The best time to visit Zimbabwe

January is exceptional for birding across Zimbabwe, with over 650 species recorded countrywide. Wetlands and riverbanks around Lake Chivero and Mana Pools attract migratory species such as the African pitta and woodland kingfisher, as well as raptors taking advantage of abundant prey.

The Chimanimani and Bvumba ranges come alive with misty mornings and verdant trails. The cooler temperatures make for comfortable walking. Expect waterfalls in full flow and rare orchids in bloom.

By late February, the Zambezi River is swelling and Victoria Falls begins its dramatic transformation. Though peak flow comes in April, the early surge is thrilling, with fewer visitors, excellent rainbow displays and access to both Zimbabwean and Zambian viewpoints.

Urban travel is ideal now. Galleries such as the National Gallery of Zimbabwe host seasonal exhibitions and markets like Mbare burst with colour, music and handmade crafts.

For photographers and nature lovers, March offers saturated colours, flowering landscapes and dramatic skies. The Eastern Highlands are especially scenic, with Nyanga’s rolling hills and waterfalls framed by late-summer light.

The archaeological site of Great Zimbabwe is surrounded by greenery and quieter than during peak months. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is more atmospheric now, with local guides offering deeper insight into Shona history and symbolism with fewer tourists around.

Explore the spiritual landscapes of Matobo, with ancient rock paintings, balancing boulders and views from World’s View, Cecil Rhodes’s resting place. Rhino tracking on foot is possible in dry weather, making April ideal.

A group of limestone and dolomite caves in north-central Zimbabwe. Renowned for its extensive tunnels and the ‘sleeping pool’, the caves hold historical, cultural and religious significance for the Shona people.

Hwange begins to shine in May. As water sources dwindle, animals start gravitating towards waterholes. Expect elephants, zebras and predators in increasing numbers, with open plains allowing excellent visibility.

Embark on a walking safari through the national park to learn about the local ecology and the signs for tracking wildlife. Matusadona is a haven for birdwatchers, with a variety of habitats and bird species.

Mana Pools opens for the season in June. Its wild terrain, combined with walking safaris and canoe trips on the Zambezi, offers unmatched immersion. With fewer visitors than better-known parks, it feels remote and pristine.

Explore the dramatic cliffs of Gonarezhou National Park for spectacular views of the Runde River Valley and venture out on game drives to spot wildlife like elephants, lions and leopards.

Hwange is alive with wildlife and activity. Lions are frequently spotted, elephants cluster around waterholes and large herds roam freely. Early morning game drives are brisk, so layers are essential. Why not venture out on a night drive, listening to the sounds of the bush as nocturnal wildlife awakens.

With calmer waters comes the opportunity to canoe down the Zambezi, observing wildlife along its banks.

White-water rafting season kicks off below Victoria Falls. Class V rapids, towering gorge walls and expert guides create one of the world’s most thrilling river adventures – not for the faint-hearted.

The Chimanimani Arts Festival brings music, poetry and local food to this remote mountain town. Between performances, hike forested ridges or visit community-run craft workshops that support women’s collectives and conservation.

Hwange’s famed elephant herds peak in visibility. At places like Nyamandhlovu Pan, it’s not uncommon to see 200+ elephants at once. Lodges offer hides and photography blinds for quiet observation.

Walk with wild dogs in Gonarezhou National Park between May to October for a safari experience unlike any other.

Wildlife is at its most concentrated – and desperate. Lions and wild dogs take advantage of prey congregating at shrinking waterholes. Photographers thrive on dramatic scenes and golden evening light

Houseboat trips on Lake Kariba offer respite from the heat. Drift past crocodiles, hippos and elephant herds on the shore, with fishing, swimming (in netted areas) and sundowners over glassy water.

Hwange and Mana Pools start transforming: dust turns to shoots and young animals begin to appear. Predators are more active, taking advantage of inexperienced prey. It’s a dynamic, unpredictable time for wildlife.

Witness the city’s vibrant jacaranda and flamboyant trees in bloom during November.

Victoria Falls becomes a family hub in December, with lodges offering festive feasts, carol evenings and firework displays. Between storms, boat cruises and scenic flights remain possible, if weather allows.

In the Eastern Highlands, December brings orchids, waterfalls and rainforest walks shrouded in mist. Fly-fishing is still viable in cooler streams and the Bvumba Botanical Gardens are at their most photogenic.