HWANGE NATIONAL PARK
Hwange National Park is the largest and most celebrated wildlife reserve in Zimbabwe, a vast haven for an astounding variety of African flora and fauna. It sits on the edge of the Kalahari Desert, boasting diverse landscapes from mopane woodland to open savannah.
This park is famous for one of the world’s largest elephant populations, drawing herds to its life-giving waterholes during the dry season. It offers a secluded, classic safari experience and is a critical stronghold for endangered species.
Most Popular Attractions
Major Wildlife & Conservation Sites:
The Presidential Elephant Herds: Hwange is renowned for its enormous elephant population (over 40,000), making sightings of large breeding herds almost guaranteed, especially in the dry season.
African Wild Dogs (Painted Dogs): Home to one of Africa’s largest surviving populations of this highly endangered and fascinating carnivore.
Painted Dog Conservation Centre: A rehabilitation and conservation facility located near the park entrance, offering educational tours on the species.
Big Five Encounters: The park hosts four of the Big Five (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo), with occasional sightings of the protected Black Rhino.
Endemic & Rare Antelope: Look for the majestic Sable and Roan Antelope, species that are harder to find elsewhere.
Camps & Main Activity Hubs:
Main Camp: The oldest and most accessible public camp, featuring a restaurant, store, and is the center for self-drive safaris in the eastern section.
Sinamatella Camp: Located in the hilly north, offering stunning panoramic views over the vast wilderness and the Mopane woodlands.
Robins Camp: Found in the north-western, more remote section, near the Deka River and the historical residence of early park wardens.
Linkwasha Concession Area: A prime private concession in the southeast, known for its high density of wildlife and luxurious safari camps.
Ngamo Plains Concession: Famous for excellent cheetah sightings and wide-open savannah perfect for game viewing.
Key Waterholes & Game Viewing Spots:
Nyamandhlovu Pan: Features an elevated platform/hide, offering some of the best dry-season wildlife viewing as animals congregate to drink.
Ngweshla Pan: A highly productive game viewing area, especially known for attracting large herds of buffalo, zebra, and accompanying predators.
Masuma Dam: A popular area in the central-north with a hide and picnic site, attracting elephants, hippos, and a variety of waterbirds.
Guvalala Pan: Features a raised hide, providing great photographic opportunities, especially for elephants.
Nehimba Seeps: An ancient, naturally occurring water source rich in minerals where elephants often dig for salt and water.
Deteema Dam: A scenic man-made dam in the north, excellent for waterbirds and consistent big game sightings.
Kennedy Vlei: An open plain in the central area, famous for its high concentrations of herbivores and associated predator activity.
Makwa Pan: A secluded, off-the-beaten-path waterhole in the north-west, providing a quieter game viewing experience.
Cultural & Historic Sites:
Bumbusi National Monument: A late Iron Age stone-walled ruin site in the remote north-west of the park, dating back hundreds of years.
Bumbusi Rock Engravings: Nearby ancient San (Bushmen) engravings depicting animal hoofprints on sandstone rocks.
H.G. Robins’ Observation Tower: Located at Robins Camp, the historical observation tower used by the area’s reclusive, telescope-owning founder.
Landscape & Activity Features:
Kalahari Sandveld: The dominant southern landscape, characterised by deep Kalahari sands and Zambezi Teak forests.
Mopane and Teak Woodlands: The varied habitat providing refuge for browsers and a visually diverse backdrop to the northern and central areas.
Guided Walking Safaris: An activity offered by many camps, allowing a close-up, intimate experience of the bush with armed professional guides.
Activities & Experiences
Go on a Guided Game Drive: Embark on a quintessential safari experience in an open 4×4 vehicle during the early morning or late afternoon to track the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo) and the famous large herds of elephant and buffalo.
Experience a Night Drive: Venture out after sunset with a powerful spotlight to search for nocturnal species like hyenas, servals, genets, porcupines, and hunting predators—an exclusive activity often reserved for guests in private concessions.
