimbabwe, detailing what each month looks like in terms of weather, wildlife behavior, and activities. Whether you’re chasing dramatic predator-prey interactions, lush green backdrops, affordable rates, or epic canoe adventures, this guide will help tailor your travel planning to your safari priorities.
January sits squarely in the middle of Zimbabwe’s wet season. Expect hot, humid days with frequent afternoon thunderstorms that turn the bush into a vibrant green haven. Wildlife is more dispersed due to abundant water sources, making game viewing slightly more challenging, but the scenery is dramatic and photogenic. Roads in remote parks may become muddy or impassable, and some camps close temporarily. However, this is the best time for birdwatching, with migratory species in full display.
This is the heart of the “emerald season,” making it ideal for photography and birding rather than traditional safaris. You can witness baby animals as many species give birth during this time, and lush landscapes create breathtaking backdrops. Victoria Falls is also powerful and beautiful, albeit with some mist obscuring the view. Consider cultural excursions or canoeing on calmer rivers like the Upper Zambezi.
February continues the rainy season with lush, water-soaked landscapes, thick foliage, and high humidity. Afternoon storms are common but typically short-lived. Game viewing remains hit-or-miss due to the dense bush, but the vibrant vegetation and dramatic skies make it a rewarding time for scenery lovers and birders. While mosquito numbers are higher, lodges and camps provide effective protection.
February is perfect for off-the-beaten-path travel and getting incredible deals. It’s a great time for boat trips on the Zambezi, birdwatching, and cultural explorations near towns or less weather-affected regions. Photographers will appreciate the green hues and vivid sunsets. Combine wildlife with relaxation and cultural heritage for a more rounded safari experience.
March marks the tail end of the wet season. Rainfall starts to reduce, especially later in the month, while the landscapes remain lush and green. The air is clearer, and temperatures begin to cool slightly. While wildlife is still spread out, the emerging dry patches near rivers can bring back pockets of activity. It’s a transitional time with potential for good sightings and a peaceful atmosphere.
This is a great time to visit Victoria Falls, which is starting to swell impressively with the Zambezi’s rising water levels. Birdwatching is still excellent, and there are fewer tourists around, making for more intimate experiences. For active travelers, hiking around Matobo Hills is manageable with the cooler days, and cultural visits are always worthwhile.
April signals the end of the rains and the beginning of Zimbabwe’s shoulder season. The skies clear up, the landscape remains green and beautiful, and temperatures begin to cool. The air is fresh, and wildlife begins gravitating toward drying water sources, especially later in the month. It’s a quieter period with improving game visibility and excellent conditions for travel across most parts of the country.
April is great for both scenic and cultural safaris. It’s an ideal time to explore Great Zimbabwe and the Eastern Highlands, as roads are more passable and the waterfalls are still full. While some wildlife areas are still lush and challenging for sightings, walking safaris, boating, and photography safaris thrive during this period. It’s also one of the most pleasant months weather wise for trekking and cultural tours.
May marks the true beginning of the dry season. Rainfall is rare, and the bush starts thinning out. Temperatures drop, especially at night, creating cool mornings and evenings with sunny days. With the grasses dying back, wildlife sightings steadily improve, especially in more open areas like Hwange and the Zambezi Valley. Travel conditions are excellent, and crowds are still minimal.
This is the start of the classic safari window. Game drives become more productive, and walking safaris begin to open up. It’s also an excellent time for photography, with golden morning light and lingering green landscapes. Lodges begin reopening in remote areas like Mana Pools, making this a perfect month for early-bird explorers seeking dry-season advantages without peak prices.
June is a prime safari month in Zimbabwe. The dry season is now fully established, with crisp mornings, clear skies, and thinning vegetation. Wildlife is easier to spot as water sources dwindle and animals start gathering at permanent rivers and pans. Temperatures can be quite cold at dawn and dusk but remain comfortable during the day.
Safari experiences peak in June. It’s a great month for game drives in Hwange and canoeing in Mana Pools, which opens for the season. Walking safaris are also in full swing, and Victoria Falls continues to flow impressively, though slightly less forcefully than in April or May, making viewing conditions clearer. Activities like horseback safaris and rhino tracking are at their best.
July is the start of Zimbabwe’s peak safari season. It’s dry, cool, and virtually rain-free, with prime conditions for spotting animals across the country. Wildlife congregates around water sources, vegetation is sparse, and skies are deep blue. Nights can be very cold, but the days are sunny and warm. The overall experience is crisp and clear.
This is one of the best times for big game safaris. You’ll have high chances of spotting elephants, lions, wild dogs, and other species in open areas. It’s also a prime month for canoe safaris on the Zambezi and tracking rhinos on foot in Matobo. Victoria Falls is less misty, allowing clearer views and exciting adventure activities like white water rafting.
August is one of Zimbabwe’s most popular safari months, with dry, dustier conditions and high wildlife concentrations. It’s peak tourist season, so parks are livelier and accommodations are often fully booked. Days are pleasantly warm, while early mornings and nights remain cold. Visibility is excellent as the bush is now at its thinnest.
Expect outstanding safari action across all major parks. Animals are concentrated around water sources, and predators are more visible as hunting conditions improve. This is also a fantastic month for walking safaris and boating on Lake Kariba. Bookings should be made in advance to secure spots in popular lodges and camps, especially around Mana Pools and Hwange.
September brings hotter, dustier days with bone dry landscapes and exceptional wildlife density. The need for water drives animals to predictable spots, making this one of the most rewarding safari months in Zimbabwe. The heat builds during the day, but mornings and evenings are still bearable. It’s a prime time for predator-prey interaction.
With the dry season nearing its end, this month offers some of the most dramatic game viewing in Zimbabwe. Riverbanks teem with activity, and wildlife congregates in dense numbers. It’s ideal for walking safaris, boat cruises, and photography. Victoria Falls begins to thin out, but adventure sports like bungee jumping and rafting continue in full force.
October is the hottest and driest month in Zimbabwe. Daytime temperatures soar, and the bush is parched, making water sources even more crucial for wildlife. Game viewing peaks as animals gather in desperation for water, offering some of the most intense safari scenes of the year. However, the heat can be extreme for some travelers.
If you can handle the heat, October is one of the most rewarding months for safaris. It’s especially productive for predators as visibility is perfect and hunting opportunities abound. Birdwatching begins to improve as migratory species start to return. It’s a good time for game drives in early morning or late afternoon, with midday reserved for relaxing at your lodge.
November is a transitional month. Early rains return in some regions, especially in the second half of the month, offering brief relief from the heat. The landscape begins to transform from brown to green, and animals start dispersing again. Temperatures remain high, and humidity rises gradually.
This is the start of the “emerald season” once more. You may catch the last of the dry season wildlife activity early in the month, while birding begins to improve. It’s a good time for travelers looking to avoid crowds, enjoy low rates, and witness the seasonal shift. Victoria Falls becomes fuller again, and water based activities like fishing begin to improve with cooler rivers.
December marks the beginning of the full rainy season. Afternoon storms become more frequent, and the bush bursts into vibrant life. While travel becomes harder in remote areas, the scenery is stunning, and the skies often dramatic. Wildlife visibility reduces, but the abundance of new life and bird activity offers a different kind of magic.
December is ideal for those who enjoy green season travel, bird photography, and cultural experiences. Many animals are giving birth, and the landscape is alive with movement and sound. Take advantage of excellent rates, low tourist numbers, and immersive nature scenes. Some areas like Victoria Falls and Lake Kariba remain accessible and rewarding year round.
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