Nottingham Estate

Nottingham Estate is a protected area in Zimbabwe.

Nottingham Estate at a Glance

Location
Southern Limpopo Valley, Zimbabwe, Southern Africa
Coordinates
-22.090204, 29.713861
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 Nottingham Estate

Nearest airport: Nottingham Estate Airstrip, 9 km away.

Nearest international airport: Polokwane International Airport (PTG), 197 km away.

Big Five in Nottingham Estate

1 of the Big Five can be found here: Leopard Tortoise.

Weather & Climate in Nottingham Estate

The warmest temperatures in Nottingham Estate occur in November, averaging 27.4°C (up to 33.7°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 17.7°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in July with average rainfall of 1.4mm. Average humidity: 51.6%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 26.7°C (rainfall: 113.5mm)
  • February: 26.2°C (rainfall: 112.4mm)
  • March: 25.5°C (rainfall: 18.8mm)
  • April: 23.5°C (rainfall: 9.1mm)
  • May: 20.9°C (rainfall: 6.1mm)
  • June: 18.2°C (rainfall: 3.0mm)
  • July: 17.7°C (rainfall: 1.4mm)
  • August: 20.5°C (rainfall: 6.6mm)
  • September: 23.6°C (rainfall: 3.0mm)
  • October: 25.5°C (rainfall: 20.6mm)
  • November: 27.4°C (rainfall: 35.8mm)
  • December: 27.1°C (rainfall: 104.0mm)

Best Time to Visit Nottingham Estate

The best months to visit Nottingham Estate are March, September, October, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 26.67°C, rainfall 113.5mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 61.2%
  • February: Great, temperature 26.22°C, rainfall 112.4mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 64.6%
  • March: Great, temperature 25.5°C, rainfall 18.8mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 60.2%
  • April: Great, temperature 23.48°C, rainfall 9.1mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 58.7%
  • May: Great, temperature 20.9°C, rainfall 6.1mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 56.9%
  • June: Great, temperature 18.21°C, rainfall 3mm, sunshine 9.7 hrs, humidity 55.2%
  • July: Great, temperature 17.71°C, rainfall 1.4mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 51.6%
  • August: Great, temperature 20.48°C, rainfall 6.6mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 48.8%
  • September: Great, temperature 23.62°C, rainfall 3mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 46.1%
  • October: Great, temperature 25.52°C, rainfall 20.6mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 47.8%
  • November: Great, temperature 27.43°C, rainfall 35.8mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 50.6%
  • December: Great, temperature 27.11°C, rainfall 104mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 60.8%

Wildlife in Nottingham Estate

Home to 54 recorded species including 17 iconic birds, 14 waterbirds, 11 birds of prey, 4 big herbivores, 3 reptiles, 2 antelope & gazelle.

Recommended Packing List for Nottingham Estate

Based on average temperature of 23.6°C, typical conditions, humidity 55%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 24°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 Nottingham Estate

1 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Southern Limpopo Valley

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Zimbabwe

Travel advisory for Zimbabwe

Nottingham Estate FAQs

When is the best time to visit Nottingham Estate for prime wildlife viewing, and what particular species are highlights in this protected area?

The dry season, typically from May to October, offers the most rewarding wildlife viewing as animals congregate around diminishing water sources. Visitors often have excellent opportunities to spot elusive predators like painted dogs, as well as a diverse array of plains game and impressive birdlife, benefiting from the estate's tranquil environment.

What unique safari activities or experiences can visitors expect at Nottingham Estate, given its reputation for being less crowded?

Nottingham Estate excels in offering intimate and immersive safari experiences. Guests can often enjoy guided walking safaris, allowing for a deeper connection with the bush, alongside traditional game drives and potentially night drives, all enhanced by the minimal vehicle traffic and undisturbed wildlife encounters.

What types of accommodation are typically available within or near Nottingham Estate, and what are the recommended travel logistics for reaching this destination?

Accommodation options often lean towards exclusive, eco-friendly tented camps or private lodges that blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, emphasizing a low-impact footprint. Access is usually via charter flights to a nearby airstrip, followed by a short road transfer, or by road from major hubs, offering a sense of adventure to reach this pristine wilderness.

What is the general cost expectation for a safari at Nottingham Estate, and what unique value does it offer compared to more commercialized parks?

While costs can vary depending on the chosen lodge and duration, Nottingham Estate generally offers exceptional value for an exclusive, uncrowded safari experience. The investment provides unparalleled privacy, personalized service, and undisturbed wildlife viewing opportunities, making it ideal for those seeking a truly authentic and tranquil bush escape.

How does Nottingham Estate contribute to conservation efforts, and what role do visitors play in supporting these initiatives during their stay?

Nottingham Estate is actively involved in vital conservation programs, including anti-poaching patrols and habitat preservation, often in collaboration with local communities. Visitor fees and responsible tourism directly contribute to funding these efforts, ensuring the long-term protection of its unique ecosystem and wildlife populations for future generations.

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.