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Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge


17°55’2.1"S 25°49’9.4"E

About Victoria Falls Safari Lodge

High up on a plateau bordering the Zambezi National Park, the relaxed Victoria Falls Safari Lodge offers ...

... a comfortable and relatively tranquil place to stay for visitors to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. An imposing wood-and-thatch building, it has spectacular views over the bush, the national park and a waterhole that attracts game all year round.

With its location on the boundary of the national park, overlooking its own waterhole, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge makes you feel that you are still on safari, even though you are in an international-style hotel. You do sacrifice some convenience in terms of visiting the Falls, but this is compensated for by a more peaceful location.

Our view

With its location on the boundary of the national park, overlooking its own waterhole, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge makes you feel that you are still on safari, even though you are in an international-style hotel. You do sacrifice some convenience in terms of visiting the Falls, but this is compensated for by a more peaceful location.

Anton Walker

Anton Walker

Zimbabwe expert

Accommodation

72 rooms

Children

Best for aged 6+

Open

All year

Activities

4WD Safari

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Boat trip

Boat trip

Canoeing

Canoeing

Cultural excursion

Cultural excursion

Elephant encounter

Elephant encounter

Helicopter

Helicopter

Kayaking

Kayaking

Microlight

Microlight

White-water rafting

White-water rafting

Traveller reviews of Victoria Falls Safari Lodge

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


88%
22 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
11
Good
10
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Mr & Mrs MfromLondon

Arrived 5 Nov 2022, 2 nights

"Victoria Falls Safari Lodge review"

"Spa had just opened and was good. …" Read Mr & Mrs M’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mr & Mrs FfromLondon

Arrived 5 Nov 2022, 2 nights

"Victoria Falls Safari Lodge review"

"hotel showing signs of age. would stay at victoria falls hotel next time …" Read Mr & Mrs F’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mrs E.fromChichester

Arrived 7 Sep 2022, 2 nights

"Victoria Falls Safari Lodge review"

"A beautiful lodge, very luxurious. Staff were professional, helpful & friendly …" Read Mrs E.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mrs R.fromMount Vernon

Arrived 1 Aug 2018, 1 nights

"Beautiful Victoria Falls Safari Lodge"

"Beautiful place, people very friendly and very organized. …" Read Mrs R.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr B & Ms OfromIOW

Arrived 11 Jun 2018, 3 nights

"Memorable time at Victoria Falls Safari LOdge"

"we didn't expect to have one of our most memorable wildlife experiences …" Read Mr B & Ms O’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs BfromCeredigion

Arrived 18 Sep 2017, 3 nights

"Great hotel given it's size."

"happy to recommend this hotel as a great place... with proximity to the falls.. …" Read Mr & Mrs B’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr J fromFlorida, USA

Arrived 27 Aug 2017, 2 nights

"OUTSTANDING!"

"Great everything! …" Read Mr J ’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

B & GfromCalifornia

Arrived 21 Aug 2016, 3 nights

"Would stay again"

"We had a great time here. Enjoyed the water hole from our room and friends …" Read B & G’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Family GfromToronto

Arrived 12 Jul 2014, 2 nights

"Victoria Falls Safari Lodge review"

"We enjoyed VFSL and chose it on purpose as we had our three children with us …" Read Family G’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mr & Mrs CfromWokingham

Arrived 5 Apr 2014, 2 nights

"Victoria Falls Safari Lodge review"

"We had been recommended this by Expert Africa and by a friend who had vsiited …" Read Mr & Mrs C’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Poor

See all Victoria Falls Safari Lodge reviews

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge: Our full report

High up on a plateau bordering the Zambezi National Park, the relaxed Victoria Falls Safari Lodge offers ...

... a comfortable and relatively tranquil place to stay for visitors to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. An imposing wood-and-thatch building, it has spectacular views over the bush, the national park and a waterhole that attracts game all year round.

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is located 3km from Victoria Falls Town, and 4km from the Falls themselves, so while not close enough to walk to the Falls, it is far enough away that you don't hear the helicopters and microlights that hover over the Falls, lending a more peaceful atmosphere than you might find in town.

The lodge – more of a hotel in style – consists of 72 rooms: 66 standard rooms (including one designed for those with limited mobility), and six suites. Every room has a balcony overlooking the Zambezi National Park towards the sunset, and most face the waterhole.

