Hwange National Park Safaris

Zimbabwe’s largest park!
Loads of wildlife, especially elephant
Over 400 species of bird
Great game viewing, amazing accommodation

When To Visit Hwange National Park:

A wildlife haven, Hwange is home to huge herds of elephant and over 108 species of mammal. It is also Zimbabwe’s largest park.

Hwange National Park comprises almost 15,000 sq. km of predominantly Rhodesian teak and mopane woodlands rising from sands of the Kalahari desert, at its western border, in addition to verdant seasonal wetlands and lofty ilala palms. It is approximately an hour south of Victoria Falls. Despite its challenges, past and present, Hwange is rightly described as a wildlife haven – and it has a lot to offer as a safari destination. Both the wilderness trails and the dams in the area afford excellent game viewing, and guests choose from an excellent assortment of safari camps and lodges.

The history of Hwange National Park

Prior to achieving game reserve status in 1928 and national park status in 1961, Hwange was first home to the Nhanzwa, the San bushmen. Indeed, its name derives from that of a Nhanzwa chief. During the nineteenth century, it formed the hunting ground of King Mzilikazi – and wildlife also came under threat from white hunters seeking trophies such as ivory.

Even recently (2011 and 2013), there have been incidents of poaching here, but these have triggered greater endeavours to protect the park. Elephant continue to thrive in huge herds, their total population one of the largest worldwide! And the park’s shortage of water is well addressed by man-made waterholes, dams and boreholes, especially during the dry winter months. The organisation Friends of Hwange ensures a constant supply via regular servicing of the pumps, using private donations.

Wildlife

The park also accommodates amazing numbers of wild dog among its 108 species of mammal – including lion, leopard, cheetah, buffalo, giraffe, waterbuck, warthog, baboon, jackal, bat-eared fox and the rare brown hyena. Bird life is prolific too, with over 400 species!

Activities

As Hwange National Park has some incredible big game and unique wildlife, the main activities and things to do is to go on game drives. However, if you are staying in a private concession, the activities may vary slightly.

Go on guided game drives
- Game drives typically take place in the early morning and in the late afternoon, when the resident wildlife is at its most active. Among the wildlife highlights in Hwange are all Big Five – lion, rhino, leopard, elephant, and buffalo – and elephant concentrations are especially impressive. Smaller mammals in residence include cheetah, hyena, jackal, wild dog, giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, a thrilling assortment of antelopes, and hippo.
Spot nocturnal animals and predators on a night drive
- If staying in a camp situated in a private concession, vehicle safaris by night are possible. These start after dinner and showcase the nocturnal species in the area, such as serval, aardvark, porcupine, hyena and lion!
Enjoy a walking safari
- Walking safaris are possible, but again it depends on the camp. In some lodges, it is only available when a specialist guide is in camp. Walks are great for getting to know the smaller lives of Hwange, for example the park’s plants, insects, and birdlife, which is outstanding. If you are interested in a walking safari in Hwange, don’t hesitate to ask a member of the team.
Visit the local village
- Some lodges offer cultural village visits, guided by a villager or a guide.

Hwange National Park

waterfalls and walking safaris, elephant herd

Waterfalls and walking safaris: Luxury Zimbabwe

This trip combines a stay at the stunning Victoria Falls and a classic safari in Hwange National Park. Hwange is legendary, steeped in ancient history, and home to vast numbers of elephant. Linkwasha Camp is located in a prime game-viewing area, so you can enjoy a broad range of safari activities while staying at the finest lodge in the park.

Victoria Falls and a taste of safari

This is the perfect introduction to Zimbabwe – it combines Victoria Falls and Hwange, one of Zimbabwe’s best-known parks. With Victoria Falls offering a range of activities from sunset cruises to bungee jumping, and Hwange offering more than just standard game drives, this is the perfect trip for those looking for an action-packed week!

Zimbabwe's famous close elephant encounters

Zimbabwe is known for its exceptional close encounters with elephants. Mothers regularly bring their babies to drink from swimming pools (there tend to be less predators!). Adding Victoria Falls to the trip offers something a little different to your usual safari, the wealth of activities on offer at the Falls means there is something for everyone!

The best of the Falls, Hwange and Mana

This is arguably Zimbabwe’s most luxurious safari, with beautiful camps located in some of the finest private reserves. The standard of guiding is incredibly high across Zimbabwe, but here they really go above and beyond.

Exploring Zimbabwe’s famous Zambezi

This trip focuses on the best camps in Zimbabwe’s most famous areas. Featuring top-quality guiding in the best private reserves for that intimate, high-quality safari experience, it’s perfect for someone wanting to explore Zimbabwe with some added comforts!

True Zimbabwe experience

This trip focuses on two owner-run camps where the emphasis is on supreme guiding. They are home to some of the best in Africa and it’s hard to beat a safari with world-class guiding knowledge! The trip is full of adventure, with walking safaris, boating safaris, and canoeing all being some of the many activities available.

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