Things to Do in Zimbabwe in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Zimbabwe
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Green season transforms the landscape - Victoria Falls reaches peak flow at around 500 million liters (132 million gallons) per minute, creating that massive spray cloud visible from 20 km (12.4 miles) away. The falls are genuinely at their most dramatic right now, though you'll get soaked on viewing points.
- Wildlife viewing hits a sweet spot in early December before the rains fully establish. Animals are still concentrated around permanent water sources, making game drives productive, but the bush is starting to green up which means better photography with actual color instead of that dry-season brown.
- Migratory birds arrive in massive numbers - over 200 species show up for the wet season, including carmine bee-eaters nesting along the Zambezi. If you're into birding at all, December is genuinely world-class here.
- Fewer tourists than peak season (July-October) means lower accommodation rates and you're not fighting crowds at Victoria Falls viewpoints. You can actually get that photo without seventeen people in the background, which matters more than guidebooks admit.
Considerations
- Afternoon thunderstorms are pretty much guaranteed - typically rolling in between 2pm and 5pm, lasting 30-60 minutes with proper downpours. This cuts into your usable daylight hours and can mess with flight schedules at smaller airstrips.
- Heat and humidity combination is intense, especially mid-day when it hits 32°C (90°F) with 70-80% humidity. That's the kind of weather where you'll need to shower twice a day and your camera lens fogs up when you step outside.
- Some remote camps and lodges close for the wet season, particularly in areas like Mana Pools where roads become impassable. Your options are more limited than in dry season, and you'll need to confirm accessibility before booking anything off the main routes.
Best Activities in December
Victoria Falls viewing and activities
December puts the falls at near-maximum flow, creating that iconic spray that rises 400 m (1,312 ft) into the air. The Zambian side actually gives you better views this time of year since the spray is so intense on the Zimbabwe side you can barely see the water. Plan for early morning visits between 7am-9am before the spray builds up too much. The Devil's Pool on the Zambian side closes when water levels get this high, but the sheer power of the falls makes up for it. Expect to get completely drenched even with rain gear - bring a dry bag for electronics.
Hwange National Park game drives
Early December is actually ideal timing before the seasonal pans fill with water and animals disperse. Wildlife is still concentrated around permanent waterholes like Nyamandlovu and Masuma, making sightings more predictable. The vegetation is starting to green up which means elephants are more active and visible. Morning drives (6am-10am) are most productive before afternoon heat and storms roll in. The park covers 14,650 sq km (5,657 sq miles) so you'll want at least 2-3 full days here. Big cat sightings are genuinely good right now - lions and leopards are easier to spot before the grass gets too high.
Mana Pools canoe safaris
The Zambezi is rising but still navigable in early December, offering a completely different perspective on wildlife. Paddling past elephants drinking at the river's edge or watching hippos surface 10 m (33 ft) away is genuinely thrilling. The birdlife is exceptional right now with migrants arriving. Multi-day canoe trails cover 40-60 km (25-37 miles) over 2-4 days, camping on islands in the river. Weather can cut trips short if storms get severe, so build flexibility into your schedule. This is not beginner-level stuff - you need reasonable fitness and comfort with basic camping.
Matobo Hills cultural and wildlife experiences
The granite kopjes and ancient rock art sites are actually better in December's softer light, and the afternoon storms create dramatic photography conditions. The area has significant cultural importance with San Bushmen paintings dating back 13,000 years at sites like Nswatugi Cave. White rhino tracking on foot is the main draw - guides take you within 20-30 m (65-98 ft) of these animals, which is intense. The hills stay cooler than lowland areas, typically 24-26°C (75-79°F) during the day. Cecil Rhodes' grave site at World's View offers 360-degree panoramas that are stunning when storm clouds build up.
Lake Kariba houseboat experiences
December marks the start of prime fishing season as tiger fish become more active with rising water temperatures. The lake covers 5,580 sq km (2,150 sq miles), so you'll have space to find quiet spots away from other boats. Houseboats let you wake up to hippos and elephants on the shoreline, and the sunsets over the water are genuinely spectacular when storm clouds catch the light. Fishing for tiger fish typically picks up in afternoon despite the heat - these fish are aggressive and fight hard. Birdwatching is excellent with fish eagles, herons, and kingfishers everywhere.
Harare cultural sites and markets
The capital is often skipped by tourists rushing to wildlife areas, but December is actually a good time to spend 1-2 days here. The National Gallery has excellent Shona sculpture collections, and the Mbare Musika market gives you a genuine slice of urban Zimbabwean life - though keep your valuables secure and go with a local guide if possible. The Botanical Gardens are at their best right now with everything green and flowering. Afternoon storms actually provide welcome breaks from sightseeing. Avondale Flea Market on weekends has quality crafts and art at better prices than tourist shops near Victoria Falls.
December Events & Festivals
Zimbabwe International Trade Fair
While the main ZITF happens in April, December sees various smaller agricultural shows and markets as the farming season begins. Local communities hold harvest preparation festivals in rural areas, though these aren't organized tourist events. Worth asking your lodge or guide about any local celebrations happening during your visit.
Christmas and New Year celebrations
Urban areas like Harare and Bulawayo have festive markets and events, while lodges and camps often organize special dinners and bush celebrations. Victoria Falls town gets busy with both international tourists and regional visitors from South Africa and Zambia. Some lodges close December 24-26 for staff holidays, so confirm operational dates when booking.