A practical guide to planning a trip from Abu Dhabi to Mana Pools in Zimbabwe: distance, flights, visas, time difference and the best time to go.
- Approx. air distance
- 5,358 km
- Estimated non-stop flight time
- about 7.4 hours
- Arrival airport
- Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (Harare) (HRE)
- Airport to destination by road
- 6–8 hours approx.
- Time difference
- -2 h
- Local currency
- ZWG
- Best time
- August to October
Flights from Abu Dhabi
We are not aware of confirmed non-stop flights from Abu Dhabi to HRE, so most travellers connect once through a Gulf or African hub. Check current schedules. Airlines based in Abu Dhabi include Etihad Airways and Air Arabia Abu Dhabi.
Visa and entry
Zimbabwe's Department of Immigration accepts visa applications online through its official portal. Requirements depend on nationality, so check the portal before travel. The US dollar is widely used alongside the local currency.
Official e-visa portal for Zimbabwe
A yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required if arriving from a yellow-fever-risk country. Malaria is present throughout the country. Consult a doctor or travel clinic before your trip.
How many days you need
Counting travel days, plan around 7 days in total to enjoy Mana Pools without rushing.
Best time to go
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain | Experience | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 22–32 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| February | 22–32 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| March | 22–32 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| April | 19–31 | some rain | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| May | 15–29 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| June | 12–28 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| July | 12–27 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| August | 15–30 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| September | 20–34 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| October | 24–36 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| November | 24–35 | some rain | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| December | 23–33 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
Mana Pools from other cities: Riyadh · Jeddah · Dammam · Medina · Dubai · Sharjah · Doha · Kuwait City · Manama · Muscat · Amman · Cairo · Beirut · Casablanca
No trips are listed for this destination yet. Send a request and we will check with providers.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the trip from Abu Dhabi to Mana Pools?
A non-stop flight would take about 7.4 hours; add connections and the airport transfer.
Are there direct flights from Abu Dhabi?
Usually you will need one connection.
Do I need a visa for Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe's Department of Immigration accepts visa applications online through its official portal. Requirements depend on nationality, so check the portal before travel. The US dollar is widely used alongside the local currency.
Sources: ZimParks - Mana Pools National Park · UNESCO World Heritage Centre - Mana Pools, Sapi and Chewore · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Kariba (Zambezi valley proxy) · Zimbabwe e-Visa – Department of Immigration · Zimbabwe Tourism Authority · CDC Travelers' Health – Zimbabwe · Etihad news – 20 years of Abu Dhabi–Johannesburg (Jan 2026)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.