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Ruckomechi Camp
Ruckomechi Camp
Ruckomechi Camp
Ruckomechi Camp
Ruckomechi Camp
Ruckomechi Camp

About Ruckomechi Camp

In a private concession bordering Mana Pools National Park, the luxurious Ruckomechi combines abundant wildlife viewing with excellent river activities.

Superb wildlife on a private concession, Zambezi River trips, even a sleep-out deck: Ruckomechi seems to have it all.

Tucked away on the boundary of the World Heritage Site that is Mana Pools National Park, the camp boasts far greater flexibility than those within the park.

For starters, there’s the exclusive wildlife-viewing, on foot or by 4WD, in a private concession whose varied habitats are off limits to other visitors (though do note that drives into the national park itself are not usually offered).

Then there are river trips – by motorboat and canoe – on the great Zambezi, which are not permitted inside the park boundary.

With views of the river from the whole camp, keeping an eye out for animals is by no means confined to activities. Settle down with a pair of binoculars on the extensive deck, or on the veranda of your classy tented chalet, and see what wanders past, or keep an eye out through the picture windows (privacy guaranteed!) of your en-suite bathroom.

And if that’s not close enough to the action, try a night on the sleep-out deck under the stars. With a double bed enveloped in a mosquito net, this is the stuff that safari dreams are made of.

Our view

Ruckomechi Camp is an upmarket property with a fantastic location on the banks of the Zambezi River. Taking full advantage of its location, it offers one of the most luxurious experiences in the area, with a variety of water-based activities, as well as walking safaris and game drives. The camp's private concession has superb and exclusive game viewing, although a downside of this is that it can stop guests exploring the majority of the national park's riverine areas, and hence some of the most interesting parts of this World Heritage Site.

Lucy Copson

Lucy Copson

Zimbabwe expert

Accommodation

10 tented chalets

Children

Best for 16+

Open

April to mid-November

Activities

4WD Safari

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Boat trip

Boat trip

Canoeing

Canoeing

Fishing

Fishing

Guided walking safari

Guided walking safari

Night drive

Night drive

Private activities

Private activities

Traveller reviews of Ruckomechi Camp

17 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.


94%
17 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
14
Good
2
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Ms C.fromRedlands

Arrived 10 Apr 2024, 3 nights

"Ruckomechi Camp review"

"Food and hospitality first rate. …" Read Ms C.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

P.CfromRedlands, Calif

Arrived 10 Apr 2024, 3 nights

"Ruckomechi Camp review"

"Very nice camp. …" Read P.C’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Ms AWfromSW London

Arrived 27 Aug 2023, 3 nights

"Ruckomechi Camp review"

"Being on the Zambezi river is just beautiful... had an amazing experienced guide …" Read Ms AW’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mrs BfromOxon

Arrived 4 Jul 2019, 3 nights

"Five Star Safari at Ruckomechi Camp"

"Terrific food and service... Excellent guiding and sightings …" Read Mrs B’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs JfromOxforshire

Arrived 4 Jul 2019, 3 nights

"Ruckomechi Camp review"

"Very well looked after by all the staff …" Read Mr & Mrs J’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs OfromSomerset

Arrived 27 Apr 2019, 5 nights

"Ruckomechi - A Lodge With A View"

"one of the most beautiful places we have ever been privileged to stay …" Read Mr & Mrs O’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs MfromCanterbury

Arrived 30 Oct 2015, 4 nights

"On the banks of the lower Zambezi ...."

"After a seamless transfer from the airstrip, we received a very warm welcome …" Read Mr & Mrs M’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs ALfromFrance

Arrived 29 Sep 2015, 4 nights

"Brlliant Camp in an excellent location"

"The location of the Ruckomechi Concession offers the perfect safari experience …" Read Mr & Mrs AL’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs PfromW Midlands

Arrived 7 Oct 2015, 3 nights

"Paradise on the Zambezi"

"We had very high hopes of Ruckomechi, one of the most expensive places we have …" Read Mr & Mrs P’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mrs BfromOxon

Arrived 8 Jun 2015, 3 nights

"Ruckomechi Review"

"First class service from Karen, Elizabeth and Amy and from guides - Chris …" Read Mrs B’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Ruckomechi Camp reviews

Safaris visiting Ruckomechi Camp

Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you


Map

Nyala Safari

10 days • 3 locations • 1 country
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT

A superb luxury safari in iconic Hwange and Mana Pools national parks, staying in a pair of the finest safari camps in Zimbabwe, with a grand finale at Victoria Falls

Visiting Mana Pools, Hwange and 1 other area

US$12,060 - US$16,260 per person

Read more about the Nyala Safari

Ruckomechi Camp: Our full report

Refurbished in 2016, the smart Ruckomechi Camp spans nearly a kilometre of riverfront in a private concession ...

