According to Programingplease, Zimbabwe is a perfect destination for anyone who has always wanted to go on safari. Here you have the best chance to see the Big Five (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard). Victoria Falls is an experience not to be missed. There is also much else to discover, from ancient rock carvings in Matobo National Park to the Great Zimbabwe National Monument – the abandoned capital of Queen Sheba.
Best travel time
With mild temperatures, virtually no rain and a low risk of malaria, the dry winter season from May to October is generally considered the best time to visit Zimbabwe to see wildlife. Note, however, that September and October are extremely hot and dry months.
The best time to visit Victoria Falls is at the end of the rainy season , when the falls are full of water. The waterfalls are most impressive between April and May, when thundering amounts of water tumble down the Zambezi. The low water season from August to December is considered the best time for white water rafting in Victoria Falls – the amount of water and the speed decrease, and the rapids are easier to see.
Optimal travel time after months
November – February
The days are warm and in the afternoons it can sometimes rain, but the rain stops as quickly as it started. It’s quiet in the country and one of the best times to spot native and migratory birds with expert guides. Some lodges guarantee that you will see 50 species before breakfast.
March
The water levels at Victoria Falls are at the perfect level. The gorges and rock formations are very easy to see at this time, as are the famous drizzling arcs. Combine the Victoria Falls with a trip to Matobo National Park.
April May
April opens the best travel time for the Mana Pools National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is best known for walking safaris. The days feel fresher and brighter throughout April and May as the seasonal rains end and the landscape is lush and green.
June July
The weather gets colder at night as winter sets in. It is best to wear several layers as temperatures can drop to freezing. In June the wild animals return to the water holes in Hwange – the perfect time for photographers. The parks are still relatively empty before it gets really full again during the holiday season.
August September
During the day it is clear and there is hardly a cloud in the sky. The temperatures drop at night, but you can still watch animals very well. The safari camps are well filled, but due to the limited contingent, your vacation and your safari will always be exclusive and far away from mass tourism.
October
October is dry but very hot with temperatures up to 40 ° C. It gets hot, but September and October are considered the best time to see herds of elephants in Hwange National Park. The drought brings them to the watering holes and makes it easier to keep an eye out for you.
Climate in Harare
The maximum temperature in Zimbabwe is 28 ° C in October. In June and July the thermometer rises to a maximum of 21 ° C. The summer (June to September) with average 23 ° C warm . In the winter months it is around 26 ° C very warm . During the day, the average annual temperature in Zimbabwe is a pleasant 24.9 ° C.
At night it gets coldest at 7 ° C in June and July. The thermometer rarely falls below 16 ° C in January, February and December. While the nights in summer are averaging a mild 8 ° C, the thermometer drops to a warm 15 ° C at night between November and March. The temperature averages 12.3 ° C at night all year round.
With 15 rainy days, January is the rainiest month of the year. The July is the driest month of the year . From June to September Zimbabwe is extremely dry with an average of only 1 rainy day each, the winter (November to March) is relatively humid with 12 rainy days. Rain falls on an annual average of 6.1 days per month.
Money
The Zimbabwe dollar was suspended for a long time and has been the country’s official currency again since June 24, 2019. The most frequently used currencies are still the US dollar and the South African rand. Credit and debit cards are useful, although the technology isn’t everywhere to use them. It is not possible to withdraw money with credit cards at all ATMs. It is forbidden to exchange money at unauthorized dealers (e.g. banks). We recommend that you take a sufficient amount in US dollars with you and distribute it in smaller packages of banknotes, but also carry credit or debit cards with you. Ask about payment options and plan your expenses accordingly.
Language
The main languages in Zimbabwe are Shona, Ndebele and English, with everyone in the tourism industry speaking good English. The most widely spoken language is North Ndebele and is spoken by around 1.5 million people. Ndebele has its roots in Zulu culture and is a clicking language. If you come into contact with locals, feel free to try speaking a few words or phrases. It’s difficult, but definitely amusing. In any case, your efforts will be rewarded positively.
