Hwange National Park is one of Africa’s finest havens for wildlife and is home to vast herds of elephant, buffalo, zebra and has a very large concentration of giraffe. It is also home to many predators and endangered species plus very large and varied birdlife. Home to a large mammal population and one of the highest concentrations of bird species in the country
BACKGROUND :
Hwange National Park (formerly Wankie Game Reserve) is Zimbabwe’s largest National Park, accounting for an area of 14,651km² being approximately half the size of Belgium. It is located in the northwest corner of the country about two hours south of the mighty Victoria Falls. These sub-tropical thorn and sand flats on the edge of the Kalahari Desert, were once home to the nomadic San (bushmen) who lived off the land and feasted on great herds of migrating game. Hwange was founded around 1928 as a game reserve by a 22-year-old game ranger, “Ted Davidson”, it did not become a national park until 1961. They were displaced by stronger African tribes, who in turn had their day. Chief Hwange of the Rozi tribe was ousted by the Ndebele led by King Mzilikazi, and his lands taken over as a royal hunting ground.
The Park hosts 105 mammal species, including 19 large herbivores and eight large carnivores. As well as over 400 bird species. All Zimbabwe’s specially protected animals are to be found in Hwange and it is the only protected area where gemsbok and brown hyena occur in reasonable numbers. The population of African painted dogs to be found in Hwange is thought to be of one of the largest surviving groups in Africa today. Elephants have been enormously successful in Hwange and the population has increased too far above that naturally supported by such an area.
Northern and southern Hwange can be linked by a game drive across the Park that can easily turn into an all day adventure or via rail car – The Elephant Express. Along the north eastern boundary of Hwange is the railway line built just after the turn of the last century that crosses the bridge at Victoria Falls. Hwange’s first warden arrived by train, and today it is still a feature.
Hwange’s waterholes are famous and during the dry season months from June to November all of our wildlife including our magnificent elephant flock to them in a daily cycle that runs from morning until well into the night. Whether you enjoy the spectacle sitting under a tree, or on one of our all day Pump Runs or from our signature underground Look Up blinds, the photography options are endless.
WHY TOUR HWANGE NATIONAL PARK?
1. Abundant Wildlife
Hwange National Park has over 100 mammal and 400 bird species within its borders. It is Zimbabwe’s largest national park boasting a diverse landscape that ranges from dense teak forest to open grassy savannah and scarce plains. A game drive in this extensive wildlife playground gives a visitor a thrilling sneak peek into the wildest Africa. From gracious zebras to impressive elephants, there is always something to see in Hwange.
2. African Wild Dog
Hwange is one of the remaining places to see the now rare African wild dog. These wild animals, with big, round ears and spotty coats are highly endangered, and seeing them in the wild is simply a privileged occasion. It is estimated that a mere 3,800 – 5,000 remain at large in the wild in all of Africa. The African Painted Dog population in Zimbabwe is one of the last strongholds of this species.
3. Authentic Experience
Hwange, despite being Zimbabwe’s largest national park, is still more genuinely wild and delivers a more remote and authentic African safari experience. With an array of camps and lodges to choose from, you’ll also find the perfect accommodation solution to suit your needs.
4. Adventure Nearby
Hwange, while being remote and secluded, is still close enough to some of Zimbabwe’s most incredible attractions, that you’ll easily run out of hours in the day with which you can experience it all. Situated on the main road between Bulawayo and the World Wonder of the Victoria Fall, you’ll be able to find something incredible to do before and after your game drives in the Park.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Getting there
By Air
Some of the lodges in the park have airstrips, making it easy for smaller aircraft to land here. Charter flights are the thus the primary mode of arrival and departure, usually from either Victoria Falls or Bulawayo (depending on your previous location). The park is also accessible via a tar road from, but as some parts of the park are harder to access a 4×4 is usually used, especially during the rainy season as the gravel roads can turn muddy and deep dongas can form.
Weather & Best Time To Visit
Spotting wildlife in Hwange, like most parks on the continent, is best in the dry season. The dry in Hwange is at its peak from late June – October. The dry season makes it easy to spot animals in the bush as they concentrate around sources of water. Water is a precious resource in Hwange as the large majority of water holes are managed by pumps year round to help maintain the animal population.
December to March is the rainy season. Rains begin to fall in November and by December most wildlife disperses in the park with increasing foliage providing greater camouflage. There is a brief shoulder season in May before the peak season arrives in June. It is an anomaly in comparison to the rest of Zimbabwe as tourism in the park is in high demand and many of the lodges fill up completely during peak season.
Medical Considerations
Hwange National Park is situated within a high malaria risk area, and anti-malaria safeguards ought to be consulted with your personal medical practitioner when you are scheduling your tour to Southern Africa. Further than that, make sure that all your regular vaccinations are up to date.
