Zimbabwe
May through September is arguably the best time to visit Zimbabwe, particularly if you plan on visiting Mana Pools or Hwange National Park. The dry winter season lasts from April through October, and as a result of the mild temperatures and hardly any rain, Zimbabwe’s dry winter season is considered an ideal time to go game viewing. In comparison, the wet summer season is from November to March. Victoria Falls floods during April/ May, and the Wildebeest Migration occurs during that same time. The Eastern Highlands are best visited during the dry winter months when you’ll have plenty of warm, sunny days.
Dry Season – April to October
- April – day temperatures 13°C in the mornings, 30°C in the afternoons
- May – day temperatures 10°C in the mornings, 28°C in the afternoons
- June to August – day temperatures 6°C in the mornings, 25°C in the afternoons
- September/ October – day temperatures 30-40°C
Green Season – November to March
- November – day temperatures 18°C in the mornings, 32°C afternoons
- December to March – day temperatures 18°C in the mornings, 30°C in the afternoons
Wildlife viewing in Zimbabwe
Much of Zimbabwe’s land is occupied by undeveloped wilderness, an area now considered to be of special importance. Nature reserves cover about 10% of Zimbabwe. The Hwange National Park is one of Africa’s wildest and most popular parks in the country. The area is home to herds of elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, lions, hyenas, jackals, and wild dogs, among many other species. Visiting Hwange between August and October is best since the weather is dry, and the animals are drawn to the many waterholes. Lake Kariba and Mana Pools National Parks also offer excellent game viewing opportunities.
Best time for viewing Wildlife
- Excellent – July to October
- Good – May to June, November
- Possible – December to April
Zambia
Rather than having a distinct summer and a winter, Zambia’s climate is preferably defined by a distinct wet and dry season. Throughout the year, the country offers a variety of seasonal highlights. Zambia’s is at its best between June and November when the days are hot, the nights are cool, and the skies are clear. Temperatures reach the high 30’s, and wildlife viewing is abundant as the season progresses. Low temperatures are expected in September/ October in Lower Zambezi and Luangwa Valley areas. Still, if you can take the heat, you will be able to witness incredible wildlife as animals compete for water.
Dry Season – April to October
- April – day temperatures 13°C in the mornings, 30°C in the afternoons
- May – day temperatures 10°C in the mornings, 28°C in the afternoons
- June to August – day temperatures 6°C in the mornings, 25°C in the afternoons
- September/ October – day temperatures 30-40°C
Green Season – November to March
- November – day temperatures 18°C in the mornings, 32°C afternoons
- December to March – day temperatures 18°C in the mornings, 30°C in the afternoons
Wildlife viewing in Zambia
In Zambia, about 30% of the area is under conservation. Besides 20 National Parks, there are 34 Game Management Areas in the country. Kafue, Lower Zambezi, and South Luangwa are among the world’s best Game Parks. Luambe and Lukusuzi Liuwa Plain, West Lunga, Sioma Ngwezi, and Nyika Plateau are home to significant wildlife but remain undeveloped. Mosi-oa-Tunya, near Victoria Falls, is considered a zoological park because it has well-managed antelope, elephants, giraffes, and rhinos. However, predators do not live here.
Best time for viewing Wildlife
- Excellent – July to October
- Good – June
- Possible – November to May
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls or “Mosi-oa-Tunya” (The Smoke That Thunders) are roughly twice as high as Niagara Falls, with a thunderous roar heard from miles away, and you can visit from both Zambia and Zimbabwe or both by taking a day trip. The falls are best visited at the end of the rainy season (March to May) when the Zambezi River is at its full flooding stage, and the falls are most dramatic. When travelling during the dry season (October and November), the impact of the falls from the Zambian side is usually less forceful than from Zimbabwe, where you could have a better view of the main waterfalls. Certain activities, such as white-water rafting, are available in low water levels, and you can take a dip in the Devil’s Pool – a natural rock pool just below the falls. The natural state of The Victoria Falls is remarkable. The falls and surrounding areas are also listed as World Heritage Sites, protecting them from being overdeveloped.
Dry Season – April to October
- April – day temperatures 13°C in the mornings, 30°C in the afternoons
- May – day temperatures 10°C in the mornings, 28°C in the afternoons
- June to August – day temperatures 6°C in the mornings, 25°C in the afternoons
- September/ October – day temperatures 30-40°C
Green Season – November to March
- November – day temperatures 18°C in the mornings, 32°C in the afternoons
- December to March – day temperatures 18°C in the mornings, 30°C afternoons
Best time to see the Victoria Falls
- Excellent – January to February, March to May
- Good – June to August (lower water levels and less spray = perfect view)
Summary
With mild temperatures, virtually no rain and low malaria risk, the dry May to October winter season is generally the best time to visit Zimbabwe for game viewing and viewing the falls when the spray is not too high. Although note that September and October are extremely hot and dry months. The best time to visit Zambia is during the dry season between June and November. The skies are cobalt blue, the days are hot, and the nights are cool. Wildlife spotting opportunities are plentiful during this time and walking safari bush camps in and around South Luangwa are open. For both countries the rains come from December to Mar, falling most heavily in January and February. The best time to visit The Victoria Falls depends on how you would like to experience the falls and the surrounding area. February to May sees the falls flowing at their greatest volume thanks to the summer rains, but every season brings something distinct to appreciate. Even when the water levels are low, you will have amazing panoramic views, great conditions for white-water rafting, and the opportunity to spot numerous rainbows above the falls.
