In western Zimbabwe, between Bulawayo and Victoria Falls, lies Zimbabwe’s Big Game kingdom, a national park that was founded in 1928. It covers nearly 14,600 sq km, which makes it the country’s largest and oldest national park.
The park is well known for its legendary wilderness and its massive elephant herds, combined with classic safari landscapes.
How to get there
By road
From Victoria Falls, drive south via the A8 highway towards the park’s main Camp entrance, which takes about 1-5hours.
From Bulawayo, take the A8 north, passing Lupane and Gwayi, which takes about 3 hours.
By public transport, buses run between Bulawayo and Victoria Falls, with drop-offs at Hwange town, where local taxis can be arranged to the main Camp.
By air
With charter flights available and land in Hwange main airport, Hwange National Park Airport, which is near luxury camps, Hwange Town airport.
What to expect and see
Imagine endless vast savannah dotted with Mopane woodland, golden grass plains, acacia and ancient waterholes teeming with animals, as the Hwange is home to over 45,000 elephants.
Packed with 100+ mammal species such as Lions, leopards, cheetahs, African wild dogs ( hard to find elsewhere ), buffalo and sable and roan antelope
Over 400+ bird species, which makes it a bird watcher’s paradise.
Expect game-rich landscapes, dramatic sunsets, and the African safari atmosphere.
Where to stay
(Inside the park)
- Hwange Safari Lodge is the closest hotel-style option.
- The Hide, a luxury tented camp.
- Somalisa Camp is a high-end intimate.
- Linkwasha Camp is an ultra-luxury Wilderness Safaris property.
- Ngweshla Platform Campsite for self drives, excellent game viewing.
(Near Hwange town)
- Miombo safari lodge
- Hwange Bush Lodge.
- Ivory lodge.
Most lodges do include meals, guides, game drives and transfers.
Where to eat around the park
Inside the park (Main Camp Area)
- Main Camp restaurant that serves simple meals and drinks.
- Picnic sites like Deteema and Ngweshla offer self-catering or packed lunches.
Lodge Dining options (Most are All-Inclusive)
- The Hide safari Lodge with fine-dining style meals under-lit trees.
- Somalisa Camp, which serves gourmet bush cuisine.
- Elephant’s Eye lodge, an eco-luxury restaurant with forest views.
- Hwange Safari lodge with buffet meals, bars, and bush dinners.
Activities around the park
Game drives during morning, afternoon and evening as you experience lions haunting at dawn, Elephants bathing at waterholes and nocturnal wildlife like civets and hyenas
Walking safaris that are led by licensed rangers and track big game on foot, learn about animal behaviour and discover smaller wonders like insects, medicinal plants and spoor.
Community visits as you interact with the local Ndebele Communities, as you experience traditional music, crafts and homesteads.
Bird watching excursions as you spot bateleurs, kori bustards, hornbills, Carmine bee eaters, plus migratory species in the summer months.
Waterhole viewing and hideouts, as Hwange is famous for underground photographic hides that place you at eye-level with these gentle giants of the land.
