Nestled in the heart of Southern Africa, Zimbabwe is a conservation travel gem teeming with diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. The best time to visit Zimbabwe will depend on the kinds of experiences you wish to have, and it is a year-round destination.
The array of wildlife across the country is staggering: Zimbabwe is home to 350 species of mammals, more than 650 birds, and over 100 fish species. The country supports the world’s second-largest population of elephants, topped only by neighboring Botswana. Visitors hoping to spot the Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, rhinoceros) may be in luck across Zimbabwe, and may also encounter zebras, giraffes, cheetahs, hyenas and a variety of antelope.
Zimbabwe offers diverse and rich wildlife experiences throughout the year. Its commitment to conservation is evident in its well-managed national parks and conservation efforts. Each season in Zimbabwe brings something distinct to appreciate on safari.
The Zimbabwe Meteorological Services Department divides the year into four seasons: the hot, rainy season generally lasts from late October or early November to March, with a brief dry period at the end of December and the beginning of January. It is followed by a post-rainy season from March to May.
It is worth noting that travelers to Zimbabwe in September/October can expect very high temperatures in the day and a dry, oppressive heat and in July, August certain areas can get surprisingly cold so hats, gloves and layers often can be required.
Read also: Planning Your Ethiopia Trip
| Season | Months | Characteristics | Wildlife Viewing | Victoria Falls | Birdwatching |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wet | November - March | Rainy afternoons, lush greenery, high temperatures | Newborn animals, thick vegetation | Building to peak flow | Excellent, migratory birds |
| Post-Rainy | March - May | Transitional, cooling temperatures, lush vegetation | Animals more active | Full flood (April-May) | Good |
| Dry | June - October | Virtually no rainfall, low humidity, sunny days | Animals congregate around water sources | Strong, steady flow | Normal |
5K African Wildlife Documentary Film - Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe, Africa - 1 HR
Safari Seasons in Detail
When is safari season? In Zimbabwe, it’s longer than you might think, and each season has its advantages. Zimbabwe is a year-round conservation travel and African safari destination.
Wet Season: November to March
During the wet season from November through March, rain usually falls in the afternoon. The temperatures range between 64°F in the morning and 90°F in the afternoon. In Hwange National Park, the plant life will be greener as the season progresses, and there’s a good chance you’ll see newborns finding their feet in the wild.
During the rainy season in both Matusadona National Park and Hwange National Park, you may encounter a variety of newborn and young animals. Migratory birds have arrived, so birding is at its best.
Wildlife may be hidden in thick vegetation, but many species of antelope will be giving birth and migrating birds will be returning from the Northern Hemisphere, flocking in massive numbers to the parks. In fact, if you are an avid birder, the wet season from November up to April may be the best time to visit Zimbabwe.
At the height of the rainy season, Victoria Falls is building to peak flow, with massive volumes of water cascading into the gorge. The surrounding jungle is lush, green and dotted with spectacular bursts of color as the rainforest flowers bloom. While some roads may become inaccessible due to the rains, this season offers its own unique experiences. Summer is a quieter time for safaris in Zimbabwe, offering a more peaceful experience for those who prefer to avoid crowds.
Read also: Ethiopian Cuisine: Philadelphia Guide
Post-Rainy Season: March to May
The post-rainy season from March to May is a transitional period in Zimbabwe. This is the end of summer. Vegetation is lush and animals move about more. Temperatures are relatively cool, typically around 50°F in the morning and 82°F in the afternoon. The nighttime temperatures start to drop.
In addition, March to May is a good time to visit Matobo National Park, known for its population of white and black rhinoceroses. This time of year, a safari in Zimbabwe is dry and cool, making it an ideal time for wildlife viewing.
April and May mark the end of the summer rainy season, and Victoria Falls, already the largest sheet of falling water on Earth, is in full flood, offering a dramatic spectacle.
Dry Season: June to October
From around May to July, it’s dry, calm, and slightly cooler. During the dry season, there is virtually no rainfall and low humidity. Wildlife will concentrate around waterholes and rivers when other water sources dry up. Morning game drives in open vehicles may be cold. The average morning temperature is 43°F. Afternoons will be more pleasant with temperatures around 77°F.
Wildlife will concentrate around waterholes and rivers when other water sources dry up. Animals congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot. National parks like Mana Pools become hotspots for wildlife activity.
Read also: Best Beaches in Ghana
In Matusadona National Park, animals are easier to observe as the dry season goes on because the bush thins out and wildlife gathers around Lake Kariba. It’s usually dry and sunny, and there are fewer mosquitoes. This is the best time for wildlife viewing on Lake Kariba. As the land dries up, animals flock to the lake to drink and graze along its banks. The visibility is excellent as the bush is dry.
September to November in Zimbabwe is an ideal time for those looking for more active pursuits and exceptional wildlife viewing at water sources, but it’s also peak travel times and the hottest temperatures. Accommodation may be busier and these months are particularly hot in northern areas such as Mana Pools.
In September, the annual game count in Hwange National Park takes place. This is an excellent time to visit Hwange, Zimbabwe’s largest natural reserve.
Specific Months
- February: Rainy and wet. Victoria Falls is in full flow but mist may obscure views.
- March: Warm, humid with frequent afternoon thundershowers.
- April: Fewer rain showers, cooling temperatures, lush greenery.
- May: High water at Victoria Falls, good for safari.
- June: Considered the best time for safari, spectacular game viewing.
- July: Colder nights, pack extra layers.
- August: Bright and clear days, ideal for wildlife sightings, best time for white-water rafting at Victoria Falls.
- September: Annual game count in Hwange National Park.
- October: Hottest month, good wildlife sightings.
- November: Unpredictable, best time for birdwatching.
- December: Plenty of summer rain, lush landscapes, great for birdwatching.
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.
Although Victoria Falls is rewarding to visit at any time, it is most dramatic when the water flow peaks over February to June.
On Nat Hab’s Southern Africa Odyssey, explore the shores of the Zambezi River and its majestic Victoria Falls, the world’s largest manmade lake, Lake Kariba, and the vast plains of Hwange National Park.
Further north, Matusadona National Park, bordered by the Sanyati and Ume rivers, features 540 square miles of untouched terrain home to elephant, Cape buffalo, impala, waterbuck and side-striped jackal. Frequent sightings of Egyptian goose, marabou stork, saddle-billed stork, Goliath heron, African skimmer and the coveted African fish eagle.
Some of the park’s wildlife may be descendants of the more than 6,000 animals rescued during Operation Noah following the completion of Lake Kariba’s dam in 1959. As the water level rose, animals struggled to survive on ground that was gradually becoming submerged.
Popular articles:
tags:
