Come to Zimbabwe and visit Hwange National Park

Zimbabwe is among the most naturally endowed countries in the world. With a small sparsely scattered human population, it has vast tracts of wilderness to explore and discover. For this reason, the country has been able to set aside wide national parks, dedicated to the conservation of wildlife. Hwange National Park is one such conservatory that quickly comes to mind.

At 14,600 square kilometres in size, it is the largest national park in Zimbabwe and is situated a little over an hour’s drive from the world famous, Victoria Falls. It has a diverse range of birds and animals. More than 420 species of birds have been observed in the park, including the impressive African Fish Eagle, known locally as the Hungwe Bird, which is the country’s national bird, and is depicted on it’s national flag and on most other important national symbols, installations and monuments. The bird is also featured on Zimbabwe’s currency notes and on the now disused coins as well as the country’s newly introduced gold coins.

Hwange National Park’s diversified fauna

More than 100 species of animals make their home in Hwange National Park, the largest of which is the majestic African Elephant. The park has more than 50,000 jumbos, which is one of the highest concentrations of elephants on the planet. An extensive conservation program has helped protect elephants from poachers who hunt the animals for their tusks for use as ornamental ivory or as high-end piano keys. However, an elephant tusk is nothing more than a specialised tooth used by the animal for several functions, from digging to lifting, stripping bark off trees for eating, and in need, for defensive purposes.

Lions are also another popular mammalian occurrence in the park. Estimated to number about 700, lions are an important part of the area’s ecosystem. They can be observed laying around or on the hunt in the wilderness or at watering holes. Cecil the lion was probably the most well-known beast in the National Park, and was famously killed during a licensed hunt in July 2015. Since that infamous incident, the lion population has recovered extremely well. The lions share the habitat with seven other large carnivores like hyenas, leopards and cheetahs as well as 19 large herbivores which include rhinoceros, antelope and deer. The world’s tallest land animals, the giraffe is found in abundance, lazily strolling around the park and nibbling at the new leaf shoots atop the park’s trees.  Your visit will help the conservation efforts for this valuable protected area.

Plant life in Hwange National Park

Because Hwange National Park is located in a region with historically low rainfall, not too far from the edge of the Kalahari Desert, the plant life in the park is adapted to extreme conditions. Wetlands that fill up during the patchy rain season, are responsible for the seasonal grasslands that develop, otherwise, the area is dominated by deep-rooted hardwoods. You will find Zambezi Teak, Sand Camwood, the Kalahari bauhinia and many others scattered throughout the park and beyond. Expect to see Zimbabwe’s breathtaking national flower, the flame lily, or gloriosa superba, growing at multiple water sources, especially during the wet season.

Things to do at Hwange National Park

There are many activities you can choose from when visiting Hwange. When you decide to see Hwange Park for yourself, it will not cost you an arm and a leg. Here are indicative fees for visitors to the park.

We list here just six from very many options of activities or places to stay when visiting the expansive Hwange National Park. Prices listed below are shown in USD based on estimates for the most affordable stays and should be used for indicative purposes only. Most packages offer free cancellation. Prices may vary during peak and lull periods. Please check with your preferred service provider and make reservations before travelling.

Hwange (Safari) Day Trip from Victoria Falls (Indicative budget – USD245 per adult)

Enjoy this full day outing with a focused group of not more that 15 people but with a diverse age package from 0 to 99 years old. See African wildlife up close on safari.

Hwange National Park Full Day Trip (Indicative Budget – USD365 per adult)

This 12-hour fun excursion includes a guided group tour, game viewing and lunch whilst viewing the animals.

2 Nights Camping safari in Hwange National Park (Indicative Budget – USD513 per adult) offers a safe camping experience in the National Park for groups of up to 12 people. Tents and mattresses provided.

5 Day Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park Accommodated Tour Safari (Indicative Budget – USD1,026 per adult)

This trip covers Hwange National Park and Victoria Falls town featuring the world famous falls and its own national park.

Award winning, The Hide Safari Lodge is an excellent choice for a luxurious visit to Hwange National Park. Consider them to enjoy one of their many offerings which include guided tours, bird watching, bushwalks, game drives and waterhole hides. The lodge is also committed to taking action to go green and offers guests a chance to learn more about their green initiatives when visiting.

Hwange Safari Lodge is a member of hotel chain, African Sun, that also offers high quality stays and rooms with views over waterholes, the African savanna or the lodge’s pool area. Guests can choose their preference from an array of 96 rooms available.

Whatever your preferences when on safari, Hwange National Park has something for you. From the plant and animal life on the ground to the birds in the sky, or just waking up to a view of wild animals casually strolling outside your room, and even for those that like to get up close and personal with wild animals, there is never a dull moment when visiting Zimbabwe’s largest conservatory.