... just beside the north-west corner of Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park, where the vast Zambezi River flows against a backdrop of the Zambezi escarpment. This scenic location, coupled with a high concentration of large game such as elephant and buffalo, has made Ruckomechi a classic name in safaris for many years.

Ruckomechi Camp stands in its own private concession, a short distance upstream from its newer sister property Little Ruckomechi. Covering a little under 40km2, the concession is bisected by the Ruckomechi River, with the eastern half within Mana Pools National Park, and the western side in Hurungwe Safari Area. It's an area of varied habitat, from mopane woodland and scrubland to open grassland, attracting high concentrations of wildlife. This private concession not only allows for greater flexibility of activities than is possible within the national park itself, but also helps to provide a more exclusive game-viewing experience.

Ruckomechi Camp underwent an extensive refurbishment in 2016, upgrading their rooms, main area and vehicles. While this turned the camp into one of the more luxurious properties in the Mana Pools area, the connection with the river and surrounding bush hasn’t been lost.

The camp has ten large tented chalets, two designated as honeymoon suites, and a third forming a family chalet, with an extra bedroom and toilet. All are set along the riverfront, with one long side having views of the surrounding bush and river, and a wooden veranda where you'll find a couple of comfortable fold-up chairs.

Flaps of canvas and mesh open from the veranda directly into the rooms, whose walls and tables are tastefully decorated with local art and decorative features. The beds are covered in crisp white linen, with natural wood headboards, reflecting Ruckomechi's use of local materials. Each chalet also has a writing table, a very comfortable leather chair, a free-standing fan, and bedside lamps using low-energy LED light bulbs. Insect-mesh windows allow a breeze through, and canvas flaps can be rolled down to keep heat in and rain out. Power for electricy and hot water comes from individual solar-power units.

A canvas wall divides the bedroom from the open-plan, en-suite bathroom, which has a wet-room-style walk-in shower, a separate flush toilet, and a long wood-framed mirror set above two contemporary ceramic washbasins. Large mesh windows take up most of the wall at the front, providing further views of the Zambezi River and any wildlife that may happen to be wandering around camp.

The main area at Ruckomechi is constructed from canvas and local materials. A big, open-sided tent provides an airy lounge, with plenty of comfy furniture in neutral colours, as well as a small library and well-stocked bar. Extending from the tent is an extensive wooden platform, where meals are taken beneath the open sky. Somewhat separated from this deck is a small infinity pool surrounded by sunloungers.

Safari activities at Ruckomechi include boating, walking and driving, almost all outside the park itself. While the concession offers excellent game viewing, it is important to note that normal game drives do not go into the main, central area of the national park, which is famous for its long pools, forests and high densities of wildlife.

Guests may, in theory, request to explore beyond Ruckomechi's concession by arranging to hire a private vehicle from the camp (at a cost of around US$400, plus park fees), but we recommend that this is arranged with us in advance; previous travellers have found it impossible to organise once on the ground.

A bonus of Ruckomechi's location on the edge of the park is that it is the only Zimbabwean camp along this stretch of the Zambezi offering river trips (at extra cost) in motorised pontoons and motorboats. These craft are not permitted within the park boundaries, but here come into their own for river-based game viewing, sundowner cruises and catch-and-release fishing trips.

Other options from the camp are half-day canoeing trips in Canadian-style canoes, along with walking safaris and short nature walks led by fully qualified walking guides.

For something a little different Ruckomechi has a romantic sleep-out deck. A little way from camp, this raised platform completed with double bed shrouded in a mosquito net allows guests to sleep under the stars surrounded by the sounds and smells of the bush.

Geographics

Location
Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe
Ideal length of stay
2–4 nights would be ideal at Ruckomechi; there's a lot to see.
Directions
Ruckomechi Camp is generally accessed by light aircraft. The nearest airstrip is Mana West, which is around 30 minutes' drive from Ruckomechi depending on what you see along the way.
Accessible by
Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Full Board & Activities
Food quality
We enjoyed our meals here on our last visit in October 2018. Most dietary requirements can be catered for if the camp is given sufficient notice.

