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Mpala Jena
Mpala Jena
Mpala Jena
Mpala Jena
Mpala Jena

About Mpala Jena

The tranquil setting of the exclusive Mpala Jena, in Zambezi National Park, belies its proximity to the majestic Victoria Falls.

In Mpala Jena, renowned wildlife photographers and lodge owners Dereck and Beverly Joubert have turned their attention to Zimbabwe.

And already this intimate yet luxurious tented camp, opened early in 2019, has been signed up by the exclusive Relais & Châteaux organisation, a tribute both to the camp and to its exceptional team of largely Zimbabwean staff.

Although just a 45-minute drive from the Victoria Falls, Mpala Jena is every inch an upmarket safari lodge. From the creativity of its construction to the heady fusion of Moroccan and southern African design, it oozes style and innovation, a standard matched by its environmental credentials.

The sense of exclusivity is enhanced by a bridge across the oxbow lake that surrounds the camp when the river is in flood. Within this natural enclave, the wellbeing of guests is paramount, whether chatting to the chefs in the interactive kitchen, selecting the wines to go with the six-course tasting menu, or being pampered in the river-facing spa.

Plunge pools in every air-conditioned suite, along with a king-size bed, ball-and-claw bath, leather sofa and drinks cabinet, add to the air of indulgence. Though to assuage any sense of guilt, an exercise bike has been provided. Albeit one with a river view.

Our view

We've been thoroughly impressed over the years with our experiences at Mpala Jena’s sister camps in Botswana, and we are very excited to see them expand into Zimbabwe. We expect this camp to do well, and will be keeping an eye on developments and updating this page as things progress.

Lucy Copson

Lucy Copson

Zimbabwe expert

Accommodation

5 tented suites

Children

Best for 12+

Open

All year

Activities

4WD Safari

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Boat trip

Boat trip

Cultural excursion

Cultural excursion

Elephant encounter

Elephant encounter

Fishing

Fishing

Guided walking safari

Guided walking safari

Helicopter

Helicopter

Microlight

Microlight

Private activities

Private activities

White-water rafting

White-water rafting

Mpala Jena: Our full report

Small and very exclusive, Mpala Jena opened its doors in February 2019 in Zimbabwe's Zambezi National Park, ...

... adjacent to the World Heritage Site of Victoria Falls. The camp is designed to match the style of its sister camps in Botswana, combining impeccable attention to detail with the same high level of service. A stay here includes entrance to the Falls and a range of other activities.

While we have yet to stay at Mpala Jena, we did spend time looking around in October 2019 and were very impressed by what we saw. A month later, this was endorsed by the prestigious Relais & Châteaux organisation when they signed up the lodge as a member, their first in Zimbabwe.

Partly owned by the renowned film-makers, photographers and conservationists Dereck and Beverly Joubert – who have some well established safari camps in Botswana’s Okavango Delta and Selinda Reserve, and Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools – this is their latest venture around the Victoria Falls.

Mpala Jena is set in a private concession on the banks of the Zambezi, 16km inside the Zambezi National Park, on the site of the old tented Pioneers Camp. It offers a peaceful safari setting away from the bustling town of Victoria Falls, but still within easy reach of the eponymous waterfall.

In order to ensure as minimal an impact on the environment as possible, it took over a year to complete the camp, and when you see the end result you’ll understand why. It’s breathtakingly beautiful and seemingly flawless: arguably Victoria Falls’ finest safari camp – and one of the most environmentally innovative camps in the area too.

Everywhere you look, the attention to detail is evident – both aesthetically and environmentally: the finest of furnishings; recycled wood and canvas; solar power throughout.

Mpala Jena is small and personal, with just four tented suites and one exclusive family suite. All are slightly raised on wooden decks, facing the river but set back from potential high water levels. Each has its own expansive wooden deck, made from reclaimed railway sleepers, and taking in the river views – from the chairs, from the plunge pool, even from the exercise bike that is here.

The suites themselves have been built to complement the surrounding environment, with lots of wood and canvas, and sedimentary stone pieced together randomly to resemble the Great Zimbabwe ruins – a fine work of art.

Chunky, carved wooden doors imported from India lead inside the tents to a very spacious open-plan area. With Moroccan and southern African influences, they feature polished wooden floors, stretched canvas walls decorated with Beverly’s wildlife photographs, mesh windows spanning the full length of the room, and high ceilings under flowing canvas adorned with a beautiful floral fringe in soft tones of blue.

The lounge area has a comfortable leather sofa, a well-stocked drinks cabinet and minibar, and a writing desk with international plug points. There is no kettle in your suite, but just like a traditional safari camp, tea and coffee will be brought to your room in a flask, along with your morning wake-up call.

