Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest national park, situated in the northwestern region of the country. The area encompasses 14,650 square kilometers. This area boasts the largest population of elephants in Zimbabwe, as well as Africa’s largest population of the endangered wild dog. Additionally, one might encounter rare species like roan and sable.
This destination is a prominent safari location, enjoyed globally for its remarkable variety of wildlife. Hwange National Park is renowned for its substantial elephant populations and robust numbers of wild dogs, which benefit from a successful conservation initiative. The national park is situated in the northwest corner of Zimbabwe, positioned along the primary route connecting Bulawayo to the renowned Victoria Falls, and in proximity to the quaint town of Dete.
The drive south from Victoria Falls takes about an hour and a half, offering beautiful views along the way. Many travelers choose to pair a Big 5 safari in Hwange National Park with an exhilarating tour of Victoria Falls, along with boat cruises or fishing trips on the powerful Zambezi River.
Activities to do in Hwange National Park
Game Drives in Hwange National Park
Hwange National Park is inhabited by numerous wildlife herds, including large groups of buffalo and elephants, as well as leopards, lions, and hippos. Other notable species include giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, lion, cheetah, Painted Hunting Dog, kudu, hyena, Impala, Roan Antelope, Waterbuck, Tsessebe, Black-backed Jackal, and Bat-eared Fox. Experience the park’s wildlife through wilderness trails, safari walks, game drives, and fishing.
This location is among the finest in Africa for observing the stunning and elusive Sable Antelope. Hwange is home to more than 100 species of mammals and 400 species of birds. Close to Sinamatella camp, there are water holes that draw a variety of animals and birds. Mandavu, Detema, and Masuma dam offer unmatched opportunities for game viewing.
In general, seasonal animal migrations do not occur. The optimal period for observing wildlife occurs in the dry season, spanning from July to October, as animals gather around permanent water sources. Game viewing is excellent in May, June, and November, and reasonably good from December to April. In the rainy season, spanning from January to March, the game is extensively scattered.
Nature walks in Hwange National Park
Experiencing Hwange’s elephants on a walking safari from Little Makalolo
A guided walking experience offers a unique viewpoint on a Hwange National Park safari – find complicated information with the help of your expert guide, follow wildlife trails, and relish an engaging journey through the wilderness.
The nature of these experiences will generally differ from camp to camp and lodge to lodge—some offering a more comprehensive exploration of your surroundings, which often results in longer durations, while others provide a brief overview. If this is a bucket list experience, this is the place to be!
While bush walks can be enjoyed throughout the year, the dry winter months offer the finest opportunities for sightings and walking safaris, specifically from June to October. As the surface water starts to diminish and the vegetation declines, the sightings of wildlife become more frequent.
Hwange National Park boasts several permanent waterholes, which wildlife depend on significantly during the height of the dry season.
The elevated temperatures can be uncomfortable, particularly during a walking safari, even though this leads to fantastic sightings. Venture out from late June to late August to experience the ideal mix of pleasant temperatures and remarkable sightings.
Go to Painted Dog Visitor Centre
Should you not encounter African wild dogs during game drives in Hwange, a visit to the Painted Dog Visitor Centre will certainly provide an opportunity to observe them. This is a non-governmental organization initiative established to conserve and safeguard wild dogs in the park, a critically endangered species.
The wild dog care center has successfully increased the population of this species in the park from 400 to 700 individuals since its establishment in 1992. The organization collaborates with the local community to educate them about the significance of this species and engages them in community-based conservation efforts.
Ill and injured wild dog pups are cared for at the Painted Dog Visitor Centre until they recover sufficiently to be reintroduced to the wild and reunited with their pack. During your visit, you can acquire additional information regarding the care and conservation of wild dogs in Hwange through comprehensive presentations by representatives of the wild dog care center. The Painted Dog Visitor Centre is situated a brief 16-kilometre drive from Hwange’s Main Camp.
Where to Stay in Hwange National Park
Visitors have an extensive selection of accommodations in Hwange National Park. Budget-friendly chalets and family lodges are available in the three primary camps managed by Zimparks, along with camping and caravan sites within the camps. For a more exclusive experience, travelers can choose from a selection of luxury safari lodges operated by private entities.
