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Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe - Things to Do in Hwange National Park

Hwange National Park

Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe - Complete Travel Guide

Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe's largest national park and one of Africa's premier wildlife destinations, spanning over 14,650 square kilometers of diverse ecosystems in the country's northwest region. Established in 1928, the park is renowned for hosting one of the world's largest elephant populations, with over 40,000 elephants roaming its vast wilderness alongside an incredible diversity of wildlife including lions, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs, and over 400 bird species. The park's landscape varies dramatically from semi-desert scrubland in the south to dense teak forests in the north, creating distinct habitats that support different wildlife communities. What makes Hwange particularly special is its network of artificial waterholes that were created to supplement natural water sources, ensuring year-round wildlife viewing opportunities and making it one of the most reliable safari destinations in Southern Africa.

Top Hwange National Park

Game Drives

Experience world-class wildlife viewing on morning and afternoon game drives through diverse ecosystems. The park's extensive road network provides access to different habitats where you can encounter massive elephant herds, prides of lions, and rare species like painted wolves. Professional guides share their expertise about animal behavior, conservation efforts, and the park's unique ecosystem.

Booking Tip: Book through established safari operators charging $80-150 per person for day trips. Early morning drives (6-10 AM) and late afternoon drives (3-6 PM) offer the best wildlife activity. Choose operators with experienced local guides and well-maintained 4WD vehicles.

Walking Safaris

Join guided walking safaris to experience the African bush on foot, learning to track animals and identify plants, birds, and smaller wildlife often missed from vehicles. These intimate encounters allow you to appreciate the intricate details of the ecosystem while developing bushcraft skills. Armed professional guides ensure safety while providing insights into traditional tracking methods and conservation practices.

Booking Tip: Book with licensed operators charging $60-100 per person for 3-4 hour walks. Best during cooler months (May-September). Ensure guides are certified and carry appropriate safety equipment. Wear neutral colors and closed shoes.

Hide Photography Sessions

Spend time in specialized photographic hides positioned near active waterholes for intimate wildlife photography opportunities. These permanent structures allow you to observe and photograph animals at close range without disturbing their natural behavior. The hides offer unique perspectives for capturing drinking elephants, predator interactions, and bird activity throughout the day.

Booking Tip: Reserve hide sessions through safari lodges or specialized photography operators for $40-80 per session. Book well in advance during dry season (August-October) when wildlife concentrates around water. Bring telephoto lenses and be prepared for 4-6 hour sessions.

Cultural Village Visits

Visit local communities bordering the park to learn about traditional lifestyles and the relationship between local people and wildlife conservation. Experience traditional dances, crafts demonstrations, and storytelling while gaining insights into conservation challenges and community-based tourism initiatives. These visits provide meaningful cultural exchange and support local livelihoods.

Booking Tip: Arrange through community tourism organizations or safari operators for $25-50 per person. Best combined with game drives for full-day experiences. Choose operators that ensure fair compensation reaches local communities directly.

Night Game Drives

Explore the park after dark to encounter nocturnal species rarely seen during daylight hours, including leopards, hyenas, civets, and various owl species. Spotlights reveal the park's nighttime activity as predators become active and different sounds fill the air. These drives offer a completely different perspective on African wildlife and ecosystem dynamics.

Booking Tip: Book through licensed operators offering night drives for $70-120 per person. Available only from private concessions adjacent to the park. Bring warm clothing as temperatures drop significantly after sunset, especially in winter months.

Getting There

Hwange National Park is accessible by road from Victoria Falls (190km, 2.5 hours) via a good tar road, making it easily combinable with visits to the famous waterfalls. Most visitors fly into Victoria Falls Airport and drive to the park, though charter flights can land at small airstrips near safari lodges. Self-drive visitors should ensure their vehicle is suitable for park roads, which can be challenging during the rainy season. Many visitors opt for organized transfers through their accommodation, which typically cost $150-250 per vehicle.

Getting Around

Movement within Hwange National Park requires a 4WD vehicle due to sandy tracks and seasonal road conditions, with most visitors joining organized game drives rather than self-driving. The park has an extensive network of roads connecting different camps and areas, but navigation can be challenging without local knowledge. Safari operators provide all transportation as part of their packages, while self-drive visitors must purchase park permits and maps at entry gates. Walking between camps or areas is not permitted due to dangerous wildlife.

Where to Stay

Main Camp area for budget camping and self-catering
Sinamatella Camp in the north for teak forest setting
Robins Camp in the south for desert wildlife
Private concessions for luxury safari lodges
Victoria Falls town for day trip base
Dete town for budget accommodation outside park

Food & Dining

Dining in Hwange National Park is primarily through safari lodges and camps, which provide all meals as part of their packages, featuring a mix of international cuisine and local specialties like sadza, game meat, and fresh vegetables. Self-catering visitors can purchase basic supplies in Dete town before entering the park, though options are limited. Many lodges offer bush breakfast and sundowner experiences as part of their safari programs. The park's remote location means most food is transported from Victoria Falls or Bulawayo, so lodge meals tend to be well-planned and hearty to fuel safari activities.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Zimbabwe

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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The Lookout Cafe - Wild Horizons

4.6 /5
(2048 reviews) 2
bar cafe store

Dusty Road Township Experience

4.6 /5
(313 reviews) 2

KwaTerry The traditional restaurant

4.6 /5
(297 reviews)

Baines Restaurant

4.8 /5
(261 reviews)
bar cafe

MaKuwa-Kuwa Restaurant

4.6 /5
(252 reviews)

Khaya Nyama Wombles

4.7 /5
(210 reviews)

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Hwange National Park is during the dry season from May to October, when wildlife concentrates around waterholes making game viewing exceptional and roads are in good condition. The peak dry months of August to October offer the most reliable wildlife sightings but can be very hot, while May to July provides cooler temperatures and good game viewing. The wet season (November-April) brings lush landscapes and bird migration but challenging road conditions and dispersed wildlife, though accommodation rates are lower and the park is less crowded.

Insider Tips

Visit the pumped waterholes during midday heat when most wildlife comes to drink, as many tourists skip this time thinking animals are inactive
Book accommodation well in advance for dry season visits, as the park's limited lodges and camps fill up quickly during peak wildlife viewing months
Bring high-factor sunscreen and wide-brimmed hats as the park offers little shade, and always carry more water than you think you need for day activities

Activities in Hwange National Park