Hwange National Park

Hwange Overview

Hwange National Park, known locally as “Paki yeHwange,” is Zimbabwe’s largest national park, spanning approximately 14,651 square kilometers (5,657 square miles) in the northwest corner of the country. Situated near the borders of Botswana and Zambia, it is part of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA). Established in 1928 as a game reserve and declared a national park in 1961, Hwange is celebrated for its incredible biodiversity and vast wilderness.

The park’s landscapes range from sprawling savannahs and teak woodlands to semi-arid scrublands and seasonal wetlands. While there are no prominent mountains or waterfalls, the scenic waterholes and pans, both natural and man-made, serve as focal points for wildlife viewing, especially during the dry season. These water sources are lifelines for animals in the region and offer visitors unforgettable encounters with large concentrations of wildlife.

Hwange National Park is most famous for its large elephant population, estimated to be over 40,000 strong, one of the highest concentrations in Africa. Other notable species include lions, leopards, and cheetahs, as well as smaller predators like wild dogs and hyenas. The park is home to nearly 100 species of mammals and over 400 bird species, including the endangered southern ground hornbill, martial eagle, and the Kori bustard. Unique sightings might include sable antelope, roan antelope, and the rare pangolin.

One of Hwange’s unique features is its network of over 60 man-made waterholes, which are maintained year-round to support wildlife during the dry season. These waterholes attract vast numbers of animals and create some of the best game-viewing opportunities in Africa. Ngweshla, Masuma, and Mandavu dams are among the most popular spots for both visitors and wildlife.

Hwange has been a stronghold for conservation efforts in Zimbabwe. Its management focuses on preserving biodiversity, mitigating human-wildlife conflict, and combating poaching. Collaborative efforts between Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and organizations like Painted Dog Conservation and Friends of Hwange Trust have bolstered anti-poaching initiatives and habitat restoration programs. The park’s inclusion in the KAZA Transfrontier area further highlights its importance in regional conservation strategies.

Visitors to Hwange National Park can enjoy game drives, guided walking safaris, and birdwatching. The park is accessible year-round, with the dry season (May to October) offering the best wildlife viewing as animals congregate around waterholes. Accommodations range from luxury lodges to camping facilities, ensuring options for all types of travelers. The park’s proximity to Victoria Falls makes it an ideal complement to exploring one of the world’s natural wonders.

In summary, Hwange National Park is a crown jewel of Zimbabwe’s natural heritage. Its vast landscapes, abundant wildlife, and successful conservation efforts make it a premier destination for eco-tourism and a vital sanctuary for Africa’s iconic species.

Park Map

Hwange National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

Hwange National Park’s diverse habitats attract a remarkable variety of bird species, making it a haven for avian enthusiasts.

African Fish Eagle
This majestic raptor, with its piercing call, is often seen perched near waterholes, scanning for fish.

Lilac-breasted Roller
Renowned for its dazzling plumage, the lilac-breasted roller is a favorite for birdwatchers and photographers alike.

Southern Ground Hornbill
A charismatic ground-dwelling bird, the southern ground hornbill forages in small groups across Hwange’s open grasslands.

Kori Bustard
The kori bustard, Africa’s largest flying bird, is often spotted striding across the park’s savannahs.

Helmeted Guineafowl
These sociable birds forage in flocks, their distinctive calls echoing across the park’s plains and woodlands.

Martial Eagle
A powerful and majestic predator, the martial eagle soars above the park, hunting for small mammals and reptiles.

Yellow-billed Stork
This elegant wader sweeps its long beak through the water in search of fish and other aquatic prey.

White-backed Vulture
Essential to the park’s ecosystem, white-backed vultures play a critical role in cleaning up carrion.

Pied Kingfisher
Hovering above Hwange’s waterholes, the pied kingfisher dives with precision to catch small fish.

Goliath Heron
The tallest heron in the world, the Goliath heron stalks fish in the shallows, creating a serene and regal presence.

Predators

Hwange National Park is a sanctuary where some of Africa’s most iconic predators thrive, using its expansive savannahs and woodlands to hunt and maintain ecological balance.

Lion
Hwange’s lions, often seen in prides, dominate the food chain as they stalk large herbivores like buffalo and zebra in the open plains.

Leopard
Stealthy and elusive, leopards use their camouflaged coats to blend into the dense woodlands, ambushing prey with precision.

Cheetah
Renowned for their incredible speed, cheetahs rely on the park’s open grasslands to pursue antelope in short, high-velocity chases.

African Wild Dog
These highly social predators operate in packs, displaying remarkable teamwork to hunt impala and other medium-sized prey.

Spotted Hyena
Spotted hyenas play dual roles as skilled hunters and scavengers, often seen roaming in clans or feasting at kills.

Brown Hyena
Less common than their spotted counterparts, brown hyenas scavenge for food in the park’s drier areas, contributing to ecosystem cleanup.

Side-striped Jackal
A nocturnal predator, the side-striped jackal preys on rodents, birds, and small mammals, while also scavenging opportunistically.

Honey Badger
Small but fearless, honey badgers are adept hunters, preying on rodents, reptiles, and insects, and are known for their tenacity.

Serval
A medium-sized wild cat, the serval hunts in the grasslands, using its long legs and sharp hearing to locate small mammals and birds.

Bat-eared Fox
This insectivorous predator uses its large ears to detect beetles, termites, and other invertebrates beneath the soil.