Hwange National Park

The largest national park in Zimbabwe covering a total area of 14 500 km², and that 14 500 km² of some of the most pristine wildlife sanctuary in Southern Africa. Home to a large selection of mammals, birdlife, reptiles, and that includes an impressive 40 000 strong population of elephants.

Formally known as 'Wankie National Park', it was founded in 1928 and has ever since been one of Africa's best known and famed National Parks, and for a good reason, the wildlife experiences within the park are nothing short of spectacular, as are those sunsets.

Hwange National Park Facts

Size: 14 500 square kilometres
Location: Western Zimbabwe
When to visit the park: Year-round
Altitude: In the region of 1050 metres above sea level
Accommodation: Lodges In Hwange

Where is Park Hwange National Park located?

Hwange is located in the western region of Zimbabwe on the border with Botswana.

The park is a mere two-hour drive or a 30-minute flight south from Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls and 280 kilometres or a three-hour drive north from Bulawayo and the Motobo National Park.

Click here for a map view of the national park (we have used HERE maps as Google Maps has made a mess of the Hwange area); HERE WeGo Maps - Hwange National Park

Best Time to Visit Hwange National Park?

Hwange National Park is a year-round safari destination with wildlife sightings being easier in winter and birdlife being best in summer.

The winter months, July to October (the dry season), are best for wildlife sightings as the park is dry, and that forces the wildlife to visit the waterholes dotted throughout the park.

The summer months, December to March (the wet season), see's wildlife heading deeper into the bushveld, making it harder for the guides to find them when out on game drives.

Birdlife is good in the dry season but becomes spectacular when the rains start falling, and the migrant species start to arrive.

At Uyaphi.com, we do not have a preferred season to visit; we find that no matter the time of year, Hwange offers something completely different every time. Wildlife sightings are always good, as is the birdlife, game drives are amazing, as is the scenery, sunsets and surrounding bushveld. If you had to push us for an answer, we would probably say the spring, autumn or summer, as the winter mornings can get really cold.

Information On Hwange National Park

Hwange is home to over 100 mammal species, including over 40 000 elephants and almost 400 species of birdlife. Wildlife highlights include; lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, wild dog, sable antelope, to mention only but a few.

Days are spent on safari activities, for example, game drives and short walking safari excursions; stopping off at hides and waterholes is a highlight, especially for those who love photography.

There is a good selection of safaris lodges and camps both within the National Park and just outside park boundaries in private reserves. The more expensive accommodation options are in private concessions within the park; only guests staying at these lodges get access to the area.

Main Attractions Of Hwange National Park

Wildlife
Birdlife
photography hides
Waterholes
Sunsets
Game drives
40 000 elephants
Lions and leopards
Wild dogs if you are lucky enough

528 Victoria Falls

Nestled in Zimbabwe's stunning scenery, 528 Victoria Falls redefines the safari lodge experience, blending luxury with nature's untamed beauty. This retreat features eight elegant suites, each offering sophistication and cultural charm, inviting guests to relax in comfort.

With personal service from attentive owner-operators, every moment enriches your stay. The lodge's close proximity to Victoria Falls and the vibrant local town ensures an exhilarating adventure is always within reach, promising an exciting and rejuvenating holiday.
528 Victoria Falls
Singita Malilangwe House

Singita Malilangwe House, with five luxuriously appointed bedrooms, is the ideal destination for a small group of friends or family seeking the ultimate privacy.

Malilangwe House is perched on a sandstone ridge with views of the surrounding landscape and Malilangwe Dam below.
Singita Malilangwe House
Deka Camp

Looking for an out-of-the-ordinary safari experience when visiting Zimbabwe? Look no further than Deka Camp! Situated in a private concession within Hwange National Park.

With incredible wildlife sightings and night drives available, you will most certainly be captivated by this stunning safari destination. So discover the magic of Deka Camp in the Hwange today!
Deka Camp
Somalisa Camp

Nestled in the breathtaking Hwange National Park, Somalisa Camp offers a serene escape into nature's embrace. This award-winning camp combines luxury with a genuine bush experience, providing guests with an intimate connection to the wildlife surrounding them.

With its stunning tented suites, each offering a unique vantage point of the park's diverse ecosystem, Somalisa Camp is perfect for those seeking adventure, relaxation, and a deeper appreciation of Africa’s natural beauty.
Somalisa Camp
John's Camp

John's Camp in Mana Pools is a breath of fresh air, a classic safari camp experience for those who want and need to escape the modern world.

A small and intimate tented camp for those who want to experience the very best in wildlife and birdlife that Mana Pools National Park has to offer.
John's Camp
Verney's Camp

Verney's Camp is a private concession area in a remote and wild area of Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe.

Watch as elephants play at the waterhole nearby, and enjoy plenty of peace and quiet in this remote corner of Zimbabwe. Come discover why Hwange Verney's Camp is one of the most highly acclaimed safari destinations in Africa!
Verney's Camp