Railway Farm 35

Railway Farm 35 is a protected area in Zimbabwe.

Railway Farm 35 at a Glance

Location
Hwange & Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Southern Africa
Coordinates
-18.813065, 27.138390
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 Railway Farm 35

Nearest airport: Untshibi Airstrip, 12 km away.

Nearest international airport: Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA), 159 km away.

Big Five in Railway Farm 35

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

Weather & Climate in Railway Farm 35

The warmest temperatures in Railway Farm 35 occur in October, averaging 26.6°C (up to 34.2°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 16.9°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in May with average rainfall of 0.1mm. Average humidity: 50.9%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 22.6°C (rainfall: 207.9mm)
  • February: 23.5°C (rainfall: 140.5mm)
  • March: 23.3°C (rainfall: 45.1mm)
  • April: 21.9°C (rainfall: 15.5mm)
  • May: 19.2°C (rainfall: 0.1mm)
  • June: 17.1°C (rainfall: 1.1mm)
  • July: 16.9°C (rainfall: 0.2mm)
  • August: 20.3°C (rainfall: 0.1mm)
  • September: 24.3°C (rainfall: 0.1mm)
  • October: 26.6°C (rainfall: 6.0mm)
  • November: 25.8°C (rainfall: 57.3mm)
  • December: 24.4°C (rainfall: 164.6mm)

Best Time to Visit Railway Farm 35

The best months to visit Railway Farm 35 are August, September, October, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 22.64°C, rainfall 207.9mm, sunshine 9.6 hrs, humidity 77.3%
  • February: Good, temperature 23.54°C, rainfall 140.5mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 70.2%
  • March: Great, temperature 23.27°C, rainfall 45.1mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 66.3%
  • April: Great, temperature 21.85°C, rainfall 15.5mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 60.7%
  • May: Great, temperature 19.24°C, rainfall 0.1mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 50.9%
  • June: Great, temperature 17.11°C, rainfall 1.1mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 48.3%
  • July: Great, temperature 16.92°C, rainfall 0.2mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 42.7%
  • August: Great, temperature 20.33°C, rainfall 0.1mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 37.7%
  • September: Great, temperature 24.3°C, rainfall 0.1mm, sunshine 11.7 hrs, humidity 33.6%
  • October: Great, temperature 26.57°C, rainfall 6mm, sunshine 11.6 hrs, humidity 35.7%
  • November: Great, temperature 25.79°C, rainfall 57.3mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 53.4%
  • December: Great, temperature 24.44°C, rainfall 164.6mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 66.5%

Wildlife in Railway Farm 35

Home to 97 recorded species including 25 birds of prey, 23 iconic birds, 22 waterbirds, 5 big herbivores, 5 antelope & gazelle, 5 tropical birds.

Recommended Packing List for Railway Farm 35

Based on average temperature of 22.2°C, typical conditions, humidity 54%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 22°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 Railway Farm 35

6 safari lodges available.

luxury

ultra-luxury

Similar Parks in Hwange & Victoria Falls

Visitor Tips - Railway Farm 35

Railway Farm 35 offers an intimate and authentic safari experience away from the crowds. We love the feeling of true wilderness here, where the silence is broken only by the sounds of nature. The sunsets are sensational, painting the sky in fiery hues over the vast plains.

Gate Times

Railway Farm 35 is a private concession, so access is typically arranged through your lodge or tour operator. Gates are generally open from sunrise to sunset. It is essential to confirm specific access times and any required permits with your accommodation provider well in advance of your arrival.

Tipping

Tipping is customary and appreciated for excellent service. For guides and trackers, we recommend around $10-15 per guest per day. For camp staff (housekeeping, kitchen, general), a collective tip of $5-10 per guest per day, to be distributed by management, is appropriate. Rangers on anti-poaching patrols are not typically tipped, but a donation to their unit can be made if desired.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Zimbabwe

Travel advisory for Zimbabwe

Railway Farm 35 FAQs

What unique wildlife viewing opportunities does Railway Farm 35 offer compared to larger Zimbabwean parks?

