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Pioneers
Pioneers
Pioneers
Pioneers

About Pioneers

A downhill walk from the oasis that is Pioneers brings you in sight of the majestic Victoria Falls.

It's a view that has inspired countless travellers over the years, yet to stay at Pioneers is to be cushioned from the hussle and bustle of the town.

Instead, you’ll be surrounded by landscaped gardens, split over two levels, each with a free-form swimming pool at its heart.

Single-storey rooms in a classic design set the scene, with a view across the gardens from each private veranda: the perfect antidote to a recent or upcoming flight.

Inside your room, all is cool, calm and contemporary, with plenty of space to unpack (or repack!), and a mural-like feature wall with a wildlife theme behind twin or king-size beds.

That sense of relaxation permeates the hotel, whose cosy lounge is balanced by a covered terrace. Eat inside or out – the choice is yours – with à la carte meals to tempt your appetite.

Seek out that special gift in the curio shop, indulge in a manicure or massage in the garden’s treatment room, or just laze around the pool. You can even catch up on your favourite TV serial in the snug.

The Falls may be your focus, but even the most active holiday can include downtime!

Our view

We have not had the chance to stay at Pioneers Camp yet, but both our team and our travellers have enjoyed staying at its sister property, Batonka Guest Lodge. Based on what we saw on our visit we expect Pioneers to be another excellent, economical option in the Falls in a quieter area of town.

Tom Morris

Tom Morris

Country manager: Zimbabwe

Accommodation

50 rooms

Children

Fine for all ages

Open

All year

Activities

4WD Safari

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Boat trip

Boat trip

Canoeing

Canoeing

Cultural excursion

Cultural excursion

Elephant encounter

Elephant encounter

Guided walking safari

Guided walking safari

Helicopter

Helicopter

Kayaking

Kayaking

Microlight

Microlight

White-water rafting

White-water rafting

Traveller reviews of Pioneers

9 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.


98%
9 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
8
Good
1
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Mr & Mrs T fromCaliforna

Arrived 12 Apr 2025, 2 nights

"Pioneers review"

"...wonderful and heartfelt welcome so we felt right at home. …" Read Mr & Mrs T ’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs PfromW Midlands

Arrived 29 Dec 2024, 3 nights

"Perfect for family stay"

"comfortable base for visiting the Falls …" Read Mr & Mrs P’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs PfromW Midlands

Arrived 4 Jan 2025, 1 nights

"Overnight stay"

"comfortable and beautifully clean. …" Read Mr & Mrs P’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

LazzafromRichmond

Arrived 27 Jul 2024, 3 nights

"Pioneers review"

"a terrific hotel... all of the staff are first class …" Read Lazza’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Travel PhotomanfromUSA

Arrived 2 Jul 2024, 2 nights

"Pioneers review"

"Excellent place to unwind... Very attentive and helpful staff …" Read Travel Photoman’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

D&LfromNew Zealand

Arrived 15 May 2024, 2 nights

"Nice Stay - Housekeeping Adjustments Needed"

"The room was nice, the grounds were lovely and the breakfast was really good. …" Read D&L’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mr RfromFlorida

Arrived 17 May 2023, 1 nights

"Pioneers review"

"atmosphere was nice... very accommodating …" Read Mr R’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Boghall birderfromRoslin

Arrived 19 Nov 2022, 2 nights

"Pioneers review"

"A relaxed yet luxurious place …" Read Boghall birder’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr and Mrs U.fromUK

Arrived 5 Aug 2022, 4 nights

"Pioneers review"

"A quiet haven... Would highly recommend. …" Read Mr and Mrs U.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Pioneers reviews

Pioneers: Our full report

Pioneers lies in a quiet suburb 2km from the centre of Victoria Falls Town and 2.

5km from the eponymous waterfall. Officially called Pioneers Victoria Falls, and sometimes referred to as Pioneers Lodge, the hotel may not be quite as conveniently located as some other options in the area, but its pleasant gardens, pools and location away from the buzz of town make this a relaxing option for your stay in Victoria Falls.

None of the Expert Africa team has stayed at Pioneers but we popped in for a visit in December 2022, and its sister property, Batonka Guest Lodge, has quickly become one of our favourite options in the area.

The classic Zimbabwean style accommodation at the hotel is made up of 50 air-conditioned rooms including four family rooms, split across two levels. Each room has a veranda overlooking landscaped gardens with a swimming pool on each level acting as the centrepiece.

The modern, spacious rooms can be made up with twin or king-size beds. A built-in wardrobe and luggage rack provides storage while a small electric safe offers a secure place to keep valuables. Each room features a papered feature wall whose themes include elephants, the jungle and more. Soft furnishings, such as cushions and throws, in complementary tones help to tie the rooms together. All rooms have an en-suite shower room including his and hers basins, large walk-in shower and a flush toilet.

