Hwange National Park is the largest national park in Zimbabwe and one of the larger parks in Africa's Eden. It was initially founded in 1928 and later established as a national park in 1949. The park has many wilderness lodges and camp options, allowing you to experience the abundant wildlife (including the Big 5) and access numerous archaeological and cultural sites. A truly unique feature is the feeling of having the park to yourself as crowds are not typical.
Hwange National Park covers an area of 14,651 sq. km, which is approximately the same size as Northern Ireland in the UK, or slightly smaller than Kuwait. The varied landscape in Hwange National Park includes teak forest, thornveld, mopane woodland and Kalahari scrubland.
Hwange National Park has the following plentiful wildlife, despite pressure from poaching over recent years:
- The Big Five and 100 other mammal species, including the largest population of elephants in the country. Large predator sightings are common and include lion, cheetah, African Wild Dog and the elusive leopard.
- Over 400 species of birds, including a wide variety of raptors and a large number of migratory species from November to April.
As there is little to no natural water flow in the park, animals gather around artificial watering holes to drink in the morning and evening, especially during the dry season.
The best time to visit Hwange National Park is during the dry season – July to October – when wildlife is more concentrated around watering holes and pans. Temperatures during this time are lower, especially at night, dropping to single digits in July and August. Remember to pack warm clothes for those early morning game drives in open game drive vehicles.
The wet season – November to April – is much quieter and greener as the trees and bushes explode into life with the rains. While temperatures are higher and the rains can make some roads more challenging, it is possible to see young animals and migratory birds that arrive in the park. It is important to note that some camps and lodges close between January and March for annual maintenance.
Gate Times: 08h00 to 16h30
Gate Fees: (per day)
- Day visitor local USD 5
- Accommodated local USD 3
- Day visitor SADC USD 15
- Accommodated SADC USD 8
- Day visitor International USD 20
- Accommodated USD 10
MAP OF Hwange National Park
The Hide
Hwange National Park
Located in a prime position in Hwange National Park, The Hide offers a life-enriching safari experience for its guests,…
VIEW DETAILSDavison's Camp
Hwange National Park
Nestled discreetly beneath a grove of false mopane trees, Davison's is located in the private Linkwasha Concession – one…
VIEW DETAILSKapula South Camp
Hwange National Park
South Camp has 4 tents, all of which are en-suite and on a concrete platform on ground level. Tents…
Camps Somalisa Camp
Hwange National Park
Hwange National Park is a land of contrasts from dense teak and acacia forest to vast open savannah, offering…
VIEW DETAILSDaka Plains
Hwange National Park
Resting on the top of the low foothills in the far north west of Hwange National Park, is Daka…
VIEW DETAILSNantwich Lodge
Hwange National Park
A unique, small and intimate eco-lodge reclaimed from a bygone era, for true safari lovers who want to get…
Robins Camp
Hwange National Park
Robins Camp, now under private new management, offers an exciting revival of the iconic safari destination in Hwange National…
VIEW DETAILSHwange Safari Lodge
Hwange National Park
Hwange Safari Lodge caters for a diverse range of individuals and groups from the lone adventurer to couples, families…
VIEW DETAILSLinkwasha Camp
Hwange National Park
Linkwasha Camp lies in a private concession near the Ngamo Plains in Hwange National Park. Hwange is known for…
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