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Victoria Falls

When is the best time to visit Zimbabwe?

Victoria Falls

The best time to visit Zimbabwe is between July and October, when game viewing is at its peak. The natural waterholes in the parks dry up and huge herds congregate at the lakes, man-made waterholes and rivers.

However, travel from November through to March rewards those wanting to get off the beaten track and explore the country’s rich cultural history. Birders, in particular, will be delighted by the presence of migratory birds.

Meanwhile, April to June provides great value, and fantastic views of Victoria Falls in full flow can be enjoyed, with the crowds a little quieter at this time.

Temperatures remain warm throughout the year, ranging from 70°F to 95°F.

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Month-by-month guide for traveling in Zimbabwe

Southern yellow-billed hornbill

Visiting Zimbabwe in November - February

The days are warm, with potential rain in the afternoons, but this can clear as fast as it arrives. The country will be quiet, and this is one of the best times to head out with expert guides to view the resident and migratory bird species — some lodges guarantee 50 species before breakfast.

The Victoria Falls

Visiting Zimbabwe in March

Water levels at Victoria Falls are at the perfect level to see the gorges and geology of the area, and the famous spray rainbows are in evidence too. Combine this with the rocky outcrops in the Matopos region for an immersion into colonial and ancient culture.

Elephant in Mana Pools

Visiting Zimbabwe in April - May

April heralds the re-opening of Mana Pools, a World Heritage national park particularly famous for walking safaris. The days feel fresher and brighter throughout April and May as the seasonal rains end, and the landscape is looking lush and green.

Young lion in Hwange

Visiting Zimbabwe in June - July

The weather turns colder at night as the winter sets in — take plenty of layers as temperatures can get down to freezing. June marks the return of the wildlife to pumped waterholes in Hwange and this is the perfect time for photographers to explore the sunken hides for wildlife viewing from a different angle before the parks get busier over the holiday period.

Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Visiting Zimbabwe in August - September

The days are bright and clear, with barely a cloud in the sky. Temperatures fall at night, and sightings are continuous. Though the camps are likely to be full, the majority are on private concessions so you still get exclusivity and no crowds.

Events & Festivals

  • Fantastic wildlife sightings and an interesting insight into the life of a Hwange ranger. Join the park rangers at the annual game count as they stake out the waterholes to check the animal numbers passing through Hwange National Park.
Klipspringers in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Visiting Zimbabwe in October

The days are heating up, with temperatures reaching well into the 90°Fs. Wildlife sightings are also at their peak as the dry season ends.

Zimbabwe Climate Guide

Destination Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Bulawayo 81°F 5" 81°F 4" 79°F 2" 79°F 1" 75°F 0" 70°F 0" 70°F 0" 75°F 0" 82°F 0" 84°F 1" 82°F 3" 81°F 5"
Gonarezhou National Park 91°F 5" 90°F 4" 88°F 2" 86°F 1" 82°F 0" 79°F 0" 79°F 0" 82°F 0" 88°F 0" 90°F 1" 91°F 3" 91°F 4"
Harare 79°F 8" 77°F 7" 79°F 4" 77°F 1" 73°F 0" 70°F 0" 70°F 0" 75°F 0" 81°F 0" 84°F 1" 81°F 4" 79°F 7"
Hwange National Park 84°F 6" 84°F 5" 84°F 2" 84°F 1" 81°F 0" 77°F 0" 77°F 0" 82°F 0" 90°F 0" 93°F 1" 90°F 3" 86°F 5"
Lake Kariba 88°F 7" 88°F 7" 90°F 4" 90°F 1" 88°F 0" 84°F 0" 84°F 0" 88°F 0" 95°F 0" 99°F 1" 93°F 3" 90°F 7"
Matobo National Park 82°F 5" 81°F 4" 81°F 2" 77°F 1" 73°F 0" 70°F 0" 70°F 0" 75°F 0" 81°F 0" 84°F 1" 82°F 4" 81°F 5"
Victoria Falls 88°F 7" 88°F 5" 88°F 3" 88°F 1" 84°F 0" 79°F 0" 79°F 0" 84°F 0" 91°F 0" 95°F 1" 93°F 3" 90°F 7"

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Travel advice

Practical tips for traveling to Zimbabwe, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest US State Department travel advice.

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