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
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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

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.

Popular Trips to Zimbabwe
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Desert to the Delta: Namibia, Botswana & Victoria Falls
Discover Southern Africa over 10 days and five unforgettable destinations. From Namibia’s towering dunes to Botswana’s wildlife-rich waterways and the thundering spectacle of Victoria Falls, this journey reveals the region through striking contrasts and immersive experiences. Watch sunrise paint the dunes of Sossusvlei. Explore the coastal charm of Swakopmund. Search for elephants, giraffes, and big…
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Africa Explorer: Kruger, Chobe and Okavango
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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Kenya and Zimbabwe: Safari and the Falls
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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Botswana Highlights and Western Zimbabwe
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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Western Zimbabwe and Botswana Highlights
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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Western Zimbabwe: National Parks and Victoria Falls
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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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.
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.
From the Blog
What Our Guests Say
What Our Guests Say
“Enchanting Travels has once again outdid themselves for me. My trip to South Africa and then unto Zimbabwe was flawless. Everything was well organized. What Enchanting Travels does well is make my dreams come true. Got to see all the Big Five by the end of our safari trip. The home hosted lunch in Zimbabwe was an excellent change to our itinerary when a previously scheduled activity fell through. My overall experience was truly wonderful.”
Carolyn Daniel, May 2026 Rating 5/5
“Enchanted Travels made our trip experience so relaxing. We never had to worry about anything. The app they used provided all the information we needed. The guides were always there for us and we didn’t need to worry about any administrative details beyond what time to meet the next day. All accommodations were first class and the included tours meant we didn’t have many expenses during out trip as everything was pre-paid.”
Nanette Fliesser, April 2026 Rating 5/5
“Anna Thomas was very adept at planning our trip to South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana. She is a keen listener and grasped what I wanted on the trip. Her knowledge of the area, the lodging, game drives and the multitude of options at each stop are exactly what we wanted. The trip plan was exceptional and the actual trip went perfectly, without a hitch. I was truly a trip of a lifetime! I would recommend Anna as a trip planner/coordinator for anyone looking to travel in south and/or east Africa. I certainly plan on using her again.”
Jerry Cleary, January 2025 Rating 5/5
“Just got back from two weeks in Africa. What a great trip. The first week was on Safari seeing all the wild animals. The second was sightseeing in Zanzibar and then Victoria Falls. Alison Felfoldi and Ruth Mbugua were incredible in arranging all of the details. The Hotels were great the venues were fantastic the guides were knowledgeable and all of the pickups and drivers were prompt and courteous.”
Rick Freese, February 2025 Rating 5/5
“We just returned from an outstanding 3-week trip to East Africa. Our travel consultant did an outstanding job of putting together this trip for a friend and me. Everything went as smooth as glass. We saw an extraordinary number of animals and the accommodations were even better than pictured. Our personal guides were enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and kind, even assisting with all our check-ins. Every transport worked seamlessly. It was a great experience, we highly recommend Enchanting Travels!”
Kathy Alven, September 2025 Rating 5/5
“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.”
Rosemarie Wright, March 2025 Rating 5/5
