When is safari season? In Zimbabwe, it’s longer than you may assume, and every season has its benefits. Nestled within the coronary heart of Southern Africa, Zimbabwe is a conservation journey gem teeming with numerous wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. On Nat Hab’s Southern Africa Odyssey, discover the shores of the Zambezi River and its majestic Victoria Falls, the world’s largest artifical lake, Lake Kariba, and the huge plains of Hwange National Park. Zimbabwe affords distinctive wildlife experiences in each season all year long.
The array of wildlife throughout the nation is staggering: Zimbabwe is house to 350 species of mammals, greater than 650 birds, and over 100 fish species. The nation helps the world’s second-largest inhabitants of elephants, topped solely by neighboring Botswana. It’s the species with the biggest variety of animals in Zimbabwe, and many of the nation’s elephants are in and round Hwange National Park.
© Court Whelan
Visitors hoping to identify the Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, rhinoceros) could also be in luck throughout Zimbabwe, and can also encounter zebras, giraffes, cheetahs, hyenas and quite a lot of antelope. Bird watchers in Zimbabwe will probably be delighted by the over 650 chook species recorded.
Zimbabwe is house to a wealthy number of wildlife, together with almost 6,400 native or naturalized plant species, of which over 230 plant species are endemic or near-endemic.
So when must you go to? Zimbabwe is a year-round conservation journey and African safari vacation spot. Nat Hab affords journeys that go to Zimbabwe from March to December.
Zimbabwe’s Dry and Rainy Seasons
The Zimbabwe Meteorological Services Department divides the yr into 4 seasons: the new, wet season typically lasts from late October or early November to March, with a short dry interval on the finish of December and the start of January. It is adopted by a post-rainy season from March to May. Winter is the dry season, from May to November, which incorporates each a cool season from May to September and a scorching season from September to November.
Each season has its personal distinctive attraction. Here’s what to anticipate on a Zimbabwe safari:
November by March in Zimbabwe
During the moist season from November by March, rain normally falls within the afternoon. The temperatures vary between 64°F within the morning and 90°F within the afternoon. Parks within the central highveld plateau will probably be colder, whereas parks at decrease altitudes will probably be significantly hotter.
Monsoon winds coming off the Indian Ocean deliver high-intensity rains to the nation, significantly within the uncovered japanese area.
In Hwange National Park, the vegetation will probably be greener because the season progresses, and there’s a great probability you’ll see newborns discovering their toes within the wild. The inexperienced season can also be the perfect time for birdwatching, as migratory birds flock in huge numbers to the park.
Further north, Matusadona National Park, bordered by the Sanyati and Ume rivers, options 540 sq. miles of untouched terrain house to elephant, Cape buffalo, impala, waterbuck and side-striped jackal. Two prides of lions inhabit the park; they’re adept hunters, even killing crocodiles every so often.
Frequent sightings of Egyptian goose, marabou stork, saddle-billed stork, Goliath heron, African skimmer and the coveted African fish eagle. Some of the park’s wildlife could also be descendants of the greater than 6,000 animals rescued throughout Operation Noah following the completion of Lake Kariba’s dam in 1959. As the water stage rose, animals struggled to outlive on floor that was step by step turning into submerged. The ranger crew moved giant mammals, huge cats, and impala herds to security into Matusadona, transporting many on picket rafts.
During the wet season in each Matusadona National Park and Hwange National Park, you could encounter quite a lot of new child and younger animals. Migratory birds have arrived, so birding is at its finest. Some roads develop into tough to navigate, and rivers could flood. It will be scorching and humid.
Wildlife could also be hidden in thick vegetation, however many species of antelope will probably be giving delivery and migrating birds will probably be coming back from the Northern Hemisphere, flocking in huge numbers to the parks. In truth, if you’re an avid birder, the moist season from November as much as April could also be the perfect time to go to Zimbabwe. That’s when the nation is house to over 650 chook species, together with migratory and near-endemic ones.
A grey heron and Egyptian geese in flight, Lake Kariba, Matusadona National Park, Zimbabwe
You can count on to see quite a lot of birds in numerous habitats, such because the uncommon Greater painted-snipe within the wetlands, the colourful Southern carmine bee-eater within the woodlands, the elegant African skimmer on the rivers, the placing Livingstone’s turaco within the forests, the noisy Black coucal within the grasslands, the fiery Orange-breasted waxbill within the thickets, the cryptic Striped flufftail within the marshes, the rock-dwelling Boulder chat within the mountains and the regal Secretarybird on the plains.
At the peak of the wet season, Victoria Falls is constructing to peak circulate, with huge volumes of water cascading into the gorge. The surrounding jungle is lush, inexperienced and dotted with spectacular bursts of shade because the rainforest flowers bloom. Nat Hab’s new inexperienced season itinerary, Botswana: Kalahari, the Delta & Beyond, explores Victoria Falls on a guided strolling tour from December by April.
