hwange wilderness safaris

• Safari Diaries

Hwange Wilderness Safari 8 Days - From US$3800

Image – © imvelo safari lodges.

This 8 day safari ventures far from the beaten track into the untouched wilderness haven that is the Southern Hwange National Park.  Guests can explore this remote area with the confidence of experienced &  knowledgeable Guides who will lead walking safaris and game drives in 4×4 vehicles.

Departing from Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls Airport, fly to Hwange National Park for 3 nights in the remote south west, a wilderness unused for nearly 20 years, where you will explore, with professional Guides in 4×4 safari vehicles, on foot and mountain bike. Your safari then continues with a full day safari or “pump run” across the southern border of Hwange National Park to your next destination, on the magnificent Ngamo Plains, where you will spend 4 nights with game viewing activities and the opportunity to visit the Imvelo Ngamo Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can observe white rhino and spend time with the Cobras who guard the rhino 24/7 as well as learning more about the community and conservation programs in this area.

This safari is for those seeking a truly adventurous and authentic wildlife safari, staying in two small, safari accommodations with the focus on observing the wildlife that call this remote area home.

• 3 nights at Jozibanini Camp  (Fully Inclusive)

Situated in the remote south west of Hwange National Park in a wilderness unused for nearly 20 years, this bush camp is for those who are seeking a truly wild and authentic safari experience. Guests staying at Jozibanini Camp can enjoy a number of wildlife interactions either on foot, in 4×4 vehicles or Mountain biking which offers a different perspective when exploring the bush.  The Jozi ‘Look-up” Hide provides the opportunity for up-close viewing.

• 4 nights at Bomani Tented Lodge   (Fully Inclusive)

Located within the Ngamo Forest Area, Bomani Tented Lodge offers guests an unrivalled safari experience with impressive year-round wildlife viewing and a great diversity of wildlife in substantial numbers.  The highly experienced and knowledgeable guides will treat you to a safari experience you will never forget.

• Flexible departures any day

Although it is possible to book this itinerary as shown above, it is entirely customisable. We can add or delete days, change the accommodation used and generally design the tour to suit your individual requirements. For more information,   Contact one of our team to discuss your travel requirements.

Gallery © Imvelo Safari Lodges

DAY ONE – VICTORIA FALS – HWANGE NATIONAL PARK Approximate flight time 1 hour

Arrive at Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls Airport and clear customs, after which you’ll be met by a representative who will help you transfer to the domestic air terminal for your scenic 1hr flight to Jozibanini Camp in Hwange National Park. The flight will land at Libuti airstrip where you will be transported to camp by road in a 4 x 4 vehicle ( 15 minutes).

After settling into your tent and having some time to unpack, relax and freshen up,  depart on a game drive to explore this unique untamed wilderness, returning to camp for dinner round the camp fire.

Overnight at Jozibanini Camp  (Fully Inclusive)

DAY TWO – HWANGE NATIONAL PARK

After breakfast over the campfire, today you have the opportunity to head off on a guided mountain bike ride through the elephant paths along the inter-dune troughs around Jozibanini. The ecosystem here is semi-desert akin to the Kalahari in neighbouring Botswana. Ancient windblown fossil sand dunes are separated by shallow valleys where elephant paths have compacted the terrain, providing this area with the opportunity for a unique experience of game viewing by mountain bike. These rides can be from 30 minutes around camp to a full day exploring deep into southern Hwange, depending on your energy, fitness and adventure level!

Enjoy a delicious lunch back at camp or for the adventurous cyclists, a picnic lunch under a shady tree where you can have a siesta before the bike ride (or vehicle if you prefer!) back to camp in the afternoon.

Sundowners at the Jozibanini Look-up blind

In the late afternoon, you’ll head into the underground “Look-up” blind for spectacular photographic opportunities of the wildlife, just feet away, at the Jozi waterhole.  Enjoy a cool sundowner inside or atop the Look-up blind and once the sun has set, head back to camp for a tasty dinner out under the glorious night sky.

Jozi star beds – sleeping under a blanket of stars

If you’re feeling adventurous or in need of more star gazing, the beds can be rolled onto the deck of the tents for an extraordinary star-bed experience gazing skyward at millions of stars in the dark Hwange sky. As one guest put it, “Jozi isn’t a 5 star camp, it’s a five million star camp!”

Overnight at Jozibanini Camp   (Fully Inclusive)

DAY THREE – HWANGE NATIONAL PARK

Enjoy an early morning game drive or a guided game walk through the area around camp once more experiencing Hwange’s magnificent elephant on ground level and go tracking for the different species to be found in this part of the park such as lion, wild dog and buffalo.

Return to camp for brunch and some down time, enjoying the solitude of being in a completely untouched and isolated spot within the pristine African bush.

In the early afternoon, head off again on by foot, bike or game drive vehicle to explore another part of the far remote southwestern corner of Hwange National Park. You may also opt to visit the nearby Makona park ranger station and meet some of the park rangers who help protect and patrol the deep south of Hwange.

Optional visit St. Joseph’s School and Gibi Xegu village

Today you may also wish to include a visit to St Joseph’s School located in the village of Gibi Xegu village on the border of Hwange.  This is a 1.5hr game drive from camp. This village and school is supported by Imvelo Safari Lodges but given its very remote location, it receives few visitors and less support from tourism currently. Over the past few years, Imvelo has solarised the school water pump, installed a tank for water storage, provided daily lunch for all 160 pupils during the dry season and provided textbooks and teacher training through the Hwange School Projects. Guests are warmly welcomed by the students and teachers, with the occasional chicken being offered as a thank you gift for the visit!

Enjoy another dinner under the stars before retiring to your tent for the night.

DAY FOUR – HWANGE NATIONAL PARK

Today depart Jozibanini Camp for your full day safari or “pump run” across the southern border of Hwange!

Hwange National Park has no major rivers and for the past 70 years during Hwange’s dry seasons, wildlife has subsisted here on water originally pumped by windmills, later replaced by diesel engines and now solar power. In the southern sector of the Park, Imvelo Safari Lodges shoulders the responsibility for 16+ pumped waterholes. This means Imvelo is looking after approximately 20- 25% of the waterholes that sustain Hwange’s wildlife.

Imvelo’s trademark “pump runs” combine game viewing in remote areas of the park with practical hands-on conservation helping to maintain these waterholes and pumps which the wildlife rely on for water during the dry season. Many of these pumps have been converted to solar-hybrid pumps in recent years. You’ll learn about the challenges of maintaining this system in conversations and hand-on activities with your guide and the pump attendants who spend the dry season living at the waterholes to keep the pumps running.

After enjoying a picnic lunch, continue onward to Bomani Tented Lodge, arriving in the early evening after a sundowner stop on the Ngamo Plains.

Freshen up and enjoy refreshments at the campfire before enjoying a 3-course dinner under the stars.

Overnight at Bomani Tented Lodge  (Fully Inclusive)

DAY FIVE – HWANGE NATIONAL PARK

After an early wake-up call, head out to explore the wilderness as the sun is rising and with the possibility of seeing the big cats when they are still active. Return back to the lodge for brunch and spend the afternoon at leisure within the lodge, either relaxing on the viewing deck overlooking the lodge waterhole or perhaps cooling off in the splash pool.

All activities are flexible and the above program can be varied, for example with a departure after a full breakfast at the lodge, or with a picnic brunch in the bush.

In the late afternoon, head out again to explore the Ngamo Plains.  Your guide will reveal the options available and make recommendations based on your own preferences and what has been sited during the day – game drives, walks, full-day excursions, bird watching and waterhole watches are all alternatives.

Return back to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

DAY SIX – HWANGE NATIONAL PARK

Today you have the opportunity to visit the Imvelo Ngamo Rhino Sanctuary where you’ll meet Thuza and Kusasa, as well as the Cobra Rangers guarding them 24/7. Start with a behind-the-scenes look at the Cobras basecamp and learn more about their work along with Imvelo’s many other community and conservation programs. Hear a short talk on the origins and ideas behind the formation of the Cobras unit and how they protect the rhino, as well as the future plans for their ground-breaking Community Rhino Conservation Initiative. Head off on foot or by vehicle with the Cobras to meet Thuza and Kusasa! There will be lots of photo opportunities and quality time to watch and enjoy the rhinos in their natural environment on the Ngamo plains; how close you will be able to get to the rhino will be subject to conditions on the ground.

Each guest at Bomani Tented Lodge pays a rhino conservation and community levy; these funds all go into the rhino sanctuary along with community projects in the nearby villages.

Vehicles must stay on the roads in the Southern Hwange Park so often a game drive is combined with a spontaneous walking safari to explore more terrain off the roads.   Stop at a water hole to enjoy a refreshing sundowner whilst you watch the sun sink beneath the horizon before heading back to the lodge to freshen up for dinner under the brilliant stars.

DAY SEVEN – HWANGE NATIONAL PARK

Today guests have the opportunity to enjoy an actual and un-orchestrated look at village life in rural Matabeleland.

This morning sees an early start with breakfast in the dining room before heading to nearby Ngunyana Village where guests can join the children on their morning walk to school or join the younger kids for a ride in our safari vehicles! Once at the school, guests meet the Headmaster and are welcomed with traditional songs sung by the students, followed by a short classroom interaction. This activity gives the school children a wonderful opportunity to meet and interact with people from all over the world who have come to see the wildlife amongst which they live.

After the school visit, head to a nearby village for an un-choreographed visit of a local homestead, including a meeting with the headman of the village. Guests will be able to see some of Imvelo’s community initiatives firsthand and gain insight into the day to day life of a rural Zimbabwean including learning about thatching roofs, tilling fields, milling maize and weaving baskets.

In the afternoon, head back into Hwange in search of wildlife before making a stop for a bush lunch next to the specially built underground game-viewing blind at Stoffie’s Pan aka the “Look-up” blind, named such because its located at the water level so you’ll be looking up at the elephants! After lunch, enjoy some time in the blind with snout-level viewing of thirsty elephants just feet way! The blind is furnished with comfortable seating and has running water for flush loos and hand basins.

In the late afternoon, continue to explore the Ngamo plains on foot and by vehicle. After sundowners, we’ll night drive back to camp, exploring the Bomani concession, looking for nocturnal species that prowl the plains after twilight.

DAY EIGHT – HWANGE NATIONAL PARK – VICTORIA FALLS Approximate flight time 1 hour After a final breakfast and morning game drive (time permitting), climb aboard your 1hr hour scenic air charter from the Bomani airstrip to Victoria Falls International Airport for your onward travel.

Prices & Booking Information

From USD$3800 per person Based on 2 adults sharing 1 Room

Contact Us For Prices Based on a minimum of 2 adults traveling together

• Subject to our standard Terms & Conditions
• Subject to change & availability of services at time of booking
• From price based on travel Jan – April 2024.
• For all travel dates please Contact Us>>

Inclusive of:

• The Meet and Greet at the airport upon arrival • All Transfers & internal flights • Scheduled charter flight from Victoria Falls • Game activities as available including walks, drives, all day excursions, night drives and service of a guide on safari • All meals, soft drinks, beers, wines & local spirits • All taxes • Hwange National Park Entry Fee • Rhino Conservation and Community Levy of $150 per person

Exclusive of:

• International airfare • Tips • Personal expenses • Personal travel insurance • Any activities not mentioned in the itinerary • Visa fees • All Drinks and any meal/snack not shown as included

* Jozibanini Camp is a seasonal camp.   Please Contact Us>> for dates as to when the camp is open/closed.  If the camp is not open, the camp can be replaced with Nehimba Lodge for this itinerary. * School visits cannot take place during school holidays (April, August, December to Mid-January). * Game drives / walks are shared – for private vehicle & private Guide please contact us

Concerned about the security of your booking and your own safety while on safari?

We fully appreciate your concerns when it comes to booking a safari in Africa and you can rest assured that your financial security when booking and your own personal safety when on safari is our highest priority. Gamewatchers Safaris is a member of the Kenya Association of Tour Operators bonding scheme, backed by a leading insurance company, to ensure your payments are fully protected if a bonded KATO member ceases trading.

