When is safari season? In Zimbabwe, it’s longer than you would possibly 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 Nationwide Park. Zimbabwe gives 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 most important variety of animals in Zimbabwe, and a lot of the nation’s elephants are in and round Hwange Nationwide Park.
© Courtroom Whelan
Guests hoping to identify the Large 5 (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, rhinoceros) could also be in luck throughout Zimbabwe, and might also encounter zebras, giraffes, cheetahs, hyenas and a wide range of antelope. Hen watchers in Zimbabwe can be delighted by the over 650 fowl 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 do you have to go to? Zimbabwe is a year-round conservation journey and African safari vacation spot. Nat Hab gives journeys that go to Zimbabwe from March to December.
Zimbabwe’s Dry and Wet Seasons
The Zimbabwe Meteorological Providers Division divides the 12 months into 4 seasons: the recent, 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’s adopted by a post-rainy season from March to Could. Winter is the dry season, from Could to November, which incorporates each a cool season from Could to September and a scorching season from September to November.
Every season has its personal distinctive attraction. Right here’s what to anticipate on a Zimbabwe safari:
November by way of March in Zimbabwe
In the course of the moist season from November by way of 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 can be colder, whereas parks at decrease altitudes can be significantly hotter.
Monsoon winds coming off the Indian Ocean deliver high-intensity rains to the nation, notably within the uncovered jap area.
In Hwange Nationwide Park, the plants can be greener because the season progresses, and there’s a great probability you’ll see newborns discovering their ft within the wild. The inexperienced season can also be the perfect time for birdwatching, as migratory birds flock in large numbers to the park.
Additional north, Matusadona Nationwide 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 occasionally.
Frequent sightings of Egyptian goose, marabou stork, saddle-billed stork, Goliath heron, African skimmer and the coveted African fish eagle. A number 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. Because the water degree rose, animals struggled to outlive on floor that was step by step changing into submerged. The ranger group moved massive mammals, large cats, and impala herds to security into Matusadona, transporting many on picket rafts.
In the course of the wet season in each Matusadona Nationwide Park and Hwange Nationwide Park, you might encounter a wide range of new child and younger animals. Migratory birds have arrived, so birding is at its finest. Some roads turn out to be troublesome to navigate, and rivers might flood. It may be scorching and humid.
Wildlife could also be hidden in thick vegetation, however many species of antelope can be giving start and migrating birds can be coming back from the Northern Hemisphere, flocking in large numbers to the parks. In truth, in case you are 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 fowl species, together with migratory and near-endemic ones.
A grey heron and Egyptian geese in flight, Lake Kariba, Matusadona Nationwide Park, Zimbabwe
You may anticipate to see a wide range of birds in several habitats, such because the uncommon Higher painted-snipe within the wetlands, the colourful Southern carmine bee-eater within the woodlands, the elegant African skimmer on the rivers, the putting 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.
On the top of the wet season, Victoria Falls is constructing to peak move, with large volumes of water cascading into the gorge. The encompassing jungle is lush, inexperienced and dotted with spectacular bursts of colour because the rainforest flowers bloom. Nat Hab’s new inexperienced season itinerary, Botswana: Kalahari, the Delta & Past, explores Victoria Falls on a guided strolling tour from December by way of April.
Whereas some roads might turn out to be inaccessible because of the rains, this season gives its personal distinctive experiences. Summer season is a quieter time for safaris in Zimbabwe, providing a extra peaceable expertise for many who desire to keep away from crowds. If rain, humidity and dust don’t deter you, November by way of March could be an uncrowded time to see Zimbabwe.
March to Could in Zimbabwe
The post-rainy season from March to Could is a transitional interval in Zimbabwe. That is the tip of summer season. Vegetation is lush and animals transfer about extra. Temperatures are comparatively cool, usually round 50°F within the morning and 82°F within the afternoon. The nighttime temperatures begin to drop. By Could, the rain is nearly gone.
April and Could mark the tip of the summer season wet season, and Victoria Falls, already the most important 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, corresponding to white-water rafting and riverboarding.
As well as, March to Could is an efficient time to go to Matobo Nationwide 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.
Could to September in Zimbabwe
This time of 12 months, a safari in Zimbabwe is dry and funky, making it a really perfect time for wildlife viewing. Animals congregate round water sources, making them simpler to identify. Nationwide parks like Mana Swimming pools turn out to be hotspots for wildlife exercise. Acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage Website, Mana Swimming pools is understood for its massive populations of elephants, buffaloes, and aquatic wildlife.
Gray heron fishing from the again of a hippopotamus in Mana Swimming pools
Winter additionally marks the searching season for predators like lions and cheetahs, offering thrilling sightings for wildlife lovers.
From round Could to July, it’s dry, calm, and barely cooler. Tiger fishing is nice all year long on Lake Kariba, however these months supply a extra comfy local weather for many who desire milder temperatures.
In the course of the dry season, there’s just about no rainfall and low humidity. Wildlife will focus round waterholes and rivers when different water sources dry up. Morning recreation drives in open automobiles could also be chilly. The common morning temperature is 43°F. Afternoons can be extra nice with temperatures round 77°F. Parks at decrease altitudes can be hotter.
At Victoria Falls, the Zambezi River continues a powerful, regular move 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 Nationwide Park, animals are simpler to watch 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 could be fairly dusty.
© Lets Kamogelo
September to November in Zimbabwe
In September, the annual recreation depend in Hwange Nationwide Park takes place. This is a wonderful time to go to Hwange, Zimbabwe’s largest pure reserve. In September and October, massive herds of elephants collect, providing an unforgettable sight for wildlife lovers 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) © Courtroom Whelan
Because the dry season continues, the rock face at Victoria Falls step by step emerges and the water trickles to a mild ebb on the Japanese Cataract on the Zambian aspect.
That is the perfect time for wildlife viewing on Lake Kariba. Because the land dries up, animals flock to the lake to drink and graze alongside its banks. The visibility is great 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, however it’s additionally peak journey instances and the most well liked temperatures. Lodging could also be busier and these months are notably scorching in northern areas corresponding to Mana Swimming pools. October and November are on common the warmest months of the 12 months in Zimbabwe, with variations associated to altitude.
Aerial view of Nat Hab’s Zimbabwean Dream, Lake Kariba © Courtroom 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, perfect 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 Each Season
Every 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 Nationwide Park, you should have superb panoramic views and nice circumstances for actions corresponding to whitewater rafting or recreation viewing.
Zimbabwe gives numerous and wealthy wildlife experiences all year long. Its dedication to conservation is obvious in its well-managed nationwide parks and conservation efforts. So, irrespective of once you select to go to, Zimbabwe guarantees a memorable conservation journey expertise.
© Courtroom Whelan
