Hwange National Park Overview
Hwange National Park Flora & Fauna
The park is situated near the border of the Kalahari Desert, an arid region with little in the way of vegetation or water. Hwange is home to a variety of Kalahari trees, including Zambezi Teak, sand camwood, and Kalahari bauhinia. Throughout the northern and northwest regions of Hwange, mopane woodland predominates.
Hwange is one of Zimbabwe's most extensive game reserves, is home to one of the world's largest populations of elephants, with an estimated 44,000 individuals. One of the largest remaining populations of Cape wild dogs in Africa can be found in Hwange. As well as the more elusive leopards and rhinos, you can frequently see hyenas, lions, giraffes, cheetahs, and buffalos. Hippos and crocodiles congregate in the park's watering holes. Hwange is also home to some unusual antelopes like the greater kudu, gemsbok, sable, and roan. Hwange is also a haven for avian enthusiasts, with elegant birds like the Kori bustard and the secretary bird, two of the world's largest avian species, calling this region home.
Things to Do at Hwange National Park
Whether you choose to drive yourself or join a guided group in an open safari vehicle, game drives are the highlight of a trip to Hwange National Park. On a game drive in Hwange you will have the opportunity to see a wide variety of animals because the park is peppered with strategically placed water holes. You may see the "Big Five" (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) in Hwange. Rhinos are rare and difficult to spot because they prefer to stay in the cover of dense vegetation.
- Price :260 USD- 300 USD
Night drives are available at certain of Hwange's private lodges, giving you a chance to see the African bush after dark. These safaris provide you the finest opportunities to see the elusive leopards of the park, as well as other animals such as scavenging hyenas and hunting lions. Aardwolves, aardvarks, and several of Zimbabwe's smaller cat species are all easier to observe at night, making nighttime a prime time for safaris in the country. Sightings of more common animals, such as the springhare and the jackal, can still be extremely satisfying.
- Price: 480 USD- 550 USD
One of the best ways to slow down and take in nature's rich diversity is on a guided bush walk. The drastically varied habitats in Hwange National Park provide for fascinating guided bush hikes. Grassy plains and shaded acacia woodlands are interspersed among the Kalahari dunes in the south. Expect to see Sable, Roan antelope, and even a Kalahari Gemsbok here and there as tracks are easier to see in the soft sand of the highways. You can feel the texture of leaves, inhale the dust, listen to the rumble of elephants, and discover the usefulness of plants as medicine and food.
Hwange National Park is home to a plethora of waterholes, and you will have the most gala time hanging out near them. In these spots, you can relax and watch as various animals come to drink water. In the cool of the morning, you might spot a lion or leopard lapping at the water, and as the day warms up, you'll likely see elephants, buffalo, and antelope. If you're interested in wildlife photography, the hides and platforms are ideal locations.
Hwange National Park is the best place to go bird watching in all of Zimbabwe, with over 420 different species having been spotted there. You will get the opportunity to see at least 50 different raptor species at the park, which is most recognised for its enormous variety of raptors. In addition to these hornbills, the three-banded courser, saddle-billed stork, gray-crowned crane, kori bustard, Arnot's chat, Bradfield's hornbill, and southern ground hornbill are all noteworthy species to keep an eye out for.
Lodges and Camps in Hwange National Park
On a 55-meter-high cliff on the park's northern edge, campers can look out over the grassy plain and river valley below. This section of the park was once a cattle ranch that opened in 1966. The Park's northern edge, providing a breathtaking view of the river valley and grassy plain below. In addition to its bar and restaurant, this establishment features 14 well-appointed chalets outfitted with all the conveniences of modern life.
Location: Northern boundary of Hwange National Park
Amenities: Solar geyser, restaurant, bar
Somalisa sits in a beautiful spot, hidden on an acacia forest at the edge of a historic seasonal flood plain, with vistas of the savannah plains over the famed Kennedy Vlei line. There are seven luxuriously appointed Sail Tents, each with its own private bathroom, complete with flush toilets, an indoor and outdoor shower, and a copper slipper-style bathtub, accessible through a gauze-covered sliding door.
Location: Hwange National Park
Amenities: Special diet menus, Poolside bar, Ironing service, Sun terrace, Outdoor fireplace
Located in Hwange National Park, is a spot in the African bush that is ideal for viewing wildlife. Chalet lodgings are available, as are camping areas for the more adventurous. The interiors and exteriors of the chalets have been tastefully decorated with hand-painted Matabele patterns. Room amenities include a private bathroom with hot and cold running water and a powerful shower, an overhead fan for use on warmer days, and a mosquito net to keep pesky insects at bay.
Location: Hwange National Park
Amenities: Sun loungers, Laundry service, Mosquito net, free breakfast
The Gwango Elephant Lodge is the best place to see African animals and learn about Hwange's history and culture. This secluded wilderness estate is located in the heart of a lush teak forest and is an ideal home base from which to explore Hwange National Park and its abundant wildlife. At Gwango, you can enjoy the company of elephants, buffalo, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, kudus, waterbucks, impalas, sables, and even the big cats while staying in opulent comfort.
Location: Hwange National Park
Amenities: Concierge, laundry service, free breakfast, lounge, clothes rack
Price: 391 USD - 393 USD
This luxurious eco-lodge offers guests supremely comfortable treehouse chalets and is situated on a private concession that shares an unfenced border with Hwange National Park. The eco-friendly spa is a great place to unwind after a day of adventure on horseback, on foot, or in a 4x4, or after participating in a Community Upliftment Experience. Enjoy a traditional African Boma dinner by the glow of lanterns and the crackle of a fire.Location
Amenities
Location: Hwange National Park
Amenities: Sun terrace, ironing service, laundry service, massage, lounge
Price: 700 USD - 1218 USD
Hwange National Park Tour Packages
On this 2 nights camping safari, you'll get up close and personal with some of Africa's most incredible animals in the majestic setting of Hwange National Park. Elephants, lions, cheetahs, buffalo, zebras, and a plethora of bird species await you at the national park, where you can also learn about conservation efforts. Dome tents are provided, along with mattresses, making this a luxurious way to see the sights of Hwange National Park.