Take a Walking Safari: Explore the bush on foot with an armed, professional guide. This intimate experience allows you to focus on the smaller details, such as tracking, spoor identification, birdlife, and the endemic flora.
Spend Time at a Waterhole Hide: Sit quietly in a sunken blind or hide near a waterhole (often artificially pumped during the dry season) for hours of exceptional, up-close wildlife photography and viewing as animals congregate to drink.
Visit the Painted Dog Conservation Centre: Learn about the efforts to protect the endangered African Wild Dog (Painted Dog) at a dedicated research and rehabilitation center just outside the park boundary.
Embark on a Horseback Safari: Experience a non-motorized and tranquil way to view game by riding horses along the park boundaries or through private concessions, often getting closer to plains game.
Ride the Elephant Express: Enjoy a unique rail-based safari experience on a historic route along the park’s eastern boundary, offering leisurely game viewing and great photographic opportunities.
Go on a Guided Bird Watching Excursion: With over 400 species recorded, Hwange is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Seek out unique species like the Kori Bustard, Secretary Bird, and various raptors with an experienced ornithological guide.
Engage in a Community/Village Visit: Take a cultural trip to a nearby village or school, often supported by the local safari lodges, to learn about Zimbabwean culture, traditions, and the challenges of coexisting with wildlife.
Search for the Rare Roan and Sable Antelope: Hwange is one of the best places to spot these beautiful and rare antelope species, often found in the mixed woodlands and grasslands.
Explore the Bumbusi Ruins: Visit the historical site near Sinamatella, featuring 18th-century ruins and ancient San rock engravings (petroglyphs), offering a cultural and archaeological break from game viewing.
Local Tips & Transport
Fly-in Safari is the Most Efficient: Due to long road distances, the fastest and most comfortable way to access the park is via light aircraft charter flights from Victoria Falls (VFA) to one of the park’s airstrips, which typically takes around 30 minutes.
Road Transfers are Common: Private road transfers are frequently organized by lodges, particularly from Victoria Falls, which is a drive of approximately 2-5 hours to the Main Camp entrance depending on your destination within the park.
Self-Driving Requires Planning: Self-drive safaris are possible, but a high-clearance 4×4 vehicle is strongly recommended, especially during the wet season (November to April). Inner park roads can be sandy or muddy, and a standard 2×4 is unsuitable for deep areas.
Transport within the Park: Once you arrive at your safari camp or lodge, all game drives and transfers will be conducted in the lodge’s open safari vehicles by professional guides. You will not drive your own vehicle on guided activities.
Unique Rail Option: The Elephant Express and the overnight sleeper Stimela Star offer novel travel options between Victoria Falls/Dete and some Hwange camps.
The Dry Season is Peak Game Viewing: The months of July to October offer the best wildlife sightings. The vegetation is sparse, and animals—especially the vast elephant herds—congregate reliably around the man-made waterholes and pans.
Malaria Precaution: Hwange is a Malaria risk area, particularly during the warmer, wet season (November-May). Consult your doctor about anti-malarial prophylaxis and use a reliable insect repellent, especially in the evenings.
Dress in Neutral Colours: For safari activities, wear neutral colors (khaki, olive, brown, or grey) to blend into the environment. Avoid bright colours or stark white, which can distract or alarm wildlife.
Pack Warm Layers: Even in the dry season, early morning and night game drives in an open vehicle can be bitterly cold. Pack a warm fleece, jacket, gloves, and a hat—temperatures can drop to single digits Celsius.
Respect the Wildlife: Never feed animals. Always follow the instructions of your professional safari guide, who is trained to keep you safe. Off-roading is generally restricted, especially in the National Park areas.
Support Local Conservation: Hwange is home to several important conservation projects, including the Painted Dog Conservation (PDC). Visiting and supporting these centers is a great way to contribute to the park’s legacy.
Be Patient for the Big Cats: While Hwange has a healthy population of predators, they can be elusive. Patience at waterholes, especially during the dry season, and relying on your guide’s tracking skills are key.