We last visited in June 2018, and found the rooms boasting a smart and contemporary décor after a significant restyle in 2013 and a further soft refurbishment in 2017. Each room has air conditioning as well as a ceiling fan and is equipped with twin beds or a king-size bed, a hairdryer, large safe, telephone, tea- and coffee-making facilities and a minibar, which is complimentary in the suites. The en-suite bathrooms have a flush toilet, single washbasin and shower.
The suites follow the same design, but are split level, with a small lounge area downstairs and bedroom above. All are en-suite, each with a bath as well as a shower.

The main area of Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is set across different levels. Upstairs from the reception area, with views towards the waterhole, is the Makuwa-Kuwa restaurant, which offers a buffet breakfast and à la carte lunches and dinners at individual tables topped with brightly coloured tablecloths. Dinner may also be enjoyed in the Boma restaurant, which specialises in traditional Zimbabwean dishes cooked on a barbecue. The cultural experience extends to traditional dancing and singing, and after dinner guests are invited to join in with some local drumming.

Two floors below the Makuwa-Kuwa restaurant is the Buffalo Bar, where drinks and snacks are served all day. Guests often enjoy sundowners and pre- and post-dinner drinks on the large deck here, while watching game around the waterhole.

At the very top of the structure is a small viewing deck, ideal for photographers to while away some time looking down to the waterhole. There’s some comfortable furniture, and it's possible to eat up here on request. Downstairs there is also a curio shop, an internet café and a television lounge, and WiFi is available throughout the lodge.

The lodge's two-tier swimming pool has been built to look as if it is nestled into the rocks, its pools connected by a small water feature. Surrounding the lower pool is a sunny deck area, with sun loungers and umbrellas. The pool is popular with children and, in our experience, is kept impeccably clean.

Although large, the lodge has much more of a safari feeling than properties in Victoria Falls Town, a feeling enhanced by the waterhole in front. There is a small hide next to the waterhole that you can visit with a guide, and while it may not be as productive as those in some of the larger national parks, it's still an interesting and relaxing place to spend the afternoon. For those with an interest in birds, there is vulture feeding at 1.00pm every day.

Regular, complimentary shuttle buses run from the lodge to various locations in Victoria Falls, conveniently stopping at the main points in town such as the market and the Falls.

Geographics

Location
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Ideal length of stay
A stay of two or three nights works well here, to give you time to enjoy the variety of activities on offer in Victoria Falls.
Directions
The lodge is 24km from Victoria Falls airport, a journey that takes approximately 30 minutes by road.
Accessible by
Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Bed & Breakfast
Food quality
Though we didn’t have the chance to sample the food on our last visit, during previous stays we felt the quality of the food was very good. Breakfast and dinner are served in the lodge's upstairs restaurant, Makuwa-Kuwa, which overlooks the property's iconic waterhole,.

Breakfast offers both a continental buffet and a cooked option. The buffet had an assortment of breads, as well as a range of croissants and muffins, along with cheese and sliced meat platters, fresh fruit, yoghurt, muesli, juices, and water. There is also a coffee and tea station with a wide assortment of teas.

Lunch is served in the more casual Buffalo Bar, which is downstairs and close to the pool. Sandwiches, burgers and salads are available – on a previous visit we enjoyed a tasty roast beef sandwich on toasted wheat bread with spicy chipotle mayonnaise, tomato, and lettuce, alongside a bowl of fresh fruit.

Dinner is à la carte, with options including spicy tomato soup to start, local beef fillet and stewed vegetable medley, and plenty of both sweet and savoury options for dessert.
Dining style
Individual Tables
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Drinks included
For those staying on a B&B basis, only breakfast, coffee and tea are included. In the deluxe rooms and suites there is a complimentary minibar stocked with wine, beers, soft drinks and water. Drinks from the main bar, and the minibars in the standard rooms, are not included.

Bottled water is supplied in all of the rooms, and is readily available from the bar.

Children

Attitude towards children
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge has a relatively informal atmosphere, and families with younger children are welcome.
Property’s age restrictions
None
Special activities & services
The lodge does provide babysitting facilities, although guests should be aware that the babysitters may not be trained up to UK standards.
Equipment
Cots are available for the rooms, and high chairs for the dining areas.
Generally recommended for children
We recommend Victoria Falls Safari Lodge for children as the staff are warm and accommodating, and there is a large pool where children are routinely seen splashing about.
Notes
There is minimal risk of dangerous wildlife going through the property. Parents may feel free to relax at the bar or on the sunloungers while children play and swim in the pool (not lifeguarded).

Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Victoria Falls Lodge

Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.

Eland

100% success

Elephant

100% success

Aardvark

0% success

Brown Hyena

0% success

Buffalo

0% success

Cheetah

0% success

Giraffe

0% success

Hippo

0% success

Leopard

0% success

Lion

0% success

Pangolin

0% success

Sable antelope

0% success

Spotted Hyena

0% success

Wild dog

0% success

Wildebeest

0% success

Zebra

0% success

Communications

Power supply notes
There is a back-up generator in the event of a power outage.
Communications
There are phones in each of the suites and there is good cellphone reception as well as complimentary and reliable WiFi throughout the property. There is also an internet lounge.
TV & radio
There are no TVs in the rooms, but there is a TV lounge with international channels available.
Water supply
Mains
Water supply notes
All rooms have plumbed running water for the washbasins and showers, and flushing toilets.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Medical care
The closest doctor is in Victoria Falls Town. Serious medical issues would be referred to Harare or even Johannesburg if necessary.



Swimming pool warning: Please be aware that the swimming pool at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge does not have a barrier between the children’s pool and deep main pool. Young children should only swim under strict adult supervision.
Dangerous animals
Moderate Risk
Security measures
Guards patrol the property day and night, and there is a guard at the entrance gate around the clock.
Fire safety
Fire extinguishers are positioned around the suites and each room contains instructions on what to do and where to go in the unlikely event of a fire.

Activities

  • 4WD Safari

    4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Boat trip

    Boat trip

  • Canoeing

    Canoeing

  • Cultural excursion

    Cultural excursion

  • Elephant encounter

    Elephant encounter

  • Helicopter

    Helicopter

  • Kayaking

    Kayaking

  • Microlight

    Microlight

  • White-water rafting

    White-water rafting

Extras

Disabled access
On Request
Laundry facilities
A same-day laundry service is available at additional cost.
Money
There is a large electronic safe in each room and suite.
Accepted payment on location
Visa, Amex and Mastercard are accepted forms of payment, along with cash in major currencies.

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Victoria Falls Safari Lodge's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Victoria Falls Lodge.


Excursions from Victoria Falls Lodge

Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Victoria Falls Lodge. 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
Chobe Day Trip

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
100% (1 reviews)
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
Livingstone Island & Devil's Pool

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
96% (9 reviews)
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)
Rhino Walk

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
95% (4 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)
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)
Pioneers

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.


98% (9 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 Victoria Falls Lodge in Victoria Falls


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Zimbabwe in January

January falls in the middle of Zimbabwe’s rainy season and is the wettest month of the year. Heavy rainfall occurs most days, flooding seasonal rivers and waterholes, with the occasional sunny spell.
With the high levels of precipitation the wildlife in the national parks becomes widely dispersed, taking advantage of the abundance of food and water, and is easily hidden by the thick, green bush.

While sightings of larger animals are possible, and many species drop their young at this time, game viewing is often sparse. However, many migratory species of bird arrive in Zimbabwe making it a peak month for birding.

The rains create incredibly sticky mud in Mana Pools National Park, preventing access and causing camps to close for the season. The majority of the camps in other parks remain open, with low rates attracting a smattering of visitors.

  • Peak of the rainy season: hot & humid with heavy rain most days
  • Bush exceptionally thick and green, with poor game viewing
  • Species such as impala drop their young
  • All camps in Mana Pools closed
  • Very few visitors, and low rates at open camps

Our view

A time to avoid if possible

Weather in January

Zimbabwe in February

February remains well within Zimbabwe’s rainy season. Although total rainfall drops, relatively short thunderstorms can still be expected most afternoons. On the plus side, there is a greater chance of some sunshine in-between.

Much of the country remains waterlogged, closing access to Mana Pools and severely restricting walking safaris in other parks. While game drives and canoeing remain an option, the abundance of water disperses animals, and thick grass can make it difficult to spot larger species, but birding remains excellent. Conversely, this is a great time of year to view the landscape, and is excellent for photographers. Sporadic cloud cover and clear air can make for some spectacular sunsets too, particularly over Lake Kariba and the Zambezi River where the reflections off the water add to the beauty.

