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Best Time to Visit Zimbabwe

Best Time To Visit Zimbabwe

Overview
Best Time to Visit
Tours
Things To Do
Travel Guide

An overview of Zimbabwe’s seasons by month

The cool dry season (May- August) is considered the best time for Zimbabwe travel. During the day, pleasant temperatures are around 68°F. By night, temperatures drop, especially in the higher regions, to freezing point. In low-lying areas, you can expect an average of about 41°F. June and August are considered the best months for safaris in Zimbabwe. If you would like to plan your Zimbabwe vacation around some of the top things to do in Zimbabwe, then take a look at our weather guide and recommendations below before planning your trip.

Best Time To Visit

Most Ideal
Low Season

overview

This is the rainy season in Zimbabwe, and while conditions are lush and green and make for some great photographic opportunities, do note that some of the camps and lodges can be closed.

we recommend

  • This is a good time for birdwatching with the migratory birds making their presence felt

overview

This is usually low season in Zimbabwe. With all the rain and the lush greenery, spotting wildlife can be difficult, but birdwatching is ideal at this time.

we recommend

  • With the Zambezi in spate, The Victoria Falls are full of water, affording a truly dramatic spectacle

overview

Expect frequent afternoon thundershowers and hot and humid conditions around this time. Wildlife viewing isn’t great at this time, so do factor that in should you plan to visit now.

we recommend

  • Head for a dramatic viewing of the Victoria Falls

overview

The rains are abating and most of the lodges and camps start reopening at this time. The air feels fresh and clean and the landscape is green after the rains!

we recommend

  • This is the last month to catch the migratory birds in all their glory across the various camps and lodges
  • Explore Matopos National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

overview

Make sure you carry plenty of layers as this is the time temperatures start dropping! Early mornings and nights especially can get very cold. The dry conditions mean the animals start flocking to the waterholes, making this a potentially great time to embark on a safari!

we recommend

  • Embark on a safari in the wildlife sanctuary in Matapos
  • Head for a lush green safari in Matusadona National Park, on the edge of Lake Kariba

overview

This is the start of peak season in Zimbabwe. It is pleasant during the day, though nights can get cold (carry plenty of layers!) and the dry conditions make it ideal for animal viewing.

we recommend

  • Experience rich wildlife on canoe safaris at Mana Pools National Park
  • Marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Great Zimbabwe

overview

Excellent conditions – pleasant days, cold nights and great wildlife spotting opportunities – make this one of the most popular months to visit Zimbabwe, so book well in advance!

we recommend

  • Large elephant and buffalo herds await you during your driving safari in Hwange National Park
  • Head for a guided bush walk in Hwange where you could witness lions, cheetahs or leopards at close range!

overview

The cold, winter season is coming to end around this time and daytime temperatures gradually begin to rise.

we recommend

  • Look forward to huge elephant herds, buffaloes and predators on your safari in the Gonarezhou National Park
  • Visit the tea country of the Eastern Highlands
  • This is also a good time to visit Hwange, where the annual game count takes place around this time

overview

This is the hottest month in Zimbabwe, expect temperatures to sometime hit 110 and more! Game viewing is best early morning and late afternoon to avoid the searing heat.

we recommend

  • Nyanga National Park is a perfect spot for trekking enthusiasts
  • Explore the Old First of Masvingo and head to the nearby Kyle Game Resort to spot its white rhinos

overview

This is the start of the rainy season, so expect thundershowers especially in the afternoons, that help reduced the temperatures.

we recommend

  • Visit the bustling city of Bulawayo and explore several nearby attractions

overview

Expect a rainy month! It’s not the ideal time for wildlife viewing and several parks and lodges can be closed. This a good time for birdwatching though, with the migratory birds arriving in hordes.

we recommend

  • Enjoy the vibrant and breezy capital city of Harare where there’s much to see

Best time to visit Zimbabwe by season

The hot dry season (September–mid-November) brings temperatures around 104°F during the day and high humidity. If you do not mind the heat, this is a great time for Zimbabwe safari trips. The animals gather around the remaining watering holes, and the grass is dried up and trampled down so that you have particularly good visibility.