Adjacent, under a walk-in mosquito net, is a king-size bed (or twin beds if required) with a wooden headboard made from dense leadwood. A taller wall behind, also made from reclaimed railway sleepers, separates the bed from the dressing area (complete with winter and summer dressing gowns and slippers), and also cleverly houses the “evening breeze” air conditioning – which doubles as a heater in the winter months.

Two shoulder-high stone walls separate the bathroom, with its ball-and-claw bath and indoor shower, from the bedroom. Copper pipes and basins, shiny silver taps and complementary amenities all add to the glamour. The toilet is in a separate room, behind a wooden sliding door. and a second heavy wooden door leads to an outside shower.

The exclusive family suite, or Mpala Jena Suite, is the same in design and décor, but has a central lounge and dining room with a plunge pool, flanked by two en-suite bedrooms. The suite has its own private kitchen (in a separate out-house) and chef, and offers privately guide activities with its own game vehicle.

Raised wooden walkways connect the suites to the main area, and a wooden bridge crosses the Mpala Jena Spillway, an oxbow lake, which, when in flood, runs around the full circumference of the camp. Given that the camp is inside the Zambezi National Park, and wild animals do roam freely, guests must stick to the walkways and be escorted to their rooms after dark.

The main area is also open-plan, under a large canvas tent, completely open to the river views in front, and with a stone wall at the back. Comfortable couches and benches create a central lounge area, while the dining room is dominated by a large wooden dining table for group meals. A smaller and much more cosy lounge is set on a sunken level, with a large fireplace.

A wide wooden counter and bar stools front the interactive kitchen, so guests can sometimes chat to their chef from the dining room while he prepares a tantalising five- or six-course tasting menu. Most evenings, however, guests will dine outside, under the stars, where the wooden deck is a feature in itself. Made from chunky railway sleepers, it leads to a sandy path which takes you down to the edge of the river and jetty. There are wooden tables and chairs outside, and a small firepit surrounded by casual directors’ chairs.

In the wine cellar, a separate, air-conditioned room with an extensive range of South African wines, guests can use the coded map to navigate through the wine racks. Wine tastings are on offer, and you can pair your own choice of wine for dinner.

Mpala Jena has a small spa too, with two treatment beds looking out towards the river, offering a range of beauty treatments and massages.

Then there’s the boutique. Worthy of a high-end fashion retailer, it sells his and (mostly) hers safari clothing, locally made jewelry, designer cutlery, and a range of nature and wildlife books.

Activities included in your stay at Mpala Jena range from wildlife viewing by boat, on foot and in a game vehicle to one guided visit of the Victoria Falls.

Impressive anti-poaching activities and an increased number of camps in Zambezi National Park have helped to increase wildlife numbers in recent years, and the park is now a good place to spot hippo, elephant, buffalo and hyena, with lion and wild dog also possibilities. However, wildlife here is still fairly limited compared to Zimbabwe's larger national parks, and for the full safari experience we would suggest looking further afield to Mana Pools or Hwange National Park. Mpala Jena combines very nicely with its sister camps in Mana Pools: Sap Spring and Sap Explorers, and also those in Botswana: Selinda Camp, Selinda Explorers, Duba Plains, Duba Explorers and Zarafa.

Geographics

Location
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Ideal length of stay
A stay of two to three nights at Mpala Jena would give you time to enjoy the activities at the lodge as well spending a day at the Victoria Falls. If you're interested in taking part in more of the activities around the Falls, or just relaxing and enjoying the camp itself, an extra day would be beneficial.
Directions
From your arrival at Victoria Falls airport, Mpala Jena is a drive of approximately an hour and twenty minutes. A portion of this will be on a tarred road, the rest taking the form of a game drive through the national park. We understand there will also be the opportunity to be transferred to the lodge via boat, depending on water levels and camp logistics on the day. A further option, and for an additional cost, is a helicopter flight which will include a flight over the Victoria Falls. Guests are transferred by road to / from Victoria Falls Airport and the Elephant Hills Hotel in town. Note that there is no flying between 12pm-2pm daily. Should guests want to fly direct from / to the Airport and Mpala Jena rather, this can be arranged on a private charter basis.

Accessible by
Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Full Board & Activities
Food quality
We have yet to stay at Mpala Jena, but we understand that their menu follows the same ethos as at Beverly and Dereck Joubert’s other safari camps, with as much fresh food as possible: salads, fruit, quinoa, rice, fresh fish – and quality dark chocolate. Their meals are designed to make you feel light and full of energy – with very few carbs. Vegetarians and other dietary requirements can be catered for on request.

Tea or coffee and even a smoothie are brought to your suite, then breakfast is served in the main area. A continental buffet of cereal, yoghurt, muffins, fruit salad and a cheese platter is set out in the dining room, and a cooked breakfast can be ordered.

Lunch is a buffet and always something light. But you won’t go hungry!

