Luxury Zimbabwe Safari Tours

Zimbabwe is a year round safari destination, but the experience changes beautifully with each season. The dry season from May to October is generally considered the best time to visit, with excellent wildlife viewing and comfortable temperatures. Here is a clear guide to help you choose the perfect time for your journey:

Dry Season in Zimbabwe (May to October)

• Wildlife gathers around natural and pumped water sources, making sightings reliable and often dramatic
• Temperatures are warm and pleasant with little rain
• Mana Pools and Hwange offer exceptional predator and elephant sightings
• Walking safaris in Mana Pools reach their peak from July to October

Green Season and Early Rains (November to April)

• Lush green scenery transforms Hwange and Matusadona into vivid, photogenic landscapes
• Excellent birding, with migratory species arriving across Zimbabwe
• Calving season for many antelope species, attracting predators
• Afternoon storms may occur, but mornings are often clear and beautiful
• Fewer travellers, creating quiet and exclusive safari experiences

Mana Pools Note:

Mana Pools National Park closes every year from January to March due to rainfall and floodplain conditions
The park typically reopens in April, with access improving progressively into the dry season

Victoria Falls is impressive throughout the year, but water levels change dramatically with the seasons, shaping the viewing experience. Here is a simple breakdown of what to expect:

February to May

• Falls at their fullest following summer rains (peaking March and April)
• Immense spray, heavy mist and powerful thunder
• Best for helicopter flights to appreciate the scale

June to August

• Water levels drop, revealing more of the rock face
• Clearer views and less mist for photography
• Rainbows are frequent and conditions are mild

September to December

• Lowest water levels on the Zimbabwe side
• Best visibility of the geological formation
• Easier to combine with activities such as Devil’s Pool on the Zambian side

Overall
Victoria Falls offers a memorable experience in every season. High water delivers drama, low water delivers clarity and structure, and both are spectacular in their own way.

Yes. Zimbabwe is a fantastic choice for first time safari travellers thanks to its excellent guiding, diverse national parks, friendly culture and wide variety of safari styles, from walking safaris and canoe experiences to traditional game drives and water based activities on Lake Kariba. The country is known for some of the best guides in Africa, which makes every sighting more engaging and informative for new safari guests.

Zimbabwe is also an outstanding destination for families. Many lodges run family specials during the green season (November to April,), offering excellent value, child friendly activities and private family suites. The landscapes are lush, wildlife viewing is relaxed and the atmosphere is perfect for multi generational travel.

For couples and honeymooners, Zimbabwe offers incredibly romantic lodges with private decks, outdoor showers, star beds and sleep out platforms overlooking the wilderness. These intimate experiences make Zimbabwe one of the most memorable destinations for romantic safaris and special celebrations.

Zimbabwe offers one of the most diverse safari experiences in Southern Africa, with activities ranging from gentle wilderness encounters to high adrenaline adventures. Here are the top experiences by category:

Walking and Land Based Safaris

• World renowned walking safaris in Mana Pools with expert guides
• Classic game drives in Hwange with large elephant herds and predators
• Scenic bush walks and tracking experiences in private reserves
• Horse riding opportunities around Victoria Falls and Lake Kariba

Water and River Activities

• Canoe adventures along the Zambezi River in Mana Pools
• Fishing for tiger fish and bream on the Zambezi and Lake Kariba
• Sunset cruises on the Zambezi River
• Lake based wildlife viewing in Matusadona and Bumi Hills

Victoria Falls Adventures

• Helicopter and microlight flights over the falls
• White water rafting and river boarding
• Gorge swings, zip lines and other adrenaline activities
• Rainforest walks with viewpoints of the falls

Cultural and Wilderness Experiences

• Cultural visits and ancient rock art viewing in Matobo
• Birding with over four hundred species across key regions
• Photography opportunities in Mana Pools, Hwange and Lake Kariba
• Relaxing lodge activities including spa treatments and star beds