• Recommended Kenya Safaris
• Specialist Safaris
• Kenya Safari Camps & Lodges
• Kenya Parks & Game Reserves
• Tanzania Safaris
• Rwanda Safaris
• South Africa Safaris
• Botswana Safaris
• Zambia Safaris
• Uganda Safaris
• Republic of the Congo Safaris
• Madagascar Tours
• Namibia Safaris
• Zimbabwe Safaris
• Kenya Beach Resorts
• Mozambique Beach Resorts
• Madagascar Beach Resorts
• Seychelles Holidays
• Mauritius Holidays
• Zanzibar Holidays
• Safari Honeymoon Packages
• Travel Information
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Customer Comments

Gamewatchers Safaris Ltd P.O. Box 388 - 00621 Village Market Nairobi Kenya

Tel UK: 07986 978985 Tel USA: 1-877-710-3014 Tel Kenya: +254-722-509200

• Privacy Policy
• About Cookies

Explore Hwange Up Close With An Immersive Safari

The inzila experience.

Every aspect of an Inzila Safari has been thoughtfully designed to give you the most authentic experience in the African wilderness. With exclusive and unfenced campsites, custom-built tents, and a passionate Professional Guide,  your safari experience will be unparalleled.

Explore Zimbabwe's Largest National Park

Hwange is one of the most diverse national parks in the world, and to make the most of this, t he focus of our safaris is just that – the safari.  With either a walking or driving excursion we allow for full flexibility and spontaneity around wildlife sightings.

Inzila means ‘to follow a trail’ in Nambya, the local dialect of the Hwange region. In essence, this is how we operate. Going off the beaten track, we will follow elephant tracks and wild trails, discovering hidden gems and secluded waterholes along the way. 

Get in touch to book your adventure of a lifetime.

Why Choose Inzila

Professional Guiding

Your guide, Adam Jones, has undergone extensive, demanding training and rigorous examinations to attain full professional guide status. Celebrating our Zimbabwean roots, we wholeheartedly embrace the “support local” ethos. Every member of our team is proudly Zimbabwean. 

A Premium Destination

Explore the Hwange wilderness from our campsites situated on either sides of the park. Immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of rolling Kalahari grasslands, ancient forests, and meandering rivers, making Hwange a world-class destination.

Top Line Communication

Our seamless 2-way radio system connects you directly to our Victoria Falls office. In case of any medical emergencies, our highly-trained staff, equipped with first-aid training, can promptly activate medical rescue.

Sustainable Tourism

In honour of each guest, we plant a tree as part of our commitment to responsible tourism. Learn more about our initiatives for community and environmental preservation on our dedicated page – here.

W. Olds (Vietnam)

Adam is an exceptional guide, combining an encyclopedic knowledge of flora and fauna with a wonderful ability to make that accessible to people at every level of familiarity with the African bush. Adam will get you close up to the wild whilst remaining highly respectful of animals and safety conscious for his guests. Of all the many guides it’s been my privilege to spend time with – in Zimbabwe and across Africa – there are none I’d recommend more highly than Adam.

D.D (United Kingdom)

We truly appreciate your enthusiasm and deep knowledge, and for making us feel safe when we stepped outside our natural comfort zone. We had an incredible time, learned so much and will cherish the memories of this trip for a long, long time. It was truly incredible.

T. Hawley (Canada)

Adam was our guide during our stay in Hwange National Park, and I can honestly say our trip would not have been the same without him! He has an incredibly vast knowledge – about the animals, birds, and plants we experienced, and about the national park! But by far what we enjoyed most about Adam was his enthusiasm and love for his job, which he passed on to all of us. Our game drives and adventurous walks with Adam were by far the highlight our time spent in Zimbabwe!

Wilderness Davison's Camp

Enter your dates to check availability at:

Great news, there is availability!

Enter your details below and a travel advisor will get in touch

Wilderness Davison’s in Hwange National Park captures the true spirit of an African safari, where crisp mornings, warm afternoons, breath-taking sunsets and fireside chats set the day’s tempo.

• Wilderness Davison’s camp offers a timeless, classic safari experience
• Accommodation highlights include African décor and earthy tones creating a calm, authentic atmosphere.
• Experience exceptional game-viewing across all seasons in a wildly beautiful environment.

You should know

• Children older than 6 years are welcome
• Children are accommodated on nature drive vehicles along with other guests.
• Children between 06 and 16 years must share with an adult/s in the same tent.
• Davison's is not fenced in, hence children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Named after the first warden of Hwange National Park , Davison’s offers a timeless, classic safari experience. Delight in the authentic nature of this wild place, where animals roam freely and the true spirit of an African safari prevails.

Nestled in a grove of false mopane trees, nine, airy en-suite tents, including a family unit, make up the accommodation at Davison’s. Inspired by the natural palette beyond the camp, African décor and earthy tones create a calm, authentic atmosphere. From the vantage point of your tent, gaze out over the waterhole where a procession of wildlife comes to slake their thirst.

At Davison’s, dishes are created from fresh produce grown locally, a celebration of indigenous grains and fruits. Savour a sundowner and local snacks at one of Hwange’s pans, then gather around the fire in the boma while dinner cooks over the flames.

Have a refreshing dip in the swimming pool after a morning of thrilling safari activities. Spend time on the main area’s upper deck, a prime vantage point for spotting herds of buffalo, zebra and elephants. Share the day’s stories around an open fire, before turning your attention to the heavens as the Milky Way puts on its nightly stellar performance.

On game drives, keep your ears and eyes open for collared elephants, which provide vital information about migratory patterns. Search for herds of buffalo, prides of lion, leopards, cheetahs, any of the nearly 100 other mammal species found in the park, and which we help conserve.

Price includes

• Accommodation, all meals, twice daily scheduled camp activities, park fees, laundry and all local drinks – excludes premium imported brands and champagne.

Rates & Pricing

Location and getting there.

Let's start planning

Every detail, we're available 24/7

Meet your travel advisor

What our guests say about Jayson

September 3, 2024

Knowledgable and responsive

Jayson created a fantastic itinerary within budget and answered questions promptly. Super helpful. I can't wait to get going!

June 14, 2024

While we have not traveled as yet

While we have not traveled as yet, the itinerary that we developed is very exciting and we are looking forward to this experience very much. Jayson Scheffers has been a wonderfully engaged and responsive partner in developing our agenda, despite our having some needs to change travel dates and agendas during the planning process because of family illness that necessitated our changing plans.

June 12, 2024

My first experience a number of months…

My first experience a number of months back wasn't as I wanted. I picked up with Dolan a little after this to find when the best time to Safari was with the chance of seeing the "big 5" and he was so helpful, guiding me to July-September. With the cooler winter months being the better chances to see more wildlife and the big five. This lead me on to deal with Jayson. Jayson has pulled out all the stops, working past 9pm Cape Town time( 8pm London UK) to help meet my needs. I travel out on 6th July and cannot wait, Thank you Dolan and Jayson. Julian Bingle, London, UK.

Customer Testimonials

Sep 11, 2024

SANPARKS booking.

Very prompt and efficient response and service.

Fadiel did a great job

Fadiel did a great job helping us plan and customize our trip. His follow up was timely and consistent.

Sep 10, 2024

Quick reactions to requests

Quick reactions to requests. Very efficient.

Sep 9, 2024

First Time Safari

Mel provided an amazing itinerary and took our feedback and adjusted accordingly. She was very helpful and would strongly recommend her to anyone new to the process.

It was a great experience dealing with…

It was a great experience dealing with Shann. She was most accommodating and patient. We managed to sort things out very eventually. The only sore point I have is the 2 % surcharge for the card handling fee, which I find too excessive. Otherwise, I am pleased with everything.

Sep 8, 2024

Keith went above and beyond…

Keith went above and beyond expectations arranging our holiday safari travels (for one vegan and one mobility-impaired traveller, no less:-). Safari.com is lucky to have Keith on board. He helped us feel confident in our choices, keeping us up to date with options, and finessing holiday scheduling issues with aplomb.

Sep 5, 2024

Tanya Lomas was very efficient and it…

Tanya Lomas was very efficient and it was a pleasure booking through her.

Sep 3, 2024

Sep 2, 2024

Although we didn’t end up booking…

Although we didn’t end up booking through Safari.com the service we received was great and they were really helpful.

Track The Wild

Experience exceptional game viewing at Linkwasha, on the edge of Hwange’s famed Ngamo Plains.

Destinations

Wilderness Linkwasha

A contemporary safari lodge in an iconic Zimbabwe landscape.

Linkwasha is positioned on the edge of Hwange National Park’s productive Ngamo Plains, an area renowned for some of the best year-round game viewing on Earth. During summer, the plains teem with wildlife, and in winter they gather in abundance at the many Wilderness-supported waterholes throughout the park.

Linkwasha moments

Revel in the space and privacy of Linkwasha’s nine expansive tented suites, which overlook a waterhole frequented by thirsty herds of buffalo and antelope. The main area opens out to tiered decks that lead down to the camp’s pool, where it’s a first-come-first-served affair, as elephants often quench their thirst here on hot afternoons.

Accommodation

THE DETAILS

Sink into a classic, comfortable safari stay at contemporary Wilderness Linkwasha. Relax in one of the camp’s nine spacious tented suites, or spend quiet hours in the sunken hide, while elephants and other animals go about their wild ways thrillingly close, oblivious to your presence. Brave the Star Bed, where a chorus of owls and chilling whoops of hyenas create the soundtrack of your dreams.

Impact across generations

On safari with Wilderness, your curiosity will be piqued. You may wonder why elephants flap their ears, or how migratory birds know where to go. The children from local communities wonder too, and we stimulate that curiosity by teaching them about conservation and sustainable tourism through our non-profit Children in the Wilderness’ initiatives.

Family room

Create lasting memories with your family on safari.

Cool off between game drives in the swimming pool.

Sleep-out deck

Experience a night under the stars, where the wild things are.

Sunken hide

Hide in plain sight while Hwange’s wildlife gets up close at the waterhole.

Stay in touch with friends and family back home and share your safari sightings.

Scan Hwange’s plains for Africa’s fastest cat.

Watch great herds kick up dust at waterholes.

Hwange attracts thousands of elephants in the dry season.

Hippos thrive in Hwange’s many waterholes.

Discover hidden Hwange

At an expansive 14,651 m² (roughly half the size of Belgium), Hwange is Zimbabwe’s largest national park. The Linkwasha-Makalolo Private Wilderness Area in the park is an exceptionally diverse region of teak woodlands, golden savannah, and Kalahari sands. In summer, the Ngamo Plains near camp heave with plains game, followed closely by predators.

Scour the plains and woodlands for predators and their prey.

Star Bed sleep-out

Sleep under a blanket of stars.

Watch wildlife up-close, undetected.

Conservation experience

Visit a nearby community to learn about their upliftment projects.

Linkwasha experiences

Explore camps in hwange.

Linkwasha is positioned in one of Hwange National Park’s most wildlife-rich regions. Here, a supremely diverse environment, coupled with year-round water provided at Wilderness-pumped waterholes, means the area heaves with elephant, and antelope and their predators. With access to the Linkwasha-Makololo Private Wilderness Area, our guests have over 34 000 ha of wild Zimbabwe to explore.

Linkwasha Awards

Camp awards

Tripadvisor COE 2019

Hotel & Lodge Award 2018

Travel+Leisure Award

Similar Camps

Similar camps we think you'll love

Where is hwange national park.

Hwange National Park is in north-western Zimbabwe. At around 14 600 km², it is the country’s largest national park.

What wildlife can I expect to see around Linkwasha?

Linkwasha is situated on the edge of the productive Ngamo Plains, which teems with life, from large herds of elephant and buffalo to rare antelope like sable and roan, and plenty of predators, including lions, leopards, cheetahs and hyenas.