  • Generally wet with frequent thunderstorms & hot humid days
  • Poor wildlife viewing due to dispersed animals & thick bush
  • Clear air, green landscapes & exceptional sunsets
  • All camps in Mana Pools closed
  • Very few visitors & low rates at camps that are open

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in February

Zimbabwe in March

March is the final month of Zimbabwe’s rainy season, when the rains start to trail off and sunny days become the norm. However, some days the clouds can still build, breaking into thunderstorms in the afternoon.

Mana Pools remains closed throughout the month but the majority of camps in Hwange, Matusadona and Gonarezhou remain open. Here, the landscape is green and alive, with migrant species of birds taking advantage of the abundant insect life. Larger animals remain elusive though, and walking safaris remain restricted.

By this time of year, the rains have normally trickled down to the Zambezi River and the flow of water over the Victoria Falls starts to increase, but without kicking up too much spray to obscure the views.

  • Last month of the rainy season: hot, humid days with occasional storms
  • Lush vegetation means good birding, but poor game viewing
  • Views of the Victoria Falls improve
  • All camps in Mana Pools closed
  • Open camps have few visitors & low rates

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in March

Zimbabwe in April

April marks the end of Zimbabwe’s rainy season and the end of summer. Clear skies are the norm, with just the occasional shower. Temperatures start to drop, failing to reach 30ºC most days and dropping down to around 10ºC at night.

As the rain fades the landscape starts to dry out. While the vegetation remains thick and green, the soil in Mana Pools dries enough for camps to open, and the only camps to remain closed are the most remote bushcamps in Hwange. Although viewing of larger animals remains tricky, the improved weather starts to draw back visitors, as do prices significantly below those in the peak season.

The Zambezi River and flow of water over the Victoria Falls is at its highest, although large amounts of spray diminish views of the waterfall itself.

  • Transitional period, with much lower rainfall & falling temperatures
  • Wildlife is still dispersed & hard to see, but sightings improving
  • Views of the Victoria Falls often obscured by spray
  • Camps in Mana Pools open
  • Visitors start to return & camps increase their rates

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in April

Zimbabwe in May

The first month in the dry season, May is also Zimbabwe’s first month of winter. If the rains are particularly late in a given year, you may catch the odd shower, but you can expect clear and sunny days the majority of the time. While it’s warm in the daytime, temperatures drop to single digits at night, so bring a warm jumper and gloves for early morning drives.

With the rain having cleared the air, the sky is bright blue, and it’s the best time of year for photography.

Even the most remote camps in Zimbabwe are now open. With the lack of rainfall, vegetation dies back significantly, and seasonal rivers return to sand. Not only does this open up the possibility of walking safaris, but wildlife viewing becomes much more reliable.

  • Start of the dry season, with milder days and cold nights
  • Game viewing significantly improves as vegetation dies back
  • Vegetation starts to turn from green to brown
  • Best time for photography with crystal clear air
  • Visitors start to return; all camps open & rates increasing

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in May

Zimbabwe in June

During June you can virtually be guaranteed of dry and sunny days, although temperatures continue to drop, and can get close to freezing at night in Hwange National Park. Jumpers, jackets and gloves are strongly recommended for early mornings and evenings.

The opportunities for wildlife viewing improve throughout the month as the landscape rapidly dries, and the animals start to gather on the banks of the Zambezi River and around Hwange’s waterholes.

Water levels in the Zambezi River start to drop, reducing the amount of spray kicked up at the Victoria Falls and greatly improving visibility, but still allowing a full curtain of water to cascade over the edge.

  • Middle of winter, with night-time temperatures close to freezing
  • Game viewing significantly improves throughout the month
  • Views of the Victoria Falls are at their best
  • Noticeable increase in visitor numbers
  • Camps considerably more expensive

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in June

Zimbabwe in July

July sits in the middle of Zimbabwe’s dry season. Although it’s warm at midday, temperatures are generally cold and in Hwange it’s been known to drop below freezing at night, with the lower-altitude Mana Pools feeling a bit warmer.

With wildlife clustering around the few remaining waterholes, sparse vegetation, and some of the best views of the Victoria Falls, this is one of the most popular times to travel, with camps charging peak season rates to reflect this. That said, visitor numbers to the country in general remain low, and outside of the Victoria Falls it’s rare for any areas to feel crowded.

