A practical guide to planning a trip from Dubai to Mana Pools in Zimbabwe: distance, flights, visas, time difference and the best time to go.
- Approx. air distance
- 5,473 km
- Estimated non-stop flight time
- about 7.5 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 Dubai
We are not aware of confirmed non-stop flights from Dubai to HRE, so most travellers connect once through a Gulf or African hub. Check current schedules. Airlines based in Dubai include Emirates and flydubai.
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 · Abu Dhabi · 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 Dubai to Mana Pools?
A non-stop flight would take about 7.5 hours; add connections and the airport transfer.
Are there direct flights from Dubai?
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 · Emirates media centre – Cape Town third daily service (Jul 2026) · Capital FM – Emirates restores 96% of network (May 2026)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.