While some roads could develop into inaccessible because of the rains, this season affords its personal distinctive experiences. Summer is a quieter time for safaris in Zimbabwe, providing a extra peaceable expertise for individuals who choose to keep away from crowds. If rain, humidity and dust don’t deter you, November by March will be an uncrowded time to see Zimbabwe.
March to May in Zimbabwe
The post-rainy season from March to May is a transitional interval in Zimbabwe. This is the top of summer season. Vegetation is lush and animals transfer about extra. Temperatures are comparatively cool, sometimes round 50°F within the morning and 82°F within the afternoon. The nighttime temperatures begin to drop. By May, the rain is sort of gone.
April and May mark the top of the summer season wet season, and Victoria Falls, already the biggest sheet of falling water on Earth, is in full flood, providing a dramatic spectacle. The Zambezi River, which feeds the falls, turns into a hub of exercise with varied water sports activities, similar to white-water rafting and riverboarding.
In addition, March to May is an effective time to go to Matobo National Park, recognized for its inhabitants of white and black rhinoceroses. The park’s distinctive panorama of granite kopjes and wooded valleys additionally makes it a hiker’s paradise.
May to September in Zimbabwe
This time of yr, a safari in Zimbabwe is dry and funky, making it a perfect time for wildlife viewing. Animals congregate round water sources, making them simpler to identify. National parks like Mana Pools develop into hotspots for wildlife exercise. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mana Pools is thought for its giant populations of elephants, buffaloes, and aquatic wildlife.
Grey heron fishing from the again of a hippopotamus in Mana Pools
Winter additionally marks the searching season for predators like lions and cheetahs, offering thrilling sightings for wildlife fanatics.
From round May to July, it’s dry, calm, and barely cooler. Tiger fishing is nice all year long on Lake Kariba, however these months provide a extra snug local weather for individuals who choose milder temperatures.
During the dry season, there’s nearly no rainfall and low humidity. Wildlife will focus round waterholes and rivers when different water sources dry up. Morning recreation drives in open autos could also be chilly. The common morning temperature is 43°F. Afternoons will probably be extra nice with temperatures round 77°F. Parks at decrease altitudes will probably be hotter.
At Victoria Falls, the Zambezi River continues a powerful, regular circulate regardless of the appearance of the dry season. In July and August, the absence of rain makes the Mopane leaves tackle their distinct winter hue of burnt orange.
In Matusadona National Park, animals are simpler to look at because the dry season goes on as a result of the bush thins out and wildlife gathers round Lake Kariba. It’s normally dry and sunny, and there are fewer mosquitoes. Cooler climate can final till October and will be fairly dusty.
© Lets Kamogelo
September to November in Zimbabwe
In September, the annual recreation rely in Hwange National Park takes place. This is a wonderful time to go to Hwange, Zimbabwe’s largest pure reserve. In September and October, giant herds of elephants collect, providing an unforgettable sight for wildlife fanatics on an African safari.
It’s not simply elephants, both. From lions and giraffes to the endangered African wild canine, the variety of wildlife in Zimbabwe is actually astounding.
African wild canines (painted canines) © Court Whelan
As the dry season continues, the rock face at Victoria Falls step by step emerges and the water trickles to a mild ebb on the Eastern Cataract on the Zambian facet.
This is the perfect time for wildlife viewing on Lake Kariba. As the land dries up, animals flock to the lake to drink and graze alongside its banks. The visibility is superb because the bush is dry. Temperatures are sometimes over 100°F.
September to November in Zimbabwe is a perfect time for these searching for extra energetic pursuits and distinctive wildlife viewing at water sources, but it surely’s additionally peak journey occasions and the most popular temperatures. Accommodation could also be busier and these months are significantly scorching in northern areas similar to Mana Pools. October and November are on common the warmest months of the yr in Zimbabwe, with variations associated to altitude.
Aerial view of Nat Hab’s Zimbabwean Dream, Lake Kariba © Court Whelan
One alternative to go to Lake Kariba and keep away from crowds is aboard the unique riverboat Zimbabwean Dream. This deluxe three-deck vessel, preferrred for cruising the huge expanse of Lake Kariba, is a floating safari base throughout Nat Hab’s Southern Africa Odyssey, an 11-day journey throughout Zimbabwe and into Botswana and Namibia.
A Safari for Every Season
Each season in Zimbabwe brings one thing distinct to understand on safari. Even when water ranges are low at Victoria Falls or it’s not peak season at Hwange National Park, you’ll have wonderful panoramic views and nice situations for actions similar to whitewater rafting or recreation viewing.
Zimbabwe affords numerous and wealthy wildlife experiences all year long. Its dedication to conservation is obvious in its well-managed nationwide parks and conservation efforts. So, regardless of whenever you select to go to, Zimbabwe guarantees a memorable conservation journey expertise.
© Court Whelan