Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest national park and one of Southern Africa’s most rewarding safari destinations. Known for its vast wilderness, exceptional elephant populations, and authentic game-viewing experiences, Hwange offers a classic safari atmosphere without the crowds often found in more heavily visited parks.
The park is home to four of the Big Five: elephant, lion, leopard, and buffalo, as well as around 100 mammal species and nearly 400 bird species, according to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.
For travellers looking for a Zimbabwe safari that combines strong wildlife, varied landscapes, and easy access from Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park is one of the best places to start.
Where is Hwange National Park?
Hwange National Park is located in western Zimbabwe, not far from the famous Victoria Falls. This makes it one of the most convenient safari additions for travellers visiting the Falls.
Hwange is commonly combined with Victoria Falls because:
- It is accessible by road from Victoria Falls
- It offers a strong wildlife contrast to the Falls
- It works well for short or longer safari extensions
- It can be included in broader Zimbabwe, Botswana, or Southern Africa itineraries
Travel time depends on which area or lodge you are visiting. Some Hwange areas can be reached from Victoria Falls in around 1.5 to 2 hours by road, while more remote camps may take longer.
Why Visit Hwange National Park?
Hwange is ideal for travellers who want a more spacious and authentic safari experience in Zimbabwe. It is known for big skies, wide landscapes, excellent guiding and impressive wildlife diversity.
Top reasons to visit include:
- Zimbabwe’s largest national park
- One of Africa’s well-known elephant safari destinations
- Excellent predator sightings in certain areas
- Diverse habitats, from savanna grasslands to teak and mopane woodlands
- Strong birding, with nearly 400 recorded bird species
- Less crowded game viewing compared with some iconic safari parks
- Easy combination with Victoria Falls
Hwange’s wildlife viewing is strongly shaped by its water sources, especially during the dry season when animals gather around waterholes.
Wildlife in Hwange National Park
Hwange is especially famous for elephants. Large breeding herds are often seen around waterholes, particularly during the dry season.
Wildlife travellers may see includes:
- Elephants
- Lions
- Leopards
- Buffalo
- African wild dogs, also known as painted wolves
- Cheetahs
- Giraffes
- Zebras
- Hyenas
- Sable antelope
- Roan antelope
- Eland
- Warthogs
- Jackals
- Many bird species
Rhinos are not commonly seen throughout the park, although they may occur in protected areas. For most travellers, Hwange is better understood as a strong elephant, predator, and general wildlife destination rather than a guaranteed Big Five safari.
Hwange is also important for African wild dogs. These highly social predators are among Africa’s most endangered carnivores, and Hwange is one of the safari areas where travellers may be lucky enough to see them.
Best Time to Visit Hwange National Park
The best time to visit Hwange depends on what kind of safari experience you want.
Dry Season: May to October
This is generally considered the best time for wildlife viewing.
Why travellers choose it:
- Animals gather around waterholes
- Vegetation is thinner, making sightings easier
- Game drives can be very productive
- Elephant herds are especially impressive
- Cooler mornings and evenings earlier in the season
September and October can be excellent for elephant sightings, although temperatures can become very hot. Wildlife gathers around waterholes in the dry season, with September and October especially good for seeing elephant herds in Hwange.
Green Season: November to April
The green season brings a different kind of beauty.
Why travellers choose it:
- Lush landscapes
- Excellent birdwatching
- Young animals
- Dramatic skies and photography
- Fewer travellers in some areas
Rain can affect roads and visibility, but the park feels fresh and alive.
Seasonal Comparison
| SEASON | BEST FOR | WHAT TO EXPECT |
| May to October | Wildlife viewing and waterhole activity | Drier landscapes, easier sightings, strong elephant activity |
| November to April | Birding, photography, and green scenery | Lush landscapes, young wildlife, seasonal rain, and quieter travel |
| September to October | Elephants and predator activity | Hotter conditions, high waterhole activity, and dramatic wildlife viewing |
Why Stay on a Private Concession in Hwange National Park?
For travellers looking for a more exclusive and immersive safari experience, Hwange’s private concessions offer a unique way to explore the wilderness away from the busier areas of the national park.