Health & Safety
Hwange National Park is not bustling park and visitor numbers are low. It’s isolation from any urban centre of note makes the park secure and safe from petty crime. Crime of any nature is a very rare occurrence, however appropriate action may be taken should you sense the need to secure your valuables.
ACTIVITIES
Hwange National Park is not bustling park and visitor numbers are low. It’s isolation from any urban centre of note makes the park secure and safe from petty crime. Crime of any nature is a very rare occurrence, however appropriate action may be taken should you sense the need to secure your valuables.
Game Drive
On your game drive you will encounter the Big 5, that roam freely through the park and surrounding concessions. Covering around 14 650 square km, there are over 100 mammal species to be seen, making Hwange National Park a popular destination for animal lovers. Also worth noting is the park’s status as home to one of the world’s largest herds of elephants, which is reason enough to include this experience on any Hwange itinerary.
Bird Watching
As if the abundance of wildlife in Hwange wasn’t enough of a reason to visit, there are almost 400 different species of birds that can be found in the National Park – making it a twitchers’ paradise! Make sure to keep your eyes directed at the sky and towards the treetops while you’re on a game drive so that you don’t miss out on an incredible opportunity to tick some awe-inspiring bird species off your list.
Victoria Falls Day Trip
Luckily, visitors can take a day trip to visit the World Wonder that is the Victoria Falls. Not only are the Falls and their surroundings incredibly beautiful, but they also offer a range of activities to enjoy that include helicopter trips over the Falls, daredevil bungee jumping from Victoria Falls Bridge, and other memorable encounters.
Sleep Out Deck
Sleep out deck at some private concession in the Hwange National Park offers all the creature comforts of the main lodge, and it situated overlooking a busy waterhole. Guests are escorted from the main lodge at dusk to spend a magical night under the Milky Way. Do not worry about setting an alarm as the rising sun, or trumpeting elephants, are sure to wake you after a fantastic night of sleep under the stars.
Walking Safari
Hwange National Park offers walking safaris that showcase the best of Hwange National Park and its surrounding fenceless concession. Guides enable guests to experience an intimate bush and enlighten visitor on the intricacies of tracking animal footprints and the endemic plants of Hwange National Park.
Watering Hole Sundowner
The sunsets in Zimbabwe are warm, golden and beautiful – no two are ever the same – and what better way to enjoy them than by having your own private sundowner at either the lodge’s main watering hole or in the heart of the open bush. As the light slowly fades, watch a wide variety of game come down to drink while sipping a refreshing cocktail until a blanket of stars lights up the sky above.
Village Tour
In an attempt to empower the local villages in the Hwange District, steps have been taken to turn local villages into tourist destinations. Visitors to the region can visit traditional homesteads to learn about the local people and their unique cultures. Village markets offer locals the chance to sell their arts and crafts, which not only ensures that local traditional crafts do not die out, but enables locals to turn their skill into an activity that empowers them to support their families.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is malaria prevalent in this area?
Yes – it is highly recommended to discuss safeguards with your physician prior to your travels to Hwange.
How many elephants are there in Hwange?
Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe is home to one of the largest elephant populations in Africa. There are an estimated population of 44,000 elephants.
How many man-made waterholes are there?
There are 66 man-made water holes in Hwange and were introduced to sustain the animals through the dry season.
Is the park accessible year-round?
While the park itself is open year-round, some roads are sealed-off during the rainy season.
What is the nearest town?
The nearest town is also known as ‘Hwange’. Hwange town is principally driven by coal mining activities.
Are night drives permitted in the park?
Night drives are only available and allowed in private concessions.
Are any conversation or research projects conducted in the park?
Yes, the Painted Dog Project and the National Leopard Project.
Blog Articles
- Introducing Africa’s Small Five
March 4, 2020 - A pangolin sighting in the wild after a 53-year search
January 31, 2020 - How the zebra got its stripes?
January 6, 2020 - Cruising Caprivi
November 30, 2019 - Why you need to go on an African safari at least once...
October 28, 2019 - 11 things you might not have known about the spotted...
September 28, 2019
Related Tours
CODE: ZW23
From: 2 899 USD Per Person Sharing
7 DAY HWANGE & VIC FALLS ADVENTURE
This fantastic tour kicks-off at the Zambezi powerful waters that cut a vast gorge into a flat plateau to form the breath-taking roaring Victoria Falls and ends with a safari in Hwange National Park where …
7 days
CODE: ZW14
From: 3 212 USD Per Person Sharing
4 DAY DISCOVERY MANA POOLS
Discover the Mana Pools National Park on this 4-day Zimbabwe safari tour where you will spend your days outdoors and your nights on game drives and in tented accommodation. The tented accommodation is located on …
4 days
CODE: AF26
From: 67 845 Rands Per Person Sharing
12 DAY SOUTHERN AFRICAN VOYAGE
This twelve-day tour is truly spent on audacious activities found throughout Southern Africa. Adrenalin activities undertaken are the climb to the top of Table Mountain, cage dive with great white sharks and white water rafting …
12 days