Save Valley Conservancy

One of Africa's largest private wildlife conservancies, Save Valley is a critical area for black rhino conservation and boasts a high density of other...

Save Valley Conservancy at a Glance

Location
Southeast Lowveld, Zimbabwe, Southern Africa
Coordinates
-20.452940, 32.062850
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 Save Valley Conservancy

Nearest airport: Murowa, 173 km away.

Nearest international airport: Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport (BUQ), 362 km away.

Big Five in Save Valley Conservancy

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

Weather & Climate in Save Valley Conservancy

The warmest temperatures in Save Valley Conservancy occur in November, averaging 26.7°C (up to 33.3°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 18.2°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in May with average rainfall of 6.6mm. Average humidity: 60.4%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 25.2°C (rainfall: 203.4mm)
  • February: 25.4°C (rainfall: 141.9mm)
  • March: 24.4°C (rainfall: 59.3mm)
  • April: 22.9°C (rainfall: 54.0mm)
  • May: 20.9°C (rainfall: 6.6mm)
  • June: 18.6°C (rainfall: 21.9mm)
  • July: 18.2°C (rainfall: 7.4mm)
  • August: 21.1°C (rainfall: 9.1mm)
  • September: 23.9°C (rainfall: 8.3mm)
  • October: 25.5°C (rainfall: 24.7mm)
  • November: 26.7°C (rainfall: 93.5mm)
  • December: 26.2°C (rainfall: 201.2mm)

Best Time to Visit Save Valley Conservancy

The best months to visit Save Valley Conservancy are August, September, October, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 25.16°C, rainfall 203.4mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 72.2%
  • February: Great, temperature 25.38°C, rainfall 141.9mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 70.1%
  • March: Great, temperature 24.39°C, rainfall 59.3mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 68%
  • April: Great, temperature 22.86°C, rainfall 54mm, sunshine 9.9 hrs, humidity 66.5%
  • May: Great, temperature 20.91°C, rainfall 6.6mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 60.4%
  • June: Great, temperature 18.58°C, rainfall 21.9mm, sunshine 9.4 hrs, humidity 60.6%
  • July: Great, temperature 18.19°C, rainfall 7.4mm, sunshine 9.6 hrs, humidity 56%
  • August: Great, temperature 21.08°C, rainfall 9.1mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 51%
  • September: Great, temperature 23.93°C, rainfall 8.3mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 50.4%
  • October: Great, temperature 25.49°C, rainfall 24.7mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 52.6%
  • November: Great, temperature 26.73°C, rainfall 93.5mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 56.6%
  • December: Good, temperature 26.23°C, rainfall 201.2mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 67.1%

Wildlife in Save Valley Conservancy

Home to 78 recorded species including 28 iconic birds, 19 birds of prey, 10 waterbirds, 5 reptiles, 4 big herbivores, 4 big five.

Recommended Packing List for Save Valley Conservancy

Based on average temperature of 23.2°C, typical conditions, humidity 61%.

  • 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 Save Valley Conservancy

5 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Southeast Lowveld

Visitor Tips - Save Valley Conservancy

Save Valley Conservancy is a true gem, offering an authentic, uncrowded safari experience in one of Africa's largest private wildlife areas. We love the sheer scale of the wilderness and the incredible density of rhino, making every game drive feel like a privileged encounter. The sunsets are sensational, painting the vast skies with fiery hues, and the lodges feel luxurious and timeless, perfectly blending into the landscape.

Gate Times

Typically, gates open at sunrise, around 6:00 AM, and close at sunset, 6:00 PM. We strongly recommend pre-booking your safari and accommodation, as entry is usually restricted to guests of the conservancy's lodges. Always confirm specific times with your lodge, as these can vary slightly seasonally or based on specific activities.

Tipping

Tipping is customary and a meaningful way to show appreciation for excellent service. For your safari guide, we suggest $10-15 per person per day. General camp staff can be tipped collectively, perhaps $5-10 per person per day placed in a communal box. Trackers and rangers, if separate, might receive $5 per person per day. Always tip in USD cash, as local currency can be difficult for staff to exchange.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Zimbabwe

Travel advisory for Zimbabwe

Save Valley Conservancy FAQs

When is the optimal time to visit Save Valley Conservancy for wildlife viewing and what weather can I expect?

The dry season, from May to October, offers the best wildlife viewing as animals congregate around dwindling water sources, making them easier to spot. Expect warm, dry days and cooler nights, especially from June to August, which are ideal for game drives and bush walks.

How does Save Valley Conservancy's private conservation model enhance the safari experience compared to public parks in Zimbabwe?

Save Valley's private status allows for highly exclusive safaris with fewer vehicles per sighting and off-road driving opportunities, which are often restricted in national parks. This focus on low-impact tourism directly supports its critical black rhino conservation efforts, offering a more intimate and impactful wildlife encounter.

What type of accommodation is available within Save Valley Conservancy, and what is the typical price range for a safari?

Accommodation within Save Valley Conservancy typically consists of luxurious, privately-run lodges and tented camps, offering an exclusive experience tailored to discerning travelers. Safari costs generally range from $800 to $1500+ per person per night, often including all meals, game drives, and some conservation levies, reflecting the high-quality and private nature of the conservancy.

Given Save Valley's focus on black rhino conservation, what unique opportunities are there to learn about or encounter these endangered animals?

Visitors to Save Valley often have unparalleled opportunities for close-up black rhino tracking experiences, sometimes on foot with expert anti-poaching units. This direct engagement provides profound insight into the conservancy's vital efforts and the challenges of protecting this critically endangered species.

What specific health and safety precautions should I take when planning a safari to Save Valley Conservancy?

While malaria risk is moderate, it's crucial to consult your doctor about antimalarial medication and use insect repellent diligently, especially at dawn and dusk. Additionally, due to the conservancy's vast and wild nature, always follow your guide's instructions during game drives and bush walks to ensure your safety around wildlife.

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.