The rainfall of the Emerald season (Mid November – April) brings a refreshing cooling effect for humans and wildlife alike. Temperatures vary between 77°F and 85°F during the day and remain pleasant even at night. The country’s foliage flourishes, which has a very special charm. The emerald season is the best time for bird watching.

The climate of Zimbabwe can be divided as follows:

Cool drying time: May – August

Hot dry season: September – mid-November

Rainy season / Emerald Season: Mid November – April

Best time to visit Zimbabwe

What to Pack

The season you travel to Zimbabwe will determine what you need to pack. Based on the time you choose, here is a list of things you should ideally carry: Rain gear including waterproof jacket and shoes, mosquito repellent especially during the rainy season, light clothes for day time and a jacket for cooler evenings, layers of clothing including warm jacket / fleece or jumper, gloves, socks and a scarf, light cotton or linen clothing with natural colors, light shoes and sandals, sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, swimsuit, light jumper for cooler evenings, long sleeved shirts and long trousers are useful for protection from the sun during the day and mosquitoes at night.

The Best Ever Luxury Safari Tours in Zimbabwe

Popular Trips to Zimbabwe

Best Time to Visit Zimbabwe

Africa Explorer: Kruger, Chobe and Okavango

10 Days from $9,990 USD / person

Prepare for the safari vacation of a lifetime as you journey through South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana. From game drives in Southern Kruger to boat safaris in Chobe National Park and village visits around Okavango Delta, there’s an enthralling set of experiences in store for you. The icing on the cake? A trip to Victoria…

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Victoria Falls

Kenya and Zimbabwe: Safari and the Falls

11 Days from $8,990 USD / person

Exciting safaris, cascading waterfalls and enriching cultural experiences: this 11-day tour of Kenya and Zimbabwe opens you up to the raw beauty of the region. From exploring Nairobi’s contemporary art and culture scene to soaring over the Masai Mara in a hot air balloon, the tour promises an eclectic mix of experiences. Round off your…

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Best Time to Visit Zimbabwe

Botswana Highlights and Western Zimbabwe

11 Days from $16,290 USD / person

Traverse sprawling deserts, the world’s largest inland river delta and thundering waterfalls as you explore some of Southern Africa’s finest wildlife destinations. Savor the assorted urban charms of Johannesburg before heading to the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Enjoy enthralling game drives and walking safaris with expert Bushmen guides to spot lions, leopards, elands and more….

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Victoria Falls

Western Zimbabwe and Botswana Highlights

10 Days from $12,890 USD / person

Discover the magic of the Victoria Falls and unearth Botswana’s wildlife treasures on this ten-day tour. Get a bird’s-eye-view of The Smoke That Thunders as you soar up above Victoria Falls in a helicopter. Go on exciting game drives, boat cruises and bush walks in Zambezi National Park, before experiencing Botswana’s wonderful waterworlds. With mokoro…

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zimbabwe safari

Western Zimbabwe: National Parks and Victoria Falls

9 Days from $4,890 USD / person

In Western Zimbabwe, the beauty of East African nature awaits you. This trip takes you from the thundering Victoria Falls to the Zambezi National Park and the vast savannah of Hwange National Park. Explore the renowned and hidden treasures of Zimbabwe’s west.

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Enchanting Travels-Botswana Tours-Okavango Delta-Khwai Tented Camp-Exterior View

Victoria Falls, Botswana Safari and Mauritius

13 Days from $8,590 USD / person

Experience the water worlds of Botswana on boat safaris in Chobe and at the Okavango Delta, and spend time relaxing days on the beaches of Mauritius. Start your trip at the thundering Victoria Falls, a UNESCO site thus named by explorer David Livingstone after the19th century British monarch. You will travel on to Chobe National…

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Best Places To Visit

Things To Do

From stunning Big Five safaris to exciting adventure sports along the mighty Zambezi River, and magnificent archeological ruins to the vibrant, buzzing capital city Zimbabwe is brimming with treasures. Discover the top ten highlights.

