Railway Farm 37

Railway Farm 37 is a protected area in Zimbabwe.

Railway Farm 37 at a Glance

Location
Hwange & Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Southern Africa
Coordinates
-18.754396, 27.062061
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 Railway Farm 37

Nearest airport: Untshibi Airstrip, 3 km away.

Nearest international airport: Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA), 149 km away.

Big Five in Railway Farm 37

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

Weather & Climate in Railway Farm 37

The warmest temperatures in Railway Farm 37 occur in October, averaging 25.9°C (up to 33.8°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 16.5°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in August with average rainfall of 0.1mm. Average humidity: 38.3%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 22.1°C (rainfall: 237.5mm)
  • February: 23.0°C (rainfall: 148.2mm)
  • March: 22.8°C (rainfall: 56.2mm)
  • April: 21.3°C (rainfall: 18.6mm)
  • May: 18.7°C (rainfall: 0.2mm)
  • June: 16.7°C (rainfall: 1.2mm)
  • July: 16.5°C (rainfall: 0.3mm)
  • August: 20.0°C (rainfall: 0.1mm)
  • September: 23.8°C (rainfall: 0.1mm)
  • October: 25.9°C (rainfall: 8.6mm)
  • November: 25.1°C (rainfall: 60.3mm)
  • December: 23.8°C (rainfall: 170.6mm)

Best Time to Visit Railway Farm 37

The best months to visit Railway Farm 37 are August, September, October, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 22.11°C, rainfall 237.5mm, sunshine 9.7 hrs, humidity 79.8%
  • February: Good, temperature 22.98°C, rainfall 148.2mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 72.6%
  • March: Great, temperature 22.75°C, rainfall 56.2mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 68.5%
  • April: Great, temperature 21.28°C, rainfall 18.6mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 63%
  • May: Great, temperature 18.7°C, rainfall 0.2mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 52.9%
  • June: Great, temperature 16.69°C, rainfall 1.2mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 49.4%
  • July: Great, temperature 16.48°C, rainfall 0.3mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 44.1%
  • August: Great, temperature 19.96°C, rainfall 0.1mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 38.3%
  • September: Great, temperature 23.83°C, rainfall 0.1mm, sunshine 11.7 hrs, humidity 34.5%
  • October: Great, temperature 25.95°C, rainfall 8.6mm, sunshine 11.7 hrs, humidity 37.1%
  • November: Great, temperature 25.09°C, rainfall 60.3mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 56.1%
  • December: Good, temperature 23.83°C, rainfall 170.6mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 69%

Wildlife in Railway Farm 37

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 37

Based on average temperature of 21.6°C, typical conditions, humidity 55%.

  • 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 37

1 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Hwange & Victoria Falls

Visitor Tips - Railway Farm 37

Railway Farm 37 offers an intimate and uncrowded safari experience, allowing for truly personal encounters with the wilderness. We love the feeling of having this vast landscape almost to ourselves, making every sighting feel incredibly special.

Gate Times

Railway Farm 37 is a private concession, so access is typically arranged through your lodge or tour operator. Gates are generally open from sunrise to sunset. It's essential to confirm specific timings and any required entry permits with your accommodation well in advance of your arrival.

Tipping

Tipping is customary and appreciated. For guides and trackers, we recommend around $10-15 per guest per day. Camp staff can be tipped collectively, with $5-10 per guest per day being a good guideline. Rangers, if encountered and they provide exceptional service, can be tipped separately. It's best to hand tips directly to individuals or place them in a designated tip box at the lodge, often given at the end of your stay.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Zimbabwe

Travel advisory for Zimbabwe

Railway Farm 37 FAQs

When is the most rewarding time to visit Railway Farm 37 for prime wildlife viewing?

The dry season, typically from May to October, offers the best wildlife viewing opportunities at Railway Farm 37. Animals congregate around dwindling water sources, making them easier to spot and photograph. This period also provides comfortable, cooler temperatures for game drives.

What specific wildlife species can I realistically hope to encounter during a safari at Railway Farm 37?

Railway Farm 37, as a protected area in Zimbabwe, is home to a diverse array of iconic African wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, various antelope species, and predators like lions and leopards. Due to its less crowded nature, you might experience more intimate and prolonged sightings of these animals in their natural habitat.

What is the general cost expectation for a safari experience at Railway Farm 37, and what typically influences the price?

While specific costs vary, a safari at Railway Farm 37 generally falls within a mid-range budget, offering excellent value for an uncrowded Zimbabwean experience. Prices are primarily influenced by the duration of your stay, the type of accommodation (lodge vs. tented camp), and whether you opt for guided game drives or walking safaris.

Beyond general safari safety, what specific health and safety considerations should I be aware of for Railway Farm 37?

Visitors should consult their doctor about appropriate malaria prophylaxis before traveling, as the region carries a moderate risk. Additionally, always follow your guide's instructions regarding wildlife encounters and remain vigilant, especially during walking safaris, to ensure a safe and respectful experience in this wild environment.

How does the low crowding at Railway Farm 37 enhance the safari experience compared to more frequented parks?

The significantly low crowding at Railway Farm 37 allows for an exceptionally intimate and undisturbed safari experience. You can enjoy uninterrupted wildlife sightings, often without other vehicles present, fostering a deeper connection with nature and providing unparalleled photographic opportunities away from the masses.

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 37

Curated safari packages featuring Railway Farm 37, 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)