Antelope Game Park

Antelope Game Park is a protected area in Zimbabwe.

Antelope Game Park at a Glance

Location
Central Highveld, Zimbabwe, Southern Africa
Coordinates
-19.503855, 29.712519
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
May to October (dry season) for game viewing. February to May for Victoria Falls at peak flow.

Getting to Antelope Game Park

Nearest airport: Gweru, 6 km away.

Nearest international airport: Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport (BUQ), 127 km away.

Big Five in Antelope Game Park

3 of the Big Five can be found here: Lion, Leopard Tortoise, African Buffalo.

Weather & Climate in Antelope Game Park

The warmest temperatures in Antelope Game Park occur in November, averaging 22.6°C (up to 29.1°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 13.9°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in May with average rainfall of 1.5mm. Average humidity: 57.2%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 20.2°C (rainfall: 199.3mm)
  • February: 20.4°C (rainfall: 127.8mm)
  • March: 20.2°C (rainfall: 24.4mm)
  • April: 18.8°C (rainfall: 22.4mm)
  • May: 16.6°C (rainfall: 1.5mm)
  • June: 14.2°C (rainfall: 4.3mm)
  • July: 13.9°C (rainfall: 1.9mm)
  • August: 17.1°C (rainfall: 1.6mm)
  • September: 20.5°C (rainfall: 1.9mm)
  • October: 22.1°C (rainfall: 21.1mm)
  • November: 22.6°C (rainfall: 81.4mm)
  • December: 21.7°C (rainfall: 174.9mm)

Best Time to Visit Antelope Game Park

The best months to visit Antelope Game Park are March, April, May, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 20.21°C, rainfall 199.3mm, sunshine 9.5 hrs, humidity 78%
  • February: Good, temperature 20.44°C, rainfall 127.8mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 74.9%
  • March: Great, temperature 20.16°C, rainfall 24.4mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 68.9%
  • April: Great, temperature 18.83°C, rainfall 22.4mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 65%
  • May: Great, temperature 16.59°C, rainfall 1.5mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 57.2%
  • June: Good, temperature 14.22°C, rainfall 4.3mm, sunshine 9.6 hrs, humidity 58.1%
  • July: Great, temperature 13.93°C, rainfall 1.9mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 51.7%
  • August: Great, temperature 17.09°C, rainfall 1.6mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 46.3%
  • September: Great, temperature 20.51°C, rainfall 1.9mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 43.7%
  • October: Great, temperature 22.1°C, rainfall 21.1mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 48.3%
  • November: Great, temperature 22.55°C, rainfall 81.4mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 57.3%
  • December: Good, temperature 21.66°C, rainfall 174.9mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 68.9%

Wildlife in Antelope Game Park

Home to 20 recorded species including 3 waterbirds, 3 iconic birds, 3 birds of prey, 3 big five, 3 reptiles, 2 big herbivores.

Recommended Packing List for Antelope Game Park

Based on average temperature of 19.0°C, typical conditions, humidity 60%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 19°C weather
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Antelope Game Park

12 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Central Highveld

Visitor Tips - Antelope Game Park

We love Antelope Game Park for its unique lion interaction experiences, offering a chance to walk with these magnificent predators. The sheer abundance of plains game and the intimate feel of the bush make it a truly memorable destination.

Gate Times

The main entrance gates to Antelope Game Park typically open at sunrise and close at sunset. We recommend confirming exact times with your lodge in advance, as these can sometimes vary. No specific advance booking is required for park entry itself, but accommodation bookings are essential, especially during the peak dry season.

Tipping

Tipping is customary and appreciated in Zimbabwe. For guides and camp staff, we suggest around $10-20 per guest per day, pooled and distributed by management. For rangers on walking safaris, a smaller tip of $5-10 per day is appropriate. It's best to give tips in US dollars in an envelope at the end of your stay.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Zimbabwe

Travel advisory for Zimbabwe

Antelope Game Park FAQs

What unique wildlife encounters can I expect at Antelope Game Park?

Antelope Game Park is renowned for its diverse plains game and offers a more intimate safari experience compared to larger national parks. Visitors can often enjoy close encounters with species like giraffe, zebra, various antelope, and sometimes even participate in guided interactions with rehabilitated predators, contributing to their conservation.

When is the optimal time to visit Antelope Game Park for wildlife viewing and activities?

The dry season, from May to October, is generally the best time to visit Antelope Game Park as wildlife congregates around water sources, making sightings more frequent and predictable. The cooler, drier weather during these months also makes guided bush walks and other outdoor activities more comfortable and enjoyable.

Beyond standard game drives, what unique activities does Antelope Game Park offer for visitors?

Antelope Game Park distinguishes itself by offering unique interactive experiences such as guided lion walks or cheetah encounters, providing an educational insight into predator conservation. Additionally, visitors can enjoy guided bush walks to explore the smaller flora and fauna, or participate in night drives for a chance to spot nocturnal animals.

What specific safety precautions should I consider when participating in activities at Antelope Game Park?

While general safari safety applies, visitors engaging in unique activities like lion walks or bush walks at Antelope Game Park should always follow their experienced guide's instructions precisely. It's also advisable to wear appropriate closed-toe footwear, bring sun protection, and stay hydrated, especially during warmer periods.

What are the typical accommodation options and cost considerations for visiting Antelope Game Park?

Antelope Game Park offers a range of accommodation options, from comfortable lodges to tented camps, catering to various budgets, often including meals and some activities in the package. Daily park entrance fees are separate and contribute directly to the park's conservation efforts, so it's wise to budget for these in addition to your chosen accommodation.

Recommended Books

  • Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight by Alexandra Fuller - Raw and unflinching memoir of growing up in Rhodesia/Zimbabwe during the civil war. One of the most honest accounts of life in southern Africa.
  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • Lonely Planet Botswana & Namibia by Lonely Planet - Covers the Okavango Delta, Chobe, Etosha, Sossusvlei, and the Skeleton Coast. Essential for self-drive safaris through two of southern Africa's wildest destinations.
  • Lonely Planet Zambia & Mozambique by Lonely Planet - From Victoria Falls and South Luangwa to Mozambique's pristine coastline. Practical advice for two of Africa's most rewarding off-the-beaten-path destinations.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • Lonely Planet Southern Africa by Lonely Planet - Covers South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. Practical planning information with detailed park and city guides.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Bradt Guide: Zimbabwe by Paul Murray - The most detailed guide to Zimbabwe including Hwange, Mana Pools, Matobo Hills, and Victoria Falls. Written by a Zimbabwe specialist with decades of experience.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Roberts Bird Guide by Hugh Chittenden, Greg Davies & Ingrid Weiersbye - Comprehensive southern African bird guide covering 960+ species with detailed range maps and illustrations. The birder's bible for safaris in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Sasol Birds of Southern Africa by Ian Sinclair, Phil Hockey & Warwick Tarboton - The southern Africa birding bible. Covers over 950 species with detailed illustrations, distribution maps, and habitat notes. The most trusted bird field guide for South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.