About Ilala Lodge
Barely ten minutes’ walk from the fabled Victoria Falls, Ilala is perfectly placed to marvel at nature’s grandeur.
Whether you visit on your own, or join a guided tour booked through the hotel’s activity centre, the Falls are unmissable!
Proximity to the Falls doesn’t make Ilala remote; in fact, it's even closer to the small town of Victoria Falls. Yet the setting is far from urban, with sweeping lawns dotted with mature golden laburnums, their shade welcome in the heat of the day.
The hotel remains family owned, and despite an increase in size it retains a “lodge” atmosphere. Its 73 air-conditioned rooms and suites offer plenty of choice, their crisp white linen offset by dark wood giving a colonial feel. Each has patio doors that open either onto a veranda or balcony, and every room has a view.
Making the most of the setting are umbrella-shaded sunloungers around a sparkling swimming pool, with a cocktail bar just arm’s reach away.
In the evenings, dine in the Palm Restaurant, where the food is among the best in the area. Tables spill over onto a terrace and live piano music adds a touch of romance – perhaps enhanced by the moon rising behind the spray from the Falls.
Our view
IIala Lodge does a great job of maintaining a "lodge" feel despite its size. The service is personal without being over the top and the rooms are clean, comfortable and kitted out with more than simply the basics. The food is up there with the best in the Falls (although there is a wide range of cheaper, if lower quality, places to eat in town). For a base from which to explore the Victoria Falls, Ilala is certainly one of our favourites because it's close and so well-priced.
Accommodation
52 rooms, 4 suites
Children
Best for 6+
Open
All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Canoeing
Cultural excursion
Elephant encounter
Helicopter
Kayaking
Microlight
White-water rafting
Traveller reviews of Ilala Lodge
273 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Arrived 6 Nov 2024, 2 nights
"Ilala Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 4 Oct 2024, 2 nights
"Ilala Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 7 Sep 2024, 2 nights
"Ilala Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 18 Sep 2024, 2 nights
"Ilala Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 1 Sep 2024, 2 nights
"Ilala Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 17 Jul 2024, 4 nights
"Ilala Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 15 Jul 2024, 2 nights
"Ilala Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 15 Jun 2024, 2 nights
"Great location for the falls"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 24 May 2024, 2 nights
"Ilala Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 1 Jun 2024, 2 nights
"Ilala Lodge review"
Overall rating: Good























Expert Africa's gallery
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Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you