Each of the family rooms has an additional twin-room “annexe” accessed from the main bedroom. With a shared bathroom, they are best suited to families travelling with children.

Pioneers’ main area includes a small curio shop, activities desk, spacious dining room, cosy lounge and extensive covered terrace overlooking the gardens. Both indoor and outdoor dining are offered, and WiFi is available throughout the property.

Squirrelled away in a corner of the garden is a small treatment room offing spa treatments for one person at a time, from manicures to massages and waxing. Adjoining this is a snug with satellite TV, perfect for catching a “can’t miss” fixture.

We are told it is safe to walk from Pioneers into Victoria Falls town and perhaps on to the waterfall when it is light. Typically this takes around 30 minutes at a leisurely pace, with the way into town being slightly downhill. Alternatively, the lodge offers a friendly, fixed-rate taxi service for the five-minute drive into or out of town, costing US$7 each way at the time of our last visit.

Geographics

Location
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Ideal length of stay
If your only plan is to see the waterfall, 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'd suggest you consider staying longer.
Directions
Most visitors to Pioneers will arrive on a transfer from Victoria Falls Airport (taking approx 20 mins) or Kasane (approx 2 hours).
Accessible by
Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Bed & Breakfast
Food quality
We have not yet had the chance to eat at Pioneers but based on the food at its sister property, Batonka Guest Lodge, we would expect it to be excellent. We understand that, with advanced notice, the hotel can cater for a range of dietary requirements.

We understand that breakfast usually includes a buffet of cereals, fruit, pastries, cold meats and cheeses. Hot items including eggs, bacon, sausages and mushrooms are then cooked to order.

Lunch is ordered from an à la carte menu of light meals such as burgers, wraps, salads and sandwiches.

Dinner is also à la carte with starters such as mixed vegetable soups or a breaded camembert. Mains might be something like beef fillet served with potato fondant, bacon and onion jam and a red wind jus, or chicken korma with steamed rice, poppadoms and sambal. Desserts options can range from fresh fruit to apple crumble or chocolate fondant.
Dining style
Individual Tables
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
Private dining options are often available on request.
Drinks included
Drinks from the well-stocked bar are not included. However, an insulated jug of drinking water is provided in the rooms.

Children

Attitude towards children
Pioneers welcomes children of all ages.
Property’s age restrictions
None
Special activities & services
None
Equipment
None
Generally recommended for children
Pioneers is a moderately sized, welcoming hotel with plenty of space for families. There are also two pools and a TV room to help keep children entertained, so we think this is a good option for families travelling to Victoria Falls.
Notes
Neither of the pools at Pioneers is fenced or guarded so younger children will need supervision by a responsible adult at all times.

Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Pioneers

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

Elephant

60% success

Zebra

33% success

Buffalo

0% success

Leopard

0% success

Communications

Power supply notes
There is both a back-up generator and connection to the main grid in case the solar power fails. There are international plugs in the rooms for charging phones and camera equipment.
Communications
Pioneers has both cellphone reception and WiFi.
TV & radio
There is a satellite TV with DSTV in the snug.
Water supply
Mains
Water supply notes
All rooms are en suite with plentiful hot and cold running water and flush toilets.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Medical care
The nearest hospital is in Victoria Falls town, close to the hotel. In the event of serious injury or illness, guests would if necessary be transferred by air to Harare or Johannesburg.
Dangerous animals
Moderate Risk
Security measures
There is security on site 24/7.
Fire safety
There are fire hoses and fire extinguishers throughout the property.

Activities

  • 4WD Safari

    4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Boat trip

    Boat trip

  • Canoeing

    Canoeing

  • Cultural excursion

    Cultural excursion

  • Elephant encounter

    Elephant encounter

  • Guided walking safari

    Guided walking safari

  • Helicopter

    Helicopter

  • Kayaking

    Kayaking

  • Microlight

    Microlight

  • White-water rafting

    White-water rafting

Extras

Disabled access
On Request
Laundry facilities
Laundry is included in your stay.
Money
There is a small electronic safe for valuables in each room.
Accepted payment on location
Card payments can be made using Visa and Mastercard. Cash payments are accepted in US dollars. Other currencies may be used on an ad hoc basis, but this is not guaranteed.

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Pioneers's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Pioneers.


Excursions from Pioneers

Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Pioneers. 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
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
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)
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)
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)
Mpala Jena

Mpala Jena

In Zambezi National Park, Mpala Jena offers a luxurious but eco-friendly experience, within easy access of the Victoria Falls.


No reviews yet

When to go to Victoria Falls

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