About Victoria Falls Safari Club
Victoria Falls Safari Club sits on the same plateaued site as its sister lodge Victoria Falls Safari Lodge.
However, it has a more exclusive feel to it and should be considered a completely separate entity. The Victoria Falls Safari Club is not suited to families, but rather geared towards adult travellers seeking an upmarket option. It's a short ten-minute drive from town and the Victoria Falls, and about half-an-hour's drive from Victoria Falls Airport.
Victoria Falls Safari Club is a luxurious and exclusive hotel, perfect for anyone looking to stay a short-distance outside of Victoria Falls Town. Accommodation is very modern, and a lot of thought has gone into the design and decoration of both the rooms and the Club Lounge. This isn't a place for young families, but works well couples or solo travellers looking for a more modern base away from the hustle and bustle of town.
Our view
Victoria Falls Safari Club is a luxurious and exclusive hotel, perfect for anyone looking to stay a short-distance outside of Victoria Falls Town. Accommodation is very modern, and a lot of thought has gone into the design and decoration of both the rooms and the Club Lounge. This isn't a place for young families, but works well couples or solo travellers looking for a more modern base away from the hustle and bustle of town.
Accommodation
20 Rooms
Children
Best for aged 16+
Open
All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Canoeing
Cultural excursion
Elephant encounter
Helicopter
Kayaking
Microlight
White-water rafting
Traveller reviews of Victoria Falls Safari Club
10 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Arrived 25 Sep 2019, 1 nights
"Luxury Hotel"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 4 Oct 2019, 2 nights
"Second stay"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 10 Aug 2019, 3 nights
"Great Location "
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 8 May 2019, 2 nights
"Luxury, location and excellent service"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 3 May 2019, 2 nights
"Lovely Hotel and Spectacular Falls"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 13 Jun 2018, 3 nights
"The best views in Victoria Falls"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 21 Sep 2017, 2 nights
"Victoria Falls Safari Club review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 8 Oct 2016, 3 nights
"Victoria Falls Safari Club review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 20 Sep 2016, 2 nights
"Safari Club- great service"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 3 Aug 2016, 3 nights
"Lovely place to stay, excellent accomodation"
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 trips. See our 14 pictures of Victoria Falls Club to get the candid view.
View galleryVictoria Falls Safari Club: Our full report
Victoria Falls Safari Club sits on the same plateaued site as its sister lodge Victoria Falls Safari Lodge.
However, it has a more exclusive feel to it and should be considered a completely separate entity. The Victoria Falls Safari Club is not suited to families, but rather geared towards adult travellers seeking an upmarket option. It's a short ten-minute drive from town and the Victoria Falls, and about half-an-hour's drive from Victoria Falls Airport.
No one at Expert Africa has stayed at Victoria Falls Safari Club yet, but we have visited several times, and on our last visit to Zimbabwe in June 2018 we did drop in to check on the updates.
The Victoria Falls Safari Club consists of 20 rooms of which 16 are 'Club Rooms' and 4 are 'Club Suites'. Accommodation is arranged in two thatched blocks either side of the main area, all looking out over the bush and a water hole in front of the Club. The rooms are very spacious and airy, and the decoration and furnishings all feel very contemporary, modern and new.
The rooms at the Safari Club are spacious, with a contemporary and, in some instances, quite quirky design. Double or twin beds sit under draped mosquito nets, with bedside tables each side. Doors lead out onto a small balcony, with lovely views out to the national park and over the Club’s waterhole.
Every room has its own complimentary mini-bar and tea-and-coffee making station, as well as an espresso machine. The rooms are fully air-conditioned, and there's complimentary WiFi throughout. A digital safe sits within the wardrobe, larger than most we've seen in other hotels and lodges in Africa and incorporates a plug point in the door, so gadgets and batteries can charge while safely locked away.
The en-suite bathroom is open-plan, though there’s a pull-down screen to separate the bathroom and bedroom for privacy. A washbasin is set into a vanity unit with a wall-mounted mirror above, and there’s a freestanding bathtub to one side and a large shower built into a corner. A separate cubicle with a door houses the toilet. A few luxury toiletries are provided, as well as a dressing gown, hung on some pegs next to the bath. We particularly liked the wooden, branched chandelier hanging in the bathroom - the inspiration from nature and Ndebele design in decoration is prevalent throughout the Club.
The suites at the Victoria Falls Safari Club are exactly the same as the Club Rooms, just with the addition of a lounge area to the side. Although these are a little more spacious, we wouldn't consider this extra space worth the additional cost for a couple sharing.
The Safari Club's main area is known as the Safari Lounge and is for the exclusive use of residents. It's an open, split-level concrete and wooden decked space with a thatched roof. The individual dining tables and seating areas here offer great views out onto the adjacent bush and waterhole. We understand from the team at the Safari Club that it’s common to see bushbuck, kudu and hyena – there have also been rare and sporadic sightings of wild dog and leopard too.
Also found in the Safari Lounge is the Club's bar which is open from 11:00 every day. Each evening between 17:30 and 18:30 the bar hosts complimentary sundowners, including cocktails and snacks. This is well worth visiting on at least one evening as the sun sets behind the waterhole in front of the Club.
Although Victoria Falls Safari Club is off-limits to non-residents, Club guests are able to use the facilities on offer at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge (just a two minute walk away), including the swimming pool. A large, multi-level pool was built at the Safari Club in 2017, with keycard access for exclusive use by guests of the Club.
Activities can be booked at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge using the dedicated activities centre: whether you're looking for cultural visits or adrenalin excursions, they are all on offer here (at an additional cost).
The Club offers complimentary shuttle transfers to and from Victoria Falls town. These leave Victoria Falls Safari Lodge at 60 minute intervals, starting at 7.40am, with the last bus departing at 9:40pm. The bus returns to Safari Lodge from town on the hour, every hour from 8.00am through until 10.00pm.
In addition to the activities on offer off-site, Victoria Falls Safari Club also has its own gym, as well as a spa offering a range of treatments. Guests of Victoria Falls Safari Lodge and the Falls Safari Suites may use the spa as well.
Geographics
- Location
- Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
- Ideal length of stay
- We’d recommend a stay of two to three nights at Victoria Falls Safari Club, depending on how many activities you wish to take part in while staying in Victoria Falls.
- Directions
- Victoria Falls Safari Club is accessible by a road transfer from Victoria Falls Airport, which is about half-an-hour away. Guests coming from Botswana can travel from Kazungula by road too, this takes about an hour-and-a-quarter.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Bed & Breakfast
- Food quality
- On our last visit to Victoria Falls Safari Club in June 2018 we didn't spend long enough at the lodge to sample any of the cuisine. Given the level of quality of the rest of the lodge however we have no reason to doubt that the food would be of a similar, high standard. The menu did look extensive and very appetising. A light lunch is served between 12.00 and 2.00pm and then afternoon tea is brought out onto the deck between 3.30 and 4.30pm.
Dinner, chosen from an a la carte menu, is served between 7.30 and 10pm.
We'll be returning to Victoria Falls Safari Club in due course when we'll be sure to update this section in more detail. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Meals can be served on guest’s balcony on request and room service is possible.
- Drinks included
- There is a complimentary mini bar stocked with wine, beers, soft drink and water in every room.
Special interests
- Luxury
- Victoria Falls Safari Club is a modern bush lodge built with great attention to detail. Its luxurious rooms have panoramic views over the surrounding bush and a productive waterhole, giving its guests a peaceful and fairly natural environment – despite their proximity to the bustling town of Victoria Falls.
- See ideas for Luxury in Zimbabwe
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children under 12 years of age are not permitted at Victoria Falls Safari Club.
- Property’s age restrictions
- No under 12’s
- Special activities & services
- None
- Equipment
- None
- Generally recommended for children
- Given that this is quite an upmarket camp, with an age restriction stating no under 12's, we'd be inclined to not recommend this option to families travelling with children, even those with children a little older than 12. Certainly Victoria Falls Safari Lodge or for larger families Victoria Falls Safari Suites , next door to the Club, would be the more logical option for anyone travelling with children and wishing to still stay in this area.
- Notes
- A shallower children's pool can be used at Victoria Falls Safari Club's sister property Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. However, this children's pool is less than 3m away from the deep end of the adult pool with no barrier in place. The pool at the Safari Club is also unfenced. At both, children should be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Victoria Falls Club
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Victoria Falls Safari Club 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