Pygmy Mouse Self-drive Safari
18 days • 10 locations • 3 country
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
A truly epic southern African self-drive safari adventure from Namibia’s mountains and deserts, along the lush Caprivi Strip to Botswana and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, staying at luxury lodges throughout.
Visiting Etosha, Victoria Falls and 6 other areas
US$8,790 - US$10,510 per person
Ilala Lodge: Our full report
Just ten minutes' walk from the Zimbabwe side of the Victoria Falls, Ilala is very well placed.
It's even closer to the centre of Victoria Falls town, too, offering good-quality, affordable accommodation furnished in a comfortable colonial style.
In December 2016, a new wing was completed, extending the property into adjacent land. The hotel now has 73 rooms and suites across two buildings, each with rooms on three levels.
Rooms on the top and middle floors have patio doors onto their own balcony, while those below open onto a veranda, which leads directly onto the lawned gardens. Clever design means that the lower tier of rooms is set slightly further forward from the upper tier, thereby minimising any noise from the patios above.
The rooms are split into four categories, but in each one there’s an en-suite bathroom and separate shower, air conditioning, an overhead fan, satellite TV, WiFi access, phone, tea- and coffee-making facilities, insect repellent, and an electronic safe that’s large enough to fit a laptop.
- The "standard" rooms in the original wing are adequately sized, with enough space to store luggage and still be able to move around the room freely. From early 2017 these standard rooms are being upgraded with new bathrooms to bring them to the same level as the new "deluxe" rooms.
- The "deluxe" rooms in the new wing, where we were fortunate to stay on our most recent visits to Ilala, are larger and tastefully furnished. Crisp, white linens and a light-green throw blanket and pillows top the bed, whose contemporary dark-wood headboard adorned with a decorative tapestry doubles as a wall behind the bed. Along with a large wooden custom-built wardrobe you’ll find a simple vanity desk beneath a big mirror, and an upholstered chair with a folding table set with magazines of local interest. These rooms each have a minibar and Nespresso machine, sockets for most international plugs and a USB port. Simple beige curtains open to reveal sliding glass doors onto the balcony, where two iron-framed chairs and a table overlook the gardens with views over the bush to the mist rising from the Victoria Falls in the distance.
The bathrooms are very spacious and modern with twin ceramic basins and a large glass-screened shower boasting a very generous water flow. - Two "standard" suites are located on the top floor of the old wing. These suites have a double bed and a separate single bed. Another bed can be added to accommodate a family of four.
- Two "executive" suites are on the top floor of the new wing. The décor here is similar to the ‘deluxe’ rooms, but the suites have a freestanding bath as well as a shower in the bathroom. They also have their own lounge, separated by large sliding wooden doors, and both the lounge and the bedroom open onto a large balcony, with a table and chairs, as well as a couple of sunloungers.
- Finally the Strathearn suite is Ilala's answer to a presidential suite. Similar to the 'executive' suites but larger, with the option of in room dining & private chef. The Strathearn also has a hot tub on its private balcony.
Adjacent to the restaurant is a good-sized swimming pool, with a smaller and shallower children’s pool at one end, and sunloungers with umbrellas for shade. Beside this is an open-air cocktail bar with comfortable chairs and sofas – a great spot to enjoy a drink on a warm balmy evening. As well as soft and alcoholic beverages, snacks can be ordered here throughout the day.
Courtesy of the activity centre at Ilala Lodge you can book the many activities offered in the Victoria Falls area, from the relaxed to the strenuous. One appealing option, at additional cost, is a sunset cruise on the Ra-Ikane riverboat – which is named after one of the first guides to lead Dr Livingstone on the Zambezi. There’s an open bar on board with snacks provided; when we joined the cruise these included 'crocodile bites', cocktail sausages and a variety of nuts, crudités and dips. The cost for this trip is extra but it's a thoroughly enjoyable way to spend a few hours.
There are a number of other boat operators on the river so this isn't the most tranquil of trips. That said, once you get away from the more crowded area near town there is the chance to see crocodile, hippo and elephant, as well as kudu and bushbuck on the shore.
Geographics
- Location
- Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
- Ideal length of stay
- Typically 2–3 days is an ideal length of stay here, although occasionally our travellers stay longer if they plan to engage in lots of activities.
- Directions
- Guests arrive into either Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) or Livingstone (Zambia) by air and then transfer to the hotel by road. They may also be transferred to Ilala Lodge by road from one of the other major tourist destinations in Zimbabwe, such as Hwange, Mana Pools or Matobo Hills national parks.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Bed & Breakfast
- Food quality
- When we stayed at Ilala Lodge in May 2023, the food was excellent and extremely varied. Note that The Palm is popular, so it is advisable to reserve a table for your meals on arrival.
Breakfast is very good indeed. An extensive buffet of freshly baked breads, muffins, fresh fruit, yoghurt, cheeses and cold meats with a hot breakfast cooked to order will set you up for the day ahead.
Lunch is a relatively light menu with a selection of salads, sandwiches, burgers, fish and chips or steak and chips. Dessert was a choice of vanilla waffle (with banana, praline ice cream and caramel sauce), a seasonal fruit platter or a trio of seasonal fruit sorbets.
The dinner menu at The Palm is varied and imaginative, with starters such as soup of the day, gemsbok tartare, crocodile frikadelle, crumbed brie cheese, and a springbok and pancetta samosa. There is also a duck salad or beef and asparagus salad.
For the main course there was a choice of blesbok shank, crocodile and porcini risotto, pan-roasted ostrich fillet, duck breast, olive and feta chicken supreme, beef tenderloin, kudu wellington, baked tilapia (a local fish) and marinated sirloin. Vegetarian options included butternut and sage risotto, mushroom tagliatelle and chickpea and vegetable curry.Round off your meal with the likes of coffee and Kahlua parfait, pear and oat strudel or lemon cheesecake. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Room Service is not available
- Drinks included
- Drinks are not included with meals. A complimentary minibar is available in all the rooms. Once this is used up then it is restocked and you are charged for it. Mineral water is provided in all the rooms.
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Ilala Lodge welcomes children
- Property’s age restrictions
- None
- Special activities & services
- Babysitters are available on request. Please note that they are members of staff and not formally trained child minders.
- Equipment
- There is a highchair in the restaurant.
- Generally recommended for children
- IIlala Lodge is a good place for families. The suites can accommodate extra beds, while for families of four or more, inter-leading rooms can be allocated.
- Notes
- Wild animals such as elephant and warthog wander around the grounds and there is also a deep swimming pool with no lifeguard, so children should be supervised by their parents at all times.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Ilala Lodge
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Ilala 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.

67% success

54% success

14% success

13% success

0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- There is a back up generator for use in the event of a power failure.
- Communications
- There is a telephone in each room and the lodge has internet facilities for guest use in reception. There is WiFi throughout.
- TV & radio
- There is a TV in each room receiving satellite channels from South Africa (DSTV).
- Water supply
- Mains
- Water supply notes
- On our last visit to Ilala Lodge the water was hot and the pressure was good.
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.
Balcony safety warning: The balconies belonging to rooms 32 to 35 at Ilala Lodge are not suitably enclosed for children under the age of 6 years. We strongly recommend families with young children book alternative rooms here.
Swimming pool warning: Please be aware that the swimming pool at Ilala Lodge is not suitable for children under the age of 6 years due to safety concerns. - Dangerous animals
- Moderate Risk
- Security measures
- Security guards patrol the premises day and night.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers dotted around all the hotel.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Canoeing
Cultural excursion
Elephant encounter
Helicopter
Kayaking
Microlight
White-water rafting
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- Ilala Lodge offers a laundry service at an extra cost.
- Money
- Each of the rooms has an electronic safe large enough to fit a laptop.
- Accepted payment on location
- The lodge accepts Visa and Mastercard but not Amex or Diners Club. Cash payments may be made in both international currencies (US dollars, pounds sterling), and regional currencies (South African rand, Botswana pula).
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Ilala Lodge's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Ilala Lodge.
Excursions from Ilala Lodge
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Ilala 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.

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

Batonka Guest Lodge
Small, comfortable and in lovely gardens, Batonka Guest Lodge is a perfect base for exploring the Victoria Falls away from the bustle of the town.

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 Ilala 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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