Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe is not merely a destination; it is an unforgettable, raw experience of untamed Africa. As Zimbabwe’s largest national park, covering a monumental 15,000 square kilometres, Hwange National Park has a scale and presence that is genuinely difficult to match. For discerning travellers seeking an authentic safari holiday, this land of varied habitats—from open savannah and Kalahari sandveld to dense teak forests—offers exclusive, private game viewing and the chance to discover a quiet kind of wonder.
The Heart of Hwange: Africa’s Greatest Elephant Population
Established in 1928, Hwange has become one of Southern Africa’s most vital conservation areas, renowned globally for its spectacular wildlife. While the park supports over 100 mammal species, it is the magnificent African elephant that truly dominates the landscape.
Hwange is proudly home to one of the continent’s largest elephant populations, making it the premier Hwange Elephant Safari destination. Here, tens of thousands of these majestic creatures move through the expansive plains, their presence felt everywhere—in the worn paths winding through the trees and their quiet authority at the waterholes. To witness a great procession of these ‘giants’ up close is a life-affirming experience that sets this Zimbabwe safari apart.
Beyond the elephants, a luxury safari here promises superb Big Five sightings and encounters with endangered species:
Predators: Healthy populations of Lion and, crucially, the frequently-sighted, elusive Wild Dogs.
Plains Game: Giraffe, Wildebeest, Impala, and the stunning Sable and Roan Antelope.
Birdlife: Nearly 400 species, including the colourful Carmine Bee-eater and the Southern Ground Hornbill.
Bespoke Hwange Safari Experiences
The true magic of Hwange National Park reveals itself when you take the time to slow down and immerse yourself completely. The Hwange safari experience goes beyond traditional game drives, offering unique, intimate ways to connect with the wilderness:
Walking Safaris: Guided by expert trackers, a walking safari enriches your perspective, revealing the subtle signs and untold stories of the bush that often go unnoticed from a vehicle.
The Sunken Hide: At exclusive camps, such as those near the famous Ngamo Plains and Linkwasha, spend quiet time concealed in a sunken hide, where you can watch plains game, and often predators, come within feet of you as they drink.
Star Beds: A romantic night sleeping out in a Star Bed is the ultimate bespoke adventure. Overlooking an active waterhole, you can drift off to sleep to the sounds of the African night, creating lasting memories.
Game Drives: Day and night drives are essential for tracking the big cats and rare sightings, cementing Hwange’s reputation as a top-tier Big Five destination.
The Best Time to Plan Your Visit
While Hwange is a year-round destination, wildlife viewing peaks during the dry winter season, typically June to September. During these months, the large numbers of animals congregate around the park’s limited water sources, offering fantastic photographic opportunities and concentrated game viewing. The hot months leading up to the rainy season (October) see temperatures peak, yet the density of wildlife around the waterholes is thrilling.