About The Elephant Camp
Set in a national park just 15-minutes’ drive from the Victoria Falls, The Elephant Camp has a proper safari feel.
Keeping one eye on buffalo at the waterhole, marvel at the backdrop of spray from the majestic Victoria Falls.
This is reality at The Elephant Camp, a luxurious safari camp in its own private concession within Victoria Falls National Park, yet just a short drive from the Falls themselves.
It’s a peaceful yet impressive location, with panoramic views over the park towards the Batoka Gorge. But this is no bushcamp. Rather, its high-specification tented structure combines an uncluttered décor with attributes such as air conditioning and WiFi to ensure a totally comfortable stay. And for extra peace of mind, a discreet fence ensures that larger animals cannot wander into camp uninvited.
Large animals, however, are very much on hand at the adjacent sanctuary for orphaned elephants, where you can meet, touch and even feed these gentle pachyderms.
Further afield, explore the national park or the town by vehicle, on foot or even by bike; the options are many, limited only by your time.
Back in camp, by all means wallow in your free-standing bath, or in your private plunge pool, but perhaps a relaxing spa treatment calls – or simply a convivial chat around the firepit as darkness falls. What a way to end the day.
Our view
More like a safari lodge than a city hotel, The Elephant Camp is conveniently located for the airport, and is a good choice for visitors wanting to see the Victoria Falls. With good service, comfortable rooms, and a superb view, we would certainly recommend two or three nights here, at either the beginning of a trip to recover from a long-haul flight, or at the end of a safari.
Accommodation
12 tented chalets
Children
Best for 7+
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 The Elephant Camp
15 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Arrived 26 Aug 2024, 1 nights
"The Elephant Camp review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 29 Jun 2019, 2 nights
"The Elephant Camp review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 6 May 2018, 2 nights
"The Elephant Camp review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 12 Feb 2018, 2 nights
"The Elephant Camp review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 11 Feb 2018, 4 nights
"Elephant Camp Safari"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 23 Feb 2017, 2 nights
"The Elephant Camp review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 16 Sep 2016, 2 nights
"The Elephant Camp review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 30 Oct 2015, 2 nights
"The Elephant Camp review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 31 Aug 2015, 2 nights
"Luxury camp style hotel near Vic Falls"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 8 Nov 2013, 3 nights
"The Elephant Camp review"
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 7 pictures of The Elephant Camp to get the candid view.
View galleryThe Elephant Camp: Our full report
The Elephant Camp sits on its own private concession within the Victoria Falls National Park, 15 minutes' ...
... drive from the Zimbabwean town of Victoria Falls and the waterfall itself. Designed to match the style of a safari camp rather than that of the larger hotels within the town, it was built to maximise the views towards the dramatic Batoka Gorge and the spray of the Victoria Falls. A stay here includes a range of activities, as well as transfers to/from town and local airports.
The camp is set on a rise overlooking the national park and on to the Batoka Gorge in the distance. In a peaceful bush setting, it makes a quiet place to relax at either the start or end of a trip, and is a very convenient base for visiting the Victoria Falls.
A waterhole in front of the camp attracts animals, particularly in the dry season; during our most recent visit, in 2019, a couple of old male buffalo were enjoying a midday drink in the October heat. That said, a well hidden, electric fence keeps wild animals out of the camp itself . Repeat guests will remember The Elephant Camp’s orphaned cheetah, Sylvester, who sadly died in 2018.
With a canvas structure, and panoramic views across the national park, the The Elephant Camp feels like a smart safari lodge, matching the style of lodges in Zimbabwe's more remote national parks, yet with the bonus of mains electricity, air conditioning and WiFi. That said, it doesn't rely on scenery alone to impress guests. The whole camp is designed and decorated in a simple, almost minimalist style and to very high specifications.
Each of the 12 luxury tents is identical, split into two sections with a private deck and plunge pool in front. They’re decorated in neutral safari tones, with rich pops of colour throughout. The open-plan bedroom and living area are separated from the bathroom by a canvas sliding door, which when opened, makes the whole tent feel more spacious and breezy. The same is true of the glass sliding doors leading out onto the viewing deck, so that guests anywhere in the tent can enjoy the views. Mesh windows keep insects out but allow light and air in, or the whole tent can be closed up and cooled with air conditioning and fans.
Inside, the original concrete floors have been replaced with wood-laminate and are scattered with rugs and mats to add colour and warmth. In the lounge area, an old teak chest acts as a coffee table, with a comfortable settee and chair offering a spot to relax, perhaps with a book – there’s a small but very good selection of reference and fiction in the main area. There's a tea and coffee station here, too, along with a well-stocked minibar.
The bedroom features a double bed beneath a four-poster frame and mosquito net, and a ceiling fan above. There's a dressing table with a hairdryer and international plug points, and a full-length mirror. The clean lines and subtle decoration of the bedrooms are evident in the en-suite bathrooms as well, where you'll find a free-standing ball-and-claw bath, indoor and outdoor showers, a flush toilet, a deep porcelain washbasin with complimentary toiletries, dressing gowns and slippers.
The spacious main area at The Elephant Camp is also tented, the ceiling draped in white fabric to give an elegant feel. Here you’ll find a comfortable lounge with a couple of seating areas, a dining area and a central bar. New wooden floors lead out through glass sliding doors to an expansive deck, which was replaced with recycled plastic decking in early 2019. There is an outside dining area, a pizza oven, and more comfortable couches for relaxing and taking in the views,
Down a few steps you’ll come to the swimming pool, where they’ve new added a new sunken boma area around a small firepit.
Brand new for 2019 is The Elephant Camp’s spa, offering a range of beauty treatments in two treatment rooms, from facials and massages to manicures and pedicures.
Since the camp is situated in its own private concession, guests don't have to be back in camp before the national park gates close, so can choose to eat out in town – although dinner at the camp is included in your stay!
Also included in your stay are several activities, among them game drives within the camp’s private concession, birding and nature walks, and cocktails and canapés beside the Batoka Gorge. Probably one of the most memorable experiences is their elephant encounter, thanks to an elephant sanctuary on the concession that is run byWild Horizons. Elephants orphaned in the 1990s have been raised and habituated here, and in the early afternoon it is possible to meet them and the staff who look after them, as well as to touch the elephants and feed them by hand. The animals are well looked after, and trained through positive reinforcement methods, and although this is a commercial operation, it is low key and run with a strong concern for ethical responsibility.
Other inclusions in your stay are a visit to the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, a village tour with lunch at the Lookout Café, a guided tour of the Falls (excluding entrance fees which need to be for direct), a Victoria Falls Canopy Tour, mountain bike rides through the Victoria Falls National Park and cycling through town (unguided).
Geographics
- Location
- Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
- Ideal length of stay
- 2–3 nights
- Directions
- The transfer by road from Victoria Falls Airport takes around 15 minutes.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- The food at The Elephant Camp was very good when we last stayed in 2016, but we didn’t have a chance to eat here on our most recent visit in October 2019. We know that their meals are varied and interesting, with game meat often appearing on the menu.
Breakfast is served between 8.00am and 10.30am, with earlier breakfasts available on request. There's both a continental and a cooked buffet, and a chef is on hand to cook eggs to order.
Lunch is served between 12.30pm and 2.30pm from a set menu, with red meat, white meat and vegetarian options available. In the past, we’ve enjoyed stir-fried beef with peppers and fragrant rice, followed by homemade ice-cream,
Dinner is a three-course meal, with the same menu format as lunch. We’ve had a mozzarella, tomato and pesto tart starter, moving on to ostrich medallions with roast potatoes and steamed vegetables, and rounded off with crème brûlée for dessert. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Private dining can be arranged on the pool deck.
- Drinks included
- Soft drinks and wines, spirits and beers are included in the price. High-end liqueurs, champagne, imported wines (except most South African wines) and spirits are not.
Each guest is provided with a glass water bottle, which can be refilled with filtered water. Bottled water is also available on request.
Special interests
- Family holidays
- Set in a private concession within Victoria Falls National Park, The Elephant Camp is just a short distance from the famous waterfall. They offer a thrilling interaction with elephants, allowing children (aged 7+) to have a wonderful close wildlife encounter on a family safari.
- See ideas for Family holidays in Zimbabwe
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children over 7 are welcome; children under 7 may be accepted on request.
- Property’s age restrictions
- Minimum age usually 7 years.
- Special activities & services
- None
- Equipment
- None
- Generally recommended for children
- Although Victoria Falls is a family-friendly destination, there is quite a mature and sophisticated feel to The Elephant Camp, so overall we think the camp is better suited to families with older and well behaved children.
- Notes
- An electric fence around the camp’s perimeter stops bigger animals from coming into camp, but smaller wildlife can still wander through. The pool is also unfenced, so, children should therefore be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from The Elephant Camp
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at The Elephant Camp 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