Things To Do in Zimbabwe

Travel Guide

The choices offered when traveling in Zimbabwe are awesome. Plan your vacation with helpful tips from our experts in this Zimbabwe travel guide, from visas and currency to health information, communication and language.

Zimbabwe Travel Guide

From the Blog

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What Our Guests Say

A memorable trip to South Africa and Zimbabwe. A lot to see and a lot of history, a very memorable vacation. The safari drives are amazing and the food in all locations were delicious, you got to be open to trying different cuisine. Overall trip was the best I#ve experienced.
Rating 5/5
ZImbabwe
Rosemarie Wright

USA

The trip was planned perfectly from beginning to the end. We were notified of any changes to the schedule based on delayed flights etc. It is a real advantage to have Enchanting Travels make the arrangements that allowed us to speed through customs and visa checks. Our drivers were always there waiting for our arrival so no time wasted waiting. Just the ease of the logistics that comes with traveling with Enchanting Travels keeps up going back to them when we are planning a trip. The experiences were beyond words. Our game drive guides were exceptional in getting us to where the animals were so we could enjoy seeing cheetah cubs at play while mom watched, lion cubs playing while a group of lioness’s napped in the sun and two male lions did the same. The most incredible sight was watching a group of 6 lioness’s separate a female buffalo and her calf and going on to taking them both down. It was like watching a Nat Geo film but we were there within 30 yards to watch. Our accommodations were top notch, staff everywhere we were were exceptional, and the settings were all different but wonderful. Our trip coordinator was in constant contact just to check in and see if there was anything we needed her to do. The Trip Agent App, our first time using it, was a very nice feature and was so much easier to use rather than pulling out a hard copy of the trip to find the answer to our questions. I wasn’t sure if I would use it or not but became dependent on it. Traveling doesn’t get any better if you travel with Enchanting Travels. We will be back!
Rating 5/5
Kenya
Carol Brzeczek

USA

Enchanting exceeded our expectations by a wide margin. They built the itinerary that was perfect for us and were with us throughout the entire trip checking in on us and handling any issues that could possibly arise (like a delayed flight that had a trickle effect). The staff were all over and above attentive and caring. The app they have you use is surprisingly excellent and helpful. Can’t say enough about this travel company. It’s the way to go.
Rating 5/5
Africa
George Kyriakis

Canada

This was our first trip with Enchanting Travels and I could not make a higher recommendation. From the time of planning to execution of our trip to Southern Africa, the service was excellent. The attention to detail of every aspect of our trip was outstanding. The trip was seamless, from transportation to accommodations. It was comforting to have a connection in Africa who met with us online prior to the trip and was available throughout our journey. The app with all of our travel plans and documents made the trip stress free. We plan to use Enchanting Travels again in the future.
Rating 5/5
Okavango Delta
Tamela Gough

USA

This trip to South Africa has been on our bucket list for a long time. Our only regret is that we didn’t do it sooner. It exceeded all expectations, particularly because of Enchanting Travels and our travel coordinator /consultants Akshay, and Cyprian. Their expertise, and professionalism allayed any concerns we had. Also, the timeframe and specific tours on our itinerary were perfect – four days in Cape Town, two days at the Krueger Safari Park, two days in Zimbabwe/Victoria Falls, and two days in Johannesburg. We were glad Enchanting Travels was recommended by a relative who relied on them for a trip to South Africa. Everything was perfectly customized to meet our needs and we thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this trip.
Rating 5/5
South Africa
Gail Lofton

USA

We went to Africa because it was on our bucket list. We thought it would turn out to be a nice trip but words cannot express how wonderful it was. We felt like we were living in a fantasy. Every single person that we met in Africa was amazingly friendly and happy. Everything else we saw there was so much more amazing that it being on television. We are really considering going back in the future since it was absolutely the best trip we have ever been on!!! I am suggesting Africa to everyone.
Rating 5/5
Sunrise-over-the-savanna-and-grass-fields-in-central-Kruger-National-Park
Leanne Hoffman

USA

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