The ideal time to visit Zimbabwe is the dry May to October winter season which is superb for game viewing due to warm temperatures and a minimal malaria risk. The end of the summer rainy season between April and May when the Falls are fully flooded, is the best time to visit Victoria Falls for the most breathtaking views.
When it comes to wildlife viewing, Zimbabwe is at its most beautiful between July and October. Huge herds gather in lakes, artificial waterholes, and rivers when the natural waterholes in the parks dry up.
Travel between November and March, however, is rewarding for anyone looking to venture off the usual path and discover the nation's rich cultural heritage. The presence of migratory birds will excite birders in particular.
ZIMBABWE WEATHER OVERVIEW
Best Time - May to September
High Season - July to October
Low Season - November to April
Best Weather - April, May and September
Worst Weather - October to February
BEST TIME TO VISIT ZIMBABWE BY SEASON
The Best Seasons for Planning Your Zimbabwe Safari Tours are;
Wet season: November to March
Dry Season: April to October
DRY SEASON (April to October)
- The view of Victoria Falls is most breathtaking from May through September.
- Spotting wildlife is easy because of the sparse vegetation.
- There is little rain, plenty of sunshine, and bright, blue skies. The number of mosquitoes is down.
- Except Victoria Falls, other areas like game parks are not crowded.
WET SEASON (November to March)
- Greener scenery
- Rains are often brief and hardly ever hurt your trip.
- The ideal time to view newborn animals
- Bird watching is at its finest with many birds in their breeding season
BEST TIME TO VISIT ZIMBABWE NATIONAL PARKS
Although most parks allow visitors to view wildlife year-round, they perform best in the dry season when wildlife is more visible. The greatest time to visit Hwange is from September to October when large elephant herds are drawn to the area. Although Zimbabwe's wet season is gorgeous and great for bird watching, the road conditions, particularly the 4x4 trails around Mana Pools, can be challenging.
| National parks | JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC |
| Hwange NP | Fair | Fair | Fair | Good | Good | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Fair |
| Mana Pools NP | Poor | Poor | Poor | Fair | Good | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Fair |
THE TEMPERATURE OF ZIMBABWE DESTINATIONS
The weather in Zimbabwe is pleasant and mild. Temperatures on the central plateau can reach 28°C (82°F). Parks at lower elevations, like Hwange and Zambezi NP, are warmer all year long. Even lower with hotter temperatures are the Mana Pools, Matusadona, and Gonarezhou, where temperatures can reach 35°C/95°.
Zimbabwe Safari
Quick Facts About Zimbabwe
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People
The people of Zimbabwe are known for their hospitality and friendliness. The country has a rich and diverse cultural heritage with a number of tribes like Shona, Ndebele, Venda including several minority ethnic groups like White Zimbabweans.
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Money
The country’s official currency is the Zimbabwe dollar (ZWL) although not internationally recognized. Zimbabwe is a multi-currency country accepting other currencies such as the South African Rand, Botswana Pula, British Pound, Euro, and the US Dollar for transactions.
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Geography
Zimbabwe is a landlocked nation situated between the Zambezi and Limpopo Rivers. It is bordered by Zambia to the northwest, Mozambique to the northeast, South Africa to the south and Botswana to the southwest.
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Activities
The most popular activity in Zimbabwe is visiting Victoria Falls along with other activities like horseback safaris, gorge swinging, zip lining, abseiling, and crocodile cage diving. Other activities include game driving, fishing, white-water rafting on the rapids of the powerful Zambezi River, bungee jumping, and fishing.
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Weather
The weather in Zimbabwe is pleasant with a subtropical climate. It has four distinct seasons: the cold dry season, which lasts from mid-May to mid-August; the hot dry season, which lasts from mid-September to mid-November; the major rainy season, which lasts from mid-November to mid-March; and the post-rainy season, which lasts from mid-March to mid-May.
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Transport
As a landlocked country, Zimbabwe's transportation system mostly relies on roads, rails, and the air. For tourism, air transport is crucial. Although both freight and passenger traffic uses railroads, freight traffic makes up the majority of rail travel. Road transportation is the major mode of transportation for passenger traffic.
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Plan Your Trip
Want to arrange a trip to Zimbabwe? With our online travel advice on visas, embassies, transportation, healthcare, currency, and what to read, you can start planning your trip right away. Zimbabwe safari packages make organizing your trip easy and economical, whether it's a family vacation or an all-inclusive getaway.
Let’s Start Designing Your Holiday
Reward or motivate your team with a trip of a lifetime. Our incentive packages will energize them, leave them engaged, and constantly strive to improve and deliver beyond expectations.
Zimbabwe Safari
Zimbabwe Travel Guide
Zimbabwe Safari
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Zimbabwe is an excellent destination for safari enthusiasts. It boasts several world-renowned national parks, such as Hwange National Park and Mana Pools National Park, which offer incredible wildlife viewing opportunities and breathtaking landscapes.
The best time for a safari in Zimbabwe is during the dry season, which typically runs from May to October. This period provides optimal game viewing conditions as animals gather around water sources, making them easier to spot.
Visa requirements for Zimbabwe vary depending on your nationality. It's advisable to check with the nearest Zimbabwean embassy or consulate or visit the official website of the Zimbabwean immigration department to determine the specific visa requirements for your country of residence.
Zimbabwe offers a range of accommodation options for safari-goers, catering to different budgets and preferences. There are luxury lodges, tented camps, and bush camps located within or near national parks.
The official currency of Zimbabwe is the Zimbabwean dollar (ZWL). However, it's worth noting that Zimbabwe has experienced currency fluctuations in recent years. It's advisable to carry a combination of US dollars (in small denominations) and local currency. US dollars are widely accepted, especially in tourist areas, and it's essential to have enough cash on hand as ATMs may not always be reliable.
Zimbabwe has made significant progress in terms of safety and security in recent years. Tourists generally have positive experiences when visiting Zimbabwe, especially in popular tourist destinations. However, like any travel destination, it's important to take necessary precautions. It's recommended to stay informed about the current situation, follow local guidelines, avoid walking alone at night, and secure your belongings.
Zimbabwe has multiple official languages. The most widely spoken language is Shona, followed by Ndebele. English is also an official language and is commonly used for business, education, and government affairs.
Zimbabwe Safari
Zimbabwe Safari Itineraries
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