Dinner can vary from a four-course set menu, to a five- or six-course tasting menu in the interactive barbecue kitchen. There is always a choice of white meat, red meat and vegetarian dishes for the main course. Dessert, tea and coffee and home-made chocolate complete each meal.

Dining style
Mixture of group dining and individual tables
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Drinks included
All drinks are included, except for French champagne. The water here is safe to drink.

Children

Attitude towards children
Children over 6 are welcome.
Property’s age restrictions
The minimum age is 6 years.
Special activities & services
The family suite (Mpala Jena Suite) has two bedrooms and is ideal for families wanting to share.
Equipment
None.
Generally recommended for children
Victoria Falls is a family-friendly destination, but given the sophisticated nature of Mpala Jena we feel it’s better suited to older, more mature children.
Notes
The camp is on the Zambezi River and is unfenced, so wild animals do roam through; the swimming pools are also unguarded. Children need to be watched at all times.

Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Mpala Jena

Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Mpala Jena 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.

Buffalo

100% success

Elephant

100% success

Giraffe

100% success

Hippo

100% success

Leopard

100% success

Lion

100% success

Sable antelope

100% success

Wildebeest

100% success

Zebra

100% success

Aardvark

0% success

Brown Hyena

0% success

Cheetah

0% success

Eland

0% success

Pangolin

0% success

Spotted Hyena

0% success

Wild dog

0% success

Communications

Power supply notes
The lodge runs fully on solar power, though we understand that back-up generators are in place.
Communications
There is WiFi in the suites.
TV & radio
There are no TVs.
Water supply
Borehole
Water supply notes
The camp has a reverse osmosis machine and purifies its own drinking water.

Sustainability

Aiming for an eco-friendly stay in the Zambezi NP

Built with the intention of being the most environmentally innovative camp within the Zambezi National Park, Mpala Jena Camp is focused on combining a sustainable environment for its guests while working to protect the surrounding environment.

As many of the materials as possible used in building Mpala Jena Camp are “green”, including recycled hardwoods and canvas along with locally sourced materials. Food waste goes into a worm garden, while paper and combustibles are used to power wood heaters. All other waste is sorted at the camp and then sent on for recycling. A state-of-the-art Tesla battery system is in place so the entire camp runs on solar power. The camp is also developing new paths to make its road network more efficient and to eliminate unnecessary driving in order to reduce its environmental footprint.

See more great sustainability projects in Zimbabwe

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Medical care
Management and trained in first aid. The nearest doctor is in Victoria Falls, about a 45 minute drive away.
Dangerous animals
High Risk
Fire safety
Fire extinguishers are positioned throughout the camp.

Activities

  • 4WD Safari

    4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Boat trip

    Boat trip

  • Cultural excursion

    Cultural excursion

  • Elephant encounter

    Elephant encounter

  • Fishing

    Fishing

  • Guided walking safari

    Guided walking safari

  • Helicopter

    Helicopter

  • Microlight

    Microlight

  • Private activities

    Private activities

  • White-water rafting

    White-water rafting

Extras

Disabled access
On Request
Laundry facilities
Included, and there is small bag provided for your smalls.

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Mpala Jena's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Mpala Jena.


Excursions from Mpala Jena

Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Mpala Jena. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.


Bushtracks Express

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

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
100% (1 reviews)
Cookery Course & Activity

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

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

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
92% (5 reviews)
Guided tour of Victoria Falls

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
100% (5 reviews)
Helicopter Flight - Zimbabwe

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
96% (9 reviews)
Historical Bridge Tour

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

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
96% (9 reviews)
Ra-Ikane River Cruise

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
95% (40 reviews)
Rhino Walk

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
95% (4 reviews)
Zambezi Explorer River Cruise

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 Explorer
100% (4 reviews)

Other lodges in Victoria Falls

Alternative places to stay in this same area.


Ilala Lodge

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.


93% (273 reviews)
Victoria Falls Hotel

Victoria Falls Hotel

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


94% (167 reviews)
Batonka Guest Lodge

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.


96% (30 reviews)
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge

Victoria Falls Lodge

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


88% (22 reviews)
Sprayview Hotel

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.


75% (16 reviews)
The Elephant Camp

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.


93% (15 reviews)
Old Drift Lodge

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.


94% (14 reviews)
Palm River Hotel

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.


100% (10 reviews)
Victoria Falls Safari Club

Victoria Falls Club

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


94% (10 reviews)
Pioneers

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.


98% (9 reviews)
Gorges Lodge

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.


98% (8 reviews)
Zambezi Sands

Zambezi Sands

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


100% (3 reviews)
528 Victoria Falls

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.


80% (1 review)
Matetsi River Lodge

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.


100% (1 review)
Victoria Falls Safari Suites

Victoria Falls Suites

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


100% (1 review)

When to go to Victoria Falls

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Mpala Jena 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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