The day typically starts with the usual safari breakfast of cereals, yoghurt, fresh fruit, cold cheeses and meats and bread/toast. A bonus on our visit was fresh pancakes with fruit and syrup, which we particularly enjoyed. Hot breakfasts of omelettes, or eggs, bacon, sausages and tomatoes can be, cooked to order, although this often delays the departure of your morning activity and often guests seem to wait until brunch for a larger meal.

Following a morning activity guests return for a full brunch/early lunch in the late morning. Ours was a buffet of soy and honey chicken with an orange and nut salad, vegetable lasagne and fresh bread – which is on hand at all meals. There was also the option of a cooked breakfast. A fruit platter was provided for dessert.

Tea in the late afternoon consists of sweet and savoury items, such as chocolate cake and savoury onion tartlets, with tea, iced tea and coffee to drink.

Our three-course dinner began with a grilled halloumi salad followed by a choice of duck or vegetable noodles with potato bake and steamed mixed vegetables. The meal was then rounded off with a wonderful apple tarte tatin, and followed by drinks around the fire.
Dining style
Group Meals
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
No
Drinks included
Drinks are usually included at Ruckomechi with the exception of fine wines and premium-brand spirits.

Drinking water is provided by a water cooler in the main area and in each of the rooms. Bottled water is also readily available.

Special interests

Family holidays
Ruckomechi is one of the few camps in the Mana Pools area with a family room and swimming pool. An array of activities makes for a varied stay on a family safari in Zimbabwe, albeit one best enjoyed with older children.
See ideas for Family holidays in Zimbabwe
Honeymoons
Ruckomechi Camp combines luxurious tented rooms with attentive service and good guiding to give a modern take on a classic safari. It adds up to a wonderful location from which to explore the iconic Mana Pools on your African honeymoon.
See ideas for Honeymoons in Zimbabwe
Photography holidays
Ruckomechi Camp has some excellent game and a particularly scenic backdrop, so is ideal for photography in Zimbabwe. The elephants are very relaxed, and boat trips give good opportunities for photographing water birds, river life and close-ups of big game on the islands.
See ideas for Photography holidays in Zimbabwe
Luxury
Tastefully decorated with local art, the sumptuous beds covered in crisp white linen, Ruckomechi is a classic camp with a luxurious touch. Experience impeccable service whilst relaxing in the plunge pool and enjoying Ruckomechi's excellent views of the Zambezi escarpment.
See ideas for Luxury in Zimbabwe

Children

Attitude towards children
Ruckomechi doesn't accept children under six years old, unless the entire camp is booked exclusively.
Property’s age restrictions
No children under the age of six years
Special activities & services
None
Equipment
None
Generally recommended for children
With a family tent, pool, and varied safari activities, Ruckomechi is one of the better camps for family safaris in Mana Pools National Park. The camp has a mature atmosphere though, and some of the activities such as walking safaris and canoeing (two of the highlights of a visit to Mana) are restricted to children over the age of 16. To get the full experience while staying at Ruckomechi we would recommend it only to families with older children.
Notes
This is a very open safari camp and dangerous game is likely to pass through. Children must be under the supervision of a parent or guardian at all times.

Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Ruckomechi Camp

Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Ruckomechi Camp have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.

Elephant

100% success

Hippo

100% success

Lion

100% success

Zebra

100% success

Buffalo

67% success

Eland

67% success

Spotted Hyena

50% success

Sable antelope

33% success

Wildebeest

25% success

Cheetah

20% success

Roan antelope

17% success

Aardvark

0% success

Leopard

0% success

Pangolin

0% success

Wild dog

0% success

Communications

Power supply notes
There is 24-hour electricity in all the chalets, and multiple plug sockets (for UK-style plugs with three square pins) available for charging batteries. Hairdryers cannot be used in the chalets.
Communications
There is no reliable means of communication for guests at Ruckomechi, although the lodge does have a satellite phone and email for use in an emergency. (That said, one or two parts of the camp – notably near chalet no 1 – can often get a cellphone signal from a transmitter in Zambia.)
TV & radio
None
Water supply
Other
Water supply notes
Water is pumped from the Zambezi River and filtered multiple times.

