Zimbabwe Travel Guide Best Time To Visit
Philip is our Zimbabwe expert and author of more than 20 guidebooks to Africa.
The best time to visit Zimbabwe generally is from June or July to October. The wildlife viewing is excellent at this time as animals gather around the rivers and waterholes. This is especially true in Hwange National Park where the artificially pumped waterholes attract big herds of elephant. Although Victoria Falls is rewarding to visit at any time, it is most dramatic when the water flow peaks over February to June. It is almost as spectacular over July to September when there is less spray and the views are clearer.
April to OctoberDry Season – Winter
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Vegetation is thin and animals gather around water sources, making wildlife viewing easier
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There is virtually no rain, clear blue skies and lots of sunshine
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There are fewer mosquitoes, which reduces the risk of malaria
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Although it is high season, the parks won’t be crowded, except for Victoria Falls
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Victoria Falls is most spectacular from February to June when the water flow is highest
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October is very hot in low-lying areas, with temperatures above 32°C/90°F
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It gets cold at night and in the mornings so bring warm clothing
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From March to May massive clouds of spray will block some views of Victoria Falls (although for many the spray is part of the experience)
November to MarchWet Season – Summer
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The scenery is greener
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It is low season, resulting in lower rates
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The best time to see newborn animals
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Bird watching is at its best as many birds are in breeding plumage and migratory birds are present
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Rains are mostly short afternoon showers and seldom have a negative impact on your safari
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Wildlife viewing is more difficult since there is more vegetation and animals no longer rely on waterholes
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The humidity combined with the higher temperatures in the low-lying parks can make it feel uncomfortably hot
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From October to December, the flow of the Zambezi River is at its lowest and Victoria Falls is not at its best
Wildlife Photos
Eland
© Matthew StarlingBaby elephant
© Ondrej ProsickyLioness carrying her cub
© David FettesCommon waterbuck
© Ariadne van ZandbergenBaboons against an orange evening sky
© Michael PolizaHerd of elephants at a waterhole
© EcoPictureA pack of wild dogs playing
© David FettesHerd of elephants at a waterhole
© EcoPictureZebra
© EcoPictureElephant in front of waterbuck
© Michael PolizaBanded mongoose
© EcoPicBuffalo drinking at the lake
© Paula FrenchElephant
© SmellmeElephant shaking a tree
© Michael PolizaHippos in the water
© Mark EveleighElephants with a baby
© Michael PolizaElephants in the shade of a tree
© Michael PolizaElephant bull at a baobab tree
© Ariadne van ZandbergenPlains zebras at the Runde River
© Ariadne van ZandbergenElephant herd on the shore of Lake Kariba
© Paula FrenchLion cub stretching
© VilliersSteynChacma baboon resting under a tree
© Ariadne van ZandbergenHippo wading through the Zambezi River foliage
© David FettesZebras
© Michael PolizaGiraffes
© Ariadne van ZandbergenGreater kudu ewes
© Ariadne van ZandbergenNyala ram
© Ariadne van ZandbergenPride of lions
© Ariadne van ZandbergenElephant herd coming to the water
© Michael PolizaLion drinking
© Ariadne van ZandbergenPlains zebras
© Ariadne van ZandbergenBuffalo
© Mark EveleighKlipspringer
© Ariadne van Zandbergen Best Time To Go by Major Park
Most parks offer year-round wildlife viewing, but they are at their best during the middle and end of the Dry season from June or July to October when wildlife is easier to spot. Hwange is a magnet for big elephant herds at the end of the Dry season. The Wet season (November to March) is a beautiful time in Zimbabwe and excellent for bird watching. However, road conditions can be a problem at this time, especially the 4x4 vehicle tracks in Mana Pools National Park.