About Batonka Guest Lodge
A leisurely half-hour walk from the charming gardens of Batonka brings you face to face with the magnificent Victoria Falls.
It’s the perfect way to approach the UNESCO World Heritage Site, but if you prefer, you can always hop in a taxi for the five-minute transfer.
As if to mirror the surroundings, the colonial style of Batonka’s buildings, with their shaded verandas and overhead fans, exudes an air of relaxation that permeates throughout.
Overlooking the gardens, or the enticing curved swimming pool, the 27 well-appointed rooms are fronted by private balconies. Air conditioning complements the cool tiles under foot; king-size beds draped in mosquito netting add a touch of elegance to the contemporary furnishings.
In the warmth of summer, settle down for breakfast or an à la carte meal on the terrace, where wrought-iron chairs come into their own, while for cooler evenings the dark wood tables and smartly upholstered seating in the restaurant present an altogether more formal appeal.
And to ensure that colder nights don’t confine you indoors, there’s an outside lounge area where you can sit with a drink by an open fire, mulling over your holiday – or looking forward to the days ahead.
Our view
Batonka Guest Lodge may not have the historical character or premium location of some of Victoria Falls' more expensive hotels, but it is clean, comfortable, modern and well-run, with very picturesque gardens and a range of amenities. It has convenient access to the Falls, and works incredibly well as an inexpensive base for exploring the area, recovering from an international flight, or just relaxing by the pool at the end of a busy safari.
Accommodation
27 rooms
Children
Best for 6+
Open
All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Canoeing
Cultural excursion
Elephant encounter
Guided walking safari
Helicopter
Kayaking
Microlight
White-water rafting
Traveller reviews of Batonka Guest Lodge
30 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Arrived 17 Jun 2024, 2 nights
"Batonka Guest Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 26 May 2024, 3 nights
"Batonka - comfortable lodge for your VF stay"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 7 Nov 2023, 1 nights
"Batonka Guest Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 2 Jun 2023, 2 nights
"Batonka Guest Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 27 Apr 2023, 1 nights
"Batonka Guest Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 20 Sep 2022, 1 nights
"Batonka Guest Lodge review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 18 Aug 2022, 2 nights
"Batonka Guest Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 12 Aug 2022, 2 nights
"Batonka Guest Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 6 Jun 2022, 2 nights
"Batonka Guest Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 23 May 2022, 1 nights
"Batonka Guest Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent










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View galleryTrips visiting Batonka Guest Lodge
Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you


Klipspringer Safari
8 days • 3 locations • 1 country
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO BULAWAYO AIRPORT
An outstanding-value Zimbabwe safari exploring Victoria Falls and two contrasting locations in western Zimbabwe – Hwange and the Matobo Hills – giving you a real feel for Zimbabwe, its people and wildlife.
Visiting Matobo, Hwange and 1 other area
US$3,040 - US$3,570 per person


Rock Hare Self-drive Safari
20 days • 12 locations • 3 country
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
An in-depth look at Namibia from the Namib Desert to the Caprivi, with additional stops in Botswana and Victoria Falls. This three-week adventure includes an unrivalled mix of environments and is great value.
Visiting Etosha, North-west Kalahari and 7 other areas
US$7,470 - US$8,450 per person