While Railway Farm 35 is a protected area, it's particularly known for its strong populations of plains game like zebra, wildebeest, and various antelope species, which attract predators such as hyenas and leopards. Birdwatching is also exceptional, with numerous raptor species and waterbirds found around its seasonal pans.

When is the best time of year to visit Railway Farm 35 for optimal wildlife viewing and weather conditions?

The dry season, from May to October, is ideal for visiting Railway Farm 35 as wildlife congregates around dwindling water sources, making them easier to spot. The weather during these months is also pleasantly mild with clear skies, perfect for game drives and walks.

Given the moderate malaria risk at Railway Farm 35, what specific health precautions are recommended for visitors?

Visitors to Railway Farm 35 should consult their doctor about appropriate antimalarial prophylaxis before travel. Additionally, it's crucial to use insect repellent containing DEET, wear long sleeves and trousers at dusk and dawn, and sleep under mosquito nets if provided, especially during the wetter months.

How does the relatively low crowding level at Railway Farm 35 enhance the safari experience for visitors?

With a crowding level of 2/5, Railway Farm 35 offers a more intimate and exclusive safari experience, allowing for unhurried wildlife sightings without multiple vehicles vying for position. This often translates to longer, more personal encounters with animals and a greater sense of wilderness immersion.

What are the typical accommodation options and general cost expectations for a safari at Railway Farm 35?

Accommodation within or near Railway Farm 35 typically ranges from comfortable tented camps to rustic lodges, often emphasizing an authentic bush experience rather than luxury resorts. Costs vary widely based on the season and package inclusions, but expect mid-range pricing compared to Zimbabwe's more famous, high-end national parks.

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.

Bookable Safari Packages in Railway Farm 35

Curated safari packages featuring Railway Farm 35, bookable through Safari.com.

  • 3 Day Victoria Falls Fly-in Safari - Waterfalls, Wildlife & River Sunsets: Discover the magic of Victoria Falls on this unforgettable 3-day safari. Fly from Johannesburg to one of Africa’s most iconic destinations, where you’ll explore the falls on a guided tour, enjoy a Zambezi River sunset cruise, and stay at the award-winning Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. Ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. (From $1,412)
  • 4-Day-All-Inclusive Victoria Falls Safari at Elephant Camp - The Elephant Camp is rated one of the top luxury lodges in Zimbabwe, being in close proximity to the Victoria Falls. (From $2,221)
  • 7-Day Safari in Kapama Game Reserve and Victoria Falls - Travel through the Greater Kruger National Park into the Kapama Game Reserve to stay at Kapama River Lodge in a suite with uninterrupted views of this game-rich, big 5, reserve. To the ultra-lux Victoria Falls Safari Club where the luxurious rooms have unspoilt views of the bushveld and spectacular sunsets. (From $4,970)
  • 7-Day Safari Promotion: From Sabi Sands to Victoria Falls - Big Five Safari & Victoria Falls Elegance: From the wild heart of Sabi Sands to the iconic thundering spray of Victoria Falls, this seamless journey offers an unforgettable blend of luxury, wildlife, and natural wonder. (From $8,797)
  • 4 Day Victoria Falls Rovos Rail Journey - Experience a four-day journey through the most scenic areas of Southern Africa starting in Pretoria and ending at the magnificent Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. (From R57,600)
  • 7-Day Madikwe to Vic Falls Luxury Safari - This six-day safari offers the perfect mix of luxury and adventure. Begin with three nights at Jamala Madikwe Royal Safari Lodge in the Madikwe Game Reserve, enjoying opulent accommodation, gourmet dining, and Big Five game drives. Then, head to the Victoria Falls Hotel for three nights by the world’s largest waterfall, with options for guided tours, scenic flights, and river adventures. Experience Africa’s natural wonders in comfort and style for an unforgettable journey. (From $6,163)