What can I do between game drives at Linkwasha?

If you’re up for more than relaxing in your ensuite tent, spend time in the sunken hide waiting to take the perfect shot of wildlife up close, or cool down in the pool where a herd of elephants may join you for a drink.

How to get to Hwange National Park?

Roughly an hour’s flight with Wilderness Air from Victoria Falls Airport will put you right into the heart of Hwange National Park.

What to pack for safari in Zimbabwe?

Morning and evening game drives can be cold, but the afternoons are often warm, so it’s best to dress in layers. A hat is essential and bring closed shoes if you intend to go on walks. Travellers are urged not to pack or wear any camouflage or military-inspired clothing while travelling in Africa.

Linkwasha featured stories

Let’s plan your next journey

When we say we’re there every step of the way, we mean it, literally. From planning the perfect circuit, to private inter-camp transfers on Wilderness Air, and easing you through Customs. We’re with you on the ground, at your side, 24-7, from start to finish. Ready to take the road less travelled? Contact our Travel Designers to plan an unforgettable journey.

Need some inspiration?

Be inspired by the latest news from Wilderness. Subscribe to our newsletter.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

• Australian Dollars
• British Pounds
• Canadian Dollars
• New Zealand Dollars
• South African Rands
• Swiss Francs
• U.S. Dollars

Talk to an expert +44 203 405 6666 Lines open now

Hwange has a large elephant population

Hwange offers a myriad of safari experiences

... including day and night game drives

You may spot a number of lions as well.

Hwange National Park

Zimbabwe's largest national park encompasses a variety of habitats from Kalahari sandveld to mopane woodlands.

Bordering Botswana, Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe's largest game park with an area of 14,600km². Its sheer size means that its scenery, vegetation and game vary hugely, ranging from the semi desert scrub on the edge of the Kalahari in the south, to forests, granite hills and valleys of mopane woodlands in the north. The national park is home to over 100 mammal species, including lion, leopard and rhino, and is known for its large population of elephant. This game park is very accessible and all the safari camps here offer day and night game drives and most also offer walking safaris. The highest numbers of animals are spotted in the dry season (August to October) when the wildlife congregates around the shrunken water holes.

Best safaris in Hwange National Park

Hwange itself is varied and exciting, like our safaris there.

Some safaris focus purely on Hwange, like our Side-Striped Jackal Safari . Others combine it with nearby Victoria Falls and perhaps Matobo Hills, like the great and great-value Klipspringer Safari . Then for the ultimate big game Zimbabwe safari, study our classic Lion and Buffalo safaris which pair it with Mana Pools.

Less obvious pairing, until you see a map , is to link Hwange with Botswana, but our Great Egret Safari shows how well this can work.

All our trips are tailor-made, contact us to find your perfect safari.

Side-striped Jackal Safari

6 days • 2 locations VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT

Get an in-depth experience of Zimbabwe’s colossal Hwange National Park, staying at two experience-focused camps with excellent guiding in contrasting areas. An adventurous safari for the real enthusiast.

US$3,480 - US$5,460 per person

Ground Hornbill Safari

9 days • 3 locations VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO BULAWAYO AIRPORT

This Zimbabwean odyssey explores Hwange National Park from two small camps, renowned for their great guiding, before ending with insights into cultural history, a little luxury and first-class rhino tracking in the Matobo Hills.

US$5,270 - US$8,560 per person

Great Egret Safari

12 days • 4 locations MAUN AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT

This wonderfully varied adventure combines Botswana's Okavango Delta and a live-aboard houseboat safari on the Chobe River, with big game in Zimbabwe's dry Hwange National Park and the stupendous Victoria Falls.

US$9,280 - US$17,190 per person

Lion Safari

7 days • 2 locations VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT

The classic Expert Africa Zimbabwe safari. Combining two of our favourite independent camps, each run by celebrated guides, exciting game drives, world-class walks and canoeing in premier wildlife watching destinations.

US$6,950 - US$9,830 per person

Klipspringer Safari

8 days • 3 locations VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO BULAWAYO AIRPORT

An outstanding-value Zimbabwe safari exploring Victoria Falls and two contrasting locations in western Zimbabwe – Hwange and the Matobo Hills – giving you a real feel for Zimbabwe, its people and wildlife.

US$2,890 - US$3,570 per person

Buffalo Safari

9 days • 3 locations HARARE AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT

Combining Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools and Hwange national parks with stays at intimate six-tent safari camps offering excellent walking, canoeing and game drives. Superb wildlife viewing and a real wilderness-focused experience.

US$8,040 - US$11,910 per person

Grysbok Safari

9 days • 3 locations VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO HARARE AIRPORT

Discover three of Zimbabwe’s iconic destinations in style, flying between Hwange, Mana Pools and Lake Kariba on this varied safari adventure staying at authentic yet luxurious camps.

US$8,990 - US$14,380 per person

Pied Kingfisher Safari

A luxury safari combining three of Zimbabwe's top highlights. The trip uses some of the finest safari camps in Zimbabwe and is perfect for a family or small group.

US$7,000 - US$10,780 per person

View all safaris

Most recent reviews of our safaris to Hwange

Click below to browse all 214 reviews from Hwange National Park. All from our travellers; all are in full & unedited.

Arrived 3 Aug 2024, 13 nights

"Zimbabwe Aug 2024 trip"

Overall rating: Good

Arrived 25 Jul 2024, 11 nights

"My Jul 2024 trip"

Overall rating: Excellent

Arrived 21 Jun 2024, 33 nights

"Unforgettable July 2024 trip"

Arrived 21 Jun 2024, 13 nights

"My Jun 2024 trip"

Arrived 3 Jun 2024, 6 nights

Arrived 8 Jun 2024, 21 nights

Arrived 27 Apr 2024, 28 nights

"Our seventh trip to Africa"

Arrived 19 May 2024, 12 nights

"My May 2024 trip"

Arrived 10 Apr 2024, 9 nights

"My Apr 2024 trip"

"shy animals, still loved it.".

See all Hwange National Park reviews

The best camps & lodges in Hwange National Park

Hwange National Park is a large national park with a diverse range of safari camps and lodges. From the small and very personal experience at Hwange Bush Camp to the smart, luxurious Somalisa and Linkwasha Camp , all are immersed in the wild. Expect close encounters with elephants at waterholes, expertly-guided bush walks and thrilling game drives.

See the lodges and camps below, then talk to our Zimbabwe experts who know them all well – and will guide you to a safari to suit you.

Camp Hwange

Overlooking a waterhole in a remote part of Hwange National Park, Camp Hwange offers great guiding in a pristine wilderness at reasonable prices.

Somalisa Camp

Somalisa is a luxurious, yet remote, safari camp in Hwange National Park, offering walking safaris and game drives.

Located in a small, private concession, The Hide is a relaxed and comfortable camp offering submerged hides and great family accommodation.

Hwange Bush Camp

Hwange Bush Camp is a small seasonal camp offering comfortable tents, great food, and superb guiding, and is often used by exclusive groups.

Little Makalolo Camp

Tucked away in Hwange National Park overlooking a waterhole, Little Makalolo Camp combines top guiding with excellent wildlife watching.

Somalisa Expeditions

A simple but stylish camp, Somalisa Expeditions sits in the heart of Hwange National Park, offering walking safaris and game drives.

Davison's Camp

Within the Linkwasha Concession, Davison's Camp offers superb value for money, morning walking safaris and spot-lit drives after dark.

Nehimba Lodge

Nehimba is a comfortable, good-value camp in a remote area of Hwange National Park, teeming with wildlife.

Bomani Tented Lodge

Bomani is a down-to-earth lodge with a range of activities in a remote region of western Zimbabwe, adjacent to Hwange National Park.

Verney's Camp

Verney's Camp is one of the newest offerings in Hwange, located in the wildlife rich, open landscape in the south-eastern section of the park.

Khulu Bush Camp

Just outside Hwange National Park, Khulu Bush Camp features a waterhole popular with wildlife, especially elephants and offers excellent value for money.

Jozibanini Camp

Remote and rugged, Jozibanini is one of the most remote camps in Zimabwe's largest National Park. Stay here for a real wilderness experience.

Linkwasha Camp

In its own private concession within Hwange National Park, Linkwasha offers excellent wildlife sightings and luxurious surroundings.

Somalisa Acacia

Somalisa Acacia is a family-friendly, yet remote and luxurious safari camp in Hwange National Park.

Ivory Lodge

Just outside Hwange National Park, the small Ivory Lodge is a great place to see large herds of elephant as well as smaller plains game.

Camelthorn is a stylish lodge with a range of activities in a remote region of western Zimbabwe, adjacent to Hwange National Park.

Deteema Springs Camp

Nestled deep in Hwange National Parks rugged northern sector, Deteema Springs Camp promises visitors an authentic bush amp experience.

One of the more remote camps in Hwange National Park, Deka Camp sits almost on the border with Botswana.

Stimela Star

The Stimela Star is a luxury overnight train that starts in Victoria Falls before making it's way down to Hwange National Park where you can start your safari.

Sable Valley Lodge

Set on the 12km Dete Vlei, the recently upgraded and family-friendly Sable Valley sits in a private reserve within easy reach of Hwange National Park.

Khulu's Retreat

Just outside Hwange National Park, Khulu's Retreat is an exclusive private villa and is a great place to spoil yourself on a safari in Zimbabwe.

Elephant's Eye

In a private concession just outside Hwange National Park, the comfortable Elephant's Eye overlooks a pan and waterholes.

View all places

Our traveller’s wildlife sightings in Hwange National Park

Hwange National Park appeals to keen wildlife enthusiasts as it's home to a vast array of species. It's particularly famous for its large elephant population, which so often congregate at the waterholes here, and the packs of African wild dogs , whose complex social behaviours and hunting skills have been studied here.

Its southern side is pure Kalahari, and so supports a few gemsbok and brown hyena ; rarities elsewhere in Zimbabwe. The beautiful sable and roan antelope are often seen, as are the spectacular greater kudu.

Other key predators include lion , leopards , cheetahs and spotted hyenas are, like their prey, scattered around the park – with lion and spotted hyena the most common, but a fairly good level of leopard and cheetah sightings.

Click on a species below for more information on the top locations in Hwange for wildlife sightings, or see our interactive map showing the best locations for individual wildlife species in Zimbabwe. Read how this wildlife survey works.

99% success

97% success

93% success

81% success

79% success

71% success

66% success

57% success

50% success

46% success

41% success

28% success

27% success

11% success

When to go to Hwange National Park

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Hwange in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe in January

January falls in the middle of Zimbabwe’s rainy season and is the wettest month of the year. Heavy rainfall occurs most days, flooding seasonal rivers and waterholes, with the occasional sunny spell. With the high levels of precipitation the wildlife in the national parks becomes widely dispersed, taking advantage of the abundance of food and water, and is easily hidden by the thick, green bush. While sightings of larger animals are possible, and many species drop their young at this time, game viewing is often sparse. However, many migratory species of bird arrive in Zimbabwe making it a peak month for birding. The rains create incredibly sticky mud in Mana Pools National Park, preventing access and causing camps to close for the season. The majority of the camps in other parks remain open, with low rates attracting a smattering of visitors.

• Peak of the rainy season: hot & humid with heavy rain most days
• Bush exceptionally thick and green, with poor game viewing
• Species such as impala drop their young
• All camps in Mana Pools closed
• Very few visitors, and low rates at open camps

A time to avoid if possible

Weather in January

Zimbabwe in February

February remains well within Zimbabwe’s rainy season. Although total rainfall drops, relatively short thunderstorms can still be expected most afternoons. On the plus side, there is a greater chance of some sunshine in-between. Much of the country remains waterlogged, closing access to Mana Pools and severely restricting walking safaris in other parks. While game drives and canoeing remain an option, the abundance of water disperses animals, and thick grass can make it difficult to spot larger species, but birding remains excellent. Conversely, this is a great time of year to view the landscape, and is excellent for photographers. Sporadic cloud cover and clear air can make for some spectacular sunsets too, particularly over Lake Kariba and the Zambezi River where the reflections off the water add to the beauty.

