Victoria Falls & Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

To fully enjoy the wildlife-viewing and touring opportunities this expedition offers, guests should be in good general health and fully mobile. A high degree of physical fitness is not required, although the itinerary may include some long days. Activities may require walking and standing unaided on uneven, wet, or slippery surfaces; climbing into and out of safari vehicles, small aircraft, and boats; navigating stairs without handrails; and traveling in open four-wheel-drive vehicles over rough terrain.

Those with specific medical or mobility concerns are encouraged to contact us prior to booking.

August – September | Peak Dry Season

August and September are among the most sought-after months for safari travel in Zimbabwe. Days are typically mild to warm, with cool mornings, clear skies, and very little rainfall. As seasonal water sources dry out across Hwange National Park, wildlife concentrates around pumped waterholes, natural pans, and the Dete Vlei, creating exceptional game viewing conditions. Elephant herds gather in large numbers throughout the region, while thinning vegetation improves visibility across the woodland and open plains.

Victoria Falls continues to flow well during this period, with less spray and more of the rock formations visible as water levels gradually fall, making this an excellent time for photography of the Falls.

October | Hot Season & Dramatic Wildlife Viewing

October marks the end of the dry season and is often considered one of the most intense wildlife viewing periods of the year in Hwange National Park. Temperatures rise significantly across Zimbabwe, with hot afternoons and warm evenings, while wildlife activity increases around permanent water sources as animals move steadily through the concession landscapes and national park interior. Large elephant herds, buffalo, lion, and other predators are commonly seen gathering near waterholes and open vlei systems during this period.

Victoria Falls reaches its lowest annual flow around October, revealing dramatic sections of the basalt gorge and underlying rock formations, though the Zimbabwean side still typically retains visible flow across portions of the Falls.

November – December | Early Green Season

The first rains typically arrive in November, transforming the dry bushveld into fresh green grasslands and renewing seasonal pans across Hwange. Temperatures remain warm, often accompanied by dramatic afternoon clouds and occasional thunderstorms. This transitional season brings excellent photographic conditions, clearer air, and fewer visitors throughout the region.

Birdlife becomes especially active during this time, with migratory species returning across Zimbabwe’s river systems, woodland, and open plains. Young antelope begin appearing throughout Hwange, while the changing light and greener landscapes create a very different safari atmosphere from the peak dry season months.

Victoria Falls typically remains at lower water levels through much of November before seasonal rains upstream gradually begin restoring flow in December, bringing greener landscapes and improving water coverage across the Falls.

A non-refundable prepayment deposit of a minimum 30% of the total Tour cost, along with a completed and signed Terms and Conditions, Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk and Binding Arbitration Agreement (Agreement) are required in order to confirm your reservation. This deposit includes a non-refundable $500 per person booking administration fee. Upon receipt of these forms and your deposit, we will confirm your trip. This Agreement, [the signed Reservation form and the signed Agreement], are all part of your agreement with us. The balance of your Tour cost is due 98 days prior to departure.

As part of the trip confirmation process all adult travelers will be required to execute a document indicating their assent in writing, agreeing to the terms and conditions as set forth below. Bushtracks African Expeditions Inc., d.b.a. Bushtracks Expeditions (“Bushtracks”, “we” or “us”) will provide as part of the reservation process, a document describing the trip and the terms and conditions that apply to the Tour, the itinerary for, and all issues related to the Tour.

Cancellations for all or any part of the Tour will not be effective until received in writing in the offices of Bushtracks. Should you cancel, the following terms will apply: reservation cancellation(s) are subject to loss of deposit, including booking administration fee, from the time of booking through 98 days prior to departure; from 97 through 75 days prior to departure,  50% of the published full regular tariffs; from 74 through 62 days prior to departure, 75% of the published full regular tariffs; cancellations 61 days or less prior to departure, a no-show, or early return from the Tour will result in loss of 100% of the tour price. In addition, applicable airline cancellation or optional excursion cancellation fees may apply.

Your decision not to participate on the Tour due to State Department or Centers for Disease Control advisories or warnings, fear of travel, or for any other reason will be deemed a cancellation. If a flight or other delay for any reason prevents you from joining the Tour on the Tour start date, you will be considered a no-show.  No refunds will be available, but you may join the Tour late if you wish and if feasible to do so.

Click here for our Terms and Conditions.

Minimum 2, maximum 8 guests. Departures not guaranteed below minimum — guests will be offered an alternative date or full refund. 2026 Departure Dates: 9 August, 23 August, 6 September, 4 October, 18 October, 8 November, 6 December. For groups larger than 8 guests, contact us for availability.

What wildlife can I expect to see in Hwange National Park?
Hwange is home to one of the largest elephant populations in Africa, alongside lion, leopard, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, sable antelope, wild dog, and exceptional birdlife. Wildlife concentrates around pumped waterholes and the Dete Vlei during the dry season, making August through October particularly productive for game viewing.

What is the Painted Dog Conservation Centre?
The Painted Dog Conservation Centre near Hwange is dedicated to protecting African wild dogs, one of the continent’s most endangered carnivores. A visit and conservation contribution are included in this Explorer Safari, offering guests direct insight into one of Zimbabwe’s most important wildlife conservation programmes.

Is this safari good for first-time visitors to Zimbabwe?
Yes. This itinerary combines two of Zimbabwe’s most iconic destinations — Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park — into a single well-paced journey with fully managed logistics, expert guiding, and set departures. It is specifically designed to make Zimbabwe safari travel approachable for first-time visitors.

Do I need to fly between destinations?
Yes — a shared charter flight between Victoria Falls and Hwange is included in your Explorer Safari. This scenic flight takes approximately 45 minutes and offers aerial views across Zimbabwe’s river systems and woodland before landing within the Hwange safari region.

Where does this safari start and end?
This safari begins and ends at Victoria Falls International Airport, Zimbabwe (VFA), making international flight planning straightforward. Both arrival and departure use the same airport, so there is no need to position between cities. International flights to and from Victoria Falls are not included in the Explorer Safari price.

How do I get from Victoria Falls to Hwange National Park?
Travel between Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park is fully arranged and included in your Explorer Safari. A shared charter flight connects Victoria Falls with the Hwange airstrip, with road transfers between the airstrip and Iganyana Tented Camp included. The flight takes approximately 45 minutes and offers aerial views across Zimbabwe’s river systems and woodland.