Zimbabwe Dry Season Safari: June to September

Mana Pools National Park at sunset in Zimbabwe

What to expect on this itinerary

Wild dogs denning, rhinos roaming, lions and leopards hunting and elephants congregating around parched waterholes abound as you visit Zimbabwe in the dry season.  You can explore some of Africa’s greatest safari scenes at the ultimate time of the year as the months between June to September are prime for exceptional wildlife sightings. However, unlike many other African destinations, Zimbabwe’s dry season is not crowded with tourists, so the region will be like your own wilderness playground.

Countries Visited

Zimbabwe

Places Visited

Victoria Falls, Zambezi River, Zambezi National Park, Hwange National Park, Mana Pools National Park, Matusadona National Park, Lake Kariba

Suggested Duration

12 Days

Customizable Itinerary

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Day 1

Victoria Falls – Sunset Cruise on the Iconic Zambezi River

There is something spectacular about a Zambezi River cruise at sunset as the golden colors bounce off of the water as your sunset cruise offers an idyllic atmosphere. Landscapes of blue and green stretch out with nothing artificial breaking nature’s spell. At the same time, there are moments of drama with hippos barreling out of the water and Nile crocodiles menacingly sulking into the river. Nothing feels real as the combination of fine dining and cocktails meets four-legged giants and unbroken wilderness. This experience on the Zambezi River is just an introduction, as you can expect a similar atmosphere in all the destinations on this safari with a rich mix of contemporary luxury and the authenticity of wild Africa.

What's Included:

Accommodation
Transfer
Activity
Dinner
Day 2

Victoria Falls – Zambezi National Park for Wild Dog Denning Season

Day 3

Victoria Falls – The Perfect Time of Year to View Victoria Falls

Day 4

Hwange National Park – Elephants Crowding Around the Watering Hole

Day 5 - 6

Hwange National Park – Classic Big Game Safari

Day 7

Mana Pools National Park – Walking and Canoeing in a Big-Game Landscape

Day 8

Mana Pools National Park – Fabulous Game Viewing in a Park That’s Never Crowded

Day 9

Matusadona National Park (Lake Kariba) – In Search of Zimbabwe’s Black and White Rhinos

Day 10 - 11

Matusadona National Park – Lakeside Escapism

Day 12

Matusadona National Park to Victoria Falls – Departure

Trip Highlights

  • Watch elephant herds quarrel around the frazzled waterholes of Hwange National Park, with hundreds of them in your single view
  • Easily find the predators in Zimbabwe’s iconic parks, the short grass failing to hide lions, leopards, cheetahs, and other carnivores
  • Admire black and white rhinos in Matusadona National Park, the often bashful creatures emerging from parched bushes
  • Savor the enhanced intimacy of Mana Pools National Park as you canoe into the narrow river channels that are packed with resident game
  • Discover Victoria Falls at the best time of year, the water gushing relentlessly but the spray not sufficient to interrupt great photography
  • Go in search of wild dogs in Zambezi National Park, an iconic animal that makes its den during the dry season months
  • Complement your game drives with journeys on two feet, the dry season months best for walking safaris in Zimbabwe’s three flagship parks
  • Enjoy a Zimbabwe safari at the ultimate time of year, but still, find the parks mostly devoid of other visitors and vehicles
  • Cruise along the Zambezi River at sunset, the idyllic introduction to Zimbabwe’s natural landscapes and surreal atmosphere
  • Lounge along the shores of Lake Kariba in Matusadona National Park, a relaxing final stop on the safari program, perfect for lazy hours as Africa’s giants send out their calls from afar

Starting Price

$10,200 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • In-country transportation
  • Some or all activities and tours
  • Expert trip planning
  • 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

4.9

Verified Traveler Reviews

Based on 543 reviews

Carolyn T.
South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe Trip Review: Wildlife, Local Cuisine, 13-Day Trip

Wow, I ran out of superlatives–fantastic, awesome, amazing. Everything was well organized and the recommended accommodations were all top-notch. The guides were so expert in their field. Every activity was well worth the time. Every meal was delicious.

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Anil M.
South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana Tour Review: 10 Nights

Our first trip to southern Africa was amazing, exceeding all expectations. We saw everything we came to see, and more. The game rides were well structured and safe, the visuals were unbelievable, and taking a side trip to Victoria Falls was a great idea. The accommodations were quite luxurious, despite being considered mid-range. There was always someone there to greet us and guide us at every travel point.

Zicasso's tour operator tailored our itinerary to our wishes and was wonderful to work with. Things couldn’t have gone better.

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Nancy H.
South Africa, Zimbabwe Tour Review: Cape Town, Franschhoek, Wine Tasting, Elephant Experience, River Cruise, Wildlife, Nature, Scenery, 13 Nights

Zicasso's trip planner arranged the most fabulous trip for my family. She knew exactly what I wanted and delivered a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Africa! She always answered my questions promptly. She chose memorable experiences for us, our lodgings were top-notch, and she "kept in touch, behind the scenes," to ensure all elements were going smoothly. I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone planning a trip to Africa!

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LESLIE W.
Rwanda, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique Trip Review: Gorilla Trek, Bush Camps, 3 Weeks

It was very well planned. Zicasso's travel specialist was responsive and flexible in the planning process and throughout the final details.

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Catherine R.
South Africa, Zimbabwe Vacation Review: Safari, 11 Nights

The trip was amazing. Zicasso's trip expert did an awesome job planning the trip. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and exceeded all of our expectations. The “in-country” travel was seamless. Our accommodations and tours were all top-notch. I can‘t thank her enough for planning this awesome experience.

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bonnie A.
South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe: Safari, 13 Nights

The service before, during, and after our trip was totally "white-glove," and there were extra perks that we were surprised with each day of our trip. Zicasso's travel company listened to our goals and met and exceeded every one. We recommend them in every way and will be using them in the future!

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Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist.

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