Umfurudzi National Park

Umfurudzi National Park is a protected area in Zimbabwe.

Umfurudzi National Park at a Glance

Location
Central Highveld, Zimbabwe, Southern Africa
Coordinates
-17.016226, 31.847569
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very 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 Umfurudzi National Park

Nearest airport: Disused Airstrip Hippo Pools, 7 km away.

Nearest international airport: Kariba International Airport (KAB), 320 km away.

Big Five in Umfurudzi National Park

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

Weather & Climate in Umfurudzi National Park

The warmest temperatures in Umfurudzi National Park occur in November, averaging 26.3°C (up to 32.9°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 17.9°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in September with average rainfall of 0.4mm. Average humidity: 42.5%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 22.8°C (rainfall: 279.8mm)
  • February: 23.4°C (rainfall: 162.7mm)
  • March: 23.6°C (rainfall: 45.0mm)
  • April: 22.8°C (rainfall: 19.9mm)
  • May: 20.4°C (rainfall: 4.2mm)
  • June: 18.5°C (rainfall: 4.3mm)
  • July: 17.9°C (rainfall: 1.2mm)
  • August: 20.4°C (rainfall: 0.6mm)
  • September: 23.6°C (rainfall: 0.4mm)
  • October: 25.7°C (rainfall: 16.6mm)
  • November: 26.3°C (rainfall: 64.1mm)
  • December: 25.2°C (rainfall: 146.5mm)

Best Time to Visit Umfurudzi National Park

The best months to visit Umfurudzi National Park are September, October, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 22.82°C, rainfall 279.8mm, sunshine 9.2 hrs, humidity 80.9%
  • February: Good, temperature 23.45°C, rainfall 162.7mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 76.5%
  • March: Great, temperature 23.63°C, rainfall 45mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 67.8%
  • April: Great, temperature 22.79°C, rainfall 19.9mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 61.1%
  • May: Great, temperature 20.39°C, rainfall 4.2mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 54.9%
  • June: Great, temperature 18.51°C, rainfall 4.3mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 53.8%
  • July: Great, temperature 17.91°C, rainfall 1.2mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 51.1%
  • August: Great, temperature 20.45°C, rainfall 0.6mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 46.9%
  • September: Great, temperature 23.57°C, rainfall 0.4mm, sunshine 11.5 hrs, humidity 42.5%
  • October: Great, temperature 25.69°C, rainfall 16.6mm, sunshine 11.4 hrs, humidity 44.7%
  • November: Great, temperature 26.27°C, rainfall 64.1mm, sunshine 11.5 hrs, humidity 52.7%
  • December: Great, temperature 25.23°C, rainfall 146.5mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 63.9%

Wildlife in Umfurudzi National Park

Home to 18 recorded species including 4 iconic birds, 3 waterbirds, 3 birds of prey, 3 reptiles, 2 big five, 1 primates.

Recommended Packing List for Umfurudzi National Park

Based on average temperature of 22.6°C, typical conditions, humidity 58%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 23°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 Umfurudzi National Park

2 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Central Highveld

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Zimbabwe

Travel advisory for Zimbabwe

Umfurudzi National Park FAQs

What kind of safari experience can I expect at Umfurudzi National Park, given its low crowding level?

Umfurudzi offers a remarkably tranquil and intimate safari experience, far removed from the bustling crowds of more popular parks. You can anticipate unhurried game drives and a profound sense of wilderness, often feeling like you have the park entirely to yourself, allowing for exceptional, undisturbed wildlife viewing.

What specific wildlife can I hope to see during a safari in Umfurudzi National Park?

Umfurudzi is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including four of the "Big Five" – lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo – making for thrilling encounters. Beyond these iconic species, you can also spot giraffe, zebra, various antelope species, and a rich birdlife, all thriving within its varied habitats.

When is the best time of year to visit Umfurudzi National Park for optimal wildlife viewing and weather?

The dry season, typically from May to October, is ideal for visiting Umfurudzi as wildlife congregates around water sources, making them easier to spot. The cooler temperatures and less dense vegetation during these months also enhance game viewing and provide comfortable conditions for exploring the park.

What health and safety precautions should I take when planning a trip to Umfurudzi National Park?

It is advisable to consult your doctor about anti-malarial medication before your trip and take precautions such as using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves in the evenings. Always follow your guide's instructions during game drives and walks to ensure a safe and respectful interaction with the wildlife and environment.

Are there specific activities or unique experiences offered at Umfurudzi National Park beyond standard game drives?

While game drives are a highlight, Umfurudzi also offers opportunities for guided bush walks, allowing for a more immersive experience with the smaller details of the ecosystem. The park's serene environment, due to its low visitor numbers, also makes it an excellent location for birdwatching and photography in undisturbed natural settings.

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.