About Old Drift Lodge
Combine the splendour of the Victoria Falls with a stylish safari experience in a historic setting.
Set at the narrowest point of the Zambezi, downstream of Victoria Falls, Old Drift evokes the early days of exploration.
Before the coming of the railway, this section of the river – then known as Clarke's Drift – was the best place to cross. But other than claw-foot baths (and even they're on the decks), today's lodge has few connections with the Victorian era.
The tented chalets are “tents” in name only, their cool high ceilings aided by air conditioning, their large glass sliding doors opening to reveal sunloungers alongside a private plunge pool.
At the hub of camp, a series of split-level decks make enviable spots to while away the afternoon, entertained by the bee-eaters and kingfishers that add colour to the riverine backdrop. Or warm up by the fireplace indoors, drink in hand, and keep watch for the wildlife of Zambezi National Park from the comfort of a cosy sofa.
The camp's motorboat (or vehicles by road) shuttles regularly between here and the Falls, so you can lunch at the aptly named Lookout Café in town, explore the sights, then return in time for a delicious dinner overlooking the Zambezi.
The staff are friendly, the food good, the activities many and varied. It's a winning combination.
Our view
We've been really impressed with Old Drift Lodge on all our visits. With a beautiful location, stylish tents and a fantastic front-of-house team, it's a great lodge, either as a base for your visit to the Falls, or as a stand-alone lodge for a few days of relaxed safari activities.
Accommodation
14 tents
Children
Best for 12+
Open
All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Canoeing
Cultural excursion
Elephant encounter
Guided walking safari
Helicopter
Kayaking
Microlight
Private activities
White-water rafting
Traveller reviews of Old Drift Lodge
14 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Arrived 1 Jan 2025, 2 nights
"Old Drift Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 8 Nov 2024, 2 nights
"Old Drift Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 24 Aug 2024, 2 nights
"Old Drift Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 3 Aug 2024, 3 nights
"Old Drift Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 19 May 2024, 3 nights
"Old Drift Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 18 Sep 2023, 2 nights
"Old Drift Lodge review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 9 Jul 2023, 3 nights
"Old Drift Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 1 Oct 2022, 2 nights
"Old Drift Lodge review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 23 Sep 2022, 2 nights
"Old Drift Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 5 Aug 2021, 2 nights
"Shiny and comfortable, but missing something"
Overall rating: Good





















Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the safaris. See our 21 pictures of Old Drift Lodge to get the candid view.
View gallerySafaris visiting Old Drift Lodge
Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you


Nyala Safari
10 days • 3 locations • 1 country
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
A superb luxury safari in iconic Hwange and Mana Pools national parks, staying in a pair of the finest safari camps in Zimbabwe, with a grand finale at Victoria Falls
Visiting Mana Pools, Hwange and 1 other area
US$12,060 - US$16,260 per person


