Hwange National Park

Zimbabwe has not always had the safari industry its wildlife deserves. For much of the 2000s and 2010s, Hwange’s extraordinary ecosystem — the largest national park in Zimbabwe at 14,651 square kilometres, with one of Africa’s most significant wild dog populations and an elephant concentration that rivals anywhere on the continent — was undervisited and under-resourced. That is now changing rapidly. A new generation of exceptional safari camps, increasing political stability and growing international recognition have returned Hwange to the conversation about Africa’s finest destinations.

The park sits on the Kalahari sand system of western Zimbabwe, bordering Botswana to the south and accessible from Victoria Falls (2 hours north) or from Bulawayo (3 hours southeast). Its landscape is mopane and teak woodland interspersed with open vleis (grassland depressions) and the borehole-fed waterholes that are the key to the Hwange game-viewing strategy.

The elephants

Hwange’s elephant population — estimated at 50,000 individuals — is genuinely staggering. The Kalahari system produces insufficient natural water for the vast number of animals, and for decades Zimbabwe National Parks has pumped borehole water into artificial pans throughout the park. In the dry season (July–October), this concentrated water source draws herds of hundreds of elephants to specific pans on a predictable daily rotation. Sitting at Nyamandhlovu Pan, Masuma Dam or Ngweshla Picnic Site and watching 200-elephant herds arrive at the water is one of the great wildlife spectacles in Africa.

African wild dog

Hwange holds one of Africa’s healthiest wild dog populations, and the park’s vast, undivided woodland provides the unbroken range these highly mobile predators require. Specialist camps in the northern sections — particularly around Kennedy vlei and the Ngamo area — have resident research teams that track known packs. During denning season (June–August), packs are tied to a specific den site for 6–10 weeks, making sightings highly reliable with the right guide.

Walking safaris

Zimbabwe has a long and proud tradition of walking safaris — the profession of the professional hunter evolved into the walking safari guide in the early 20th century, and Hwange produced many of Zimbabwe’s most celebrated walking safari guides. The mopane and teak woodland, with its tracking-friendly soil and diverse game, remains one of Africa’s finest environments for walking. Several camps — particularly in the northern concession areas — offer multi-day wilderness walking trails sleeping under fly-camps.

Rhino in Hwange

Both black and white rhino have been reintroduced to Hwange’s protected areas — white rhino to the Main Camp area and black rhino to selected private concessions. Sightings are not guaranteed (the park is vast and rhino are shy) but the population is growing. The Wilderness Safaris concession in the north has the most reliable rhino programme.

Combine Hwange with…

• Victoria Falls — 2 hours north; the classic Zimbabwe combination.
• Mana Pools — fly east for walking and canoeing safaris on the Zambezi.
• Matobo Hills — 3 hours southeast for rhino on foot and rock art.

Frequently asked questions about Hwange

Is Hwange good for self-drive safari?

Yes — the Zimbabwe National Parks camps at Main Camp, Sinamatella and Robins Camp have public access roads. A 4WD is recommended for the sandy interior tracks. The waterhole hides at Main Camp are accessible without a guide.

How does Hwange compare to Kruger?

Hwange has more elephants, more wild dogs and less tourist pressure. Kruger has better infrastructure and a more diverse mammal list. Both are outstanding; Hwange rewards travellers who want a quieter, more exclusive experience.

Is Zimbabwe safe to visit?

Yes — the tourism areas (Victoria Falls, Hwange, Mana Pools, Bulawayo) are considered safe and visitor-friendly. Zimbabwe has been rebuilding its tourism industry and the camp staff and guiding quality is among the finest in Africa.