Railway Farm 39

Railway Farm 39 is a protected area in Zimbabwe.

Railway Farm 39 at a Glance

Location
Hwange & Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Southern Africa
Coordinates
-18.698889, 26.992330
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 39

Nearest airport: Hwange Main Camp Airfield (CLOSED) (FVMC), 5 km away.

Nearest international airport: Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA), 139 km away.

Big Five in Railway Farm 39

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

Weather & Climate in Railway Farm 39

The warmest temperatures in Railway Farm 39 occur in October, averaging 25.9°C (up to 33.6°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 16.6°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in August with average rainfall of 0.1mm. Average humidity: 37.8%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 22.0°C (rainfall: 221.8mm)
  • February: 22.9°C (rainfall: 136.6mm)
  • March: 22.7°C (rainfall: 61.0mm)
  • April: 21.4°C (rainfall: 15.8mm)
  • May: 18.9°C (rainfall: 0.2mm)
  • June: 16.8°C (rainfall: 1.4mm)
  • July: 16.6°C (rainfall: 0.6mm)
  • August: 20.0°C (rainfall: 0.1mm)
  • September: 23.9°C (rainfall: 0.1mm)
  • October: 25.9°C (rainfall: 8.8mm)
  • November: 25.1°C (rainfall: 57.3mm)
  • December: 23.8°C (rainfall: 164.7mm)

Best Time to Visit Railway Farm 39

The best months to visit Railway Farm 39 are August, September, October, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 22.02°C, rainfall 221.8mm, sunshine 9.6 hrs, humidity 80.1%
  • February: Good, temperature 22.91°C, rainfall 136.6mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 72.7%
  • March: Great, temperature 22.68°C, rainfall 61mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 68.4%
  • April: Great, temperature 21.35°C, rainfall 15.8mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 62.3%
  • May: Great, temperature 18.95°C, rainfall 0.2mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 50.6%
  • June: Great, temperature 16.83°C, rainfall 1.4mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 47.8%
  • July: Great, temperature 16.56°C, rainfall 0.6mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 43.2%
  • August: Great, temperature 20.04°C, rainfall 0.1mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 37.8%
  • September: Great, temperature 23.86°C, rainfall 0.1mm, sunshine 11.7 hrs, humidity 34.3%
  • October: Great, temperature 25.94°C, rainfall 8.8mm, sunshine 11.6 hrs, humidity 36.9%
  • November: Great, temperature 25.08°C, rainfall 57.3mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 55.6%
  • December: Good, temperature 23.8°C, rainfall 164.7mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 68.8%

Wildlife in Railway Farm 39

Home to 97 recorded species including 25 birds of prey, 23 iconic birds, 21 waterbirds, 5 big five, 5 big herbivores, 5 antelope & gazelle.

Recommended Packing List for Railway Farm 39

Based on average temperature of 21.7°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 39

18 safari lodges available.

Other

budget

Similar Parks in Hwange & Victoria Falls

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Zimbabwe

Travel advisory for Zimbabwe

Railway Farm 39 FAQs

What is the best time of year to visit Railway Farm 39 for prime wildlife viewing, and what specific species are commonly sighted?

The dry season, typically from May to October, offers the best wildlife viewing opportunities as animals congregate around dwindling water sources, making them easier to spot. Visitors can frequently encounter elephants, various antelope species, zebras, and with luck, predators like lions and leopards, thriving in this less-trafficked environment.

Given its lower crowding level, what unique safari experiences can visitors expect at Railway Farm 39 that might differ from busier parks?

Due to its 2/5 crowding level, Railway Farm 39 offers a more intimate and exclusive safari experience. Guests often have the opportunity for unhurried wildlife encounters, potentially including guided walking safaris or specialized birdwatching excursions that are less feasible in high-traffic areas.

What are the typical accommodation options and logistical considerations for travelers planning a safari to Railway Farm 39?

Accommodation within or near Railway Farm 39 typically ranges from comfortable tented camps to small, eco-friendly lodges, emphasizing a connection with nature. It's advisable to book well in advance, especially during peak dry season, and arrange transfers from nearby towns or airports as public transport to the park is limited.

Beyond general safari safety, what specific precautions should visitors take regarding health and well-being when exploring Railway Farm 39?

While a moderate malaria risk exists, visitors should also prioritize hydration due to the warm climate and protect themselves from the sun with hats and high-SPF sunscreen. Always follow your guide's instructions, especially during game drives or walks, to ensure safe interactions with wildlife in this natural habitat.

Can you provide an estimate of the typical costs for a multi-day safari at Railway Farm 39, and how accessible is the park for self-drive visitors?

A multi-day safari at Railway Farm 39 generally falls into the mid-range to upper-mid-range budget, depending on the chosen lodge and activities, excluding international flights. While self-drive is possible with a 4x4 vehicle, many visitors opt for guided transfers and game drives due to varying road conditions and the benefit of expert local knowledge.

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.