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Hwange National Park Zimbabwe flag

11 Tours 0 Hotels & Lodges

Starting from

$450PP

Overview

Hwange National Park is the largest and most famous natural reserve in Zimbabwe. It is situated in the northwestern corner of Zimbabwe, on the border of Botswana. With its immense variety in vegetation, including Kalahari sands and mopane forest slopes and valleys, Hwange is home to more than 400 bird species and 100 species of animals. Hwange is generally known for the great convergence of elephants that are drawn to the park's waterholes during the Dry season. Effectively open to visitors, a large portion of the camps are found along the northern edge of the park and proposition an assortment of price ranges and styles.

High Season
June to October
Best Time to Go
July to October

Pros & Cons

  • Amazing wildlife viewing with all of the Big 5 animals
  • Game drives, night drives and walking safaris are available
  • Close proximity to Victoria Falls
  • Variety of accommodation options for all budgets
  • One of the largest concentrations of elephants in Africa
  • Excellent self-drive and self-catering facilities
  • Road Conditions are bad in the Dry season and impassable in the Wet season

Map in Zimbabwe

Hwange National Park map

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Wildlife & Animals

Hwange is home to more than 100 species of animal incorporates lion, rhino and leopard, and specifically, huge herds of elephants, rivalling that of neighbouring Botswana. All of the Big Five are available and effortlessly spotted, except for black and white rhinos as numbers are low. Spotted hyenas and cheetahs are additionally present in the secured region.

Elephant

Elephant

Abundant
Buffalo

Buffalo

Common
Lion

Lion

Common
Leopard

Leopard

Rare
Black Rhino

Black Rhino

Rare
Hippo

Hippo

Common
Giraffe

Giraffe

Common
Zebra

Zebra

Common

Wildlife Highlights

The population of the Cape wild dogs to be viewed in Hwange is considered one of the bigger enduring gatherings in Africa. Other significant predators incorporate the lion, whose dispersion and hunting in Hwange are emphatically identified with the pans and waterholes. Hwange is one of a handful of spots in Zimbabwe to see giraffes. Unusual antelope to look out for include greater kudu, gemsbok, sable and roan antelope. The spotted hyena is regularly seen at daybreak and nightfall, and the number of inhabitants of wild dogs is one of the biggest in Africa.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

The best time to visit Hwange National Park for wildlife viewing is during the middle and end of the dry season from July to October when Animals gather at rivers and other watercourses. Also, the vegetation is thinner during these months, which makes spotting much easier. The park becomes totally inaccessible in the Wet season.

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Birds

Hwange National Park offers a wide variety of feathered beauties with over 470 species recorded so far. The park’s Bradfield Hornbill protected population is probably the highest in the world and the Yellow-billed Oxpecker is probably the highest population in the subregion. The pans and surrounds are popular birdwatching spots with common Ostrich, Burchell’s Sandgrouse, Woolly-necked and Saddle-billed Storks, Kori Bustards and Red-crested Korhaans, Southern Ground-hornbills, Secretarybirds, lapwings and a wide variety of waders, Collared and Black-winged Pratincoles, Three-banded Coursers, Yellow-throated Sandgrouse, Chestnut-backed and Grey-backed Sparrowlarks and many others to watch whilst you game-watch.

Yellow-billed kite

Yellow-billed kite

Common
Racket-Tailed Roller

Racket-Tailed Roller

Common
Martial Eagle

Martial Eagle

Common
Cape griffon

Cape griffon

Common

Best Time for Birding

Hwange offers a great birding experience throughout the year. However, the best time to visit is during the wet season from November to April. It is also the time when migratory birds are available and a lot of birds can be seen in breeding plumage. 

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Best Time to Visit – Hwange National Park

The best time to visit Hwange National Park for wildlife viewing is during the middle and end of the dry season from July to October when Animals gather at rivers and other watercourses. Also, the vegetation is thinner during these months, which makes spotting much easier. The park becomes totally inaccessible in the Wet season.

High Season
June to October
Low Season
Seasonal rains can affect access in some areas
Best Weather
Typically during dry months; check local patterns
Worst Weather
Peak of Wet season; very hot months vary by region

May to October (Dry Season)

  • Less vegetation and animals concentrate around water, making them easier to spot
  • The skies are clear, rain is rare, and there are fewer mosquitoes
  • Even though most tourists visit during the Dry season, the parks still feel uncrowded, except for the bustling Chobe riverfront area
  • Early morning and evening drives are cold in June, July and August

November to April (Wet Season)

  • The scenery is greener, and there are lower rates during this season
  • Although wildlife is easier to spot in the Dry season, you'll still see plenty
  • There are many newborn animals and migratory birds
  • Except for January and February, rains seldom interfere with your trip
  • During January and February, the rains can be continuous for days
  • It gets very hot in October and November
  • Some lodges and camps close down during part of the Wet season

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Activities

Explore popular activities available in and around Hwange National Park.

Birding Safari

Birding Safari

Eager bird-watchers won't be disappointed on an African safari! This gray crowned crane was seen in the core of the Serengeti, Tanzania.
Boating Safaris

Boating Safaris

Explore the aquatic wildlife by boat, canoe, dhow or kayak. In Botswana, it is feasible to go down the Okavango Delta in a burrow kayak called a moko.
Cultural

Cultural

It is possible to take part in a cultural safari if you desire to spend your time visiting local schools, clinics, orphanages, and markets.
Farm Visits

Farm Visits

An incredible addition to any safari is taking the time to visit some of the local farms or plantations and sample some local produce.
Fishing

Fishing

Fishing safaris are especially famous in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Mozambique. River, lake and deep ocean fishing are all possible in Africa.
Game Drives

Game Drives

A game drive is an adventure that involves viewing wildlife from the comfort of a 4x4 open vehicle, providing you with a true safari experience.
Horse Riding

Horse Riding

For those who wish to explore the parks and game reserves by horse. These are the most well-known destinations; Botswana, Mozambique and South Africa.
Hot Air Balloons

Hot Air Balloons

A hot air balloon safari is a must-do adventure activity. It's easy to see why being inspired across the African landscape is such a memorable experience.
Night Drives

Night Drives

Night game drives provide an opportunity to observe wildlife in action at night. Predators like lions, hyenas, and leopards become active at night.
Photography

Photography

Photography safaris are frequently led by experienced photographers who are dedicated to capturing the best shot possible.
Sightseeing

Sightseeing

Market visits are worthwhile before or after a safari. Locally made and sourced items make excellent souvenirs and great way to keep memories alive.
Walking Safaris

Walking Safaris

A safari bush walk is the best way to get some exercise and experience nature up close. Set out on an adventure with the wild inhabitants of Africa.

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