Best Time to visit Zimbabwe
Best Time for a Zimbabwe Safari Holiday
Best Time to visit Zimbabwe for safaris
Best time for safaris and holidays in Zimbabwe
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Month by month Zimbabwe Travel guide
month by month Zimbabwe safari guide
Zimbabwe’s climate is divided into three primary seasons: the dry season, which is from May to October, the wet season, which starts from November to March, and the transitional shoulder months, that is, between 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.
Best Time To Visit Zimbabwe For Safaris
The dry season, which occurs between July and October, is the best time to go on a Zimbabwe safari. This is because the water sources are low, and animals congregate in huge numbers around the rivers and pans in places such as Hwange and Mana Pools, making it easy to track them due to the sparse vegetation.
For those who wish to witness the mighty Victoria Falls in all its thunderous glory, the best time to visit is between April and June when the water is at its strongest. For those who want fewer tourists and lower prices, the shoulder seasons are the best time.
Zimbabwe Safaris Seasonal Guide
Zimbabwe is one of the best destinations for a year-round safari, with the best time for a high-density game experience during the dry season, which is from June to October. The wet green season from December to April is ideal for its beautiful landscapes, thunderstorms, and bird-watching opportunities. The shoulder season, which is May and November, is a good time for favorable weather, fewer tourists, and reasonable game viewing.
| Season | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hwange National Park | Good | Good | Good | Fair | Fair | Good | Best | Best | Best | Best | Good | Good |
| Mana Pools National Park | Good | Good | Good | Fair | Fair | Good | Best | Best | Best | Best | Good | Good |
| Victoria Falls | Good | Good | Good | Fair | Fair | Good | Best | Best | Best | Best | Good | Good |
| Matobo National Park | Good | Good | Good | Fair | Fair | Good | Best | Best | Best | Best | Good | Good |
| Gonarezhou National Park | Good | Good | Good | Fair | Fair | Good | Best | Best | Best | Best | Good | Good |
| Matusadona National Park | Good | Good | Good | Fair | Fair | Good | Best | Best | Best | Best | Good | Good |
Low Season
High Season
Peak Season
Detailed Month by month Zimbabwe Travel guide
Zimbabwe TRAVEL GUIDE - best safari guide to Zimbabwe
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
Green Season (Wet)
Temperatures:- High of 20°C and lows of 14°C
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.
What to do in January
Best for a Safari in Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba, Zambezi River, Matobo Hills
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
Green Season (Wet)
Temperatures:- High of 20°C and lows of 14°C
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.
What to do in February
Best for a Safari in Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba, Zambezi River, Matobo Hills
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
Green Season (Wet)
Temperatures:- High of 20°C and lows of 14°C
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.
What to do in March
Best for a Safari in Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba, Zambezi River, Matobo Hills
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
Shoulder Season (End of Wet Season)
Temperatures:- High of 20°C and lows of 14°C
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.
What to do in April
Best for a Safari in Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba, Zambezi River, Matobo Hills
This month is excellent for exploring the Central Kalahari, Makgadikgadi Pans, and Moremi Game Reserve, where animals start gathering in more concentrated areas. It’s a quieter time with pleasant weather and increasingly good wildlife viewing. It’s also a great opportunity for those seeking quality safaris before high season rates kick in. April also marks the start of some mobile safaris and special bush camp reopening’s.
May
Shoulder Season (Start of Dry Season)
Temperatures:- High of 20°C and lows of 14°C
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.
What to do in May
Best for a Safari in Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba, Zambezi River, Matobo Hills
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
Dry Season (High)
Temperatures:- High of 28°C and lows of 18°C
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.
What to do in June
Best for a Safari in Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba, Zambezi River, Matobo Hills
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
Dry Season (High)
Temperatures:- High of 35°C and lows of 24°C
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.
What to do in july
Best for a Safari in Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba, Zambezi River, Matobo Hills
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
Dry Season (Peak)
Temperatures:- High of 35°C and lows of 24°C
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.
What to do in August
Best for a Safari in Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba, Zambezi River, Matobo Hills
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
Dry Season (High)
Temperatures:- High of 35°C and lows of 24°C
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.
What to do in September
Best for a Safari in Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba, Zambezi River, Matobo Hills
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
Shoulder Season (Hot, Start of Green Season)
Temperatures:- High of 35°C and lows of 24°C
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.
What to do in October
Best for a Safari in Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba, Zambezi River, Matobo Hills
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
Shoulder Season (Early Rains Begin)
Temperatures:- High of 28°C and lows of 18°C
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.
