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Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s most famous and largest wildlife sanctuary, covering an area of over 14,600 square km. The strong elephant population, sheer wildlife varieties, and spectacular vistas make the park a heaven for nature lovers and thrill-seekers. Amazing woodlands, open savannahs and draught seasonal waterholes render it home to over 100 mammal species and 400 bird species. The uniqueness of Hwange’s biodiversity and accessibility gives it a special appeal. This is especially for those seeking to explore the heart of African wildlife.
Quick Details About Hwange National Park
Elevation: 1000 m – 1100 m above sea level
Total Area: 14,600 sq km
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Best Time To Visit: July to October
Location
Photo: Fabio Achilli / Wikimedia Commons
Hwange National Park extends to the south of the famous Victoria Falls at a distance of about 100 km. The widespread variety of animal habitats in the park includes semi-arid scrublands to luxuriant woodlands thereby making a wonderful habitat for wild creatures. The A8 Highway traverses Hwange and is the link between Zimbabwe’s safari circuit and its neighbour Botswana. It enjoys a central position and provides an excellent base for effective exploration of the natural attractions and cultural endowments of the area.
How To Reach
Photo: Kounosu / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: Victoria Falls International Airport, 100 km away, is the nearest, where charter flights can take you directly to Hwange Main Camp.
By Road: A two-hour drive from Victoria Falls via the A8 Highway. Well-maintained park roads are open to self-drive and guided tours.
By Rail: A scenic train ride from Bulawayo to Dete Station near Hwange is another option.
Things To Do In Hwange National Park
These things to do in the Hwange National Park will allow you to make the best memories in the largest national park of Zimbabwe:
1. Embark On Game Drives
Photo: Fabio Achilli / Wikimedia Commons
Hwange is renowned for its thrilling game drives. It gives you close encounters with elephants, lions, leopards and other miracles. Probing tours will inform you of the park’s ecology and uplift the wildlife experience. Early in the morning and during the evenings is the best time to go for these drives. During these periods, mammals, especially large mammals, are very active.
2. Take Bush Walks
Photo: Fabio Achilli / Wikimedia Commons
Trekking through the sprawling landscapes of the park under a professional guide is an experience of great intimacy with nature. Sometimes you can see the smaller animals of the wildlife here. Also, witness the exotic birds and get to learn about native plants.
Places To Visit Near Hwange National Park
Here are the best places to visit around Hwange National Park to enjoy your trip to the best:
1. Victoria Falls
Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Victoria Falls is a must-visit near Hwange National Park. Famous with the local name Mosi-a-Tunya, meaning the smoke that thunders. Victoria Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in the world. Spectacular views, bungee jumping, white-water rafting and scenic helicopter rides are some of the most exciting activities there. The rainforest surrounding it boasts different varieties of fauna and flora. Nature lovers and thrill-seekers will surely not forget the gorgeous views and exhilarating adventure.
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fees: $30 / ₹2,400 for foreigners, $7 / ₹560 for locals
2. Matobo National Park
Photo: SigmaIota / Wikimedia Commons
From Hwange National Park, this park is just 200 km. It boasts extraordinary granite rock formations referred to as kopjes and astonishing ancient San rock art. The Hoot of Adventure adds tours of the park on foot and game drives in search of rhinos, as well as a visit to Cecil Rhodes’s grave at World’s View. An excellent birding tour will also be provided, with many of them found, such as the black eagle. Matobo is certainly a treasure for its breathtaking picturesque landscape spiced with cultural heritage.
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fees: $15 / ₹1,200 for foreigners and $5 / ₹400 for local visitors
3. Binga
Photo: Nyathictsn / Wikimedia Commons
Binga stands on the southeastern shore of Lake Kariba and offers peace, grandeur and culture. The 250-km distance from Hwange makes it a particularly nice spot for fishing, boating and relaxing in the hot springs. You could also visit the Binga Cultural Museum to see the traditions of the Tonga people or enjoy cruises on Lake Kariba. The tranquil ambience and cultural history of Binga point to this area as a great spot for a peaceful and culturally rewarding escape.
Timings: Open for tourists the whole day
Entry Fees: $5 – $10 / ₹400 – ₹800
4. Chizarira National Park
Photo: Dissoxciate / Wikimedia Commons
Chizarira National Park is one of Zimbabwe’s most unexplored parks, offering you a true wilderness experience. It is located on the Zambezi Escarpment and has exciting gorges, rugged terrain and beautiful vegetation. Hiking, bird-watching and game viewing can be done in the park among various species, including elephants, lions and leopards. The place is quiet and peaceful, making it a real haven for adventurers. Chizarira is truly a hidden treasure, with breathtaking scenery and pristine wilderness.
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fees: $10 / ₹800 for international tourists and $5 / ₹400 for locals
5. Painted Dog Conservation Centre
Photo: Paul Balfe / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Just outside Hwange National Park lies the Painted Dog Conservation Centre, which is now working to save the endangered African wild dog. Tours educate you about these amazing beasts in an interactive and fun manner. The Center gives a special focus to wildlife conservation coupled with community development. In addition, guided tours are conducted and the challenges of protecting a wild dog and the attempts to keep their populations supported are discussed. So close to Hwange, the centre makes for a very convenient and enhancing addition to any itinerary.
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fees: Free, Donations from $10 – $15 / ₹800 – ₹1,200 to support the centre are welcomed
Where To Stay
Photo: Fabio Achilli / Wikimedia Commons
Hwange National Park has several stay facilities, depending on different types of budgets. Luxury lodges like Hwange Safari Lodge and The Hide Safari Camp are luxurious with amazing park views and guided safari experiences. Budget accommodations include Miombo Safari Lodge, providing cosy chalets and basic amenities. At budget levels, campsites such as Sinamatella Camp and Main Camp provide the basic amenities while keeping you close to nature. Staying within the national park or close by would give you easy access to game drives and wildlife sightings.
Where To Eat
Photo: Tamuka Hwami / Wikimedia Commons
Various dining facilities in and out of Hwange National Park bear proximity to different tastes and budgets. Lodges like the Patton Champagne and Ivory Lodge strictly demand gourmet meals freshly sourced from local markets. Casual dining at Hwange Safari Lodge provides a blend of delectable Zimbabwean dishes and a careful combination of international dishes, often with a beautiful view of the watering holes. The Camp Main Camp and Sinamatella provide basic dining. Also, there are small eateries in towns like Dete just outside the park, serving traditional Zimbabwean dishes.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Derek Keats / Wikimedia Commons
When planning a visit to Hwange National Park, it is necessary to consider seasonal weather and its impacts on wildlife viewing. The dry season (May to October) has the best viewing for the game since animals congregate around waterholes. The wet season (November to April) provides a lush landscape and migratory birds.
Tips For Travellers
- It is advisable to carry sunscreen, insect repellent, and light clothes, though layering up will be essential once the temperatures drop in the evenings.
- Make sure your car is 4X4-friendly if you are self-driving.
- Follow park rules about wildlife conservation and safety.
- Book your accommodation and activities in advance to ensure a smooth and pleasant trip, especially during peak season.
Hwange National Park is a rich fount of wildlife and landscape adventure and remains one of the most iconic Zimbabwean destinations. From walking or driving in its vast savannahs to elephant watching and appreciating the unique birdlife, the park will provide unforgettable experiences. These are for those interested in nature as well as lovely wonders nearby, such as Victoria Falls and Painted Dog Conservation. Plan your trip with TripXL for an amazing experience.
Cover Photo: Jürgen Kehrberger / Wikimedia Commons
