Koncept Africa – Luxury Travel Design Company
Zimbabwe

Hwange National Park – Zimbabwe’s Premier Safari Destination

Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest national park, covering an area of approximately 14,650 square kilometres (5,656 square miles). It is located in the northwest corner of the country, near the border with Botswana. Named after a local Nhanzwa chief, Hwange National Park is renowned for its diverse wildlife and varied landscapes, making it one of Africa’s premier safari destinations.

Why Visit Hwange National Park on a Zimbabwe Safari?

Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest and most renowned safari destination, known for its vast wilderness, exceptional elephant populations, and uncrowded game-viewing experiences.
Located within easy reach of Victoria Falls, Hwange is often the core safari component of a Zimbabwe itinerary, offering classic game drives with a strong emphasis on expert guiding and authentic wildlife encounters.

What Makes Safari in Hwange National Park Unique?

Hwange stands out for its:

  • 1. Vast open landscapes with diverse habitats
  • 2. Low vehicle density compared to busier African parks
  • 3. High-quality professional guides
  • 4. Natural waterholes that attract wildlife year-round
Unlike more commercial safari destinations, Hwange offers a slower, more immersive safari experience, ideal for travellers who value depth over spectacle.

Things You Must Know

Wildlife :
Hwange is home to a wide variety of wildlife species, including the Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhinoceros). It has one of the largest elephant populations in Africa, with estimates of around 40,000 individuals. Other commonly spotted animals include giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, impalas, kudus, and sable antelopes. The park also boasts over 400 bird species.
Landscape
The park’s landscape is diverse, ranging from grasslands and savannas to woodlands and teak forests. Waterholes are scattered throughout the park, providing vital water sources, especially during the dry season when wildlife congregates around them, offering excellent game viewing opportunities.
Activities :
Visitors to Hwange National Park can enjoy a range of activities, including game drives, guided walks, and birdwatching safaris. Some lodges and camps within the park offer night drives, allowing visitors to spot nocturnal animals such as hyenas, leopards, and owls. Cultural experiences with local communities are also available in nearby areas.
Accommodation :
Hwange National Park offers various accommodation options, including luxury lodges, tented camps, and self-catering chalets. Many of these accommodations provide guided safari activities and excellent opportunities to immerse oneself in the African wilderness.
Conservation :

The park faces challenges such as poaching and habitat loss, but efforts are underway to protect its wildlife and ecosystems. Conservation organizations, government agencies, and local communities collaborate to manage and safeguard the park’s natural resources.

Accessibility :
Hwange National Park is accessible by road from major cities such as Victoria Falls and Bulawayo. The nearest airport is located in Victoria Falls, with domestic flights connecting to nearby airstrips.Overall, Hwange National Park offers an authentic African safari experience with its abundant wildlife, stunning landscapes, and range of activities, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.

Hwange National Park Preferred Hotels / Lodges :

Wildlife Highlights of Hwange National Park

Hwange is particularly famous for its wildlife concentrations during the dry season.

You can expect to see:

  • 1. One of Africa’s largest elephant populations
  • 2. Lions, leopards, and large buffalo herds
  • 3. African wild dogs (seasonal sightings)
  • 4. Giraffe, zebra, sable antelope, and diverse plains game
  • 5. Excellent birdlife, especially during the green season

Koncept Africa Insight:
Hwange is especially rewarding during the dry months when animals gather around waterholes, making game viewing both reliable and uncrowded. 

Types of Safari Experiences in Hwange

Hwange offers a variety of safari styles depending on lodge location and concession access.

Guided Game Drives

  • – Morning and afternoon drives led by expert guides
  • – Excellent predator and elephant sightings
  • – Ideal for first-time and repeat safari travellers

Walking Safaris

  • – Led by highly trained professional guides
  • – Focus on tracking, ecology, and close-to-nature encounters
  • – Best suited for travellers seeking a deeper connection with the wilderness

Private Concession Safaris

  • – Fewer vehicles and exclusive access areas
  • – Flexible safari timings
  • – Enhanced privacy and photography opportunities
Ideal stay: 3–4 nights | Check Itinerary | Enquiry Now

Who Is Hwange National Park Best Suited For?

Hwange is ideal for:
  • – First-time safari travellers seeking classic game drives
  • – Elephant and predator enthusiasts
  • – Travellers preferring quieter, less crowded parks
  • – Those combining safari with Victoria Falls
It is particularly well suited for travellers who appreciate guiding quality and natural behaviour over high vehicle density.

Hwange National Park vs Other African Safari Parks

Hwange offers a different experience compared to more heavily visited safari destinations.
  • 1. Less crowded than parks such as Kruger or Masai Mara
  • 2. Greater emphasis on guided experiences and conservation
  • 3. More relaxed safari pace with fewer vehicles at sightings
This makes Hwange National Park a strong choice for travellers seeking authentic, low-impact safaris.

Can Hwange Be Combined with Victoria Falls?

Yes. Hwange National Park is one of the best safari extensions from Victoria Falls.

Popular combinations include:

  • Victoria Falls → Hwange National Park
  • Safari in Hwange followed by Victoria Falls as a scenic finale
Transfers are smooth and well-organized, making the combination both convenient and rewarding.

Our Approach to Planning Hwange Safaris

At Koncept Africa, we design Hwange safaris based on:
  • – First-hand lodge knowledge
  • – Trusted local partners and guides
  • – Balanced safari pacing
  • – Seamless connections with Victoria Falls and other regions
Our focus is on creating a safari experience that feels unrushed, immersive, and well-matched to your travel style.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hwange National Park

Q1. Is Hwange National Park good for safari?

Yes. Hwange is one of Zimbabwe’s best safari destinations, offering excellent wildlife sightings, professional guiding, and uncrowded game-viewing experiences.

Q2. How many days are enough in Hwange National Park?

A stay of 3 nights is ideal for most travellers, allowing time for multiple game drives and a relaxed safari pace.

Q3. What animals can you see in Hwange National Park?

Hwange is known for elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, wild dogs, and a wide variety of plains game and birdlife.

Q4. Can Hwange National Park be combined with Victoria Falls?

Yes. Hwange is commonly combined with Victoria Falls, creating a well-balanced Zimbabwe itinerary with both safari and scenic experiences.

Plan Your Hwange National Park Safari

Hwange National Park offers classic African safaris with space, silence, and exceptional guiding — an ideal complement to Victoria Falls and a cornerstone of Zimbabwe travel.
Speak with Koncept Africa’s safari specialists to design a Hwange safari that fits seamlessly into your Zimbabwe journey.
This Hwange National Park guide is curated by Koncept Africa’s safari specialists, based on first-hand experience in Zimbabwe.

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