What to do in November
Best for a Safari in Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba, Zambezi River, Matobo Hills
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
Shoulder Season (Early Rains Begin)
Temperatures:- High of 28°C and lows of 18°C
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.
What to do in December
Best for a Safari in Okavango Delta, Kalahari, Chobe and Moremi
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.
Top Zimbabwe Safaris and Tour Itineraries
Best Customised Zimbabwe Safari itineraries
Cheetah Safaris specializes in private Zimbabwe safaris targeting high-density wildlife regions such as Hwange, Mana Pools, and Victoria Falls. Our safaris are specifically designed to suit your interests, whether it is the Big Five or large elephant populations. From luxury tented camps to private guided walking and canoeing safaris, we take care of every detail.
We can modify any person’s itinerary to make it a completely customized experience in the wild. Contact us today to start planning.
Cost: 4182 PPS
No. of Nights 6
Destinations :-
Book Your Zimbabwe Safari Holidays with Cheetah Safaris
Booking your Zimbabwe safari adventure with Cheetah Safaris ensures a 5-star, locally-owned experience that comes with 15 years of expertise. We are experts in sustainable luxury, offering a personal touch to the best destinations in Zimbabwe, such as Hwange National Park, Mana Pools, and the breathtaking Victoria Falls.
From our personalized meet and greet service upon arrival to our expert guides, we focus on delivering high-end service. Cheetah Safaris is the best at personalizing every aspect of your trip to suit your tastes, ensuring a safe and memorable experience in the heart of the Zimbabwean wilderness.
Financial Protection
You are guranteed of a safe, and peace of mind booking process, and as well safari payments. We ensure that your payments are secure and safe.
Sustainable Practices
Keeping in mind our efforts in wildlife, environment and natural resources protections, we are sustainable travel conscious and aware.
Ground Safari Expert
We Know Africa more than any one. We love taking our guests to the less explored destinations. Experiencing the magical touch of African Wild.
Positive Impact
Our Safaris are not only sustainable, but create very positive impacts to so many. We engage in school programmes, that inspires our future leaders.
15 Years of Experience
Cheetah Safaris has a combined of 69 years of safari expertise and practice in Africa. We will take care of your safari from arrival till departure.
Proffessional Guides
We have the best safari guides in East Africa. All our guides are Silver and Gold Guides. Hence you will learn so much with them while on safari.
Zimbabwe safaris FAQs
Having Questions? Learn about our Zimbabwe Safaris Bookings Q&A
If you have any questions regarding any of our Zimbabwe Safari tours, you may find your answer below in our most frequently asked questions. However, don’t be afraid to get in touch if your query is not included for our experts to help you design your best Bush and Zimbabwe Safaris.
Our team is happy to help discuss any of our safari packages, destinations, or general information, so you have peace of mind! Get in touch with us now.
When is the weather best for Safaris in Zimbabwe?
The optimal weather conditions for a safari take place during the dry season, which occurs between May and October, with the peak period being between July and September. The conditions associated with this period include cool and clear skies with less vegetation, which forces animals to congregate around water sources for optimal viewing.
Can I visit Zimbabwe all year?
Zimbabwe is a year-round holiday destination with clearly defined and manageable seasons. The dry season (May to October) is the best time for wildlife sightings, while the green season (November to April) is ideal for its beautiful scenery, excellent bird watching, and fewer tourists. Each month of the year presents a different and rewarding safari experience.
Is it safe to visit Zimbabwe for Safaris?
The country is considered to be relatively safe for a safari adventure, with such popular tourist spots as Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, and Mana Pools being safe and well-protected. Although one should exercise caution, it is highly unlikely that a tourist will become a target for criminals in such areas.
What to Pack for a Zimbabwe Safari?
Pack neutral-colored, light layers (khaki/beige) to adjust to temperature changes and blend in. These should include long sleeves for protection, a warm fleece, walking shoes, and a wide-brimmed hat. Make sure all these items can fit in a 20kg soft luggage bag for regional flights.
Pack For a Purpose
Cheetah Safaris is a serious advocate of sustainable safari practices in Africa. As part of our efforts and initiative, we engage and support schools and children who need knowledge to better their lives. The best gift a child can be given is education, skills, and creativity.
In this case, we request our guests booking with us, to bring an extra back of supplies. This can be in terms of books, sports materials, and any other items that would change the lives of these kids.
- Education
- Sustainable Travel
- Wildlife Conservation
Let us help you customize your trip
Like all of our holidays on this site, this is just an idea. All of our trips are tailor-made, so we’ll always adapt them to suit you.
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Browse our Cheetah Safaris Website. We’ll match you with a Specialist in our team who is best suited to help you plan your next safari adventure. To start, submit your Safari Inquiries.
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