• Generally wet with frequent thunderstorms & hot humid days
• Poor wildlife viewing due to dispersed animals & thick bush
• Clear air, green landscapes & exceptional sunsets
• Very few visitors & low rates at camps that are open

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in February

Zimbabwe in March

March is the final month of Zimbabwe’s rainy season, when the rains start to trail off and sunny days become the norm. However, some days the clouds can still build, breaking into thunderstorms in the afternoon. Mana Pools remains closed throughout the month but the majority of camps in Hwange, Matusadona and Gonarezhou remain open. Here, the landscape is green and alive, with migrant species of birds taking advantage of the abundant insect life. Larger animals remain elusive though, and walking safaris remain restricted. By this time of year, the rains have normally trickled down to the Zambezi River and the flow of water over the Victoria Falls starts to increase, but without kicking up too much spray to obscure the views.

• Last month of the rainy season: hot, humid days with occasional storms
• Lush vegetation means good birding, but poor game viewing
• Views of the Victoria Falls improve
• Open camps have few visitors & low rates

Weather in March

Zimbabwe in April

April marks the end of Zimbabwe’s rainy season and the end of summer. Clear skies are the norm, with just the occasional shower. Temperatures start to drop, failing to reach 30ºC most days and dropping down to around 10ºC at night. As the rain fades the landscape starts to dry out. While the vegetation remains thick and green, the soil in Mana Pools dries enough for camps to open, and the only camps to remain closed are the most remote bushcamps in Hwange. Although viewing of larger animals remains tricky, the improved weather starts to draw back visitors, as do prices significantly below those in the peak season. The Zambezi River and flow of water over the Victoria Falls is at its highest, although large amounts of spray diminish views of the waterfall itself.

• Transitional period, with much lower rainfall & falling temperatures
• Wildlife is still dispersed & hard to see, but sightings improving
• Views of the Victoria Falls often obscured by spray
• Camps in Mana Pools open
• Visitors start to return & camps increase their rates

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in April

Zimbabwe in May

The first month in the dry season, May is also Zimbabwe’s first month of winter. If the rains are particularly late in a given year, you may catch the odd shower, but you can expect clear and sunny days the majority of the time. While it’s warm in the daytime, temperatures drop to single digits at night, so bring a warm jumper and gloves for early morning drives. With the rain having cleared the air, the sky is bright blue, and it’s the best time of year for photography. Even the most remote camps in Zimbabwe are now open. With the lack of rainfall, vegetation dies back significantly, and seasonal rivers return to sand. Not only does this open up the possibility of walking safaris, but wildlife viewing becomes much more reliable.

• Start of the dry season, with milder days and cold nights
• Game viewing significantly improves as vegetation dies back
• Vegetation starts to turn from green to brown
• Best time for photography with crystal clear air
• Visitors start to return; all camps open & rates increasing

A very good time to visit

Weather in May

Zimbabwe in June

During June you can virtually be guaranteed of dry and sunny days, although temperatures continue to drop, and can get close to freezing at night in Hwange National Park. Jumpers, jackets and gloves are strongly recommended for early mornings and evenings. The opportunities for wildlife viewing improve throughout the month as the landscape rapidly dries, and the animals start to gather on the banks of the Zambezi River and around Hwange’s waterholes. Water levels in the Zambezi River start to drop, reducing the amount of spray kicked up at the Victoria Falls and greatly improving visibility, but still allowing a full curtain of water to cascade over the edge.

• Middle of winter, with night-time temperatures close to freezing
• Game viewing significantly improves throughout the month
• Views of the Victoria Falls are at their best
• Noticeable increase in visitor numbers
• Camps considerably more expensive

Weather in June

Zimbabwe in July

July sits in the middle of Zimbabwe’s dry season. Although it’s warm at midday, temperatures are generally cold and in Hwange it’s been known to drop below freezing at night, with the lower-altitude Mana Pools feeling a bit warmer. With wildlife clustering around the few remaining waterholes, sparse vegetation, and some of the best views of the Victoria Falls, this is one of the most popular times to travel, with camps charging peak season rates to reflect this. That said, visitor numbers to the country in general remain low, and outside of the Victoria Falls it’s rare for any areas to feel crowded.

• Middle of the dry season with almost no chance of rain
• Clear sunny days, but very cold nights
• Wildlife viewing good; game drives and walking safaris unrestricted
• Views of the Victoria Falls at their best
• Camps charging peak season rates

Weather in July

Zimbabwe in August

While August is the end of winter and temperatures are starting to creep up, mornings and nights are still cold, and game drives in open vehicles can feel particularly chilly. Well into the dry season, the landscapes will have mostly transformed from green to brown and wildlife viewing in Zimbabwe’s national parks is approaching its best. Due to dust kicked up into the atmosphere and smoke from bush fires you may start to notice a haze on the horizon, but this doesn’t significantly impact photography. August is one of the most expensive months, and the pleasant weather and decent game viewing attracts lots of visitors. While the national parks rarely feel crowded, Victoria Falls accommodation can sell out a year in advance.

• Warm, sunny days but cold mornings & nights; almost no chance of rain
• Wildlife viewing nearly at its best
• Landscape turns brown, & an atmospheric haze develops
• All camps charging peak season rates

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in August

Zimbabwe in September

Temperatures in September rarely drop below 15ºC, but are yet to reach the oppressive highs of summer. It will normally have been five months since the last drop of rain, so antelope and elephants cluster around whatever water remains, with predators never too far away. The landscape is very brown, and the haze building on the horizon takes some of the colour out of the sky, so while animal subjects are plentiful, the background is not ideal for photography. The combination of incredible wildlife viewing, hot and sunny weather, and cheaper flights outside of the school holidays make this the most popular time of year to travel, and availability at the camps can become limited up to a year in advance.

• The best month for weather, with a pleasantly warm temperature range
• One of the best months for game viewing
• Victoria Falls starting to dry but still impressive on Zimbabwean side
• All camps are charging peak season rates
• Most popular time to travel, & space can be limited

Weather in September

Zimbabwe in October

October is the last month of the dry season with little chance of rain but building humidity. While the higher elevation of Hwange National Park limits temperatures to the 30s Celsius, they can easily top 40ºC in Mana Pools. With little vegetation or water, wildlife is drawn to the few remaining water sources and viewing is at its best; visitors who brave the heat can be rewarded with some exceptional sightings, although haze in the air diminishes photos. Maximum visibility and dense wildlife concentrations can also make for very rewarding walking safaris, although the heat can make them uncomfortable. Water levels in the Zambezi at the Victoria Falls drop significantly, and large stretches of the waterfall are a dry cliff-face – although it never dries completely. Camp rates remain at their peak, but visitor numbers drop as people avoid the heat.

• Last month of the dry season; very hot with building humidity
• Wildlife viewing at its very best
• Dust & smoke in the air diminish photographic opportunities
• Victoria Falls starting to look very dry
• Camp rates remain at their peak

Weather in October

Zimbabwe in November

November is a transitionary period, with high temperatures and humidity. While they can’t be predicted with any precision, the first rains normally arrive halfway through the month, in the form of thunderstorms lasting a few hours each day. Early November is a popular time to travel as the camps drop their rates, so if you’re lucky you can get peak-season game viewing at low-season rates. This is a gamble though as if the rains do arrive, animals are no longer limited to a few dangerous waterholes and will disperse into the bush. While all the camps in Mana Pools intend to remain open, the rains can make the airstrips unusable so you may find yourself moved to a different park, a risk that increases through the month.

• Typically the start of the rains in Zimbabwe
• Temperatures & humidity levels remain high
• Wildlife viewing rapidly diminishes as the rains arrive
• Camps remain open, but risk early closure in Mana Pools
• Much cheaper time to travel as camps drop their rates

Weather in November

Zimbabwe in December

By December the rainy season has begun in earnest; this is one of the wettest months in Zimbabwe, with heavy thunderstorms most afternoons and occasionally continuous rain for a couple of days. While temperatures start to cool down the high levels of humidity can make the heat feel more oppressive. With the rains comes an explosion of green growth, and the dust and smoke are washed out of the air. The resulting scenery – with the occasional bright blue skies – can be fantastic for photographers. Thick vegetation and plentiful water makes viewing of larger animals tricky, but with migratory species arriving the birding is at its best. All camps in Mana Pools and the remote Hwange camps close, with those remaining open charging their lowest rates.

• One of the wettest months in Zimbabwe
• High temperatures & levels of humidity
• Wildlife viewing poor, but birding good
• Lush green landscapes & clear air; great for landscape photography

Weather in December

Map of Hwange National Park

Bordering Botswana, Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe's largest game park with an area of 14,600km 2 . Its sheer size means that its scenery, vegetation and game vary hugely. The south of Hwange is a pure Kalahari environment: a flat and relatively arid sand-sheet of fossil dunes and inter-dune valleys. Zoom in on the satellite map and you’ll see the east-west lines of the fossil dunes particular clearly south-west of Jozibanini Camp . Northern Hwange is completely different: a rugged landscape dominated by hard, stony hills and flat plateaux. This is dotted with kopjies and veined with ephemeral streams and rivers running through the extensive mopane woodlands. A few have been dammed, creating a series of permanent small lakes that the animals love – like Mandavu and Masuma.

Safaris to Hwange National Park

In Hwange, Zimbabwe’s largest park, its rugged north contrasts starkly with the undulating Kalahari Plains in the south. So it’s a great destination for a full week or so for safari aficionados – see the Side-Striped Jackal for an example.

However, look further and Hwange is a natural destination to combine with the thundering Victoria Falls – just a few hours away by road or minutes in the air. And if flying, then consider linking Hwange with the iconic Mana Pools , in Zimbabwe’s Zambezi Valley, on the Nyala or Pied Kingfisher safaris.

To experience more of the country on the ground, rather than simply hopping over it, look at the Klipspringer or Ground Hornbill safaris – which bring in the magical and very different Matobo Hills, with its rhino-trekking, history and culture.

If you want to also take in Botswana’s Okavango and Chobe as well as Hwange, see the Great Egret Safari is a great example of how well it can work.

As always, these are just ideas; we'll always tailor-make a trip for you. Call us now to find your perfect safari.

Nyala Safari

10 days • 3 locations VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT

A superb luxury safari in iconic Hwange and Mana Pools national parks, staying in a pair of the finest safari camps in Zimbabwe, with a grand finale at Victoria Falls

US$10,150 - US$15,050 per person

Our best 22 lodges and safari camps in and around Hwange National Park

Hwange is massive and Zimbabwe's flagship national park, so it has an array of safari camps and lodges. These are relatively widely spread and visitor numbers in the park are seldom very high, so travellers usually have a high degree of privacy for their game-viewing.

Note distances between camps can be large – sometimes many hours' drive – and so sometimes you'll need to fly between them.

Popular choices currently include Camp Hwange and Hwange Bush Camp , which stands out for their exceptional guiding and immersive bush walks, and Somalisa Camp for its eco-friendly but opulent design, and close encounters with elephants beside its pool.

Our Zimbabwe experts know these camps and areas well, so contact us now to plan your perfect safari adventure to Hwange.

Need inspiration?

Let our trip chooser narrow down the options for you

Frequently Asked Questions

Hwange National Park FAQs

When planning a trip to Hwange National Park, travellers often have a myriad of questions. For instance, many wonder about the best times to visit, which range from the wildlife-rich dry season (July to October) to the lush and quieter wet season (November to April). Questions also arise about must-see attractions from particular species to the Painted Dog Conservation Centre.

To make the most of your adventure, and to tailor your experience, explore these frequently asked questions as you plan.

What is the best time of year to visit Hwange National Park?

What are the highlights of hwange national park, how do you get to hwange national park, what are the different parts of hwange like, what is the wildlife like in hwange, videos from hwange national park.

