About Vundu Camp
Owned by a top Zimbabwean guide, Vundu Camp offers exceptional safari activities from its private location on the Zambezi River.
Superb guiding and wildlife: these are the hallmarks of Vundu Camp, whose owner, Nick Murray, is a professional guide of distinction.
Vundu lies on the banks of the Zambezi River within a private area of Mana Pools National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose “congregation of animals … constitutes one of Africa's outstanding wildlife spectacles”.
It’s a park that Nick and his team know exceptionally well, their experience, skill and dedication attracting the team of David Attenborough’s Dynasties to film here for many months.
Flexibility is very much the key; one minute you could be on a game drive, the next breathless with anticipation as you approach a large elephant on foot. Or switch to a canoe to marvel at the wildlife of this iconic river.
Back in camp, with the river in front and a small “pan” at the back, it’s hard to know where to watch for wildlife – but there are plenty of vantage points: the seating area of your spacious tented chalet; the comfortable lounge raised above the river, or the more lowly area around the firepit.
Never mind safari chic; Vundu is a place to come for the safari experience – and it’s up there with the best.
Our view
Vundu Camp comes with few pretences and less of the luxury, or safari chic, found at many new safari camps and lodges. However, in terms of the pure safari experience – the activities, the area, the game and the guiding – we rate Vundu as one of the finest on the subcontinent. Mana Pools is a really stunning park; the game in this area is prolific; and the guiding at Vundu is absolutely top-notch.
Accommodation
8 tented chalets
Children
Best for 10+
Open
May to November
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Canoeing
Fishing
Guided walking safari
Private activities
Traveller reviews of Vundu Camp
46 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Arrived 21 Jun 2023, 3 nights
"Vundu Camp review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 13 Oct 2022, 2 nights
"Vundu Camp review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 29 Sep 2022, 3 nights
"Vundu Camp review"
Overall rating: Average
Arrived 14 Jul 2022, 7 nights
"Vundu Camp review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 29 May 2022, 3 nights
"Vundu Camp review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 10 Nov 2021, 4 nights
"Vundu Camp review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 18 Aug 2021, 4 nights
"Vundu Camp review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 23 Jul 2021, 3 nights
"Vundu Camp review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 2 Nov 2019, 5 nights
"Vundu Camp review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 1 Oct 2019, 2 nights
"Vundu Camp review"
Overall rating: Excellent




















Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the safaris. See our 87 pictures and 1 videos of Vundu Camp to get the candid view.
View gallerySafaris visiting Vundu Camp
Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you


