Charara Safari Area

Charara Safari Area is a protected area in Zimbabwe.

Charara Safari Area at a Glance

Location
Zambezi Valley & Kariba, Zimbabwe, Southern Africa
Coordinates
-16.549202, 29.179625
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 Charara Safari Area

Nearest airport: Kariba International Airport (KAB), 32 km away.

Nearest international airport: Kariba International Airport (KAB), 32 km away.

Big Five in Charara Safari Area

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

Weather & Climate in Charara Safari Area

The warmest temperatures in Charara Safari Area occur in October, averaging 29.3°C (up to 35.5°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 20.6°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in August with average rainfall of 0.1mm. Average humidity: 35.8%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 24.1°C (rainfall: 321.3mm)
  • February: 24.8°C (rainfall: 148.1mm)
  • March: 25.1°C (rainfall: 59.8mm)
  • April: 24.7°C (rainfall: 35.4mm)
  • May: 22.6°C (rainfall: 3.7mm)
  • June: 20.8°C (rainfall: 2.5mm)
  • July: 20.6°C (rainfall: 0.3mm)
  • August: 23.6°C (rainfall: 0.1mm)
  • September: 27.3°C (rainfall: 0.2mm)
  • October: 29.3°C (rainfall: 7.9mm)
  • November: 29.0°C (rainfall: 58.1mm)
  • December: 27.3°C (rainfall: 127.2mm)

Best Time to Visit Charara Safari Area

The best months to visit Charara Safari Area are May, August, September, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 24.12°C, rainfall 321.3mm, sunshine 9.2 hrs, humidity 77.9%
  • February: Great, temperature 24.76°C, rainfall 148.1mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 73.9%
  • March: Great, temperature 25.15°C, rainfall 59.8mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 65.5%
  • April: Great, temperature 24.67°C, rainfall 35.4mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 56.4%
  • May: Great, temperature 22.64°C, rainfall 3.7mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 48.1%
  • June: Great, temperature 20.76°C, rainfall 2.5mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 46.3%
  • July: Great, temperature 20.56°C, rainfall 0.3mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 41.9%
  • August: Great, temperature 23.63°C, rainfall 0.1mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 35.8%
  • September: Great, temperature 27.33°C, rainfall 0.2mm, sunshine 11.7 hrs, humidity 30.7%
  • October: Great, temperature 29.3°C, rainfall 7.9mm, sunshine 11.6 hrs, humidity 33.4%
  • November: Great, temperature 29°C, rainfall 58.1mm, sunshine 11.4 hrs, humidity 44.6%
  • December: Great, temperature 27.28°C, rainfall 127.2mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 58.4%

Wildlife in Charara Safari Area

Home to 38 recorded species including 11 waterbirds, 6 iconic birds, 5 birds of prey, 4 reptiles, 3 big herbivores, 3 big five.

Recommended Packing List for Charara Safari Area

Based on average temperature of 24.9°C, typical conditions, humidity 51%.

  • Lightweight breathable clothing - warm 25°C weather calls for light fabrics
  • 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 Charara Safari Area

8 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Zambezi Valley & Kariba

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Zimbabwe

Travel advisory for Zimbabwe

Charara Safari Area FAQs

When is the optimal time of year to visit Charara Safari Area for wildlife viewing?

The dry season, typically from May to October, offers the best wildlife viewing opportunities in Charara Safari Area. During these months, animals congregate around dwindling water sources, making them easier to spot, and the sparse vegetation improves visibility. The cooler temperatures also make for more comfortable game drives and walks.

What specific types of wildlife can visitors expect to encounter in Charara Safari Area?

Charara Safari Area is known for its diverse plains game, including impala, kudu, zebra, and wildebeest, often seen grazing near the Zambezi River. While less common, predators like leopard and hyena are present, and lucky visitors might spot elephant herds moving through the riverine forests. Birdlife is also prolific, especially along the water's edge.

Beyond traditional game drives, what unique activities or experiences does Charara Safari Area offer?

Charara Safari Area, being a protected area along the Zambezi, often provides opportunities for boat safaris on the river, offering a different perspective on wildlife and birdlife. Walking safaris are also popular, allowing for an intimate encounter with the bush and its smaller inhabitants, guided by experienced rangers. Its low crowding level ensures a more exclusive and tranquil safari experience.

How accessible is Charara Safari Area, and what are the typical travel arrangements for reaching it?

Charara Safari Area is generally accessed via Kariba, with visitors often flying into Harare and then taking a connecting flight or road transfer to Kariba town. From Kariba, boat transfers across Lake Kariba or 4x4 vehicles are typically arranged by safari operators to reach specific camps within the area. It's advisable to book through a tour operator who can coordinate all logistics.

What kind of accommodation options are available within or near Charara Safari Area, and what is the typical price range?

Accommodation in Charara Safari Area primarily consists of exclusive tented camps and private lodges, offering a more secluded and intimate safari experience due to the area's low crowding. These options generally fall into the mid-range to luxury price brackets, with costs varying significantly based on the season, duration of stay, and included activities. It's recommended to inquire directly with operators for current package deals.

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.