Home / Cheapest Time to Fly to Zimbabwe
Flying to Zimbabwe sounds like a dream. Whether you’re heading there to see the majestic Victoria Falls, explore wildlife in Hwange National Park, or visit family and friends, getting a good flight deal can make the holiday feel even better. But when exactly is the cheapest time to go?
We’ll look at months, seasons, weather, demand, holidays, and some secret tricks airlines don’t tell you.
Before we discuss prices, let’s discuss Zimbabwe’s weather. It plays a considerable role in flight costs.
Zimbabwe has two main seasons:
| Season | Months | Weather |
| Dry Season | May to October | Cool mornings, warm days, no rain |
| Wet Season | November to April | Hot, humid, with rainfall |
Flights are usually cheaper in the wet season because fewer people want to travel when it’s rainy. So airlines lower prices to fill up seats.
If you’re looking for rock-bottom fares, fly when most people don’t.
May is often the cheapest month to fly from the UK to Zimbabwe. It falls right between the Easter rush and the busy safari season. Fewer people are flying, and airlines drop prices to fill seats. Plus, the weather is dry and comfortable, perfect for travel without crowds.
April can also bring some terrific deals. It’s part of the shoulder season, which means it’s between high and low tourist times. The rain slows, the skies clear up, and flight prices haven’t climbed yet. If you’re lucky, you might find last-minute offers too.
November is the sneaky-cheap month. It’s when the rains start again, and tourists stay away. But for budget travellers, this is gold. Flights cost less, and even hotels slash their prices. Just pack for wet weather and enjoy Zimbabwe without the usual rush.
Sometimes, a ticket to Zimbabwe can cost twice as much as usual. If you’re trying to stick to a budget, these are the months and dates you might want to avoid, unless you really have to travel.
December is beautiful in Zimbabwe, but it’s also one of the priciest times to fly. Why? Because people are heading home for Christmas. International families and tourists all jump on flights. Airlines know this, and they raise prices, especially from mid-December through the first week of January.
Zimbabwe’s dry season runs from May to October, but July and August are the hottest months for safari tourists. The animals are easier to spot, the weather is crisp and cool, and tourists from around the world plan their getaway around this time. That’s great for adventure, but not great for your wallet. Flight prices spike. So do accommodation rates, park fees, and tour prices.
Easter doesn’t always fall in the same month. Sometimes it lands in March. Other times, April. And although both months can be cheap for flights most of the time, Easter changes the game. During Easter week, families travel, airlines fill up, and prices rise. Even weekend flights get expensive. If you plan to fly around that time, check the Easter calendar first and try to shift your plans.
Let’s discuss something not many people notice: the day you fly and the day you book your ticket matter, too.
Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often cheaper, and Saturdays can be less expensive than Fridays or Sundays.
Book your flight on a Monday or Tuesday evening and avoid booking on weekends as prices are higher.
Flying at certain times of the day can also make a big difference in how much you pay for your ticket. Flights that leave early in the morning or late at night (red-eye flights) are usually cheaper. Not many people enjoy waking up at 4 a.m. to catch a flight, or arriving somewhere at midnight, so airlines often lower the prices for those time slots to fill the seats.
Sometimes, flights to Zimbabwe are cheaper if you fly into a nearby country first, like:
Then, take a budget flight to Zimbabwe. This is called “splitting your trip” or “self-connecting.” Many savvy travellers do it to save hundreds.
Many different things can change how much your flight to Zimbabwe will cost. And sometimes, it’s not just about when you book. For example, when kids are out of school and families go on holiday. The best time to see animals in Zimbabwe is during safari season, so flights get more expensive. Another thing people don’t always think about is fuel prices. When gas prices go up, airline tickets often get more expensive too.
Even strikes at the airport or significant events happening in the country can make flights cost more or delay them. And don’t forget airport taxes; some airports just charge more to use, which gets added to your ticket without you noticing. So, if you want to save money, it helps to know all these little things. The more you understand what affects ticket prices, the easier to book smart and fly cheaply.
Not always, but usually, yes. Booking your ticket 2 to 3 months in advance can help you find better prices. But don’t book too early (like 8 to 10 months ahead) because prices sometimes start high and drop later.
They usually are. Since more tourists fly in during that time, demand goes up, and so do ticket prices.
Sometimes. For example, flying into Johannesburg (South Africa) and taking a connecting flight to Zimbabwe can be cheaper than flying straight to Harare. But it depends on the time of year and deals available.
Definitely, budget airlines or lesser-known carriers often offer cheaper flights, but they might have longer layovers or fewer perks. You can save a lot if you’re okay with basic services and some waiting time.