100% success

50% success

0% success

0% success

0% success

0% success

0% success

0% success

0% success

0% success

0% success

0% success

0% success

0% success

0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- A back-up generator is available for power outages
- Communications
- There are phones in each of the rooms at Victoria Falls Safari Club and there is good mobile reception as well as complimentary and reliable WiFi available throughout.
- TV & radio
- There are no televisions in the rooms but the Club Lounge does have a television above the bar. Sport and news channels are usually on during the day.
- Water supply
- Mains
- Water supply notes
- Bottled water is provided in all of the rooms for guest’s to use. There is no need to drink the tap water, although we are informed it’s perfectly safe to do so.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- The closest doctor can be found in Victoria Falls Town, with any more serious issues being referred to Harare or even Jo'burg if necessary.
Swimming pool warning: Please be aware that the swimming pool at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, accessed by Safari Club guests, does not have a barrier between the children's pool and deep main pool, and the pool at the Club is not fenced. Young children should only swim under strict adult supervision. - Dangerous animals
- Moderate Risk
- Security measures
- Guards patrol the whole property day and night.
- Fire safety
- Fire extinguishers are positioned around the Club and each room contains instructions on what to do and where to go in the event of a fire.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Canoeing
Cultural excursion
Elephant encounter
Helicopter
Kayaking
Microlight
White-water rafting
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- A complimentary laundry service is provided for guests of the Safari Club. Clothes are usually returned within 24 hours.
- Money
- Each room at The Safari Club has an electronic safe.
- Accepted payment on location
- All major currencies are accepted for cash payments, and American Express, Mastercard and Visa are all accepted at Victoria Falls Safari Club.
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Victoria Falls Safari Club's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Victoria Falls Club.
Excursions from Victoria Falls Club
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Victoria Falls Club. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.