Inclusions
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Price: 525 USD- 600 USD
Spend three days exploring Hwange National Park and learning about Zimbabwe's incredible wildlife and natural beauty. Beautiful game drives are available at sunrise and sunset, when the animals are at their most active. Take in the breathtaking Savannah Plains while hoping to spot some of the 'Big Five' in their natural habitat.
Inclusions
- Bottled water
- Overnight accommodation
- Accommodation as per itinerary
- Coffee and/or Tea
- Fuel surcharge
- Snacks
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Round-trip transportation to and from Victoria Falls
Price: 922 USD– 1000 USD
On this seven-day safari out of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe you will not have to make any advance plans; instead, you can just show up and take in all the sights and sounds of Hwange and Matobo National Parks. This camping trip doesn't require you to worry about what to pack for six days because all of your meals are taken care of is possible thanks to this offer.
Inclusions
- Private transportation
- Camping staff and gear
- Meals
Price: 1396 USD- 1450 USD
On this 5 day trip, you'll get to see both Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe's largest national park. One of the seven natural wonders of the world, Victoria Falls is a must-see attraction. At Victoria Falls, this is where most adventure activities take place. Hwange is the best place to see the "big five" animals. It's one of Africa's largest parks, and it's home to a wide variety of wildlife and avian life.
Inclusions
- A Shuttle Service Between the Airport and the Hotel.
- A Sunset Cruise and a Delicious Meal.
- Two Game Drives in Hwange National Park and a Guided Tour of Victoria Falls.
Price: 1125 USD- 1200 USD
As the sun sets over the Zambezi River, you toast your arrival to Victoria Falls with cocktails and wine. The second day of your trip is a full day, and it will be spent inside Hwange National Park on a Game Drive and bird watching. On day three, you cross into Botswana after an afternoon game drive, and on day four, you head towards Zimbabwe. On day five, you'll take a sunset boat cruise (game viewing from the water) through the Botswana delta. On day six, you'll make your way back to the Zimbabwe border, where you can spend the final two days on a dinner cruise down the Zambezi and a shopping excursion. Your trip will end on day nine when you are taken to the airport.
Inclusions
- All lodgings offer full board, with the exception of the final two days in Victoria Falls.
- Beverages during activities and tour
- Water
Price: 3000 USD- 3500 USD
Plan Your Visit to Hwange National Park
- By Road
You can choose to self drive or board a minibus to reach the Hwange National Park by road. Two-wheel drive vehicles can get you to the campgrounds and on most of the park's roads by traversing a distance of 200 kilometers from south of Victoria falls. The journey takes under three hours.
- By Air
Hwange National Park is located a 172-kilometer drive from Victoria Falls Airport (VFA).Thus you have to first reach the airport and further take a cab to reach the park.The distance between Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) and Hwange National Park is roughly 2 hours and 42 minutes by car.
The months of August, and September are perfect for sightseeing and wildlife watching. When water is insufficient, animals will travel to permanent waterholes, where you can watch them come and go at your leisure. Because the grasses are dry, brown, and trodden upon, the spotting game is simplified. The humidity is low, and there aren't many mosquitoes around. These months are also prime time for visiting Victoria Falls as you can witness the biggest sheet of falling water in the world flowing at its most intense rate.
Waterproof phone bag
Raincoats
Waterproof footwear
Bug repellant
Windproof umbrella
Breathable footwear
Sunscreen lotion
Light dresses
Power bank for your gadgets
Get a good travel insurance since Malaria is very common in this park
Carry an emergency phone
To protect your passport and pouch get a money pouch
Carry an anti-theft backpack
Small U.S. dollar bills are more widely accepted and easier to use than the local currency in Zimbabwe, so be sure to bring some with you if you plan on doing any sightseeing.
Visitors who intend to drive themselves should fill up their tanks before entering the park, as dependable fuel sources can be hard to come by there.
FAQ’s Of Hwange National Park
What activities can we do at Hwange National Park camps?
At the Hwange National Park camps, you can engage in a plethora of activities like horseback riding, picnicking, observing wildlife and game drives. You can also engage in bird watching and set out on a sunset or night drive.
How many days do you need in Hwange National Park?
2-3 days are enough to tour the entire Hwange National Park as you can try out a night at the sleep-out deck, where you can lie in the grass and watch the stars and wake up with the sun; go on hikes; go birdwatching; explore the local village.
What is the best time of year to visit the Hwange National Park?
The dry season months of August, September, October, and early November are the ideal times to visit Hwange National Park as game viewing is at its most spectacular. Also, as the vegetation within the park thins, many animals congregate around the park's many waterholes. The summer months of November through April, however, may be enjoyable for bird watchers due to the presence of migratory birds.
What facilities will I get in Hwange National Park camps?
You enjoy the facilities of a sun terrace, lounge, poolside bar, and solar geyser. You also get laundry service, ironing service, and an outdoor fireplace to keep yourself warm during the winter months.
Which are the best places to visit in Hwange National Park?
The best places to visit in Hwange National Park are Nyamandlovu platform, Ngweshla Picnic Site, Bumbusi Ruins, and Leadwood Pans.