Sustainability

Ruckomechi Camp sustainability

Wildlife conservation initiatives

Ruckomechi has been actively engaged in various wildlife research and conservation projects. Since 2004, the camp has significantly supported the research that aims to identify the long-term effects of lion hunting on the lion population and eventually to end sport hunting in Mana Pools National Park. Together with logistical support, accommodation, facilities and human resources, the camp has facilitated interviews with local staff, as well as field trips to observe the carnivores as part of the research. Ruckomechi tour guides and environmental team also enthusiastically track lion movement, thus contributing to data collection.

Since 2006 Ruckomechi camp has been assisting field research on Lowveld wild dogs in the Savé Valley Conservancy (SVC). The continuation of the species is under threat mainly due to conflict with other predators such as lion and hyena. Land distribution programmes in Zimbabwe have also affected the SVC, where over 26% of the area has been encroached on by subsistence farmers, resulting in widespread habitat destruction due to the clearing of woodland for crops, the influx of large numbers of livestock, and the local depletion of wildlife due to intensive snaring.

Finding solutions to reduce the human–wildlife conflict is crucial for the conservation of wild dogs, and research over the years has included education and awareness programmes targeting the different communities.

Other conservation projects Ruckomechi has contributed to have included cheetah monitoring between 2013 and 2016, and since 2014 the team has been mapping the movement of elephants in the Zambezi area.

See more great sustainability projects in Zimbabwe

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Medical care
On our last visit to Ruckomechi the camp had an on-site nurse and all senior staff were trained in first aid. In a medical emergency, evacuation would be arranged to Harare or Johannesburg.
Dangerous animals
High Risk
Security measures
Guides will escort guests to and from their chalets at night.
Fire safety
There are fire extinguishers outside each chalet.

Activities

  • 4WD Safari

    4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Boat trip

    Boat trip

  • Canoeing

    Canoeing

  • Fishing

    Fishing

  • Guided walking safari

    Guided walking safari

  • Night drive

    Night drive

  • Private activities

    Private activities

Extras

Disabled access
On Request
Laundry facilities
Laundry at Ruckomechi is complimentary and done daily.
Money
There are no safes in the chalets at Ruckomechi but there is a safe in the main office.
Accepted payment on location
Ruckomechi accepts payments only in US dollars cash. There are no facilities for payment by card.

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Ruckomechi Camp's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Ruckomechi Camp.


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When to go to Mana Pools National Park

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Ruckomechi Camp in Mana Pools National Park


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Zimbabwe in January

January falls in the middle of Zimbabwe’s rainy season and is the wettest month of the year. Heavy rainfall occurs most days, flooding seasonal rivers and waterholes, with the occasional sunny spell.
With the high levels of precipitation the wildlife in the national parks becomes widely dispersed, taking advantage of the abundance of food and water, and is easily hidden by the thick, green bush.

While sightings of larger animals are possible, and many species drop their young at this time, game viewing is often sparse. However, many migratory species of bird arrive in Zimbabwe making it a peak month for birding.

The rains create incredibly sticky mud in Mana Pools National Park, preventing access and causing camps to close for the season. The majority of the camps in other parks remain open, with low rates attracting a smattering of visitors.

  • Peak of the rainy season: hot & humid with heavy rain most days
  • Bush exceptionally thick and green, with poor game viewing
  • Species such as impala drop their young
  • All camps in Mana Pools closed
  • Very few visitors, and low rates at open camps

Our view

A time to avoid if possible

Weather in January

Zimbabwe in February

February remains well within Zimbabwe’s rainy season. Although total rainfall drops, relatively short thunderstorms can still be expected most afternoons. On the plus side, there is a greater chance of some sunshine in-between.

Much of the country remains waterlogged, closing access to Mana Pools and severely restricting walking safaris in other parks. While game drives and canoeing remain an option, the abundance of water disperses animals, and thick grass can make it difficult to spot larger species, but birding remains excellent. Conversely, this is a great time of year to view the landscape, and is excellent for photographers. Sporadic cloud cover and clear air can make for some spectacular sunsets too, particularly over Lake Kariba and the Zambezi River where the reflections off the water add to the beauty.

