​Best Time To Visit – Mana Pools NP

Philip Briggs
Expert
By Philip Briggs

Philip has traveled through Zimbabwe several times and is the author of more than 20 guidebooks to various African destinations.

Philip is the Zimbabwe expert for SafariBookings and author of more than 20 guidebooks to Africa.

Philip is our Zimbabwe expert and author of more than 20 guidebooks to Africa.

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The best time for wildlife viewing in Mana Pools National Park is from June to October. Animals are easier to spot then because the dry weather thins the bush and wildlife concentrates around the Zambezi River and the pools on its floodplains. Parts of the park might be closed to vehicles during part of the Wet season (November to March).


22 Mana Pools Safaris
Best Time June to October (Best wildlife viewing)
High Season July to September
Low Season January to June (Many camps close from November to April)
Best Weather April to September (Rains rarely fall)
Worst Weather October to February (Hot and humid once the rains start)

April to October Dry Season – Winter

  • Wildlife is easier to spot as animals come to drink at the Zambezi River
  • Days are sunny and there is practically no rain
  • Malaria risk is reduced since there are few mosquitoes
  • It is cooler (with the exception of October)
  • There is a lot of dust and drought
  • It is cold in the early mornings

November to March Wet Season – Summer

  • The scenery is fresh and green
  • Newborn animals are common
  • The arrival of the migratory birds makes birding superb
  • Wet, muddy roads can become difficult to drive or even impassable
  • The Dry season is better for wildlife viewing
  • It is damp with high humidity and the afternoons are hot
  • Many accommodations are closed

Wildlife Photos

Best Time To Go by Major Park

Excellent
Good
Fair
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  • JanJ
    FebF
    MarM
    AprA
    MayM
    JunJ
    JulJ
    AugA
    SepS
    OctO
    NovN
    DecD
  • Mana Pools National Park Mana Pools National Park
    JanJ
    FebF
    MarM
    AprA
    MayM
    JunJ
    JulJ
    AugA
    SepS
    OctO
    NovN
    DecD

Want To Visit Mana Pools NP?

22 Mana Pools Safaris