Leopard Safari
13 days • 4 locations • 3 country
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT
Victoria Falls, Botswana and Cape Town – a classic southern African itinerary combining luxury, wilderness, safari and culture. We can't think of a better way to spend two weeks.
Visiting Victoria Falls, Chobe and 2 other areas
US$14,130 - US$18,100 per person
Old Drift Lodge: Our full report
On the banks of the Zambezi River, the stylish Old Drift Lodge lies 7km upstream of the Victoria Falls.
It was opened in mid-May 2018, and is one of a handful of camps within Zimbabwe's Zambezi National Park, with regular visits from elephants to the lodge, especially later into the dry season.
Overlooking the mighty Zambezi River, the site of Old Drift Lodge was once the original crossing point of the river, dating back to 1898. Known as “Clarke's Drift”, and just 7km upstream from the waterfall, it is the narrowest part of the river in the region, making it the best crossing point.
Old Drift Lodge has 14 tented chalets, all slightly raised on wooden decks and spaced out along the riverfront. These chalets are quite contemporary in design, their canvas walls the only real nod to a “tent”. Light-coloured canvas, glass sliding doors and windows and high ceilings all create a well-lit space.
Inside, the sizeable open-plan bedroom has a four-poster mosquito net enveloping a king-size or twin beds, plus bedside tables, and a small dressing room behind the bed with large built-in cupboards that house the air conditioning. A seating area affords space for relaxation, with two comfortable armchairs and a small coffee table, a locally made wooden desk and dresser, plus a minibar, tea and coffee station and ice-making machine.
Four of the chalets have a second en-suite bedroom (with a shower and toilet) leading off the dressing room. These chalets are ideal for families travelling with children.
From the main bedroom, a sliding canvas door opens into the equally spacious en suite bathroom, with twin copper basins, a large glass-screened shower cubicle, and a toilet behind another sliding door. Step outside and you'll find an outside shower, as well as a free-standing ball-and-claw bath on the deck, with canvas curtains should you prefer a little more privacy.
A lot of thought has gone into the little touches in each tented chalet, whose amenities include toiletries, dressing gowns and slippers in the bathrooms, along with mosquito repellent and bug spray, a hairdryer and even hair straighteners! There's also a charging station by each desk, and international and USB plug sockets next to the beds.
The sliding doors from each chalet open onto a wooden deck, with loungers placed next to a small plunge pool, looking out to the river. Your days will no doubt be filled with activities, but for those spending the afternoon siesta at the lodge, this is a great spot for birdwatching, with plenty of pied kingfishers, bee-eaters and swifts flying past. On our most recent stay, in October 2024, we spotted numerous elephant, some warthog and shy bushbuck too.
Linking the chalets to the expansive tented main area are wood-effect walkways, with regular breaks allowing river access along the elephant and hippo highways that are used by all manner of wildlife. Large wooden doors open into the main area itself, with cream canvas walls, whitewashed wood floors and folding glass doors opening the full length of one side. Wrought-iron lights hang over comfortable chairs and sofas, piled with cushions and soft blankets for the colder evenings, and surrounding a central fireplace – which creates a focal point in front of a bar and small library. Friendly staff – ever present but unobtrusive throughout our stay – are on hand to bring drinks and nibbles, attend to guests' queries and offer assistance.
In the dining area to the other side of the main tent, tables are placed under ceiling fans, as well as on the deck looking over the river. Outdoor lounge areas, with a mix of wooden and wicker furniture, are shaded by large cream umbrellas on a series of split-level decks leading down to a firepit and jetty.
Activities included at Old Drift Lodge are varied: game drives into the Zambezi National Park, river cruises, guided walking safaris, lunch at the Lookout Café and a guided tour of the Falls (excluding entry fees to the Falls which need to be paid direct).
It is worth noting that while Zambezi National Park is home to four of the “big five”, wildlife densities are a little lower here than in other parks in the region, such as Chobe or Hwange. As such, good sightings on game drives and walking safaris may be less frequent.
Extra activities, which incur an additional cost, include fishing and canoeing, as well as microlight and helicopter flights and a variety of adrenalin activities – all can be arranged through the lodge's reception. Note, though, that some of these activities can get booked up a while in advance, so do chat to us about the options before your trip.
If you're heading into Victoria Falls town for activities you'll either be driven in, or you could be transferred by the lodge's motorboat, which cruises between here and the Old Drift's own jetty, opposite Kalunda Island, just a short drive from town. For any activities that will keep you in town for the full day, lunch is included at their sister establishment, the Lookout Café, a large open-sided restaurant and bar in a stunning location atop the Batoka Gorge.
Geographics
- Location
- Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
- Ideal length of stay
- We'd suggest a stay of three or more nights at Old Drift, which will give you time to relax at the lodge as well as enjoying some of the many activities in Victoria Falls.
- Directions
- The Old Drift jetty is a 35-minute drive from Victoria Falls airport. You'll then be transferred to the lodge via speedboat, which usually takes 10–15 minutes, depending on the wildlife you see along the way.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- The food we've had at Old Drift has always been very good. With advanced notice the team here are able to cater to a variety of different dietary requirements.
Tea, coffee and rusks are on offer first thing in the morning if you're heading out on a game drive; otherwise a full breakfast is served from 7.00am, with a continental buffet and hot dishes available to order.
Lunch is typically served between 12 noon and 3pm. Depending on the timings of your activity and the number of guests at the lodge, it can be either buffet or à la carte. During our stay in October 2024 the à la carte menu offered lamb burgers, fillet of hake or vegetarian wraps, all served with a fresh salad and fries.
For guests in Victoria Falls for an activity, lunch or breakfast is included at the Lookout Café. With a spectacular view down to the river below we have enjoyed several meals here over the years. Most recently we tucked into a chorizo caprese salad followed by a substantial and delicious pulled oxtail and brisket burger with salad and fries.
Dinner is again buffet or à la carte depending on the number of guests. We had a choice of smoked tomato bisque or kudu carpaccio for starters, followed by a either pan-fried kabeljou (described as wild Namibian cod), grilled beef fillet or creamy basil pasta. For dessert the options were a selection of cheeses or baked malva pudding (a sweet South African sponge pudding). We went to bed full and contented after a great meal. - Dining style
- Mixture of group dining and individual tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Riverside dinners, bush meals and private dining options are available on request.
- Drinks included
- Filtered drinking water is provided in the rooms and at the bar. Tea and coffee, as well as soft and most alcoholic drinks, are included.
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Old Drift welcomes children over the age of seven in camp.
- Property’s age restrictions
- The lodge allows children from the age of seven and upwards, though children under 16 must share a room with an adult. The age limit for walking in the national park is 16 years old.
- Special activities & services
- Children under the age of 16 years may be taken on a drive while the adults go for a walk.
- Equipment
- A sleeper couch can be added in the family rooms for larger families. These are only suitable for smaller children.
- Generally recommended for children
- Old Drift has a relatively mature and stylish feel, and there are no specific children's activities on offer, so we'd recommend it as more suitable for older children.
- Notes
- The plunge pools are unfenced, and wild animals often walk through camp. Children should be supervised by their parent or guardian at all times.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Old Drift Lodge
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Old Drift 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.