Bushtracks Express
Generally four and a half hours
The Bushtracks Express Train starts its journey at Zimbabwe’s iconic Victoria Falls Station before departing on its route through Victoria Falls National Park the Victoria Falls Bridge, where guests enjoy the stunning view of the Falls. Afterwards, the train will depart for a siding out of town, for dinner.
More about Bushtracks Express
Chobe Day Trip
Full day - typically around 11 hours
For a top safari experience while visiting the Victoria Falls, don’t miss a day trip to Botswana’s Chobe National Park. Easily reachable from Livingstone, Zambia or Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Chobe boasts some of the best wildlife densities in southern Africa, with exceptional numbers of elephant drawn by the permanent waters of the Chobe River.
More about Chobe Day Trip
Cookery Course & Activity
Six hours - afternoon activity
Make a traditional Southern African ‘potjie dinner’ on the banks of the Zambezi River. You’ll be guided through the preparation process by professional chefs before embarking on an afternoon activity while your dinner cooks. The activity is followed by a 3-course meal, including your self-made Pot as the main course.
More about Cookery Course
Elephant Art Experience
Three hours
The Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary and Art of Africa have teamed up to create a unique experience in the bush, with private tutors running painting workshops and habituated elephants provision impressive models, standing just metres away from your easel.
More about Elephant Art Experience
Elephant Encounter
Three hours
For a very personal encounter with elephants, head to The Elephant Camp near Victoria Falls. From its sanctuary for orphaned elephants, it offers close interaction with one of Africa's most iconic species, including the chance to feed the elephants by hand, and talk to the guides who have raised and trained them.
More about Elephant Encounter
Guided tour of Victoria Falls
Two hours - AM & PM departures
One of the seven Natural Wonders of the World, the mighty Victoria Falls has to be seen to be believed. Why not take an expertly guided trip to learn about the history, geology, flora and fauna of one of Africa's most spectacular sites?
More about Tour of the Falls
Helicopter Flight - Zimbabwe
Shortest flight is 12-25 minutes
While viewing the Victoria Falls from the ground is a stunning experience, seen the world’s largest waterfall from the air allows for a completely different perspective, historically said to have been so beautiful as to have been seen by ‘angels in flight’.
More about Helicopter Flight
Historical Bridge Tour
Two hours - AM & PM departures
A feat of engineering the Victoria Falls Bridge was built in 1905 as part of Cecil Rhodes' vision to link the Cape to Cairo. With an expert guide and the appropriate safety equipment you'll not only discover the wonders of this Victorian marvel but also gain a unique perspective of the Victoria Falls themselves.
More about Bridge Tour
Livingstone Island & Devil's Pool
Three hours
Victoria Falls is one of the world's natural wonders, and a huge attraction for many visitors to southern Africa. We're often asked if the waterfall is best viewed from the Zambian or Zimbabwean side, but we think the best way to experience the full majesty of the falls is from the middle with a visit to Livingstone Island.
More about Livingstone Island
Ra-Ikane River Cruise
Two hours minimum
Cruising the upper sections of the Zambezi reveals another dimension to the river's beauty, adding a sense of serenity to the thrill of watching it cascade over the Victoria Falls. On a Ra-Ikane river cruise, experience the river’s islands and channels, keeping an eye out for wildlife, and the spray from the Falls.
More about Ra-Ikane River Cruise
Rhino Walk
Around four hours - mornings only
Spend an unforgettable morning on a walking safari tracking Mosi-oa-Tunya’s small population of white rhino, with a strong chance of being able to approach these endangered creatures on foot.
More about Rhino Walk
Zambezi Explorer River Cruise
Two hours
Watching the sunset from the middle of the Zambezi River, with the spray of the falls behind you, is an incredibly popular activity. A large variety of cruises are on offer, ranging from cheap and boozy directed towards the backpacker crowd, to much more luxurious and serene experiences. A great option for the latter style is the Zambezi Explorer.
More about Zambezi ExplorerOther lodges in Victoria Falls
Alternative places to stay in this same area.

Ilala Lodge
Exceptionally well located between the Victoria Falls and the town of the same name, Ilala Lodge has comfortable rooms, a friendly atmosphere & great food.

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

Batonka Guest Lodge
Small, comfortable and in lovely gardens, Batonka Guest Lodge is a perfect base for exploring the Victoria Falls away from the bustle of the town.

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

Sprayview Hotel
In close proximity to both the town and the Victoria Falls themselves, Sprayview is a value-for-money hotel in a convenient location.

The Elephant Camp
The Elephant Camp is a luxury tented camp in its own private concession within Victoria Falls National Park, just 15-minute's drive town.

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.

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 Victoria Falls Club 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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