Hwange National Park

Pros & Cons

• • Top wildlife viewing with all of the Big Five present
• Wide variety of animals
• Night drives and walking safaris are available at most camps
• Proximity to the popular Victoria Falls
• Accommodation options for all budgets
• Excellent self-drive and self-catering facilities
• Roads which were previously tarred, and in good condition, have mostly disintegrated

Wildlife

With over 100 species present, Hwange has the widest variety of mammals of any national park in the world. It also has one of the largest elephant populations. There are 20,000 to 70,000 individuals that congregate around the waterholes toward the end of the Dry season. The park has an impressive variety of antelope, including some of the unusual species such as sable antelope and greater kudu.

• More about Hwange's wildlife

Scenery

The park is situated on the eastern edge of the vast Kalahari sands and scrublands. Habitats include teak forest, thornveld and mopane woodland. There is little natural water in the park and animals are dependent on artificial waterholes.

Weather & Climate

Hwange has two clear-cut seasons. The Dry season (April to October) starts off warm before temperatures dip in the middle of the year. Then the heat quickly gets turned up, culminating in the blazing heat of October. The Wet season (November to March) cools things off at first with its stormy weather before settling into a pattern of hot, humid days.

• More about the weather and climate

Best Time to Visit

Hwange is at its best in the dry months (July to October), when animals crowd the waterholes. You pretty much have Hwange to yourself in the Wet season (November to April), but animals are more scattered at that time.

• More about the best time to visit

Want to Visit Hwange NP?

• Hwange safaris and tours
• Tour operators for Hwange