Ensure you arrive fully equipped for a self-catering holiday if you are staying at one of the older Zimparks camps or campsites. The store at Main Camp offers a limited selection of items and fuel is seldom available. The water supply frequently presents challenges, and hot water for showers is supplied by a ‘donkey’ water heater. The fire must be ignited in the late afternoon to warm the donkey, ensuring hot water is available in the evenings.
Hwange Main Camp
Main Camp at Hwange National Park is administered by Zimparks and functions as the Park’s headquarters. It is situated at the primary entrance to the national park in a region abundant in wildlife, with nearby water pans that offer exceptional opportunities for animal observation.
Private Camps & Safari Lodges in Hwange National Park
A diverse array of accommodations is available for a holiday in Hwange National Park, situated within the park on private concessions or on the borders, providing convenient access to the main entrance. These are privately-operated safari camps and lodges providing travelers with a range of budget, semi-luxury, and luxury accommodations in Hwange’s stunning wilderness.
Sinamatella Resort
Sinamatella Camp is located atop a rocky promontory, offering a view of a remote riverbed and expansive savanna grasslands. It is situated near the northern perimeter of Hwange National Park, roughly 120 kilometers from Hwange Main Camp.
It is strongly recommended to utilize a 4×4 vehicle with elevated clearance for a self-drive excursion to Hwange National Park while staying at Sinamatella Resort.
Sinamatella Resort is situated in a region designated as an Intensive Protection Zone (IPZ), where vehicular movement between the two camps is prohibited after 14:00.
Robin’s Camp
Robins Camp has been under new management since 2018. The antiquated Zimparks safari camp has undergone significant refurbishment, with the addition of new rooms and amenities. Robin Camp is owned and operated by the Bayete/Machaba Group and is now a modern and luxurious safari camp designed for discerning travelers.
Robins Camp is situated in the northern part of Hwange, approximately 24 kilometers from Sinamatella Resort. It is situated on the boundary of Botswana in the most isolated area of Hwange National Park. Robins Camp is unreachable by standard vehicles during the rainy season (November to March) and can only be accessed by high-powered 4×4 vehicles with elevated clearance.
The region is distinguished for its robust population of lions, substantial herds of buffalo and elephants, as well as significant groups of reedbucks, roan, sable, eland, and tsessebe. It is characterized by expansive savanna plains, rolling hills, and dense mopane forests. Robins Camp is situated on the periphery of the Kalahari Desert, where water is limited. The fauna depends on waterholes dispersed throughout the region, which establishes optimal game viewing locations. Robins Camp is accessible via a 25-minute flight from Victoria Falls to an airstrip situated 200 meters from the camp. Alternatively, it is a two-hour journey by road from Victoria Falls with a reputable safari tour operator.
Bomani Safari Camp
Situated within a private game reserve on the southern boundary of Hwange, with a view of the Bomani Vlei. Bomani Safari Camp specializes in photographic safaris. Each luxury safari tent features an ensuite bathroom and is tastefully adorned, overlooking a substantial waterhole.
Bumbusi Camp
Bumbusi Camp is a private safari camp in Hwange that accommodates only one group at a time. Situated 12 kilometers northwest of Sinamatella Resort, adjacent to the Deka River and the Bumbusi National Monument.
Camp Hwange
Situated within a private concession in Hwange National Park. Camp Hwange is an environmentally sustainable lodge and one of the most recent additions in Hwange. Every luxury chalet features an ensuite and is elegantly adorned. The amenities comprise a spacious lounge, dining area, bar, and an outdoor terrace offering a panoramic view of an active waterhole.
Camelthorn Lodge
Situated in an isolated region of Hwange National Park, with a view of a bustling waterhole. Camelthorn Lodge specializes in photographic safaris. Each sophisticated villa features an ensuite and is tastefully adorned, complemented by a spacious wooden deck. The lodge is situated within a grove of camelthorn trees, with a prominent camelthorn tree at the center courtyard serving as a striking centerpiece. The amenities comprise a restaurant, bar, outdoor boma, swimming pool, and an underground hide that enables guests to observe wildlife closely.