Located in northern Hwange, private concessions provide greater flexibility with safari activities, allowing guests to enjoy experiences such as night drives, walking safaris, bush brunch, bush dinner, and unique sundowner locations. With fewer vehicles in the area, wildlife sightings often feel more personal and uninterrupted.
Northern Hwange is known as “Big Cat Country”, with excellent predator viewing opportunities, including regular lion sightings and encounters with cheetah and leopard. The region also lies close to the wildlife corridor connecting Hwange and Chobe, allowing seasonal movement of animals between these ecosystems.
Hideaways Nantwich Lodge and Hideaways Bumbusi Wilderness Camp both offer this exclusive style of safari, combining exceptional guiding, personalised service, excellent food and a deep connection to the landscape.
Hideaways Nantwich Lodge
Located on a private concession in northern Hwange, Hideaways Nantwich Lodge offers an intimate safari experience in one of Zimbabwe’s most wildlife-rich regions. Restored from a historic ZimParks outpost, the lodge combines a deep connection to Hwange’s history with exceptional wildlife experiences and personalised hospitality.
Situated in an area known for its abundant wildlife, Nantwich offers excellent opportunities to encounter lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants and large buffalo herds. A permanent waterhole directly in front of the lodge creates a year-round wildlife viewing opportunity, while the nearby hide allows guests to enjoy close-up sightings and birdwatching from a peaceful setting.
With small safari vehicles, expert guides and a focus on personalised experiences, Nantwich provides an authentic Hwange safari away from the crowds.
Highlights include:
- Private concession safari experience in northern Hwange
- Excellent predator sightings, including lions, leopard and cheetah
- Permanent waterhole attracting elephants, buffalo and birdlife
- Wildlife viewing from the lodge and dedicated hide
- Maximum six guests per safari vehicle
- Expert guiding and personalised safari experiences
- Night drives and unique safari activities
- Easy combination with Victoria Falls and Chobe
Hideaways Bumbusi Wilderness Camp
Situated on a remote private concession in northern Hwange, Hideaways Bumbusi Wilderness Camp offers an authentic wilderness experience surrounded by evergreen landscapes, wildlife and thousands of years of history.
The camp is ideal for travellers seeking a deeper connection with nature, with exceptional walking safaris exploring Bumbusi Gorge, the Deka River, petrified forests and the historic Bumbusi National Monument. Ancient ruins and San Rock engravings reveal the rich cultural heritage of this unique area.
Surrounded by natural springs and dense vegetation, Bumbusi creates an oasis within Hwange, attracting elephants and a variety of wildlife throughout the year. With its remote setting, excellent guiding and exclusive access to the concession, guests can experience the wilderness away from the crowds.
Highlights include:
- Remote private concession in northern Hwange
- Exceptional walking safari experiences
- Bumbusi National Monument, ancient ruins and San rock engravings
- Bumbusi Gorge, Deka River and petrified forest excursions
- Frequent elephant sightings around camp
- Rich birdlife and diverse natural surroundings
- Excellent armchair wildlife viewing
- Professional guiding and personalised safari experiences
- Helicopter access available
Top Safari Experiences in Hwange
Hwange offers a wide range of safari experiences depending on the lodge, location and season.
Popular experiences include:
- Morning and afternoon game drives
- Walking safaris where available
- Waterhole hides
- Birdwatching
- Night drives in areas where permitted
- Photography
- Sundowners in the bush
- Tracking wildlife with experienced guides
Waterhole viewing is one of Hwange’s most memorable safari features, especially in the dry season when wildlife concentrates around these essential water sources.
Featured Interview: Wander the World: Exploring Zimbabwe on safari
Hwange National Park is one of Zimbabwe’s most iconic safari destinations, known for its vast wilderness, incredible wildlife, and unforgettable safari experiences.
In this Cape Talk interview, Garth Jenman, Managing Director of Jenman African Safaris, shares his insights into what makes Zimbabwe special and why it remains one of Africa’s most rewarding safari destinations.
Plan Your Hwange Safari
Whether you’re searching for the best time to visit Hwange National Park, choosing between safari lodges, or planning your first Zimbabwe safari, our travel specialists are here to help you create the perfect itinerary.
Experience one of Africa’s greatest wildlife destinations with expert guidance every step of the way.
Bookings: info@jenmansafaris.com
Talk To Us: +27 21 683 7826
