December in Zimbabwe is a month of abundance and awakening. The rains have returned in earnest, and with them, the bush transforms into a living tapestry of color and sound. The Emerald Season is now in full bloom—a time of flourishing life, newborn animals, and endless skies stitched with clouds and birds. This is not the dusty, high-drama safari of peak season, but something softer, more intimate, and deeply beautiful. It’s Zimbabwe at its most lush and lyrical.

Weather in Zimbabwe in December

Rainfall is a regular feature in December, but it rarely lasts all day. Expect dramatic afternoon or evening storms, often preceded by glowing light and rumbling thunder. The air smells of wet earth and wildflowers, and the heat of the day—usually between 20°C and 30°C (68°F to 86°F)—melts into cool, breezy nights.

The sky becomes part of the landscape—towering clouds during the day, star-filled nights, and long, golden twilights. Humidity can be high, but it’s softened by the vibrant beauty that surrounds you. Everything feels alive again.

Wildlife Viewing: A Time of Birth and Beauty

Game viewing in December is more about subtle encounters and natural rhythms than dense concentrations. The thickening vegetation makes spotting wildlife a bit more challenging, but the rewards are in the detail: a giraffe calf wobbling in the shade of a tall acacia, lion cubs tumbling in the grass, antelope herds dotting the green horizon.

Predators are still active—especially around calving grounds—making December a surprisingly good month for big cat sightings, albeit with more patience required. Elephant herds remain spread out but are often seen enjoying the wet, open plains and newly flowing rivers.

Birdlife is a major highlight. Migratory species fill the air with flashes of color and song, and breeding plumage makes even familiar birds appear brand new. The wetlands of places like the Zambezi Valley and Gonarezhou echo with life and movement.

Where to Go on Safari in December

Hwange National Park remains one of the more accessible and reliable destinations in the rainy season. The park’s diversity of habitats—from open grasslands to teak forests—offers a variety of experiences, even as water becomes widespread.

Gonarezhou National Park, lush and quiet, is a gem in December. The Chilojo Cliffs stand proud over green plains, and the park feels especially wild and untouched. Access may be limited in parts, but for adventurous travelers, the reward is raw beauty and deep solitude.

Many parts of Mana Pools and other remote areas become inaccessible due to flooding or closed roads, so it’s best to check with guides or operators about current conditions.

Victoria Falls in December

December marks the beginning of Victoria Falls’ transformation. As rains continue upstream, the Zambezi River swells, and the Falls begin their climb toward peak flow. While the volume isn’t yet at its maximum, the water cascades with new force, framed by a rainforest thick with vines, ferns, and flowers.

Paths through the park feel enchanted—mist clings to your skin, birds dart between branches, and the roar of the falls begins to grow louder with each passing week. There are fewer crowds, making it an ideal time for reflective exploration.

Scenic flights, boat cruises, and cultural tours are still in full swing, and the surrounding area bursts with energy and warmth during the festive season.

Why Visit Zimbabwe in December?

December is a celebration of life in its purest form. It’s a month of new beginnings—young animals, fresh green shoots, dramatic skies, and the first full pulse of the wet season. The safari experience shifts from high action to quiet awe, from chase scenes to intimate moments of birth, feeding, and play.

If you want to remember the hush of rain on a canvas roof, the surprise of a lion cub peering through the grass, or the shimmering arc of a rainbow rising over Victoria Falls, December in Zimbabwe will write its way into your heart.