Hwange National Park
Why Safari in Hwange National Park?
Hwange is the largest of Zimbabwe’s parks and is a ‘must see’ for any visitor to the country. The park is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, with over 100 species of mammals, including four of Africa’s Big 5 (lion, leopard, buffalo and elephant). During the dry season from July to October large concentrations of wildlife gather around the waterholes and it’s not unusual to see huge herds of elephant and buffalo, numbering in their hundreds, as they seek out the dwindling water supplies. When the rains come between December and March, the park’s dry, dusty plains are refreshed and while the wildlife disperses across the park, it’s a great season for bird watchers.
The park is scenically diverse, with granite hills and forests in the north and drier, open plains in the south, enough of a contrast to consider staying a few nights in each area. Activities include game drives and walks, as well as visits to local villages, but we find we have just as much fun sitting at a waterhole or in a log pile hide and watching the wildlife.
Hwange is just three hours from Victoria Falls by road, or an even shorter flight. For a unique adventure, ask our team about the aptly-named Elephant Express or the ‘pump run’, an all-day game drive (June to October only) where you’ll also deliver vital supplies to the park’s waterholes and gain insights into the park’s operations.
Lodges and camps are located either in the park or in the privately-managed wildlife concessions that surround it.
Wondering what to expect on safari? Read our guide.
Discover Hwange National Park
Elephant Express in Hwange
Blackbacked Jackal
Hornbill
Sable
Lion on the Elephant Express tracks
Bush Dining at Camp Hwange
Where to stay in Hwange
Unmissable Victoria Falls always has a warm welcome, but then I'm biased as it's my home town! You'll be immersed in the wildlife experience with elephant and buffalo roaming through the town regularly. For the adrenalin seekers there's white water rafting on the mighty Zambezi. You'll enjoy outstanding safari experiences at Mana Pools and Hwange, two of my favourite places in this beautiful country.
Nicky, African Pride Tours Consultant
"The holiday was absolutely fantastic. Saw all the big 5 except rhinos.The accommodation was top class (lovely big beds), the people who staffed it were so friendly, guides were so knowledgeable, you really felt they wanted you to visit their country. We did a helicopter tour over Victoria falls, which were awe inspiring - another highlight of the holiday. All the transfers were smooth and efficient and this reduced any stress in the holiday, loved the small plane hops between camps in Botswana. We had an unforgettable holiday and will be boring our friends and family with it for months. Thanks for your help in organising this wonderful holiday. "
Mr & Mrs S via Spear Travels
" We had a wonderful time! We loved the journey and whole experience on Rovos Rail from Pretoria to Vic Falls. We especially enjoyed Victoria Falls and the wildlife in the grounds of the hotel! We liked Mauritius alot. "
Mr & Mrs P via Michael Carter Travel
"South Africa was absolutely fabulous. Too many highlights to mention. The “stand out” for us was definitely the Rovos Train. The helicopter flight over Victoria Falls was exciting & the Safari at Shamwari was superb! Driving the Garden route (& sometimes off the beaten track !) was stunning. Great memories of such a lovely country."
Mr & Mrs C-M via Embarque Travel
When to travel to Hwange National Park
For the safari experience, the best time to visit is in winter, from May to October. It’s still warm during the day but it is also dry, this means the vegetation is less dense and the animals are drawn to water. This is when you are most likely to see the huge herds of elephants and buffalo in Hwange National Park. It can however get exceptionally hot in September and October.
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Hwange National Park
Hwange National Park is in the north-west of Zimbabwe. It is the largest park in Zimbabwe and easily visited by road or air from Victoria Falls.
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