Covering an expanse of 5,657 sq miles, Hwange National Park (pronounced ‘Wang-ee’) is one of Africa’s largest national parks, and the largest park in Zimbabwe. Hwange and its surrounding private concessions offer wonderful opportunities to see the Big 5 as well as the less common creatures such as African Wild Cat, White-Tailed Mongoose, and Bat-eared Fox. Plains games such as impala, kudu, eland, bushbuck, and waterbuck are commonly sighted in great numbers. Hwange is also famous for its amazing sightings of carnivore – these include lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog, and hyena. Birds of prey are commonly seen as well as over 300 other species. However, this park is most famous for its great herds of elephants and buffalo, often sighted in numbers well over 200 at a time. Sightings are good all year round but May – November is when the bush is sparse and dry and the game is easier to spot.

Size of Hwange National Park

The park’s area of 5,657 square miles (14,651 square km) is largely flat and contains fine hardwood forests of mukwa and Zimbabwean teak.

Location of Hwange National Park

Hwange National Park (formerly Wankie Game Reserve) is the largest natural reserve in Zimbabwe. The park lies in the west, on the main road between Bulawayo and the Victoria Falls, and near to Dete.

How to get to Hwange National Park

Hwange National Park is very accessible. Main Camp can be reached on a tar road, 200km/124mi south of Victoria Falls. The drive takes less than three hours. To reach some of the other camps deeper in the park, a 4WD might be necessary, especially during the wet months, from May to October. Some of the lodges have airstrips for chartered flights.

Things to do in Hwange National Park

Game drives

Game drive through Hwange National Park! Visitors can drive through the park between 6 am and 6 pm and can encounter the Big 5, who roams 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.

Birding safaris

There are almost 400 different species of birds that can be found in the National Park – making it a bird watcher’s 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.

Walking safaris

Walking safaris that showcase the best of Hwange National Park and its surrounding fenceless concession, “Our guides give guests an intimate bush experience and teach them about the tracking animal footprints, the endemic plants of Hwange National Park.

Visit the Wild dog project

The Painted Dog Project Centre is an Eden for them. The conservation facility aims to address the issue through the combined efforts of taking direct action through the protection and rehabilitation of injured or orphaned Wild Dogs.

Village visits

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.

When to visit Hwange National Park

July to October, in the Dry season, is the prime time for wildlife viewing in Hwange National Park. The many waterholes become gathering places for animals, while the thinning vegetation makes them easier to spot. Keen birders, however, might enjoy the summer months from November to April when migratory birds are present.

Where to stay in Hwange National Park

Camelthorn Lodge

Camelthorn is an elegant luxury lodge on the borders of Hwange National Park, with stylish villas, superb dining, and a friendly, happy team. It’s closely linked to the community and focuses on conservation.

Bomani tented camp

Bomani tented camp is a delightful lodge near Hwange National Park that offers a relaxed safari with knowledgeable guides and friendly staff. Its appeal lies in the unusual activities provided, including the Elephant Express railcar, horse-riding, and welcoming village visits.

Somalisa acacia Camp

Somalisa Acacia is a family-friendly camp that’s found in a particularly wildlife-rich area of Hwange National Park. There’s a focus on excellent guiding, and the camp has just four spacious tents, meaning there’s an intimate atmosphere.