Pied Kingfisher Safari
9 days • 3 locations • 1 country
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO HARARE AIRPORT
A luxury safari combining three of Zimbabwe's top highlights. The trip uses some of the finest safari camps in Zimbabwe and is perfect for a family or small group.
Visiting Victoria Falls, Hwange and 1 other area
US$8,470 - US$11,860 per person
Batonka Guest Lodge: Our full report
Tucked away in a quiet, leafy suburb of Victoria Falls Town, Batonka is just over 2km from the eponymous waterfall.
Although its location isn’t quite as convenient for the Falls and town as many other options in the area, it’s only a 20-minute drive from the airport, and its relatively small size and quiet situation do make for a more peaceful and relaxing stay.
With just 27 rooms, Batonka Guest Lodge is one of the smaller properties in Victoria Falls Town, it’s a modern take on a colonial-style building inviting relaxation. The en-suite rooms are constructed in small blocks of 5–6 rooms each, set around peaceful gardens and carefully positioned to allow maximum privacy on their individual balconies. Complimentary WiFi and air conditioning come as standard, as do a mini-fridge, satellite TV, hairdryer, safe and tea and coffee station. Central to each room is a king-size bed (or twins), surrounded by a mosquito net, with a luggage rack and writing desk at the foot, and a substantial wardrobe. Although the rooms themselves are largely identical, half of the bathrooms have both a bath and a shower, while the others have just a shower.
Batonka’s communal areas include a full restaurant serving home-style cooking at breakfast, lunch and dinner. An outside lounge area features an open fire for the colder winter nights, in July and August, while the terrace, overlooking the gardens, is perfect for warmer evenings. A reasonably sized swimming pool set in the charming gardens also offers a superb place to cool down during the heat of the summer months! We also found souvenirs in the lodge’s small but well-stocked curio shop that were of rather better quality than most of those available in town.
The convenient location of Batonka Guest Lodge makes it ideal for a comfortable bed before or after an international flight, but it also works well as a base for exploring the Falls. It's possible to walk from the lodge to this UNESCO World Heritage Site in about 20–30 minutes, but if you don’t fancy the walk, lodge has an agreement with a local taxi firm to provide safe and quick transfers (taking about five minutes) for a fixed price of US$3 each way – no haggling needed!
Although the lodge doesn't include any activities in its nightly rate, most options in the area can easily be arranged through the helpful and friendly reception team. These range from fishing trips and evening river cruises to helicopter flights giving a birds-eye view of the Falls, and adrenalin activities such as white-water rafting and bungee jumping.
Geographics
- Location
- Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
- Ideal length of stay
- If you only plan to see the Victoria Falls, then a two-night stay gives you a full day to do this. If you are keen to do more activities in the area, we suggest you spend at least three nights here.
- Directions
- Guests arrive at Batonka by road, taking either 20 minutes from Victoria Falls Airport, or 45 minutes from the Kazungula border crossing from Botswana.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Bed & Breakfast
- Food quality
- During our visit in June 2018 we unfortunately didn't have chance to eat at Batonka, but on previous visits the meals we did have were well prepared and tasty.
Breakfast are buffet-style and include fresh muffins, cereals, fruit, cold meats, cheeses and a selection of juices. A hot breakfast can be cooked to order.
Whilst most guests choose to eat out, you can arrange both lunch and dinner at the lodge. The menu changes daily, but during our visit was as follows (with two courses for lunch, and three for dinner):
Starters: Piri piri chicken livers with salad, or butternut and roasted coconut soup.
Mains: Roast beef with grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes and gravy, or pollo di San Paulo with seasonal vegetables and rice.
Puddings: Apple crumble served with custard and/or ice cream, or fresh fruit accompanied by mixed fruit sorbet. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Private dinners can be arranged on request
- Drinks included
- Drinks are not included
Special interests
- Family holidays
- With an attractive pool, safe gardens and interleading rooms, Batonka Guest Lodge is a good family-friendly option in Victoria Falls. As a plus, its relatively small size and relaxed atmosphere mean that even those with small children won’t feel out of place here.
- See ideas for Family holidays in Zimbabwe
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Batonka Guest Lodge welcomes children of all ages.
- Property’s age restrictions
- None
- Special activities & services
- Childcare can be arranged but may not be qualified childcare professionals.
- Equipment
- Extra beds, cots, highchairs and interleading rooms can be arranged by prior request.
- Generally recommended for children
- Batonka is a good option for families with a nice pool safe gardens and the option of interleading rooms. This said Victoria Falls is considered to be in a malarial area so do check the implications of this with a travel nurse or doctor before travelling with young children.
- Notes
- The pool is unfenced and unguarded so children should be supervised at all times.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Batonka Guest Lodge
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Batonka Guest Lodge 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.

