Winter Safari South Africa & Zimbabwe | Top 5 Experiences with Isibindi Africa Lodges

Top 5 Winter Safari Experiences in South Africa & Zimbabwe

Winter in Southern Africa (June to August) offers one of the most rewarding times to experience the wild. With cooler temperatures, fewer mosquitoes, and clear, dry skies, winter safaris are not only more comfortable but also prime for game viewing. If you’re dreaming of a bush escape, two standout destinations to consider are Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge in South Africa’s Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park and Tsowa Safari Island in Zimbabwe’s Zambezi National Park. Here are the top 5 winter safari experiences that await you.

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1. Crisp Morning Game Drives in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, South Africa

At Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge, winter mornings begin with the comforting warmth of a hot drink in hand and the quiet anticipation of a game drive through one of South Africa’s oldest and most storied reserves. As the first light filters through the trees and dew sparkles on the grass, the bush slowly comes to life, a peaceful yet deeply moving experience.
Being located inside the park means early game drives are wonderfully uncrowded, you’ll often be one of just a handful of vehicles in the reserve. With cooler weather and thinning vegetation, wildlife like rhino, elephant, lion, and African wild dog are easier to spot and more active. And truly, there’s nothing quite like sipping fresh coffee while watching the morning mist lift over the rolling hills.

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2. Sunset River Safaris on the Zambezi River

Few safari moments rival the peace of a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. At Tsowa Safari Island, located just 40km upstream from Victoria Falls, guests can enjoy river safaris that glide past hippos, crocodiles, and elephants coming to drink.
Winter sunsets are crystal clear, painting the sky in pinks and golds. Wrapped in a blanket with a warm drink or sundowner in hand, it’s an experience that combines tranquillity and adventure.

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3. Fireside Dining Under the Stars

Winter nights in the bush are cool and atmospheric, making the perfect backdrop for dining under the stars. Both Rhino Ridge and Tsowa Safari Island offer open-air dinners by firelight. At Rhino Ridge, guests enjoy traditional dishes overlooking the Hluhluwe hills, while Tsowa provides island-style dinners with the sounds of the Zambezi wilderness in the background.
These magical evenings highlight the warm hospitality and flavourful cuisine Southern Africa is known for.

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4. Birdwatching in a Winter Wonderland

While many assume summer is best for birding, winter is a secret treasure for birdwatchers. At Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge, the clear air and open bush allow for excellent sightings of raptors, hornbills, and bee-eaters. Over at Tsowa Safari Island, the lush riverine forest and floodplains attract a mix of resident and migratory species, including the elusive African finfoot and Schalow’s turaco.
Birdwatching tours in these locations are a photographer’s dream — so bring your binoculars!

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5. Guided Bush Walks & Island Walks

Winter is the perfect time to slow down and explore on foot. At Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge, expert guides lead bush walks through Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, sharing insight into animal tracks, medicinal plants, and the smaller wonders of the wild.
At Tsowa Safari Island, you can enjoy peaceful guided walks around the island’s interior, rich in birdlife and ancient baobabs. These immersive walking experiences allow you to connect deeply with the landscape in a way that’s not possible from a vehicle.

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Plan Your Winter Safari with Isibindi Africa Lodges

Both Tsowa Safari Island and Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge are part of the Isibindi Africa Lodges collection — a group dedicated to responsible travel, community involvement, and unforgettable experiences. With expert guides, luxurious eco-lodging, and access to some of Southern Africa’s most spectacular wilderness, your winter safari is in excellent hands.

Ready to trade your winter coat for a safari blanket? Explore our winter packages and start planning your journey into the wild journey into the wild.