Come in harmony with nature by exploring Hwange National Park. The park is named after a local Nhanzwa chief, and accounts for an area of 14,651 km² making it Zimbabwe’s largest National Park. Through various safari tours you get to experience the tremendous selection of wildlife, with over 100 species of mammals and nearly 400 bird species. The elephants of Hwange are world-famous, and therefore the Park’s elephant population is one among the most important within the world. Hwange National Park is located in the northwest corner of the country about one hour south of Victoria Falls. The area was used as a hunting ground in the 19th century by Mzilikazi Khumalo, a Ndebele King.
Hwange National Park landscape is filled with plains, teak forest, desert scrub, sand veld, acacia woodlands, ilala palm islands and the diverse wildlife make for the best safari experience. The national park always delivers on the wildlife front and our knowledgeable rangers and guides who are natives of the area enrich the experience with their stories. Home to Africa’s Big Five, with about 700 lions, 45000 elephants, buffalo, the rare leopard and the endangered black and white rhinoceros.
In total, there are over 100 and over 400 bird species mammals in the park. You might be worried about how you will cover the 14,600 square kilometres in one game drive. Our guides know all the spots where the animals get water, food and rest, which makes it easy for you to enjoy the world class wildlife experience.
MORE OF WHAT YOU CAN LOOK FORWARD TO DOING IN HWANGE
Bumbusi National Monuments: It has 18th century ruins and pre-colonial rock carvings and was listed as a national monument in 1946 because of its importance as a rare surviving monument of pre-colonial times. Archaeological excavations uncovered the ruins of the earthen floors of 18 homes with several game boards set into them. The elephants push the walls, and the baboons are constantly relocating the stones.
Ngweshla picnic site: The remote picnic site is excellently maintained and offers you a good outlook of the abundant wildlife. It is a nice place to stop by and have lunch during a game drive. The setting is beautiful with big waterholes right outside. You can also camp overnight and enjoy the views of the animals at sunrise or you can park under the big camel thorn tree and enjoy terrific sightings of roans, sables, kudus and buffalos.
Bird watching: Bird watchers have your camera and binoculars ready because the park houses almost 400 different bird species – you will be surely spoilt for choice! Truly, a paradise for the twitchers among us. During the game drives and safari walks, keep your eyes on the treetops so that you do not miss any opportunity to tick some new bird species off your list. Tawny eagles, ostriches and vultures can be spotted more easily.
Bush walk and game drive: well-maintained roads allow you to have the best safari experience. Our guides will give you an intimate wildlife experience that you will forever cherish. The guides will also teach you how to track animal footprints. You might think that the number of elephants is exaggerated but you will definitely lose count and start enjoying the beautiful herds. You have a higher chance of seeing the rare and endangered African wild dog (painted wolf) in Hwange National Park. The ecosystem is intriguing and visiting the park is highly educational as well and so, bring along the whole family. The best times to have the game drives are in the morning and at sunset and do not let anyone tell you otherwise, you are welcome!
Visit the Painted Dog Project Centre: It is an Eden for wild dogs. It offers protection and rehabilitation to orphaned and injured dogs. The research centre moves packs of wild dogs from problem areas to places where they can live easily. They are often victims of human-wildlife conflict and they get caught in snares, probably set up by surrounding communities trying to trap small antelopes like impala.
Cultural tour: You might be wondering about what else you can do after the game drive and safari walk? All of our tours and experiences involve cultural elements, where we immerse you in the local traditions, so that you don’t leave without having interacted with the locals and gaining a full understanding of the area, environment and unique circumstances. We will visit the nearby traditional villages and learn about the culture and history directly from the people. Food is a huge part of Zimbabwean culture and Hwange is no different and so you have the option to cook together and share a meal with some local families. Thereafter, we will visit the arts and crafts centre, so that you can appreciate the role of the arts in expressing Zimbabwean cultural values, norms and more broadly, the way of life. There is no better way to purchase sustainable souvenirs than to go directly to the source, watch the artist practise their craft, customise it for you and they get to see the satisfaction in your eyes as you take their handmade goods back home as a memory of your time in Zimbabwe.
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT HWANGE NATIONAL PARK FOR A SAFARI?
The park is open all-year round, however, the best time to come for a wildlife safari is July to October (middle and end of our dry season). A visit during these months ensures you will see a large variety of animals because the inland ponds are usually dry and so the animals make their way to the water holes that are closer to the safari roads. There is always a chance to witness a kill and see how the predators attack their prey and for this, a tip is to be the first to arrive as soon as the park opens at 6am or at sunset.
WHERE TO STAY
The Zimbabwe National Park & Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has good self-catering camps and facilities. The 3 big camps are Main Camp, Sinamatella and Robins Camp, where there are lodges, chalets and tented camping options. Staying at the Main camp will allow you to enjoy many sightings of many different animals directly from the comfort of your chalet. Staying within the park makes the experience better in my experience, particularly if you are on a budget. There are of course several private conservancies within the park, with lush facilities and you have to be prepared to pay top dollar, which gets you a private jet and royal treatment with private chefs among other luxuries.
Hwange National Park is located at the foot of Victoria Falls, making it easier for you to access it when you visit the falls. Book with Tiritose Sustainable Travel and have the best national park in Southern Africa at your feet. Visiting the park helps to bring in funds, which support conservation programmes that help protect the animals as well as surrounding communities.
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