Watch these videos to learn more about Hwange National Park

Other areas in Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls

Gonarezhou & Savé

Great Zimbabwe

Eastern Highlands

Login to Expert Africa

Sign in with password

Sign in with email link

New to Expert Africa? Create an account

Forgotten your details?

It's free & quick to set up

• Save your wish-list
• Send us an enquiry
• Pay online for your trip
• Subscribe to our newsletter
• Give us feedback on your trip
• Full site benefits of the site

Need some help? Talk to our team

Stay in the know with Expert Africa

Join our newsletter. Get the latest on new camps and lodges, insights from our team, uplifting conservation stories and more...

A few more details and you're subscribed

A Thrilling Safari and Spectacular Lodges

Wild zimbabwe.

From $7,795

Easy to Moderate

Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

Arrive: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Depart: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

• Magnificent Victoria Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world
• Incredible Hwange National Park, a Serengeti without the crowds
• Authentic game walks, open vehicles, game drives, night drives
• Beautifully situated lodges with amazing access to wildlife
• Special “look-up” blind for incredible elephant photography
• Support the greatest community conservation projects in the country
• Visit the rhino sanctuary and meet the Community Wildlife Protection Scouts

Dates & Pricing

Pricing below is per person and based on double occupancy. The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have. WT also has the most generous cancellation and transfer policies in the industry, we make it easy if you change your mind. Have a small group of your own? Take over an existing date or choose your own. You’ll have your own private guide–and the adventure–all to yourselves!

Payment & Cancel Schedule

At time of reservation: $600 90 days prior to departure: Balance

Cancellation & Transfer Schedule

Up to 91 days prior to departure: No Charge! 61-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost 46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost 45 days or less: 100% of trip cost

• Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
• Accommodations in luxury tented camps, chalets, and villas
• Local beer, wine, and spirits
• All ground transportation and baggage handling from meeting until departure
• All activities as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
• Internal airfare

Not Included

• Travel to and from the arrival and departure location as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
• Additional hotel nights outside the trip's scheduled dates
• Optional gratuities to Trip Leaders or staff
• Optional travel insurance
• Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)

Accommodations

Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

Ilala Lodge

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Day 1 (1 night)

Nehimba Lodge

Hwange, Zimbabwe

Days 2-3 (2 nights)

Camelthorn Lodge

Days 4-7 (4 nights)

Victoria Falls River Lodge

Days 8-9 (2 nights)

Trip Leaders

Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. For more information, including client comments about them and which specific trips they will be leading, please click on their profiles below.

Mark Butcher

Pete Ndlovu

What the Trip is Like

• Flat terrain

On safari, there are long driving days over rugged dirt tracks, we can be in and out of the vehicles all day long, usually only driving approximately 2 hours at a time. We will be in a 7-seat open sided 4WD vehicle with a roof for sun protection. We sit 6 people max per vehicle to optimize everyone's view and provide wool blankets for early morning and evening game drives.

This is a truly unique safari in that we will be traveling by many different forms of transportation—we will take a vintage train car on safari for 2 hours, a sunset boat cruise for 2 hours, and an optional canoe ride for 2 hours.

During drives and game walks, we can get quite close to wild animals at times. Being very quiet improves everybody's chances of observation. In the interest of safety, your Trip Leader explains limitations on movement while on game drives, on walks, and around camp. Incidents with wild animals are extremely rare on safaris, but no safari can guarantee immunity from such incidents. Wilderness Travel is not to be held responsible for incidents involving the behavior of wildlife.

Extend Your Trip

Cape Town Extension

From $1,695

Okavango Delta Safari Extension

From $4,795

Client Testimonials

"This trip delivered an experience beyond my expectations. The guide, the lodges, meals, community school and village visits, transportation, and the wildlife in the park. Loved the train experience. It was nice to take a charter flight at the end so we spent less time driving."

Catherine E.

Stamford, CT

"Stunningly good trip. Great guides, food, lodges, and total experience. We were very impressed by the organization—the way it works with the community and its commitment to conservation."

Palo Alto, CA

"This was my third trip to an African country and it exceeded all others. The game viewing, the fabulous lodges and the amazing knowledge, passion, and experience of our guide, Mark Butcher, made this one of the most unforgettable travel experiences I have had to date. All personnel on this trip get five stars!"

Hermosa Beach, CA

"Everyone in our travel group agreed that this was the BEST trip we've ever experienced! Sibs was an amazing guide—wonderful sense of humor, amazing depth of knowledge regarding all wildlife we encountered, uncanny ability to spot every type of wild creature well before we could even make them out! And a genuinely warm, welcoming host at meals, snacks, and sundowners! He became a friend, not just a guide. The lodges were gorgeous, the food, outstanding, and everyone was friendly and eager to meet our every need. I cannot praise our experience enough—I've become a WT ambassador!"

Apple Valley, MN

"Everything about this trip was fantastic—can't think of any way to improve it. In particular, our Trip Leader's tracking skills, knowledge, and friendliness were outstanding."

"The attention to detail, the quality of the accommodations and cuisine, the attentiveness of all staff, and the five-star quality of Mark Butcher himself combined to create a trip that exceeded all expectations."

Copiague, NY

"The hotels were superb! The best part of trip was the guides who were informed, interesting, organized, and kind; they were also great drivers."

Margaret F.

"The accommodations were all spectacular. The staff at each of the lodges was incredibly helpful and friendly. We felt extremely welcome at each location. This was our fourth Wilderness Trip and it stood out as definitely one of the best. We were very impressed with the local outfitter is supporting the local communities near their lodges."

Patricia E.

Pasadena, CA

"Attention to detail at every level, consideration of the location of each lodging in relationship to the total trip experience, anticipation of the client's needs as to meals—it was perfection in itself!"

"Absolutely loved traveling on the Elephant Train, absolutely in awe every day of what we saw literally in the first few hours of each day! Absolutely blown away by our sundowner locations, every night a different theme and entirely different location! Absolutely in love with the lifestyle of incredibly hard-working people in Zimbabwe!"

Other Trips You Might Like

Small Group Adventure

Botswana Wildlife Safari

Zimbabwe, Botswana

From $9,895

Great Elephant Migration Safari

From $9,295

Zambia Walking Safari

From $7,995

Zimbabwe: Green Season Safari

Book your trip today

Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

Submit the form below to download itinerary

Trip Download Itin

Trip Levels

With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.

Level 1 – Easiest

Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.

• Royal Rajasthan and Villages of India
• Small ship cruises

Level 2 – Easy to Moderate

Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.

• Our African safaris
• Costa Rica Wildlife

Level 3 – Moderate

Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.

• Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
• Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
• Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
• Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as  Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin,  are Trip Level 3.

Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.

• Ultimate Patagonia
• Hiking the Spanish Pyrenees

Level 5 – Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.

• Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
• Everest Lodge to Lodge

Level 6 – Very Strenuous

Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.

• Everest Base Camp
• Climb Kilimanjaro!

• In the Media
• ABC Foundation
• Our Ultimate Guides
• Live in Camp

• Authentic Botswana
• Authentic Mana Pools
• Authentic Zimbabwe
• Emerald Season Botswana
• Heritage of Zimbabwe
• Icon Safari

Safari Experiences

• Luxury Okavango
• Luxury Zambezi
• Luxury Zambia
• Luxury Zimbabwe
• Magic of Three Countries

Impact Safaris

• 2025 Foundation Hosted Impact Safari
• Learner Development Safari
• Conservation Safari
• Women Empowerment Safari

Expedition Experiences

• Zambezi Expeditions

Somalisa Expeditions

• Linyanti Expeditions
• Kanga Expeditions

Signature Experiences

• Linyanti Bush Camp

Somalisa Camp

• Nyamatusi Camp

Somalisa Acacia

• Khwai Leadwood
• Khwai Lediba
• Nyamatusi Mahogany
• Linyanti Ebony
• Bumi Hills Safari Lodge
• Khayelitshe House

Icon Experiences

• Thorntree River Lodge
• Atzaró Okavango Camp

• Linyanti Wildlife Reserve
• Khwai Community Area
• Okavango Delta

Lake Kariba & Matusadona

Mana pools national park.

Hwange National Park

Matobo National Park

Victoria falls.

• Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park (Livingstone)
• Lower Zambezi
• Our Foundation

Get in Touch

Talk to a safari expert.

Top Safaris

The land of the giants

Offering an experience of a lifetime on the African plains

Hwange National Park is the largest in Zimbabwe, covering an impressive 14,650 sq km, with the main entrance located a two-hour drive or 30-minute flight south of Victoria Falls. The park is named after a local Nhanzwa chief, and was once the royal hunting ground for the Ndebele warrior-king Mzilikazi, before being classified as a protected National Park in 1929.

As you’d expect from a park of this size, the breadth of wildlife species is astounding. Over 100 species of mammals reside here, whilst almost 400 species of birds decorate the skies. Perhaps most exciting is the 40,000-strong population of tusker elephants, whose presence is world-renowned and a joy to watch day after day.

The dry season (from July to October) is the best time to visit Hwange, as large concentrations of wildlife– particularly the wonderful elephant herds – descend upon the area to drink from the waterholes in order to survive in this hot and unforgiving environment. Yet, whilst the rains from December to March will see the wildlife dispersing across the park, thus making them harder to spot, the summer showers also bring forth stunning vegetation. This ensures mesmeric bird-watching opportunities as the local population finds itself bolstered by the migrants coming down from the Northern Hemisphere. Hwange National Park truly is a year-round wonderland.

ENQUIRE NOW

Our Camps in Hwange National Park

Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Teeming with wildlife, Hwange is home to the worlds largest population of elephant, along with buffalo, sable, roan antelope, giraffe, wildebeest, impala, gemsbok, hyena, wild dog and over 400 bird species including the racket-tailed roller, carmine bee-eater, and southern ground hornbill to name a few.

Other Regions to Explore

Enquire Now

Start Planning Your Safari

" * " indicates required fields

Please note that all our camps are exclusively all-inclusive experiences; all meals, activities, and accommodation are included in your safari. T&Cs apply.

Newsletter sign up

Wanderlust Travel & Photos

Seeing the world one trip at a time.

• Work With Me
• Travel Journal
• Privacy Policy
• Browse by Continent
• South Africa Travel
• Tanzania Travel
• Thailand Travel
• Dominican Republic Travel
• Italy Travel
• Spain Travel
• Canada Travel
• Australia Travel
• New Zealand Travel
• Peru Travel
• Browse by Region
• East North Central
• East South Central
• Mid-Atlantic
• New England
• South Atlantic
• West North Central
• West South Central
• Central America
• North America
• South America
• Travel Vlog
• Instagram Photos

The Definitive Hwange National Park Safari Guide

LAST UPDATED: 7/10/24 – Hwange National Park Safari Guide

Africa is blessed to have a wealth of incredible and beautiful national parks for visitors to go on safari. I have been blessed to have visited four different African nations and have gone on safari in nine different national parks and game reserves during my travel, so I have seen many of these incredible parklands.

While I enjoyed each park for its own unique reasons, one adventure that has always stood out to me is my Hwange National Park safari. Named after a local Nhanzwa chief, the area was designated a national park all the way back in 1929. Since then, it has been one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries for the continent’s incredible native species of animals.

Hwange is Renowned for its Elephant Herds

Renowned for having some of the largest elephant herds in Africa, as well as one of the strongest populations of apex predators such as lions, leopards, and the extremely endangered African painted dog, Hwange National Park will absolutely amaze you with its rich diversity of wildlife.

It is one of the few places remaining in Africa where you can still spot the “Big Five” of Africa and is one of the only places in Zimbabwe where you can still see large numbers of giraffes. No matter which animals you come to see, you certainly won’t be disappointed when you go on a Hwange National Park safari.

For this reason, I have created this Definitive Hwange National Park Safari Guide. Not only do I want to share my incredible experience and safari photographs with you to inspire you to have your own adventure, but I want to give you the resources you will need to successfully make that inspiration a reality.