Lion Safari
7 days • 2 locations • 1 country
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
The classic Expert Africa Zimbabwe safari. Combining two of our favourite independent camps, each run by celebrated guides, exciting game drives, world-class walks and canoeing in premier wildlife watching destinations.
Visiting Mana Pools, Hwange
US$7,300 - US$10,280 per person
Vundu Camp: Our full report
Vundu is a small camp with a long-standing reputation.
It sits in a private concession on the banks of the Zambezi River, in the heart of Zimbabwe's Mana Pools National Park, shaded by a grove of ebony and tamarind trees. An owner-run property, it focuses on offering a variety of activities in a game-rich area of the park.
Vundu Camp, is owned and run by the extremely knowledgeable Nick Murray. Well-respected within the industry, he is a fully qualified Zimbabwean Professional (Zim-pro) guide meaning he has earned perhaps the most prestigious wildlife-guiding qualification in Africa.
Nick has a degree in zoology and wildlife management, and started guiding in Matusadona National Park in 1988, earning his professional guide's licence in 1991. He has been working with and studying wildlife ever since. In 1997 he shifted his focus to Mana Pools where he still spends most of his time guiding, split between Vundu Camp, Little Vundu, the Mana Canoe Trail and private mobile guiding.
Vundu Camp has eight large tented chalets, which are clean, spacious and comfortable, if rather simple in design and layout. Outside the front of each is a private seating area with canvas chairs; inside, large wooden beams support a high thatched roof with canvas walls and shade-mesh windows. All have very secure mosquito nets covering each twin or double bed, polished concrete floors scattered with rugs, and free-standing fans. Comfortable wicker chairs with cushions, and a low table, provide a small lounge area, and a shelving unit supplies storage space.
Two of the bigger chalets each have two double beds, and a larger family chalet has two separate en-suite bedrooms and a shared lounge: ideal for a family or two couples travelling together.
Each chalet has an en-suite bathroom with spacious indoor and open-air hot showers, a flush toilet, and decorative pottery washbasins made by Nick's wife, Desiree, who is also a fully qualified guide of note. Canvas walls provide a great deal of privacy.
At the centre of the camp, with excellent views of the Zambezi, is a raised communal area whose bar, dining and lounge areas are furnished with comfortable cushioned chairs, a tea and coffee station, and a small library. To the front of this wooden building is a sandy area overlooking the river, shaded by an old ebony tree. A fire is lit here every night, providing a focus for drinks before and after dinner.
Behind the camp is a small “pan” (a shallow grassy depression with a waterhole in the centre), which attracts game during the day. This is a great spot to sit beneath the thatch-covered platform and view animals and birds that come here to drink.
The guiding at Vundu Camp is exceptionally good, and stands out even amongst the universally high standards across Zimbabwe. While Nick himself does much of the guiding here, he also uses a few excellent canoe and Zim-pro guides on a freelance basis: not surprisingly, he is acutely aware of the standards of his fellow guides.
Given Vundu Camp's exquisite location beside the Zambezi River, it's not suprising that activities here include first-class canoe trips. On our most recent visit in October 2018 we spent an afternoon canoeing down the Lower Zamebezi with Henry who, like all the guides at Vundu and Nick himself, holds both canoe-guiding and Zim-pro qualifications; the former is an essential requirement considering the high concentration of hippo and crocodile along this stretch of the river. Canoe trips can be organised starting from Ruckomechi and finishing back at Vundu, or you can paddle from camp towards Mucheni, further downstream. Longer two- or three-night canoe trails are also available.
On land, Vundu's 4WD game drives and walks can range throughout the national park, although most take place in the camp's own private concession: a prime area in the heart of the park, covering an area within about 3–4km of the camp. This is classic Mana Pools scenery – with plenty of forested areas, and some of the pools for which the park is noted. It's very common for a drive and walk to be combined, with everyone hopping out of the vehicle when an interesting track or animal has been discovered. We were lucky enough to approach both wild dog and lion on foot to within a few tens of metres. But arguably the most memorable of many wildlife encounters on this trip was an audience with perhaps the park’s largest and most famous elephant resident, Boswell. This gentle giant with his impressive ivory is best known for his ability to stand on his back legs to reach succulent parts of the park’s trees that are out of reach to all but him (there are no giraffe here). These encounters and many before have all been made possible by the experience and skill of Vundu’s guiding team.
In fact the combination of a quality guiding team and Nick’s specialist knowledge of the park’s wild dog packs made this the perfect base for the BBC when they were filming for the 2018 David Attenborough series Dynasties. The film crew was based in camp for a period of three years to get the footage they needed and David Attenborough himself flew in to record the show’s introduction sequence. Dynasties has brought much attention to the park and its wildlife, particularly the wild dogs (called painted wolves on the show) – meaning that both Nick’s guiding and space at the camps are in high demand!
Geographics
- Location
- Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe
- Ideal length of stay
- We recommend a 3–4 night stay at Vundu Camp. The camp offers a wide range of activities, and most travellers could happily spend 2–3 days just walking here. For longer in the park consider combining Vundu with a private mobile safari or the Mana Canoe Trail.
- Directions
- Due to its remote location Mana Pools is almost exclusively accessed by light aircraft, usually from Harare, Victoria Falls or one of the other parks within the county. There is a good network of these light aircraft flights; speak to us for the details.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- We have visited Vundu Camp many times over the years, and have always found the food to be tasty and filling. Our last visit in October 2018 was no exception. On a previous visit we were particularly impressed with the effort the camp made to cater for guests with gluten and dairy dietary requirements.
Breakfast was a selection of fresh fruit, toast, cereals and warm porridge, followed by a hot breakfast cooked to order.
Lunch was a buffet of chicken and feta salad, pasta salad, a bean salad and fresh cooked bread rolls.
In the evening, drinks are typically taken around the bar, where savoury snacks are served, followed by dinner around the large communal dining table. During our stay we started with filo pastry parcels filled with feta and butternut squash, followed by pan-fried bream served with boiled potatoes and steamed vegetables. We then enjoyed a delicious chocolate éclair for dessert. - Dining style
- Group Meals
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- No
- Drinks included
- Drinks are included except for premium wines and spirits.
Drinking water is provided in jugs in the main area and in each of the chalets. Bottled water is also available on request.
Special interests
- Birdwatching
- Knowledgeable guides and a stunning location within deep, shady riparian forest beside the Zambezi River make Vundu Camp a great spot for birdwatching in Zimbabwe. Come here to see bee-eater colonies, kingfishers and plenty of raptors.
- See ideas for Birdwatching in Zimbabwe
- Photography holidays
- The guiding team at Vundu Camp, headed by owner Nick Murray, is one of the best in Zimbabwe. The opportunity to canoe the Zambezi, approach big game on foot and explore Mana Pools with an expert gives photographers a huge range of potential subjects.
- See ideas for Photography holidays in Zimbabwe
- Walking safaris
- Mana Pools is one of Africa's best parks for walking, and Vundu Camp focuses squarely on the very best professional guiding. The open environment gives good visibility, and walkers can often get surprisingly close to relaxed bull elephants, or packs of wild dogs.
- See ideas for Walking safaris in Zimbabwe
- Wildlife safaris
- Mana Pools is one of Africa's top wildlife destinations. Vundu Camp has some of the best guides in the park so come here on your Zimbabwe safari for one of the best wildlife experiences going!
- See ideas for Wildlife safaris in Zimbabwe
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Vundu Camp welcomes children aged 10 years and older, but this is flexible.
- Property’s age restrictions
- Minimum age 10 years
- Special activities & services
- None
- Equipment
- None
- Generally recommended for children
- With considerable caution, we can recommend Vundu Camp for mature children over 10 – largely because Nick and Desiree have their own children, who also spend some time in camp, and so are very understanding of the needs and interests of children on safari.
- Notes
- This is a very open safari camp and dangerous animals pass through. Children must be under parental supervision at all times.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Vundu Camp
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Vundu 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.

