Zimbabwe

Hwange National Park

Core safari destination — classic big-game safari

Highlight

Vast Wilderness & Waterhole Hides

Track giant elephant herds, lion prides, and the endangered painted wolf packs across Zimbabwe's largest national park.

Explorer Journal

Discover the magic of Hwange National Park

"The waterholes are the stage of Hwange. To sit in a sunken hide while a hundred elephants drink feet away is to feel the heartbeat of the bush."

Hwange is Zimbabwe's largest national park (roughly the size of Belgium) and one of the great elephant strongholds of Africa, with populations estimated in the tens of thousands during the dry season when they congregate around pumped waterholes. It's also home to large prides of lion, healthy populations of buffalo, giraffe, and one of the better chances on the continent to see African wild dog and the elusive painted wolf packs that roam its woodlands.

What sets Hwange apart for Verdanti is proximity: it's close enough to Victoria Falls to combine easily — either via a scenic light-aircraft transfer (around 30-45 minutes) or a road transfer — making it the natural "safari extension" for travellers who want falls plus a genuine bush experience without a long-haul repositioning flight. Camps here range from intimate owner-run tented camps to larger lodges, many built around their own private waterholes for exceptional sundowner game viewing.

Gateway HubLight aircraft charter from Victoria Falls (35 mins) / Road transfer (~3.5 hours)

Location & RegionMatabeleland North, Southern Zimbabwe

Hydrology & Climate

When to visit Hwange National Park

Bespoke monthly climate indicators detailing temperature shifts and average precipitation levels.

May – Aug

23°C

0mm

Cool Dry Winter

Frosty early mornings, sunny clear days. Wildlife clusters at pumped waterholes.

Sep – Oct

36°C

2mm

Hot Dry Spring

Water shortages concentrate predator-prey action around ground hides.

Nov – Mar

31°C

115mm

Green Summer Rains

Lush green landscapes, bird migrations, summer storms, newborn calves.

Apr – May

27°C

10mm

Autumn Transition

Grasslands dry to gold. Cooling evenings, moderate visitor density.

Landmark Scrapbook

Points of Interest

Glimpses of local landmarks and experiences, capturing moments that define Hwange National Park.

Main Camp & Sinamatella

The most accessible parts of the park, featuring classic mopane and teak woodlands and a dense network of wildlife waterholes.

Private Concessions

Where most upmarket safari camps are based. These concessions permit walking safaris and night drives, which are prohibited inside the main national park.

Waterhole Photographic Hides

Camouflaged ground-level hides placed next to active pans, allowing eye-level photography of giant elephant herds drinking.

Painted Dog Research Areas

Hwange is one of the premier sanctuaries in Africa for the endangered African Wild Dog, with local tracking programs assisting research.

Community Conservation Initiatives

Several lodges channel proceeds directly into neighboring villages, building schools, funding clinics, and employing local staff.

Memorable Adventures

Signature Activities

Whether booked individually or integrated into our itineraries, these are the standout experiences in Hwange National Park.

Walking Safari

3 Hours★ 4.9

Hwange Wilderness Walking Safari

Connect intimately with the African bush on a walking safari in Zimbabwe's flagship park. Accompany an armed professional guide to track elephant and buffalo on foot, examine spoors, and learn about flora and micro-ecology.

Price range$

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Conservation & Culture

2 Hours★ 4.7

Painted Dog Conservation Visit

Visit the renowned conservation center dedicated to saving the African Wild Dog. Learn about their complex social behaviors, view the rehabilitation facilities, and understand community anti-poaching initiatives.

Price range$

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Luxurious Havens

Where to stay

Hand-selected camps and lodges that blend high-end design, proximity to wilderness, and superior hosting.

Comfort Lodge

Curated Selection

Hwange Safari Lodge

Situated on the border of Hwange National Park, this lodge features a dedicated viewing deck overlooking a natural waterhole frequently visited by elephant herds, wild dogs, and lions. Standard and suite rooms look out to lush lawns and bushveld.

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Luxury Safari Camp

Curated Selection

Somalisa Camp

Nestled in the heart of Hwange National Park, Somalisa Camp is famous for its 'elephant pool'—a natural water basin right in front of the camp deck where elephant families come to drink, offering guests an incredibly close encounter. An authentic luxury tented camp experience.

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Featured Itineraries

Recommended Journeys

Multi-day safaris traversing Hwange National Park, optimized for wildlife viewing.

Fifteen-Day Botswana & Victoria Falls Safari

15 Days

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe; Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe; Chobe National Park, Botswana; Okavango Delta, BotswanaGroup Size: Max 10

Fifteen-Day Botswana & Victoria Falls Safari

This is the itinerary for travelers who have the time and want to use it properly — fifteen days across four of Southern Africa's most celebrated wildlife destinations, each given enough time to reveal itself rather than rushed through. It's the most comprehensive package in our Victoria Falls and Botswana collection, and it's built for people who think of a safari less as a trip and more as an immersion. The journey begins at Victoria Falls, then heads into Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park — one of the country's great wildlife areas and a destination most short itineraries skip entirely. From there, it crosses into Botswana for an extended stay in Chobe National Park, followed by the longest single stretch of the trip: multi-camp exploration of the Okavango Delta, covering game drives, mokoro outings, and walking safaris across varied habitats. Few itineraries give this much room to breathe — and fewer still cover this much ground.

Indicative package rate fromUSD 6,000

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Travel Logistics

Practical Info

We believe smooth logistics are the foundation of a great safari. Here is what you need to know about arriving and travelling.

Have custom travel questions? Speak directly to our rangers in Victoria Falls.