About Palm River Hotel
Stylish yet tranquil, close to Victoria Falls yet a world away from the crowds: this is a winning combination.
And as a bonus, there’s a shuttle bus from the Palm River Hotel direct to the majestic Falls – just 5km away.
You can get into town by shuttle, too, but for those at the end of a fast-paced safari, or fresh off an international flight, it’s the sheer relaxation of the Palm that is so appealing.
The hotel’s spa adds a further dimension, complete with Swedish massage, aromatherapy and a treatment room with views to the Zambezi.
Wander back to your room, suite or even villa and you’ll find African-themed wallpaper above the king-size or twin beds, adding an exuberant splash of colour.
A minibar, plus tea and coffee, help to make you feel at home, and sliding doors onto a patio or balcony ensure that those lush gardens are never far away.
If activities appeal, staff are on hand to help you choose. They’ll book you a restaurant, too, but do make time for the excellent cuisine of the Palm’s classy Cassia Restaurant.
Settle down at a table inside, or make your way first onto the terrace, which overlooks a sunken outdoor bar, the gardens and a stunning riverside infinity pool. As a spot for pre-dinner drinks, it’s pretty hard to beat.
Our view
The Palm River Hotel is a modern hotel with a unique design in the ever-popular Victoria Falls area. As the number of accommodation options in Victoria Falls town continues to grow, The Palm’s out-of-town location offers travellers something a little different: a more relaxed, riverside location. We enjoyed excellent service, great food and comfortable rooms, and we were pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to get into town to visit the Falls using the hotel’s shuttle service. We can see the Palm River Hotel becoming a firm favourite for our team and our travellers.
Accommodation
60 rooms, 5 suites & a villa
Children
Fine for all ages
Open
All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Cultural excursion
Elephant encounter
Helicopter
Microlight
White-water rafting
Traveller reviews of Palm River Hotel
10 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Arrived 15 Mar 2025, 2 nights
"Great out of town choice"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 17 Sep 2024, 3 nights
"Beautiful setting by Zambezi river"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 14 Sep 2024, 3 nights
"Palm River Hotel review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 4 Sep 2024, 2 nights
"Palm River Hotel review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 28 Aug 2024, 2 nights
"Palm River Hotel review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 17 Jun 2024, 3 nights
"Palm River Hotel review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 24 Dec 2023, 1 nights
"Palm River Hotel review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 25 Jun 2023, 3 nights
"Palm River Hotel review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 29 May 2023, 2 nights
"Palm River Hotel review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 8 Jul 2022, 2 nights
"Palm River Hotel review"
Overall rating: Excellent








Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the trips. See our 22 pictures of Palm River to get the candid view.
View galleryPalm River Hotel: Our full report
Opened in 2021, Palm River Hotel has an enviable location on the banks of the Zambezi, upstream of Victoria Falls.
Often known simply as the Palm, it’s a modern, fairly large luxury hotel set in expansive gardens just 5km from the waterfall’s park entrance. As such, it is neither a town-based hotel nor an out-of-town safari lodge, but something in between.
The Palm is a relatively new addition to the options in Victoria Falls but is quickly gaining a positive reputation. This is no surprise to us as the team behind the hotel also runs the excellent Ilala Lodge in town.
With 60 rooms, 5 suites and a villa, the Palm is a fairly large hotel, but with the rooms split into different buildings and surrounded by lush riverside gardens, it feels smaller than it really is.
60 deluxe rooms include several interconnecting rooms, which are perfect for families. Inside, king-size or twin beds take centre stage, with other furniture including a writing desk and chair, a luggage rack, and a cabinet containing a minibar, along with glassware and a tea and coffee station. Above the headboard, bold African-themed wallpaper adds a dash of colour to the room's otherwise muted tones. Sliding doors open onto a patio or balcony, depending on the room’s floor.
The remaining accommodation is made up of:
- Two honeymoon suites with semi-outdoor showers and day beds on a private veranda. The en-suite bathroom for these suites also boasts a luxurious, gold, free-standing bathtub for some extra pampering and relaxation.
- Two deluxe suites, each consisting of two en-suite bedrooms connected by a shared lounge and a private veranda.
- Three executive suites, each with an en-suite bedroom, lounge, separate “visitor’s” toilet and private river-facing balcony.
- The presidential suite with a king-sized en-suite bedroom, two lounges, a “visitor’s” toilet and two river-facing balconies, including a day bed. Bookings for the presidential suite include a complimentary massage.
- The three-bedroom Palm Villa. This private residence within the hotel is set away from the other rooms on the banks of the Zambezi and is made up of an executive suite, a honeymoon suite and a deluxe room. The Villa also has its own kitchen, dining area, and lounge and outside is a private pool, allowing families or small groups to have their own private space.
The main area at The Palm is in a separate building from the rooms. Here you’ll find the 24/7 hotel reception and activities desk, where guests can book many of the area's activities and restaurants. There is also a spacious and airy lounge and a small curio shop, but the main focus is undoubtedly the Cassia Restaurant.
Here, the indoor dining area spills out onto a terrace through floor-to-ceiling bifold doors. Down a few steps is an almost sunken outdoor bar which overlooks the hotel's lush gardens to a 34m infinity pool and the Zambezi beyond.
For those looking to relax and unwind with some pre- or post-safari pampering the hotel's spa will undoubtedly be a hit. Enjoy treatments from manicures to Swedish massage or aromatherapy in the dedicated treatment room with views of the Zambezi.
As the hotel is out of town, they offer a shuttle service to the waterfall park entrance and into Victoria Falls town itself. In busy periods these depart hourly; at quieter times they are run on a more ad hoc basis. On our visit in December 2022, we booked the shuttle with the reception team and arranged our return time and pick-up location with the driver directly.
Although the Palm River’s gardens are tranquil and relaxing, it is worth noting that this part of the river is popular with river cruises, including the excellent Ra-Ikane, and can get quite busy. This is most noticeable in the evenings with boats from both Zimbabwe and Zambia using this stretch of the Zambezi for their sundowner cruises.
Geographics
- Location
- Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
- Ideal length of stay
- If you only plan to see the Victoria Falls, then a two-night stay gives you a full day to do this. If you are keen to do more activities in the area, we suggest you spend at least three nights here.
- Directions
- Guests usually arrive at either Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) or Livingstone (Zambia) by air and then transfer to the hotel by road. They may also be transferred to the hotel by road from one of the other major destinations in the area, such as Chobe, Hwange or Matobo Hills national parks.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Bed & Breakfast
- Food quality
- When we stayed at Palm River Hotel in December 2022, the food was excellent and extremely varied. With advance notice the team at the hotel can cater for most dietary requirements.
Breakfast consists of an extensive buffet of freshly baked breads, muffins, fresh fruit, yoghurt, cheeses and cold meats. A hot breakfast may then be ordered à la carte and incudes the usual sausage, bacon and eggs as well as fresh pancakes, shakshuka and eggs benedict.
We didn’t have time to enjoy lunch during our short stay. However, we understand that the lunch menu offers relatively light meals with a selection of salads, pasta dishes, burgers and more. Desserts might include such options as marula nut tart with poached pears, espresso affogato or a selection of sorbets.
High tea, available to all guests, is served around 2.00pm. On our visit we were offered pesto and fresh tomato bruschetta, chocolate cupcakes and mini lemon meringue pies. These were accompanied by a selection of teas and coffees and iced tea.
The dinner menu at the Palm’s Cassia Restaurant is updated regularly with varied and imaginative options. On our visit, crispy pork wontons, homemade mushroom fagottini, and homemade soups were among the starters.
For their main course, guests could choose from a wide-ranging menu that included pan-roasted ostrich fillet, butter chicken curry, butternut gnocchi, pan-fried trout or, for something lighter, one of a number of pasta dishes.
Desserts ranged from the likes of an eclair, baobab crémeux or strawberry and vanilla cheesecake. Everything we ate during our stay was well presented and delicious.
As if there wasn’t enough choice from the extensive dinner menu, the Palm River Hotel also offers a BBQ dinner on request. If you choose to book this, please give 24 hours’ notice.
Note that the Cassia Restaurant is open to the public and can get booked in advance. As such, if you know you want to eat here in the evenings, it is worth making a reservation to secure your table. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Room service is available. When we stayed in December 2022 there was a US$5 tray fee on top of the cost of the meal.
Private dining options are also available on request. - Drinks included
- Drinking water and drinks in the initial stock in your room’s minibar are complimentary, but refills (including bottled water) are charged to your room (unless you are in one of the suites).
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Palm River Hotel accepts children of all ages.
- Property’s age restrictions
- None
- Special activities & services
- Childminding services are available on request. Please note that the childminders are usually senior members of the housekeeping team who, while they often have their own children, are not formally trained childminders.
- Equipment
- Cots and highchairs are available for infants on request.
- Generally recommended for children
- The Palm River Hotel is a great choice for families travelling with children of any age.
- Notes
- The hotel has an unfenced, unguarded pool and direct access to the Zambezi riverbank, so children need adult supervision at all times.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Palm River
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Palm River Hotel 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

56% success

0% success

0% 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 Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.
- TV & radio
- There is a TV in each room receiving satellite channels from South Africa (DSTV).
- Water supply
- Mains
- Water supply notes
- Hot water at the hotel is heated by solar panels with a gas back-up system.
Each room has a fully plumbed en-suite bathroom.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- The nearest hospital is in Victoria Falls town. In the event of serious injury or illness, guests would be transferred by air to Harare or Johannesburg if necessary.
- Dangerous animals
- Moderate Risk
- Security measures
- The property is surrounded by an electric fence to keep larger wildlife such as hippo and elephants out. There is roving security on site 24/7. Note, however, that at the time of our visit there were no secure facilities for left luggage.
- Fire safety
- There are extinguishers and hoses throughout the hotel.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Cultural excursion
Elephant encounter
Helicopter
Microlight
White-water rafting
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- The Palm River Hotel offers a laundry service at additional cost, with potentially a four-hour turnround.
- Money
- There is a small digital safe in each room. No currency exchange is offered here.
- Accepted payment on location
- Cash payments are accepted in US dollars only. Card payments will be charged in US dollars and can be made using Visa and Mastercard.
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Palm River Hotel's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Palm River.
Excursions from Palm River
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Palm River. 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
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.

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.

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 Palm River 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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