31% success

17% success

8% success

0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- There is a back up generator incase of power failure
- Communications
- WiFi and cellphone reception are available throughout the lodge
- TV & radio
- Each room has a satellite TV
- Water supply
- Mains
- Water supply notes
- All the rooms have flush toilets and plumbed showers.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- The nearest hospital is in Victoria Falls town, close to the Lodge. In the event of serious injury or illness, guests would be transferred by air to Harare or Johannesburg if necessary.
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- There is security on site 24/7
- Fire safety
- There are fire hoses and fire extinguishers throughout the property
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Canoeing
Cultural excursion
Elephant encounter
Guided walking safari
Helicopter
Kayaking
Microlight
White-water rafting
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- Available at an additional cost – there are itemised laundry lists in the rooms
- Money
- There is a small safe for money and valuables in each room
- Accepted payment on location
- Mastercard and Visa are accepted but not AmEx or Diners cards. For cash payments the lodge will accept US dollars, euro, GB pounds and South African rand.
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Batonka Guest Lodge's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Batonka Guest Lodge.
Excursions from Batonka Guest Lodge
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Batonka Guest Lodge. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.

Bushtracks Express
Generally four and a half hours
The Bushtracks Express Train starts its journey at Zimbabwe’s iconic Victoria Falls Station before departing on its route through Victoria Falls National Park the Victoria Falls Bridge, where guests enjoy the stunning view of the Falls. Afterwards, the train will depart for a siding out of town, for dinner.
More about Bushtracks Express
Chobe Day Trip
Full day - typically around 11 hours
For a top safari experience while visiting the Victoria Falls, don’t miss a day trip to Botswana’s Chobe National Park. Easily reachable from Livingstone, Zambia or Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Chobe boasts some of the best wildlife densities in southern Africa, with exceptional numbers of elephant drawn by the permanent waters of the Chobe River.
More about Chobe Day Trip
Cookery Course & Activity
Six hours - afternoon activity
Make a traditional Southern African ‘potjie dinner’ on the banks of the Zambezi River. You’ll be guided through the preparation process by professional chefs before embarking on an afternoon activity while your dinner cooks. The activity is followed by a 3-course meal, including your self-made Pot as the main course.
More about Cookery Course
Elephant Art Experience
Three hours
The Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary and Art of Africa have teamed up to create a unique experience in the bush, with private tutors running painting workshops and habituated elephants provision impressive models, standing just metres away from your easel.
More about Elephant Art Experience
Elephant Encounter
Three hours
For a very personal encounter with elephants, head to The Elephant Camp near Victoria Falls. From its sanctuary for orphaned elephants, it offers close interaction with one of Africa's most iconic species, including the chance to feed the elephants by hand, and talk to the guides who have raised and trained them.
More about Elephant Encounter
Guided tour of Victoria Falls
Two hours - AM & PM departures
One of the seven Natural Wonders of the World, the mighty Victoria Falls has to be seen to be believed. Why not take an expertly guided trip to learn about the history, geology, flora and fauna of one of Africa's most spectacular sites?
More about Tour of the Falls
Helicopter Flight - Zimbabwe
Shortest flight is 12-25 minutes
While viewing the Victoria Falls from the ground is a stunning experience, seen the world’s largest waterfall from the air allows for a completely different perspective, historically said to have been so beautiful as to have been seen by ‘angels in flight’.
More about Helicopter Flight
Historical Bridge Tour
Two hours - AM & PM departures
A feat of engineering the Victoria Falls Bridge was built in 1905 as part of Cecil Rhodes' vision to link the Cape to Cairo. With an expert guide and the appropriate safety equipment you'll not only discover the wonders of this Victorian marvel but also gain a unique perspective of the Victoria Falls themselves.
More about Bridge Tour
Livingstone Island & Devil's Pool
Three hours
Victoria Falls is one of the world's natural wonders, and a huge attraction for many visitors to southern Africa. We're often asked if the waterfall is best viewed from the Zambian or Zimbabwean side, but we think the best way to experience the full majesty of the falls is from the middle with a visit to Livingstone Island.
More about Livingstone Island
Ra-Ikane River Cruise
Two hours minimum
Cruising the upper sections of the Zambezi reveals another dimension to the river's beauty, adding a sense of serenity to the thrill of watching it cascade over the Victoria Falls. On a Ra-Ikane river cruise, experience the river’s islands and channels, keeping an eye out for wildlife, and the spray from the Falls.
More about Ra-Ikane River Cruise
Rhino Walk
Around four hours - mornings only
Spend an unforgettable morning on a walking safari tracking Mosi-oa-Tunya’s small population of white rhino, with a strong chance of being able to approach these endangered creatures on foot.
More about Rhino Walk
Zambezi Explorer River Cruise
Two hours
Watching the sunset from the middle of the Zambezi River, with the spray of the falls behind you, is an incredibly popular activity. A large variety of cruises are on offer, ranging from cheap and boozy directed towards the backpacker crowd, to much more luxurious and serene experiences. A great option for the latter style is the Zambezi Explorer.
More about Zambezi ExplorerOther lodges in Victoria Falls
Alternative places to stay in this same area.