In this Hwange National Park safari guide, I will let you know what requirements you will need to visit Zimbabwe, give you some tips on how to get to the park, let you know which regions of the park you can visit, and provide you with information on which tours, lodges, and campsites I recommend. With this information in hand, you can confidently plan an incredible safari adventure in Hwange National Park that you’ll never forget.

Hwange Safari Guide Navigation Menu

Zimbabwe entrance requirements.

Before you depart for your Hwange National Park safari in Zimbabwe, you will need to make sure that you meet all of the requirements for entry into the country. To assist you in this preparation, I have created a short article that outlines all of the Zimbabwe entry requirements for visitors. This includes the necessary passport, VISA, and customs requirements that you will need to consider before you depart for your trip.

Recommended Travel Immunizations

Important Note:  I am not a medical doctor and do not have any medical experience. The information provided in this section is a summary of information that I got from the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States for travel to Zimbabwe. I am providing you this information to help bring awareness of the necessary vaccinations to you, but consultation with my guide should not replace a discussion about your travels with your doctor or a travel medical clinic.

One of the most important, and yet most often overlooked, aspects of travel is the necessary vaccinations that are required or recommended to keep you safe and healthy when you travel. Before you depart for Zimbabwe, you are going to want to make sure that you have all of the proper vaccinations.

Some of these vaccinations, like the Yellow Fever vaccination, are included in the Zimbabwe entrance requirements if you are traveling to Zimbabwe from certain high-risk locations. Other vaccinations, such as a flu shot and the Typhoid vaccine, are recommended, but not required.

For your convenience, I have summarized the CDC’s recommendations on vaccines and healthcare for travelers visiting Zimbabwe for you to review in my “Zimbabwe Passport, VISA, Customs, and Immunization Requirements” guide linked below.

What to Bring on Your Hwange Safari

If you are visiting Africa to go on safari for the first time, you might not be sure of what to bring with you. To help you with these questions as you prepare for your Hwange National Park safari, I have developed several guides that you should review. First, my article on the “20 Tips for Those Visiting Africa for the First Time” will help you get prepared for what to expect when you arrive in Africa for the first time. It outlines what you should do, what you shouldn’t do, and gives you some tips that will help you know what to expect on your first visit to the continent of Africa.

Then, as you start to prepare for your trip, you will want to review my “Essential Safari Packing List” to make sure that you have all of the gear that you need and don’t pack what you won’t need with you. Finally, if you plan to take pictures on your safari, you will definitely want to review my “Tips for Photography on African Safaris” guide to make sure you get the best photographs possible to remember your adventure!

How to Get to Hwange National Park

One of the most important things that you will need to consider when planning your Hwange National Park safari is how you are going to get to the park. Not only is Hwange National Park Zimbabwe’s largest national parkland, but it is also one of the easiest national parks in the country to get to. In this section of my Hwange National Park safari guide, I will provide you with some information and tips on how to get to the park for your safari.

Getting to Hwange National Park

How you get to the park will largely depend on how you plan on touring the park. If you plan on taking a tour, the tour company you use for your Hwange safari will let you know how you should plan your travel to the park. They may pick you up in Victoria Falls or they may help you arrange a smaller flight into the Hwange National Park airport.

For instance, for travelers planning to take a longer safari tour in the park or are visiting multiple parks as part of their tour, the operator may arrange a flight for you directly to the park’s airport. On the other hand, if you are planning on taking a guided day safari or doing a self-drive safari, the tour company will likely pick you up at your hotel in Victoria Falls.

Hwange National Park is just an easy 2.5-hour drive from the city and almost all tour operators will coordinate transportation to the park and then back to your hotel for you. In fact, the city is a great hub for which you can plan to go on safari in many different national parks in the area.

Not only is Hwange close, but Victoria Falls is also in very close proximity to Chobe National Park in Botswana (it is just a 1.5-hour drive) and only a quick 15-minute drive from the incredible Stanley Livingstone Private Game Reserve. For a better understanding of the national parklands, you can tour Zimbabwe and where they are in proximity to Hwange National Park and the country’s major cities, I have included an overview map of Zimbabwe’s national parklands for you to review below.

View Larger Map

Recommended Hwange Safari Tours

At roughly 5,657 square miles, Hwange National Park is an absolutely massive parkland. It is Zimbabwe’s largest park and is so big that it is impossible to see the entire park in one day. If you want to explore more than one region of the park, I strongly suggest booking a multi-day Hwange National Park safari.

That said, the park is so full of wildlife that even single-day safaris are more than worth it. In this Hwange National Park safari guide, I am going to give you the information that you need to make an informed decision on what type of safari tour would be best for your trip.

Hwange National Park Map

Most single-day safari tours for Hwange National Park pick up from Victoria Falls and enter the park through the Mbala Gate. This is near the incredible Painted Dog Rehabilitation Center, which is an incredible place to stop if you have the time.

It is a roughly 2.5-hour drive from Victoria Falls to the park but having just done that drive I can tell you that it goes by quickly and isn’t all that bad. We were picked up at our hotel in Victoria Falls early in the morning and were at the park in time to do a morning game drive. Then, after a great lunch at one of the park’s many picnic spots, we did an afternoon game drive before being driven back to our hotel in Victoria Falls.

If you are doing a multi-day Hwange National Park safari or using the safari services of one of the park’s many incredible lodges, you will either be picked up in Victoria Falls or flown into the Hwange National Park Airport for your safari tour. The park has four main gates, with many of the park’s lodges and campgrounds located near those gates.

Some of the park’s main camps include the Robin’s Camp, the Sinamatella Camp, the Hwange Main Camp, and many camps around the Kennedy Gate area. If you would like more information on the campgrounds and lodges available in the park, I cover my recommended campgrounds and lodges in the Where to Stay section of this guide.

Recommended Hwange National Park Tours

One of the most important decisions that you will make when planning your trip to see the beautiful Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe is the tour operator that you choose to use for your visit. A good tour guide can be the difference between an incredible safari experience and a visit that is underwhelming. Good safari guides are passionate about what they do and genuinely care about sharing this breathtaking place with visitors.

When we visited Hwange National Park, we were fortunate enough to have an amazing safari guide who not only guided us thru the park but managed our transportation from Victoria Falls to Hwange (a roughly 2.5-hour drive) himself. He was right there with us, from picking us up at our lodge to dropping us off at the end of the day, and our experience could not have been better.

For those who are planning a trip to Hwange National Park from Victoria Falls, I have included the contact information for our tour operator, Africa Beast Safaris, for you to review in my Hwange National Park safari guide below. I have also included links to a number of the wonderful safari packages for Hwange National Park that they offer for you to consider.

Africa Beast Safaris

If you are looking for a tour operator to use to see Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe and will be flying into the Victoria Falls area, I would highly recommend using Africa Beast Safaris . Simon from Africa Beast Safaris is super passionate about what he does and takes extraordinary care of his customers. We used Africa Beast Safaris for our Hwange National Park tour and were thrilled with the level of service.

Other Recommended Hwange National Park Tours

If you plan on doing a self-safari in Hwange National Park or plan to use the safari services of one of the many incredible lodges near the park, I have provided some of those options for you to consider below as well.

Whatever tour option you choose, make sure it fits the experience that you want to have at Hwange National Park because it is one of the most extraordinary places to go on safari in all of Africa and you want to have an experience you’ll remember for a lifetime!

Best Times to Visit Hwange National Park

While Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe is an incredible wildlife park to visit year-round, there are certain times of year where I feel it is better to visit than others. Certain variables, such as the temperature and the amount of rainfall, can have a big impact on where wildlife will be located within the park and how easy it will be for visitors to view wildlife. In this section of my Hwange National Park safari guide, I will outline the average temperature and precipitation levels in the park throughout the year and explain how that may affect your visit. With this information in hand, you can plan your Hwange National Park safari for the right time of year for your needs.

Average Temperature (℉) by Month

When many travelers think about Zimbabwe, I am guessing they picture a hot climate with repressive heat. While it can get very hot at midday, especially during September through November, it can also get quite cool overnight and into the early morning hours. This is especially true during the winter months of June through August.

If you are on an early morning game drive during these months, the 40-degree mornings can be quite cold in open safari vehicles. If you want to know what to expect for temperatures while visiting Hwange throughout the year, I have included a chart in my Hwange National Park safari guide for you to review below.

Average Precipitation (Inches) by Month

Another factor that you need to consider when planning your Hwange National Park safari is the amount of precipitation that the park gets throughout the year. In addition to heavy rains making the roads difficult to navigate or impassable, the rain can also have a big influence on how easy it is to spot wildlife.

During the dry winter months of June through August, the park gets very little rain. As the dry season wears on, the vegetation dries up and water becomes scarcer. With water in short supply, animals tend to congregate near permanent or man-made water holes. There is also less vegetation to obstruct your views into the bush, making it hard to spot animals like leopards easier to spot.

In contrast, during the lush summer months of December through February and into the Spring months in Zimbabwe, there is plenty of water throughout the park for animals to drink, so they tend to be more spread out. It is also more difficult to spot the wildlife with the thick vegetation. The park is beautiful with the lush green trees but spotting shy predators like leopards is much more difficult at this time.

Best Months to Visit Hwange National Park

If you are starting to plan your Hwange National Park safari and would like to know which months are best for visiting the park, I have put together a chart below that outlines which months I think are the best for visiting Hwange. I have also detailed some of the pros and cons of visiting Hwange National Park during both the dry and wet seasons to assist you in determining which time of year would be best for your visit.

Dry Season (April to October)

• Malaria risk is at a minimum.
• It is generally not as hot (except for October).
• There is typically very little rain.
• Wildlife is easier to spot because vegetation isn’t as thick, and wildlife congregates near permanent water sources.
• The main camp can be very crowded.
• Because it is very dry, it can be very dusty inside the park.
• The early morning game drives in the open safari vehicles can be chilly.

Wet Season (November to March)

• It is the birthing season, so baby animals are prevalent in the park.
• The migratory birds arrive, so it is a great time of year for bird watchers.
• The camps are less crowded, and rates are typically lower at camps and lodges.
• The scenery is lush and green, which can be very picturesque.
• Because of the rain, some park roads will be difficult to drive on or impassable.
• It can be very hot, especially at midday.
• Camps and lodges may be closed from January to March.
• Because of the lush vegetation and abundance of water, wildlife is more dispersed and harder to spot.

Where to Stay in Hwange National Park

If you do not want to book a tour for your Hwange National Park safari, there are a few options that you can choose that may save you some money. You have the option of arranging your own transportation to the park and then booking your lodging or campsite accommodations separately.

Depending on the lodging that you choose, they may offer guided game drives for guests. If so, you can take advantage of their guided game drives to see the park. If you choose a campsite or a lodge that doesn’t offer guided game drives, you will need to self-drive to see the park.

If you are in the process of planning your Hwange National Park safari and are planning to book your accommodations outside of a tour, I have included some valuable information on self-drive safaris and some recommended campsites and lodges in this section for you to review.

Recommended Hwange Camps and Lodges

Hwange National Park is the largest national park in Zimbabwe and one of the largest national parks in Africa. There are many wonderful lodges and camps throughout the park, with most of the popular ones concentrated near the Robins Camp, the main Mbala Gate, the Mtoa Gate, and the Kennedy Camp.

If you are choosing to book your own accommodations for your Hwange National Park safari adventure, I have included some of my recommendations for you to review below. These recommendations include campsites, lodges, and places with a mixture of both. I have also included some of my top picks for campsites and lodges at different price points so that you can choose the accommodations that are right for you and for your budget.

Tips and Guidelines for Self-Drive Safaris in Hwange

Doing a self-drive Hwange National Park safari has its advantages, as you can go your own pace and be on your own schedule, but it does require quite a bit of preparation and planning. If you are planning on doing a self-drive safari in Hwange National Park, there are several things that you should be aware of and prepare for before your trip. To assist you with this preparation, I have included some tips and guidelines for you to review below.