0% success

0% success

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Communications
- Power supply notes
- There is a back-up generator.
- Communications
- Cellphone reception is available at The Elephant Camp, and there is free WiFi in the main area. The tents have new in-house telephones which connect through to reception and other guest tents.
- TV & radio
- No
- Water supply
- Mains
- Water supply notes
- All the rooms at The Elephant Camp are fully plumbed in, with hot and cold running water.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- Management staff are trained in first aid. The nearest doctor is in Victoria Falls.
- Dangerous animals
- Moderate Risk
- Security measures
- Guests are escorted to their rooms by security guards after dark.
- Fire safety
- Fire extinguishers are positioned throughout the camp.
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
- Included
- Money
- N/A
- Accepted payment on location
- Credit cards are not accepted at The Elephant Camp. Cash payments may be made in US dollars.
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The Elephant Camp's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of The Elephant Camp.
Excursions from The Elephant Camp
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at The Elephant Camp. 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.

Old Drift Lodge
A lovely addition to the options in Victoria Falls, the stylish Old Drift has a great location in Zimbabwe's Zambezi National Park, with a range of activities.

Palm River
Palm River Hotel offers a high-quality stay in a picturesque location on the banks of the Zambezi, with excellent food and a shuttle to the Victoria Falls.

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

Pioneers
Located a five-minute drive from the buzz of Victoria Falls town, the mid-size Pioneers offers a relaxing stay in one of Zimbabwe's most iconic destinations.

Gorges Lodge
Gorges Lodge has spectacular views from its perch on the edge of the Batoka Gorge. Although it is out of town it isn't too far from the main attractions.

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

528 Victoria Falls
528 Victoria Falls is a charming, owner-run, boutique B&B in a leafy suburb of Victoria Falls town, offering an oasis of calm in an often-busy location.

Matetsi River Lodge
Situated in the private Matetsi Reserve, Matetsi River Lodge offers luxury suites, game drives and river activities within reach of the Victoria Falls.

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

Mpala Jena
In Zambezi National Park, Mpala Jena offers a luxurious but eco-friendly experience, within easy access of the Victoria Falls.
When to go to Victoria Falls
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit The Elephant Camp 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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