Ilala Lodge
Exceptionally well located between the Victoria Falls and the town of the same name, Ilala Lodge has comfortable rooms, a friendly atmosphere & great food.

Victoria Falls Hotel
With its unique setting, authentic style and excellent service, the Victoria Falls is one of the world’s most iconic hotels.

Victoria Falls Lodge
High on a plateau a short distance outside Victoria Falls Town, the comfortable Victoria Falls Safari Lodge overlooks its own waterhole.

Sprayview Hotel
In close proximity to both the town and the Victoria Falls themselves, Sprayview is a value-for-money hotel in a convenient location.

The Elephant Camp
The Elephant Camp is a luxury tented camp in its own private concession within Victoria Falls National Park, just 15-minute's drive town.

Old Drift Lodge
A lovely addition to the options in Victoria Falls, the stylish Old Drift has a great location in Zimbabwe's Zambezi National Park, with a range of activities.

Palm River
Palm River Hotel offers a high-quality stay in a picturesque location on the banks of the Zambezi, with excellent food and a shuttle to the Victoria Falls.

Victoria Falls Club
Just outside of Victoria Falls Town, Victoria Falls Safari Club offers an exclusive, relaxing and luxurious base to explore the area.

Pioneers
Located a five-minute drive from the buzz of Victoria Falls town, the mid-size Pioneers offers a relaxing stay in one of Zimbabwe's most iconic destinations.

Gorges Lodge
Gorges Lodge has spectacular views from its perch on the edge of the Batoka Gorge. Although it is out of town it isn't too far from the main attractions.

Zambezi Sands
Zambezi Sands is a stylish new camp with a range of activities on a remote stretch of the Zambezi River.

528 Victoria Falls
528 Victoria Falls is a charming, owner-run, boutique B&B in a leafy suburb of Victoria Falls town, offering an oasis of calm in an often-busy location.

Matetsi River Lodge
Situated in the private Matetsi Reserve, Matetsi River Lodge offers luxury suites, game drives and river activities within reach of the Victoria Falls.

Victoria Falls Suites
Just out of the town, Victoria Falls Safari Suites offers an exclusive, relaxing and luxurious base from which to explore.

Mpala Jena
In Zambezi National Park, Mpala Jena offers a luxurious but eco-friendly experience, within easy access of the Victoria Falls.
When to go to Victoria Falls
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Batonka Guest Lodge in Victoria Falls
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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