Safari in Eastern Highlands

Compare Parks in Eastern Highlands

Weather & Climate in Eastern Highlands

The warmest temperatures in Eastern Highlands occur in December, averaging 20.9°C. The coolest conditions are in July at 13.6°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in May with average rainfall of 41.8mm. Average humidity: 77.3%.

Monthly Temperatures

• January: 20.4°C (rainfall: 433.1mm)
• February: 20.5°C (rainfall: 310.6mm)
• March: 19.4°C (rainfall: 243.6mm)
• April: 18.0°C (rainfall: 197.7mm)
• May: 15.9°C (rainfall: 41.8mm)
• June: 14.2°C (rainfall: 116.5mm)
• July: 13.6°C (rainfall: 59.9mm)
• August: 15.4°C (rainfall: 130.6mm)
• September: 17.6°C (rainfall: 97.0mm)
• October: 19.0°C (rainfall: 138.5mm)
• November: 20.4°C (rainfall: 246.1mm)
• December: 20.9°C (rainfall: 438.1mm)

Best Time to Visit Eastern Highlands

The best months to visit Eastern Highlands are January, February, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

• January: Good, temperature 20.4°C, rainfall 433.1mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 85.6%
• February: Good, temperature 20.5°C, rainfall 310.6mm, sunshine 9.9 hrs, humidity 83.8%
• March: Good, temperature 19.4°C, rainfall 243.6mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 83.9%
• April: Good, temperature 18°C, rainfall 197.7mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 82.7%
• May: Good, temperature 15.9°C, rainfall 41.8mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 77.3%
• June: Poor, temperature 14.2°C, rainfall 116.5mm, sunshine 9.2 hrs, humidity 77.7%
• July: Good, temperature 13.6°C, rainfall 59.9mm, sunshine 9.7 hrs, humidity 74.1%
• August: Good, temperature 15.4°C, rainfall 130.6mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 74.1%
• September: Good, temperature 17.6°C, rainfall 97mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 74.4%
• October: Good, temperature 19°C, rainfall 138.5mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 76.9%
• November: Good, temperature 20.4°C, rainfall 246.1mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 79.8%
• December: Good, temperature 20.9°C, rainfall 438.1mm, sunshine 9.6 hrs, humidity 82.5%

Recommended Packing List for Eastern Highlands

Based on average temperature of 17.9°C, typical conditions, humidity 79%.

• Layered clothing - recommended for 18°C temperatures
• Fleece or warm jacket - essential for cool mornings and evenings
• 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

Wildlife in Eastern Highlands

Home to 80 recorded species including 39 iconic birds, 24 birds of prey, 14 waterbirds, 2 tropical birds, 1 reptiles.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Zimbabwe

Travel advisory for Zimbabwe

Eastern Highlands FAQs

What kind of wildlife encounters can I expect in the Eastern Highlands, given its focus on hiking and birdwatching?

Unlike traditional Big Five safaris, the Eastern Highlands offers sightings of unique forest-dwelling species such as samango monkeys, various duiker species, and elusive leopards. It's a prime destination for endemic bird species, making it a birder's paradise rather than a big game viewing area.

When is the optimal time to visit the Eastern Highlands to best enjoy its unique landscapes and activities?

The dry season from May to October is ideal for hiking, offering clearer skies and comfortable temperatures, though waterfalls may have less volume. For lush greenery and spectacular waterfalls at their peak, the rainy season (November to April) is beautiful, but some trails might be muddy.

Besides hiking and birdwatching, what other unique activities or attractions are available in the Eastern Highlands, particularly within its two national parks?

Visitors can enjoy fly-fishing in crystal-clear rivers, explore scenic drives through the Bvumba Mountains, or play golf on picturesque courses like those at Leopard Rock. Nyanga National Park, one of the region's two parks, also offers historical sites and stunning viewpoints like World's View.

How accessible is the Eastern Highlands region, and what is a recommended duration for a comprehensive visit?

The region is best accessed by road, typically a 3-4 hour drive from Harare, with well-maintained routes to major towns like Mutare and Nyanga. We recommend spending 4-5 days to fully explore the diverse areas, including Nyanga, Vumba, and Chimanimani, allowing time for various activities and relaxation.

What types of accommodation are available in the Eastern Highlands, and are there any specific safety considerations for travelers?

Accommodation ranges from charming guesthouses and self-catering cottages to luxurious lodges and hotels, catering to various budgets. The region is generally very safe for tourists, though standard precautions apply, and it's advisable to hike with a guide on less-trafficked trails and be aware of changing mountain weather.

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.