WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT ZIMBABWE?
There are three seasons in Zimbabwe, each with advantages and disadvantages.
The first flush of green plants appears with the rains. Frogs are calling everywhere. Thousands of migratory birds sweep in from equatorial Africa and Europe, making it a birdwatcher's paradise.
Disadvantages:
The lush bush provides excellent camouflage for the animals, making game viewing quite a challenge, but not impossible.
Mosquitoes breed in water, so this season is high malaria risk.
Advantages:
The bush has started to dry out so game viewing is easier as animals walk long distances to water-holes to slake their thirst. There are viewing platforms at many of these water-holes and so excellent sightings are possible. Minimal risk for malaria.
Disadvantages
Nights can feel cold because of the sudden drop in temperature. We will drive on the extensive network of dirt roads in Zimbabwe, so the route can be rough and dusty. It is not advisable to drive with open windows. The good news is that the vehicle is equipped with air-conditioning!
This is the best time to view game. It is also the mating season of many of the animals and so a bonus would be to see one of the Big Five in action! The mating calls of the different animals add excitement to the trip. A low risk of malaria during this time.
Disadvantages:
High temperatures and dust may cause discomfort to some.
WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU
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There are three seasons in Zimbabwe, each with advantages and disadvantages.
- From November to March - this is the hot and wet Summer season. Temperatures are normally between 85*F and 95*F (30*C - 35*C).
The first flush of green plants appears with the rains. Frogs are calling everywhere. Thousands of migratory birds sweep in from equatorial Africa and Europe, making it a birdwatcher's paradise.
Disadvantages:
The lush bush provides excellent camouflage for the animals, making game viewing quite a challenge, but not impossible.
Mosquitoes breed in water, so this season is high malaria risk.
- From May to August - the cool and dry season which is considered Autumn and Winter. Temperatures may drop as low as 45*F (8*C) for short periods during the night but rising quickly after sunrise to a high of 77*F (25*C).
Advantages:
The bush has started to dry out so game viewing is easier as animals walk long distances to water-holes to slake their thirst. There are viewing platforms at many of these water-holes and so excellent sightings are possible. Minimal risk for malaria.
Disadvantages
Nights can feel cold because of the sudden drop in temperature. We will drive on the extensive network of dirt roads in Zimbabwe, so the route can be rough and dusty. It is not advisable to drive with open windows. The good news is that the vehicle is equipped with air-conditioning!
- From September to November - the hot and dry season which is considered Spring in Zimbabwe. This is the hottest time of the year with temperatures centre around 105*F (40*C). Intense heat is followed by massive cloud build up, leading to impressive electrical storms. It is not a humid heat. Dust devils whirlwinds swirl their way across barren plains. Bush fires are common at this time of year. Together with the dust in the atmosphere, they create blood red sunsets for which southern Africa is famous.
This is the best time to view game. It is also the mating season of many of the animals and so a bonus would be to see one of the Big Five in action! The mating calls of the different animals add excitement to the trip. A low risk of malaria during this time.
Disadvantages:
High temperatures and dust may cause discomfort to some.
WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU
- A happy holiday spirit
- Sun protection - hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Mosquito repellant
- Preferably plain coloured cotton clothing as it gets hot in Zimbabwe
- Bathing suits. There are swimming pools at some of the accommodation spots
- A hand towel
- Although bedding is provided, you may prefer to bring your own sleeping bag
- It is advisable to bring cash with you as most places do not accept credit cards. The recommended amount is $540 per person in notes of small denominations. Foreign coins are generally not accepted.
- Good walking shoes, preferably not open sandals.
- A light sweater or cardigan is handy for the chilly evenings.
- A torch - power cuts are a part of daily life in Zimbabwe
- Cameras
- Binoculars
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