Philip has traveled through Zimbabwe several times and is the author of more than 20 guidebooks to various African destinations.
The very accessible Hwange National Park has great diversity and is excellent for good overall wildlife viewing. In the Dry season, big herds of elephants congregate here from the surrounding bush. Mana Pools National Park is an exciting off-the-beaten-track destination and offers unrivaled wilderness to be explored by 4x4, on foot and by canoe.
Wildlife Highlights
The beautiful sable antelope is a Hwange special as well as brown hyena, bat-eared fox and springhare, which inhabit the Kalahari sands of the region. Zimbabwe is a good destination to see the endangered wild dog, and the nocturnal honey badger has become quite habituated in some of the parks and can sometimes be spotted around camps and campsites at night.
Best Time for Wildlife Viewing
The best time for wildlife viewing is the dry winter months (May-October). Water is scarce especially at the end of the Dry season and animals tend to congregate around water sources. Afternoon showers can be expected in the Wet season (November-March).
Wildlife Rating Per Major Park
- Hwange NP 4.6/5 64 Wildlife Ratings
- Mana Pools NP 4.5/5 31 Wildlife Ratings