  • Generally wet with frequent thunderstorms & hot humid days
  • Poor wildlife viewing due to dispersed animals & thick bush
  • Clear air, green landscapes & exceptional sunsets
  • All camps in Mana Pools closed
  • Very few visitors & low rates at camps that are open

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in February

Zimbabwe in March

March is the final month of Zimbabwe’s rainy season, when the rains start to trail off and sunny days become the norm. However, some days the clouds can still build, breaking into thunderstorms in the afternoon.

Mana Pools remains closed throughout the month but the majority of camps in Hwange, Matusadona and Gonarezhou remain open. Here, the landscape is green and alive, with migrant species of birds taking advantage of the abundant insect life. Larger animals remain elusive though, and walking safaris remain restricted.

By this time of year, the rains have normally trickled down to the Zambezi River and the flow of water over the Victoria Falls starts to increase, but without kicking up too much spray to obscure the views.

  • Last month of the rainy season: hot, humid days with occasional storms
  • Lush vegetation means good birding, but poor game viewing
  • Views of the Victoria Falls improve
  • All camps in Mana Pools closed
  • Open camps have few visitors & low rates

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in March

Zimbabwe in April

April marks the end of Zimbabwe’s rainy season and the end of summer. Clear skies are the norm, with just the occasional shower. Temperatures start to drop, failing to reach 30ºC most days and dropping down to around 10ºC at night.

As the rain fades the landscape starts to dry out. While the vegetation remains thick and green, the soil in Mana Pools dries enough for camps to open, and the only camps to remain closed are the most remote bushcamps in Hwange. Although viewing of larger animals remains tricky, the improved weather starts to draw back visitors, as do prices significantly below those in the peak season.

The Zambezi River and flow of water over the Victoria Falls is at its highest, although large amounts of spray diminish views of the waterfall itself.

  • Transitional period, with much lower rainfall & falling temperatures
  • Wildlife is still dispersed & hard to see, but sightings improving
  • Views of the Victoria Falls often obscured by spray
  • Camps in Mana Pools open
  • Visitors start to return & camps increase their rates

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in April

Zimbabwe in May

The first month in the dry season, May is also Zimbabwe’s first month of winter. If the rains are particularly late in a given year, you may catch the odd shower, but you can expect clear and sunny days the majority of the time. While it’s warm in the daytime, temperatures drop to single digits at night, so bring a warm jumper and gloves for early morning drives.

With the rain having cleared the air, the sky is bright blue, and it’s the best time of year for photography.

Even the most remote camps in Zimbabwe are now open. With the lack of rainfall, vegetation dies back significantly, and seasonal rivers return to sand. Not only does this open up the possibility of walking safaris, but wildlife viewing becomes much more reliable.

  • Start of the dry season, with milder days and cold nights
  • Game viewing significantly improves as vegetation dies back
  • Vegetation starts to turn from green to brown
  • Best time for photography with crystal clear air
  • Visitors start to return; all camps open & rates increasing

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in May

Zimbabwe in June

During June you can virtually be guaranteed of dry and sunny days, although temperatures continue to drop, and can get close to freezing at night in Hwange National Park. Jumpers, jackets and gloves are strongly recommended for early mornings and evenings.

The opportunities for wildlife viewing improve throughout the month as the landscape rapidly dries, and the animals start to gather on the banks of the Zambezi River and around Hwange’s waterholes.

Water levels in the Zambezi River start to drop, reducing the amount of spray kicked up at the Victoria Falls and greatly improving visibility, but still allowing a full curtain of water to cascade over the edge.

  • Middle of winter, with night-time temperatures close to freezing
  • Game viewing significantly improves throughout the month
  • Views of the Victoria Falls are at their best
  • Noticeable increase in visitor numbers
  • Camps considerably more expensive

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in June

Zimbabwe in July

July sits in the middle of Zimbabwe’s dry season. Although it’s warm at midday, temperatures are generally cold and in Hwange it’s been known to drop below freezing at night, with the lower-altitude Mana Pools feeling a bit warmer.

With wildlife clustering around the few remaining waterholes, sparse vegetation, and some of the best views of the Victoria Falls, this is one of the most popular times to travel, with camps charging peak season rates to reflect this. That said, visitor numbers to the country in general remain low, and outside of the Victoria Falls it’s rare for any areas to feel crowded.