100% success

90% success

60% success

50% success

44% success

38% success

25% success

22% success

22% success

22% success

13% success

0% success

0% success

0% success

0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- Old Drift Lodge has a back-up generator in case of a mains power failure. Solar power is used to run the geysers for each chalet, and there are plans to broaden this until the whole lodge runs on solar power.
All rooms have international charging points, along with USB sockets. - Communications
- WiFi is available in the central areas and tented chalets.
- TV & radio
- There are no TVs at the lodge.
- Water supply
- Other
- Water supply notes
- Water is pumped from the river, filtered and treated. The bathrooms have plumbed, hot showers and flush toilets.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- Staff members are first-aid trained, and there is a main first-aid kit in the reception. Smaller first-aid kits are carried by all guides whilst on activities. The closest medical clinic is in Victoria Falls.
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- Security personnel are on site round the clock, with armed guards at night. There is an intercom in each tented chalet to call through to reception, and staff escort guests to and from their chalets in the morning and after dark.
- Fire safety
- Fire extinguishers are located in each tented chalet, and throughout the main lodge.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Canoeing
Cultural excursion
Elephant encounter
Guided walking safari
Helicopter
Kayaking
Microlight
Private activities
White-water rafting
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- A daily laundry service is available at an additional cost.
- Money
- Each chalet has a digital safe. The lodge is often able to change small amounts of currency on request.
- Accepted payment on location
- Payment may be made via Mastercard and Visa, as well as cash in South African rand, Botswana pula, euro, UK pounds and US dollars.
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Old Drift Lodge's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Old Drift Lodge.
Excursions from Old Drift Lodge
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Old Drift 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.

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.

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 Old Drift 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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