Hwange National Park

Hwange is Zimbabwe’s largest and most iconic safari region. It’s a vast wilderness of open savannahs, teak forests and open landscapes stretching across roughly 14,600 km² in the far northwest of the country. Established as a protected area in 1928 and later made a national park, Hwange forms a central part of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, one of Africa’s largest transnational conservation landscapes.

The region’s defining feature is its wildlife: Hwange supports over 100 mammal species and more than 400 birds, anchored by one of the continent’s largest elephant populations, which congregate in remarkable numbers around natural pans and more than 60 man-made waterholes during the dry season. Lions, leopards, cheetahs and African wild dogs roam alongside herds of buffalo, giraffe, zebra, sable and roan antelope, offering classic big game viewing year-round.

Hwange’s terrain is a tapestry of mopane and acacia woodlands, open grasslands, and ancient teak stands. Seasonal wildflower blooms and striking baobabs enhance the scenic backdrop. The dry months from May to October are typically best for safaris as animals cluster predictably around permanent water sources, creating unforgettable photographic moments.

Accessible by road from the town of Hwange and close to Victoria Falls, the region offers great luxury lodges which blend the remote wilderness with authentic safari experiences.