• Park rules require that you stay on the marked roads at all times. You cannot drive off-road in Hwange National Park.
• Target the dry season for your visit as there is far less risk of the roads being flooded.
• Make sure you have a 4×4 vehicle with high clearance. The roads can be rough in areas and you don’t want to get stuck.
• Let some air out of your tires while driving on the gravel and sand park roads. This will give you extra traction and help you prevent getting stuck. Just remember to re-inflate your tires before getting back on the paved roads.
• Bring a satellite phone with you in case of emergencies.
• Make sure you have plenty of food, water, and extra fuel with you.
• Download the Tracks4Africa app for navigation. It is the recommended app for safari navigation in Zimbabwe.
• Be prepared to pay your park fees. For information on the current rates for international visitors, please see the Zimbabwe Tourism website .
• And finally, leave yourself plenty of time to get back to your lodge or campsite before dark.

Wildlife You May See in Hwange National Park

In addition to having one of the highest concentrations of lions and elephants in all of Africa, Hwange National Park is also one of the remaining strongholds for painted dogs in Africa. In fact, the park is home to the Painted Dog Conservation Center.

The park supports several man-made water holes that have water pumped into them year-round, and if you visit Hwange during the dry season, you are almost guaranteed to see elephants and other grazing animals in or around these watering holes. As you know, where you find the grazing animals, the predators aren’t far away.

When I went on my Hwange National Park safari this past year, I saw some very large herds of elephants in many different areas of the park taking advantage of the water holes. We were also lucky enough to see some very large male lions resting in the shade.

The park also has an abundance of zebra and many different antelope species for visitors to spot. If you are interested in learning which of Africa’s most popular animals can be found in Hwange National Park, please refer to the graphic that I have included in this Hwange National Park safari guide below.

Painted Dog Conservation Center

While many of the animals that you can see in large numbers at Hwange National Park can also be seen elsewhere in Africa, one particular species of animal is found in Hwange National Park that is becoming increasingly more difficult to spot in the wild. The incredible African-painted dog is becoming increasingly endangered across Africa, but Hwange National Park remains one of the biggest strongholds for this incredible animal.

In fact, the park is home to the renowned Painted Dog Conservation Center, which focuses on rescuing injured dogs from the wild, rehabilitating them, and then releasing them back into the wild. So far, the effort has had a tremendous impact on bolstering the painted dog population in and around Hwange National Park.

If you would like to stop by the conservation center, it is located just outside the Mbala Gate of the park. Oftentimes, you can see painted dogs in the center’s rehabilitation pens and the park has many programs to educate visitors on this incredible wildlife species.

Hwange National Park Safari Tips

When you are on safari, especially while on a safari in Hwange National Park where you have an opportunity to see animals from land and the water, it is easy to get lost in the experience.  Being on safari is such an amazing experience and you should enjoy every single second of it.  However, if you aren’t careful, you might not get everything out of the experience that you could have.

To make sure that you get everything out of your Hwange National Park safari that you possibly can, I have provided some general safari tips below for you to review.

Be Patient and Open-Minded

When you are on safari, everything isn’t going to go according to plan.  The weather, the animal’s behavior, and other factors are going to impact where you go and what you see.  Hwange National Park provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in Africa, but even in Hwange, you have to be ready to adjust your plans if necessary.

Safety First

It is really easy to get caught up in the safari experience and want to get the best pictures you possibly can.  However, safety should always be the primary concern.  To give you some help on how to remain safe while on safari in the Hwange National Park, I have outlined some general safety tips for you to review later in this guide.

Don’t Get Stuck Behind Your Camera

Everyone wants to get great pictures while on safari, and you should absolutely bring your camera and take a lot of pictures.  However, if you spend your entire time in Hwange National Park looking through your camera, you are going to miss out on some of the experience.  I would recommend setting your camera down every-once-in-a-while and just enjoy being in such an amazing place.

Ask Lots of Questions

Make sure you ask your safari guide a lot of questions while you are on safari in Hwange National Park.  It is easy to get caught up in the moment and forget to ask which type of animal you are looking at or why they are doing what they are doing, but your safari guide is there to answer these questions for you.  And believe me, they enjoy answering these questions.  Don’t get home and regret not asking those questions.

Give Yourself Plenty of Time

Hwange National Park is a very large park, with very distinct and unique environments. There is no way that you are going to be able to explore the entire park within a day, so if you want to see more of the park, you should plan to spend multiple days on safari in Hwange.

Hwange National Park Safari Safety Tips

Being on Safari in Hwange National Park can be an amazing and exciting experience, but it can also be a very dangerous experience if you don’t follow the proper safety rules.  To ensure that your safari experience is a memorable and safe one, I have outlined some general safari safety rules for you to review below.

Obey Your Safari Guides at All Times

The most important safari safety tip of all is to listen to your safari guide and obey them at all times.  They are there to keep you safe, so let them.

Don’t Stick Anything Outside of the Safari Vehicle

It is never a good idea to stick anything outside of a safari vehicle.  Whether this be your arms, your feet, or your camera as you try to get a great picture, keep them inside the vehicle at all times.

Don’t Make Any Quick or Sudden Movements

When you are in the safari vehicle, the animals tend to think of the vehicle and everything associated with it as one homogeneous entity.  However, if you make sudden and frantic movements, or do something else to make you stick out as a part of the vehicle, you may become an object of interest to them.

Never Get Out of the Safari Vehicle

This point cannot be stressed strongly enough. Never, and I mean never, get out of your safari vehicle unless your safari guide explicitly instructs that it is safe.

Never Leave Your Tent or Lodge Room at Night

This is another point that I cannot emphasize strongly enough.  You should never leave your tent or lodge room at night without a chaperone.  The African bush can be a dangerous place, especially at night, so make sure you follow whichever procedures your safari guide gives you for getting assistance at night.  If they don’t mention this, make sure you ask ahead of time.

Walk, Never Run When Confronted by an Animal

If you do find yourself outside of your vehicle and confronted by an animal (hopefully this never happens), then make sure that you stay as calm as possible, walk away slowly (never turning your back on the animal), and NEVER, EVER run away.

Never Swim in Lakes or Rivers

Unless you are explicitly told by your safari guide that the waters are free of hippos and crocodiles, you should never attempt to swim in a lake, river, or pond.  Even then, I would think twice about doing it.  Hippos kill more people in Africa than any other animal, and crocodiles are not far behind on the list, so you always have to be safe when even approaching bodies of water.

Hwange National Park Photo Gallery

The country of Zimbabwe has an incredible wealth of wildlife and some of the most breathtaking landscapes in all of Africa. I absolutely cherished my Hwange National Park safari, and I want to share some of my top photographs from that visit with you. I hope you enjoy these images and that they inspire you to book your own adventure in Hwange National Park!

If you would like to view some more of my top Hwange National Park safari photos, as well as photos from some of my many other travel adventures, make sure you are following me on Instagram as well!

Don’t Forget to Subscribe to My Adventures!

Type your email…

Let Me Help You Save On Your Next Adventure!

‘start exploring today’ merchandise available now.

Published by Josh Hewitt

Avid traveler and photographer who loves to see new places, meet new people, and experience new things. There is so much this world can teach us, we just need to explore! View all posts by Josh Hewitt

Related Articles

Ecuador Entrance Requirements: Everything You Need to Know

Top 15 Things to See in Ecuador: The Must-Visit Destinations

Unforgettable Experiences: The Top 25 Things to Do in South Africa

5 comments ›.

A great guide born of a great trip!

Thank you so very much!!! Means a ton coming from such a great writer like you!

Thanks, Josh!

Hello Josh,

Great article, love all the info you have provided!! Thanks for sharing.

We completely agree that Hwange is one of the most beautiful places to immerse yourself in African bush.

We partner with The Hide as one of our destinations partners and so glad that you mentioned them in your Blog 🙂

Thanks so much for sharing your adventures with everyone.

Please get in touch if you need any images for your future blogs or if you need any other info.

Team PSC http://www.photosafaricompany.com

Thanks so much for the kind words Nick!!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Thank you so much for reading and for the kind words!!

wow, thank you so much for sharing the informative article this article is really helpful thank you bottom of my…

[…] The 20 Best Travel Accessories for 2024: An Essential Guide – https://wanderlustphotosblog.com/2024/01/24/the-20-best-travel-accessories-for-2024-an-essential-gui… […]

Discover endless entertainment with KheloYar, the go-to platform for online gaming enthusiasts. Offering a diverse selection of games, from fantasy…

Discover more from Wanderlust Travel & Photos

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading

Subscribe To My Adventures!

* BEST PRICE GUARANTEE *

HWANGE SAFARIS

Specialists in hwange national park.

DAVISON'S CAMP

PERFECT BALANCE BETWEEN  COMFORT AND AFFORDIBILITY

Located  in the private Linkwasha Concession – one of the most prolific wildlife areas in Hwange National Park, Davison's is  hidden  beneath a grove of false mopane trees. A small classic safari style camp with an African décor and earthy colours, the camp offers basic luxuries, warm service and front-seat access to a wildlife show. All rooms overlook an open plain and waterhole extremely popular with wildlife, especially in dry winter months where it is not uncommon to see hundreds, if not thousands of elephants and buffaloes in one day.

QUICK OVERVIEW

Private Concession

Luxury Tented

5 hrs from Victoria Falls

Flight Time

1 hr from Victoria Falls

Overlooking Waterhole

9 Tents (1 Family)

No - Ceiling Fan

Private Hide

Camp Fenced

6 and older

Rustic African décor and earthy colours predominate the nine classic tents as well as the spacious lounge and dining areas. Rooms are simple, clean and comfortable. An expansive deck with an open campfire invites evenings of storytelling and stargazing whilst Davison's pool promises refreshment and a relaxing midday armchair safari. All areas of the camp point to an experience beyond the camp overlooking an open plain and waterhole, popular drinking spot for elephant and buffalo.

Great Game Viewing – Both Driving and Walking

Great Value for Money - Perfect Blend of Comfort and Wildlife

Immersive minimalist Tented Camp

Private Concession meaning an Exclusive Safari Experience

Wilderness Safaris have High Service Standards

Good Community Involvement

✓  Game Drive

✓  Night Drive 

✓  Walking Safari (Seasonal)

✓  Photographic Safari

✓  Cultural Experiences

PRICING Per Person Sharing

6 Jan 24 to 31 Mar 24:

(USD 0 - No Single Supplement )

1 Apr 24 to 31 May 24:

1 Jun 24 to 31 Oct 24:

(Single Supplement USD 267)

1 Nov 24 to 19 Dec 24:

20 Dec 24 to 5 Jan 25:

(Single Supplement USD 193)

✓  Accommodation

✓  All meals and local drinks

✓  Two daily scheduled camp activities

✓  Park Fees

✓  Laundry

✘ Premium drinks and champagne

✘ Charter flights

✘ Transfers to and from camp

Discover Davison's

For detailed itineraries and personalised travel guidance, contact us at hwange safaris.

• Our Safari Experience
• What to expect
• Personalised Experiences
• Dining Experience
• See All Safari Packages
• Classic Delta Package
• Classic Botswana Package
• Romantic Package
• Classic Hwange Package
• Classic Mana Pools Package
• Classic Botswana and Zimbabwe
• Essentially Machaba
• Definitive Machaba
• Machaba Routes
• See All Camps & Lodges
• Little Machaba
• Machaba Camp
• Gomoti Plains
• Gomoti Private
• Ngoma Safari Lodge

Verney's Camp

Deteema springs.

• Mana River Camp
• Monachira Camp
• See All Destinations

Okavango Delta

Hwange national park, chobe national park, mana pools national park.

• About Machaba Safaris
• Conservation
• Health and Safety
• Travel and Visa
• Self Drive Instructions
• Camp Fact Sheets
• What to Pack
• Safari Tips

Botswana Machaba Camp Wildlife Sightings June 2020

Zimbabwe Hwange Deteema Springs Sightings June 2020

Botswana Chobe Ngoma Safari Lodge Sightings June 2020

Let us help you plan your safari.

