Hwange National Park

Pros & Cons

• Top wildlife viewing with all of the Big Five present (rhino are rare)
• 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 park for self-drive and self-catering
• 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. Its claim to fame is one of the largest elephant populations in the world. There are 20,000 to 70,000 individuals that congregate around the waterholes toward the end of the Dry season. Predators, including all three of the big cats, are regularly spotted. The park has an impressive variety of antelope, including some of the unusual species such as sable antelope and greater kudu. The park is an important breeding ground for wild dog.

• More about Hwange's wildlife

Scenery

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

Weather & Climate

Hwange’s two clear-cut seasons cause the local temperature to move around a bit. 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

You pretty much have Hwange to yourself in the Wet season (November to April). But the scattered animals and lack of accommodation don’t make this the most appealing time to visit – not unless you’re a keen birder. Otherwise, forsake the persistent drizzle and oppressive heat and travel to Hwange in the drier months, when animals crowd the waterholes.

• More about the best time to visit

Want to Visit Hwange NP?

• Hwange safaris and tours
• Tour operators for Hwange