​Best Time To Visit – Hwange NP

Philip Briggs
Expert
By Philip Briggs

Philip has traveled through Zimbabwe several times and is the author of more than 20 guidebooks to various African destinations.

Philip is the Zimbabwe expert for SafariBookings and author of more than 20 guidebooks to Africa.

Philip is our Zimbabwe expert and author of more than 20 guidebooks to Africa.

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July to October, in the Dry season, is the prime time for wildlife viewing in Hwange National Park. The many waterholes become gathering places for animals, while the thinning vegetation makes them easier to spot. Keen birders, however, might enjoy the summer months from November to April when migratory birds are present.

Best Time July to October (Dry season)
High Season June to October (Hwange's main area can become crowded)
Low Season January to May (Some lodges close during part of the Wet season)
Best Weather April to September (It hardly ever rains)
Worst Weather December to March (Wet season)

April to October –Dry Season – Winter

  • Wildlife is easier to spot
  • The sky is blue and it hardly ever rains
  • May to September is the best time to visit Victoria Falls
  • Malaria risk is at a minimum
  • The heat is less oppressive (except in October)
  • Main Camp area can become crowded
  • It is dusty and dry
  • Early morning game drives in open vehicles are cold

Wildlife Photos

View Photos (25)
+23 Photos Want To Visit

November to April –Wet Season – Summer

  • The scenery is green and fresh
  • There are few tourists and rates might be lower
  • Baby animals are plentiful
  • Migratory birds arrive – this is the best time for birding
  • Some roads become challenging or even impassable
  • Wildlife viewing in the Dry season is better
  • It is very hot, especially in the afternoons
  • Camps and lodges could close from January to March

Wildlife Photos
+23 Photos

Best Time To Go by Major Park

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  • Hwange National Park
    JanJ
    FebF
    MarM
    AprA
    MayM
    JunJ
    JulJ
    AugA
    SepS
    OctO
    NovN
    DecD
  • Mana Pools National Park
    JanJ
    FebF
    MarM
    AprA
    MayM
    JunJ
    JulJ
    AugA
    SepS
    OctO
    NovN
    DecD

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