Zimbabwe's Unique Seasons: Exploring Our Dynamic Climate
Zimbabwe’s seasons are vastly different and it’s important to be prepared for each one. Instead of Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring, we tend to separate our changing months into the “dry season” and the ‘green season”.
Our dry season, which encompasses the prime safari months, typically kicks off in April and stretches through to the middle of November. But as with all things in nature, it’s subject to a bit of year-to-year unpredictability.
In April and May, the scorching heat mellows and the changing tree leaves transform the landscape into a tapestry of golden hues. Days and nights become mild, and the air is clear and crisp. Migrant birds tend to have left by this time, and animal numbers around the waterholes start to increase.
As winter approaches, trees shed their leaves and the nights become chilly. In Hwange, in the middle of winter the temperatures can drop to freezing, and this can linger for the early morning game drives. However, by mid-morning, the winter sun gathers its strength and warms the air pleasantly. The waterholes and pans continue to dry, drawing in all sorts of wildlife, and it’s not too hot for predators to be on the move during the day.
Towards the end of the dry season, in what might be our version of spring, the sun blazes and temperatures can rise dramatically, sometimes reaching the high 40’s. Yet, at least with Hwange being a semi-arid desert, the nights are still cool enough to sleep comfortably. If you can brave the hot days, you can be rewarded with incredible animal sightings. As the pans dry up, sometimes to little more than mere puddles, the wildlife concentration becomes a sight to behold.
Then comes the green season. Just when things seem desperate with muddy water holes and barren trees, the smell of petrichor fills the air promising rejuvenation. The land awakens with bright green foliage on the trees and wildflowers emerging from the once-parched ground. The song of migrant birds returning fills the air with the promise of abundance and new beginnings. The waters of the Zambezi River roar over the Victoria Falls and wildlife flourishes once more.
Inzila Mobile Safaris generally run from April to November, to avoid the rains and ensure our clients have the best chance possible of seeing the incredible wildlife that Hwange has to offer. However, for the bird enthusiasts, green season safaris are definitely an option. Adam, a passionate birder, is always eager to search for those special species with clients willing to dodge the thunderstorms!