Hwange National Park

Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest and most famous national park. Located in the west of the country, near the border with Botswana, it covers more than 14,600km² of protected wilderness. The park is only a few hours from Victoria Falls, making it one of the country’s most popular safari destinations.

Hwange is best known for its huge elephant population, with more than 50,000 elephants living in the park. During the dry season, animals gather around waterholes, giving visitors excellent opportunities to see wildlife. Along with elephants, the park is home to lions, leopards, buffaloes, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, sable antelope, kudu, and many other species. Lucky visitors may also spot the endangered African wild dog, one of Africa’s rarest predators.

Birdwatchers will also find plenty to enjoy. Nearly 500 bird species have been recorded in the park, making Hwange one of Zimbabwe’s top birdwatching destinations. Migratory birds arrive between November and April, while the dry season offers some of the best wildlife viewing.

Visitors can explore the park on guided game drives, walking safaris, or self-drive adventures. Hwange has a good network of roads, making it one of the best national parks in Africa for self-drive safaris. Accommodation includes campsites, government rest camps, luxury lodges, and tented camps to suit different budgets and travel styles.

Many travellers combine Hwange with a visit to Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park in Botswana, or Zambezi National Park to enjoy some of Southern Africa’s best wildlife and natural attractions.