  • Middle of the dry season with almost no chance of rain
  • Clear sunny days, but very cold nights
  • Wildlife viewing good; game drives and walking safaris unrestricted
  • Views of the Victoria Falls at their best
  • Camps charging peak season rates

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in July

Zimbabwe in August

While August is the end of winter and temperatures are starting to creep up, mornings and nights are still cold, and game drives in open vehicles can feel particularly chilly. Well into the dry season, the landscapes will have mostly transformed from green to brown and wildlife viewing in Zimbabwe’s national parks is approaching its best. Due to dust kicked up into the atmosphere and smoke from bush fires you may start to notice a haze on the horizon, but this doesn’t significantly impact photography.

August is one of the most expensive months, and the pleasant weather and decent game viewing attracts lots of visitors. While the national parks rarely feel crowded, Victoria Falls accommodation can sell out a year in advance.

  • Warm, sunny days but cold mornings & nights; almost no chance of rain
  • Wildlife viewing nearly at its best
  • Landscape turns brown, & an atmospheric haze develops
  • All camps charging peak season rates

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in August

Zimbabwe in September

Temperatures in September rarely drop below 15ºC, but are yet to reach the oppressive highs of summer. It will normally have been five months since the last drop of rain, so antelope and elephants cluster around whatever water remains, with predators never too far away.

The landscape is very brown, and the haze building on the horizon takes some of the colour out of the sky, so while animal subjects are plentiful, the background is not ideal for photography.

The combination of incredible wildlife viewing, hot and sunny weather, and cheaper flights outside of the school holidays make this the most popular time of year to travel, and availability at the camps can become limited up to a year in advance.

  • The best month for weather, with a pleasantly warm temperature range
  • One of the best months for game viewing
  • Victoria Falls starting to dry but still impressive on Zimbabwean side
  • All camps are charging peak season rates
  • Most popular time to travel, & space can be limited

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in September

Zimbabwe in October

October is the last month of the dry season with little chance of rain but building humidity. While the higher elevation of Hwange National Park limits temperatures to the 30s Celsius, they can easily top 40ºC in Mana Pools.

With little vegetation or water, wildlife is drawn to the few remaining water sources and viewing is at its best; visitors who brave the heat can be rewarded with some exceptional sightings, although haze in the air diminishes photos. Maximum visibility and dense wildlife concentrations can also make for very rewarding walking safaris, although the heat can make them uncomfortable.

Water levels in the Zambezi at the Victoria Falls drop significantly, and large stretches of the waterfall are a dry cliff-face – although it never dries completely. Camp rates remain at their peak, but visitor numbers drop as people avoid the heat.

  • Last month of the dry season; very hot with building humidity
  • Wildlife viewing at its very best
  • Dust & smoke in the air diminish photographic opportunities
  • Victoria Falls starting to look very dry
  • Camp rates remain at their peak

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in October

Zimbabwe in November

November is a transitionary period, with high temperatures and humidity. While they can’t be predicted with any precision, the first rains normally arrive halfway through the month, in the form of thunderstorms lasting a few hours each day.

Early November is a popular time to travel as the camps drop their rates, so if you’re lucky you can get peak-season game viewing at low-season rates. This is a gamble though as if the rains do arrive, animals are no longer limited to a few dangerous waterholes and will disperse into the bush. While all the camps in Mana Pools intend to remain open, the rains can make the airstrips unusable so you may find yourself moved to a different park, a risk that increases through the month.

  • Typically the start of the rains in Zimbabwe
  • Temperatures & humidity levels remain high
  • Wildlife viewing rapidly diminishes as the rains arrive
  • Camps remain open, but risk early closure in Mana Pools
  • Much cheaper time to travel as camps drop their rates

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in November

Zimbabwe in December

By December the rainy season has begun in earnest; this is one of the wettest months in Zimbabwe, with heavy thunderstorms most afternoons and occasionally continuous rain for a couple of days. While temperatures start to cool down the high levels of humidity can make the heat feel more oppressive.

With the rains comes an explosion of green growth, and the dust and smoke are washed out of the air. The resulting scenery – with the occasional bright blue skies – can be fantastic for photographers. Thick vegetation and plentiful water makes viewing of larger animals tricky, but with migratory species arriving the birding is at its best.

All camps in Mana Pools and the remote Hwange camps close, with those remaining open charging their lowest rates.

  • One of the wettest months in Zimbabwe
  • High temperatures & levels of humidity
  • Wildlife viewing poor, but birding good
  • Lush green landscapes & clear air; great for landscape photography
  • All camps in Mana Pools closed

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in December

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