100% success

100% success

100% success

90% success

90% success

80% success

79% success

74% success

26% success

22% success

11% success

11% success

0% success

0% success

0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- A small diesel generator is on during the day and charges an inverter in the chalets, giving guests light throughout the night. There are also UK-style plug sockets in each of the chalets for charging electronics.
- Communications
- All game-viewing vehicles have two-way radios. There is no cellphone reception, but there is intermittent WiFi in the main area, sufficient for emails and WhatsApp but not much more. The first hour is free, with subsequent time charged at US$5 per hour.
- TV & radio
- None
- Water supply
- Other
- Water supply notes
- Water is pumped from the Zambezi River and filtered multiple times for washing and showers. Bathrooms are fully plumbed, with flushing toilets and hot and cold running water.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- All guides have first-aid qualifications, and there is a doctor on stand-by in Harare.
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- All guests are escorted to their chalets after dark.
- Fire safety
- There is a fire extinguisher by the bar and in each chalet.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Canoeing
Fishing
Guided walking safari
Private activities
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry is included, but as underwear is not accepted, each chalet has a small pot of washing powder allowing guests to handwash their smalls.
- Money
- There are no safes in the chalets. All valuables should be handed to the manager or guide who will store them safely in the office.
- Accepted payment on location
- No credit cards or travellers' cheques are accepted at Vundu Camp, but cash payments may be made in US dollars, South African rand or GB pounds.
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Vundu Camp's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Vundu Camp.
Other lodges in Mana Pools National Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.

Ruckomechi Camp
In a very scenic spot beside the Zambezi, Ruckomechi is a smart camp offering excellent walking, river safaris, night and day 4WD game drives.

Kanga Bush Camp
Unspoiled and peaceful, Kanga Bush Camp is located in a remote and exclusive part of Mana Pools National Park, overlooking the Kanga Pan.

Stretch Ferreira Safaris
Stretch Ferreira Safaris Camp is a small, owner-run camp on the banks of the Zambezi River in Mana Pools National Park, with the emphasis on great guiding.

Zambezi Expeditions
Zambezi Expeditions is a simple, semi-permanent camp along the Zambezi River that offers excellent guiding and standards of service.

Nyamatusi Camp
Overlooking the Zambezi River, the luxury Nyamatusi Camp occupies a pristine wilderness environment.

Little Vundu
Closely associated with Vundu Camp, Little Vundu has the same great location and quality of guides, and is occasionally used for private group bookings.

Mana Canoe Trail
The Canoe Trail is a multi-day trip, along the Zambezi with some of the best guides in Africa. Each night you'll camp on the banks of the river.

Kavinga Safari Camp
Kavinga is a comfortable tented camp tucked away in a less-visited area of Mana Pools National Park with surprisingly good wildlife and an excellent hide.

Chikwenya Camp
One of the original properties in Mana Pools area we are excited to be featuring Chikwenya Camp again.

John's Camp
John's Camp is a semi-mobile tented camp offering walking safaris, game drives, and fishing in Zimbabwe's Mana Pools National Park.

Nyamatusi Mahogany
Nyamatusi Mahogany is a family-friendly, yet remote and luxurious safari camp in Mana Pools National Park.

Little Ruckomechi
In a shady spot beside the Zambezi, Little Ruckomechi is a small but luxurious camp offering a reange of activities including walking and canoe trips.

Ingwe Pan Camp
Ingwe Pan Camp is due to open in May and will be located in a remote area in the north of the Mana Pools National Park

Tembo Plains Camp
Building commenced on Tembo Plains Camp in February 2021. Details are sparce at this stage but we'll update this page once we know more.

Mana River Camp
Mana River Camp sits on the banks of the Zambezi River, a site formerly occupied by Mwinilunga Camp.
When to go to Mana Pools National Park
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Vundu 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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