Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest and most wildlife-rich reserve, covering over 14,600 km² of woodland, grassland, and seasonal pans. Known for its massive elephant herds, Hwange is home to over 45,000 elephants, as well as lions, leopards, and a thriving population of other predators and herbivores. The park offers exceptional game viewing, particularly during the dry season when wildlife congregates around its network of man-made waterholes.

 

Attractions

• Ngamo Plains – A prime wildlife area in the southeast of the park, where large herds of antelope attract predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas.

• The Waterholes – Hwange is famous for its pumped waterholes, sustaining wildlife during the dry season. These spots provide some of the best game-viewing opportunities.

• The Painted Dog Conservation Centre – A research and rehabilitation project for endangered African wild dogs, offering insights into their behaviour and conservation efforts.

• The Wilderness Areas – Remote sections of the park, such as Robo and Sinamatella, offer a more exclusive safari experience with fewer crowds and diverse landscapes.

 

Major Reserves

Hwange National Park is the centrepiece of a larger conservation network, with surrounding reserves and corridors enhancing its biodiversity:

• Hwange Private Concessions – Several private concessions within the park offer exclusive game viewing, walking safaris, and night drives unavailable in the main park.

• Zambezi National Park – Located to the north near Victoria Falls, this park serves as an important migration corridor for Hwange’s elephants and other wildlife.

• Kalahari Sandveld Corridor – A vast ecosystem extending into Botswana, crucial for the seasonal movements of Hwange’s wildlife.

 

Wildlife

Hwange is one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations, home to:

• Elephants – One of the largest elephant populations in Africa, with herds gathering in their thousands during the dry season.

• Predators – Lions, leopards, cheetahs, spotted hyenas, and a strong population of African wild dogs.

• Buffalo & Antelope – Large herds of buffalo, sable, roan, eland, kudu, and waterbuck.

• Birdlife – Over 400 species, including raptors, vultures, and colourful rollers.

 

Activities

• Game Drives – Morning and afternoon drives provide excellent opportunities to see Hwange’s diverse wildlife.

• Walking Safaris – Led by expert guides, walking safaris offer an up-close experience of the bush.

• Night Drives – Available in private concessions, offering a chance to see nocturnal wildlife.

• Photographic Hides – Several lodges have waterhole hides for close-up photography of elephants, big cats, and other animals.

 

Accommodation

Hwange offers a range of accommodation options:

• Luxury Safari Lodges – Exclusive lodges with private waterholes, expert guides, and all-inclusive safari experiences.

• Mid-Range Lodges & Camps – Comfortable tented camps and lodges with guided safaris and excellent access to wildlife.

• Budget Camps & Guesthouses – Affordable self-catering camps and basic lodges within the park.

• Camping & Self-Drive Options – Designated campsites for self-drive visitors, including serviced and unfenced wilderness camps.

 

Getting There

• By Air – Hwange has several airstrips for charter flights from Victoria Falls or Harare.

• By Road – The park is a two-hour drive from Victoria Falls, with good access via tarred and gravel roads.

 

Best Time to Visit

• Dry Season (May–October) – The best game viewing, as animals gather around waterholes. September and October are peak months for predator activity.

• Green Season (November–April) – Lush landscapes, dramatic skies, and excellent birdwatching, though some areas may be harder to access.

 

Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s ultimate safari destination, offering incredible wildlife sightings, diverse landscapes, and an authentic bush experience.