Leave a quick message so that we can contact you

Personal Info

• +27 10 *** Show number
• book*** Show email
• +27 82 *** Show number
• Community & Conservation
• Check Availability

Home to over 40 000 elephants, all the big cats and more than 400 species of birds, Hwange National Park offers one of Africa’s top safari experiences.

As Zimbabwe’s largest park, Hwange is the ideal environment in which to experience the glory of the great animals and the surprising beauty of the small.

Home to the "Presidential Herd" of elephants.

One of Africa's 10 biggest parks and the largest in Zimbabwe.

The iconic giraffe is a common sighting.

Home to packs of endangered "painted dog" (African wild dog).

An hour's drive from Victoria Falls.

Where to find the great Hwange National Park

Hwange National park sprawls in the northwest of Zimbabwe and shares a border with Botswana. An hour’s drive north of the park is the Zambian border and the Zambezi River with its world-famous Victoria Falls.

See the beauty of Hwange National Park

Hwange is home to incredible numbers of wildlife. Take a look at these images and be inspired to experience its majestic proportions for yourself.

Best time to visit Hwange National Park

Visit us at any time of the year.

Hwange enjoys markedly different seasons that attract different types of wildlife, meaning that any season is an excellent season to visit us.

Hot humid weather (up to 35 C) with afternoon thundershowers and majestic cloud systems. The wildlife is more spread out and less dependent on artificial water points (pans) making game viewing good.

Dry with daytime highs of 28 degrees Celsius. The wildlife is becoming dependent on artificial water points in Hwange. From May, the wildlife congregates around the artificial water points and natural springs that Hwange National Park is famous for. 

The coldest time of the year, with temperatures ranging from 0 – 25 degrees. Wildlife is now fully dependent on pans and natural springs in Hwange and a good time to see large herds of elephant here. 

Very hot, with the first rains in the later months bringing cooler temperatures. With the rain comes an abundance of young making wildlife photography very good.

Our camps & lodges

Our eco-luxury camps and lodges are inspired by the classic safari style.

Lying in a private section of Zimbabwe’s giant Hwange National Park, Verney’s Camp overlooks a series of waterholes where the many animals, including the famed elephant super herds, come to drink. A night drive here is a must.

This unique hillside location delivers ample opportunities for walking safaris. The water seeps that lie below the camp attract vast numbers of animals and makes for excellent predator/prey interactions.

How we give back to Hwange National Park

Machaba Safaris assists disadvantaged communities close to Hwange National Park. Through our work with the Mabale village and Hwange Main Camp School, we engage in community development including skills development/empowerment and education.

Explore our different safari packages

Learn more about the safari experience, so much more to see.

Machaba Safaris has camps and lodges in many other un-spoilt destinations imaginable, each with something different to see and experience.

Let our experts help you plan your safari experience.

Hwange National Park – A Safari Guide

Greetings fellow adventure seekers! If you’ve ever dreamt of immersing yourself in the untamed beauty of the African wilderness, then you’re in for an extraordinary treat. Today, we’re embarking on an in-depth exploration of Zimbabwe’s magnificent Hwange National Park, a jewel in Africa’s crown and one of the crown jewels of Snyman Safaris. So, buckle up and prepare for an unforgettable journey into the heart of this unparalleled safari destination!

Discovering Hwange National Park

Nestled in the northwestern corner of Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park sprawls across a staggering 14,600 square kilometers, making it one of the largest national parks on the continent. This vast expanse of diverse ecosystems, ranging from teak forests to open grasslands, provides a perfect habitat for a rich tapestry of wildlife, earning Hwange its reputation as a haven for safari enthusiasts.

The Big Five – A Symphony of Wildlife

Hwange National Park proudly hosts the legendary Big Five, each a star in its own right. Let’s delve deeper into the world of these magnificent creatures that grace the landscapes of Hwange.

Elephants: Majestic Giants of the African Savanna

Prepare to be mesmerized by the sight of majestic elephants gracefully traversing the grasslands. Hwange is home to one of the continent’s largest elephant populations, offering visitors a unique and awe-inspiring opportunity to witness these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Snyman Safaris ensures that you have front-row seats to observe these magnificent creatures up close and personal, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Lions: The Regal Roar of the Savanna

As the golden sun dips below the horizon, the resonant roars of lions echo through the savanna, marking the beginning of their nocturnal activities. Snyman Safaris’ expert guides will lead you on thrilling game drives, where the chance of witnessing the king of the jungle in action is more than just a possibility. Whether it’s the intensity of a lioness on the hunt or the playful interactions within a pride, every safari with Snyman is a cinematic experience.

Leopards: The Stealthy Shadows

Known for their elusive nature, leopards add an air of mystery to your safari adventure. These masters of stealth and camouflage roam Hwange’s diverse landscapes. Our seasoned guides, with their extensive knowledge of the park, enhance your chances of spotting these elusive felines. A glimpse of a leopard draped over the limb of a tree or stealthily navigating the underbrush is a testament to the wonders of Hwange.

Buffalos: The Mighty Herds

Buffalos, often underestimated, are powerhouses of strength and resilience. Hwange is home to sizable herds, and our safari guides will take you to prime locations where you can witness these impressive creatures in their natural habitat. Whether grazing peacefully or forming protective circles against predators, buffalos contribute to the dynamic ecosystem of Hwange.

Rhinoceros: Guardians of Biodiversity

A few decades ago, you could pretty much count on spotting a white rhino in southern Hwange National Park. But, around 2005, the last rhino sighting happened. The good news is, after years of talks and plans, they’ve brought back the first two white rhinos to Hwange in 2022!

Safari Experiences with Snyman Safaris

At Snyman Safaris, we believe in curating experiences that transcend the ordinary. Our carefully designed safari packages not only allow you to witness incredible wildlife but also immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry and history of the region.

Game Drives – Into the Heart of the Wild

Embark on exhilarating game drives with our seasoned guides, who bring the bush to life with their in-depth knowledge of the flora and fauna. Each drive is a unique adventure, offering the opportunity to witness the beauty of Hwange’s landscapes and the fascinating behaviors of its inhabitants. The thrill of tracking wildlife through the savanna is an experience that stays with you long after the journey ends.

Walking Safaris – A Symphony of Nature

For those seeking a more intimate connection with nature, our walking safaris provide a unique perspective. Accompanied by our expert guides, you’ll venture into the heart of Hwange, discovering the smaller wonders of the bush – from intricate insect life to the vibrant bird species that call Hwange home. It’s a sensory journey, allowing you to feel the pulse of the wilderness beneath your feet.

Birdwatching – A Kaleidoscope of Avian Wonders

Hwange is a birdwatcher’s paradise, boasting over 400 species of birds. Join our guides on a birdwatching expedition, where you’ll be treated to a symphony of calls and a kaleidoscope of colors. From the iconic African Fish Eagle to the striking Lilac-breasted Roller, every birdwatching excursion with Snyman Safaris is an opportunity to expand your ornithological repertoire.

Cultural Encounters – Bridging Past and Present

At Snyman Safaris, we prioritize responsible tourism that benefits both wildlife and local communities. Engage in cultural experiences with the indigenous people of Hwange, gaining insights into their traditions, crafts, and daily lives. These encounters provide a holistic understanding of the region, fostering a connection between past and present.

Accommodations Luxury in the Heart of the Wilderness

After a day of exhilarating adventures, unwind in style at Snyman Safaris’ luxurious accommodations. Our lodges are designed to seamlessly blend with the natural surroundings, offering you a comfortable and elegant retreat. Enjoy the serenity of the African night from your private deck, with the sounds of the wild serving as your lullaby. Our commitment to sustainable tourism ensures that your stay not only provides comfort but also contributes to the conservation efforts in Hwange.

Verney’s Camp

Nestled in a private concession in the southeastern part of Hwange National Park, Verney’s Camp offers a luxurious yet eco-friendly safari experience. With spacious tents overlooking a vibrant waterhole, guests at Verney’s can witness the parade of wildlife from the comfort of their accommodations, immersing themselves in the sights and sounds of the African bush.

Deteema Springs

Deteema Springs, situated in a remote and exclusive concession, provides an intimate and secluded safari experience. This lodge is known for its picturesque setting, with each well-appointed chalet overlooking the pristine Deteema Springs, a natural oasis that attracts a variety of wildlife, ensuring an unforgettable and private safari retreat.

Located in a prime game viewing area on the eastern boundary of Hwange National Park, The Hide is an iconic safari destination. Offering a blend of rustic charm and modern comfort, guests can enjoy wildlife sightings from their luxurious treehouse-style accommodations and embark on guided walks or game drives led by experienced guides for an immersive safari experience.

Davison’s Camp, set in the northern part of Hwange, is a classic tented camp that captures the essence of safari living. Surrounded by open plains and acacia woodlands, the camp provides an authentic wilderness experience with its elegantly furnished tents and a communal area that allows guests to unwind while taking in the breathtaking vistas and frequent wildlife visits.

Little Makalolo

As part of the Wilderness Safaris portfolio, Little Makalolo stands as an intimate camp in a private concession within Hwange. This camp exudes exclusivity, offering just six traditional-style safari tents with en-suite facilities. Guests at Little Makalolo can indulge in the privacy of their own deck and plunge pool while marveling at the wildlife drawn to the adjacent waterhole.

Situated in the private Linkwasha Concession in the southeast of Hwange, Linkwasha Camp is a luxurious retreat offering modern amenities amidst the wild. Known for its spacious and contemporary design, the camp boasts tented suites with panoramic views of the surrounding plains, ensuring an opulent safari experience with abundant wildlife sightings right at your doorstep.

Practical Tips for Your Hwange Safari

Pack light, pack right.

When preparing for your Hwange safari, pack comfortable, neutral-colored clothing suitable for the African climate. Don’t forget essentials like binoculars and a quality camera to capture the nuances of the bush.

Hydration is Key

The African sun can be intense, so staying hydrated is crucial. While Snyman Safaris provides ample water during excursions, carrying a reusable water bottle is always a good idea.

Respect the Wildlife

Maintain a respectful distance from the animals, allowing them to behave naturally. Remember, we are guests in their home, and observing their behaviors from a distance ensures a harmonious coexistence.

Trust Your Guides

Our guides are not just experts in wildlife; they are also well-versed in safety protocols. Trust their instructions and insights to ensure a safe and memorable safari experience.

A Safari Beyond Expectations

Hwange National Park stands as a testament to the extraordinary biodiversity of Africa, and Snyman Safaris is your trusted partner in unlocking its wonders. From the iconic Big Five to the vibrant cultural experiences, our safari packages are meticulously crafted to create memories that transcend the ordinary. So, seize the opportunity, pack your bags, and join us for a safari like no other in Hwange National Park – where every sunset is a masterpiece, and every dawn brings a new chapter in the untold story of the African wilderness. Your adventure awaits!

View our Current Zimbabwe Safaris

Or "build your own safari trip" here, other posts.

The Best Time to Visit South Luangwa National Park for a Safari

Private Concession Safaris in Botswana

• +27 10 500 3131
• +27 72 645 2661
• [email protected]
• 33 Outlook Road, Southbroom, Kwazulu Natal, South Africa

Quick Links

Social media.

Terms and Conditions

Privacy Policy

Elephant Plains Game Lodge

Sabi sand nature reserve.

Situated in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, adjacent to the Kruger National Park, Elephant Plains Game Lodge offers comfortable, stylish and affordable luxury. The lodge accommodates a maximum of 24 guests, which ensures personal service in a warm, friendly atmosphere. The lodge caters for the discerning traveller, offering a variety of accommodation options, ranging from Rondavels and Luxury Suites to the Manyeleti Honeymoon Suite. Elephant Plains is world-renowned for excellent game viewing and guests can enjoy two game drives and a bush walk per day. Facilities include two swimming pools, as well as a gym.