Mana Pools National Park

Best Time To Visit

23 Mana Pools Safaris

Expert

By Philip Briggs

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

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The best time for wildlife viewing in Mana Pools National Park is from June to October. Animals are easier to spot then because the dry weather thins the bush and wildlife concentrates around the Zambezi River and the pools on its floodplains. Parts of the park might be closed to vehicles during part of the Wet season (November to March).

Best Time June to October (Best wildlife viewing)

High Season July to September

Low Season January to June (Many camps close from November to April)

Best Weather April to September (Rains rarely fall)

Worst Weather October to February (Hot and humid once the rains start)

April to October –Dry Season – Winter

Wildlife is easier to spot as animals come to drink at the Zambezi River
Days are sunny and there is practically no rain
Malaria risk is reduced since there are few mosquitoes
It is cooler (with the exception of October)
There is a lot of dust and drought
It is cold in the early mornings

Wildlife Photos

View Photos (20)

+18 Photos Want To Visit

November to March –Wet Season – Summer

The scenery is fresh and green
Newborn animals are common
The arrival of the migratory birds makes birding superb
Wet, muddy roads can become difficult to drive or even impassable
The Dry season is better for wildlife viewing
It is damp with high humidity and the afternoons are hot
Many accommodations are closed

Wildlife Photos

+18 Photos

Best Time To Go by Major Park

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Hwange National Park Hwange National Park

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FebF

MarM

AprA

MayM

JunJ

JulJ

AugA

SepS

OctO

NovN

DecD
Mana Pools National Park Mana Pools National Park

JanJ

FebF

MarM

AprA

MayM

JunJ

JulJ

AugA

SepS

OctO

NovN

DecD