  • Middle of the dry season with almost no chance of rain
  • Clear sunny days, but very cold nights
  • Wildlife viewing good; game drives and walking safaris unrestricted
  • Views of the Victoria Falls at their best
  • Camps charging peak season rates

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in July

Zimbabwe in August

While August is the end of winter and temperatures are starting to creep up, mornings and nights are still cold, and game drives in open vehicles can feel particularly chilly. Well into the dry season, the landscapes will have mostly transformed from green to brown and wildlife viewing in Zimbabwe’s national parks is approaching its best. Due to dust kicked up into the atmosphere and smoke from bush fires you may start to notice a haze on the horizon, but this doesn’t significantly impact photography.

August is one of the most expensive months, and the pleasant weather and decent game viewing attracts lots of visitors. While the national parks rarely feel crowded, Victoria Falls accommodation can sell out a year in advance.

  • Warm, sunny days but cold mornings & nights; almost no chance of rain
  • Wildlife viewing nearly at its best
  • Landscape turns brown, & an atmospheric haze develops
  • All camps charging peak season rates

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in August

Zimbabwe in September

Temperatures in September rarely drop below 15ºC, but are yet to reach the oppressive highs of summer. It will normally have been five months since the last drop of rain, so antelope and elephants cluster around whatever water remains, with predators never too far away.

The landscape is very brown, and the haze building on the horizon takes some of the colour out of the sky, so while animal subjects are plentiful, the background is not ideal for photography.

The combination of incredible wildlife viewing, hot and sunny weather, and cheaper flights outside of the school holidays make this the most popular time of year to travel, and availability at the camps can become limited up to a year in advance.

  • The best month for weather, with a pleasantly warm temperature range
  • One of the best months for game viewing
  • Victoria Falls starting to dry but still impressive on Zimbabwean side
  • All camps are charging peak season rates
  • Most popular time to travel, & space can be limited

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in September

Zimbabwe in October

October is the last month of the dry season with little chance of rain but building humidity. While the higher elevation of Hwange National Park limits temperatures to the 30s Celsius, they can easily top 40ºC in Mana Pools.

With little vegetation or water, wildlife is drawn to the few remaining water sources and viewing is at its best; visitors who brave the heat can be rewarded with some exceptional sightings, although haze in the air diminishes photos. Maximum visibility and dense wildlife concentrations can also make for very rewarding walking safaris, although the heat can make them uncomfortable.

Water levels in the Zambezi at the Victoria Falls drop significantly, and large stretches of the waterfall are a dry cliff-face – although it never dries completely. Camp rates remain at their peak, but visitor numbers drop as people avoid the heat.

  • Last month of the dry season; very hot with building humidity
  • Wildlife viewing at its very best
  • Dust & smoke in the air diminish photographic opportunities
  • Victoria Falls starting to look very dry
  • Camp rates remain at their peak

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in October

Zimbabwe in November

November is a transitionary period, with high temperatures and humidity. While they can’t be predicted with any precision, the first rains normally arrive halfway through the month, in the form of thunderstorms lasting a few hours each day.

Early November is a popular time to travel as the camps drop their rates, so if you’re lucky you can get peak-season game viewing at low-season rates. This is a gamble though as if the rains do arrive, animals are no longer limited to a few dangerous waterholes and will disperse into the bush. While all the camps in Mana Pools intend to remain open, the rains can make the airstrips unusable so you may find yourself moved to a different park, a risk that increases through the month.

  • Typically the start of the rains in Zimbabwe
  • Temperatures & humidity levels remain high
  • Wildlife viewing rapidly diminishes as the rains arrive
  • Camps remain open, but risk early closure in Mana Pools
  • Much cheaper time to travel as camps drop their rates

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in November

Zimbabwe in December

By December the rainy season has begun in earnest; this is one of the wettest months in Zimbabwe, with heavy thunderstorms most afternoons and occasionally continuous rain for a couple of days. While temperatures start to cool down the high levels of humidity can make the heat feel more oppressive.

With the rains comes an explosion of green growth, and the dust and smoke are washed out of the air. The resulting scenery – with the occasional bright blue skies – can be fantastic for photographers. Thick vegetation and plentiful water makes viewing of larger animals tricky, but with migratory species arriving the birding is at its best.

All camps in Mana Pools and the remote Hwange camps close, with those remaining open charging their lowest rates.

  • One of the wettest months in Zimbabwe
  • High temperatures & levels of humidity
  • Wildlife viewing poor, but birding good
  • Lush green landscapes & clear air; great for landscape photography
  • All camps in Mana Pools closed

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in December

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