Hwange National Park
About
Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe's largest and most celebrated wildlife reserve, covering more than 14,600 square kilometres of diverse landscapes that range from open grasslands and teak forests to seasonal wetlands and ancient sand dunes. Located in the northwest of the country, the park lies within easy reach of Victoria Falls, making it one of Zimbabwe's most popular safari destinations.
Originally established as a royal hunting ground for the Ndebele king Mzilikazi, the area was declared a protected reserve in 1928 before becoming a national park in 1930. Today, Hwange is internationally recognised for its outstanding wildlife and exceptional game-viewing opportunities.
The park is renowned for its impressive elephant population, estimated at more than 40,000 individuals, making it one of the largest elephant strongholds in Africa. Visitors also have an excellent chance of encountering lions, leopards, cheetahs, African wild dogs, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, sable and roan antelope, as well as more than 100 other mammal species.
Hwange is equally celebrated for its remarkable birdlife, with over 400 recorded species, making it a rewarding destination for birdwatchers throughout the year. The park's network of pumped waterholes, many of which can be viewed from hides and safari lodges, attracts an abundance of wildlife, particularly during the dry season when animals congregate to drink.
Highlights
Elephants are the undisputed stars of the park and can be seen in their hundreds during the dry season.
The park is home to more than 100 mammal species.
Over 470 bird species have been recorded in the park.
The park is a premier destination for wildlife viewing and birdwatching.
The park has a healthly population of Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Buffalo, Sable Antelope and Roan Antelope
Accommodations in Hwange National Park
Jozibanini Camp, Zimbabwe
Jozibanini Camp AmenitiesJozibanini Camp is designed for travelers seeking a remote, authentic safari experience. The amenities are intentionally simple yet comfortable, allowing the wilderness to take center stage.Guest Tents Spacious Meru-style safari tents on raised wooden decks En-suite open-air bathroom Flush toilet Traditional hot bucket shower Private veranda with views over the waterhole "Star Bed" experience, allowing beds to be wheeled onto the deck for sleeping under the stars (weather permitting) Standing fan Solar-powered lighting Universal plug points and USB charging ports Mosquito nets and insect repellent Complimentary daily laundry service (weather permitting) Camp Facilities Open-air campfire gathering area (the social heart of the camp) Alfresco dining around the campfire Sunken photographic hide overlooking the waterhole Solar-powered charging stations Limited Wi-Fi No mobile phone reception Fully solar powered Dining & Services All meals served outdoors around the campfire Bush breakfasts and picnic meals Soft drinks, local beers, wines and spirits (depending on package booked) Housekeeping service Complimentary laundry Signature Experiences Guided game drives Guided walking safaris Mountain biking through the wilderness Wildlife viewing from the underground photographic hide Exceptional elephant encounters at the permanent waterhole Sleep-out experience under the African night skyJozibanini is deliberately more rustic than many luxury safari lodges. There is no swimming pool, spa, or formal lounge, making it ideal for guests who want an immersive wilderness experience with comfortable safari essentials rather than resort-style facilities.
Nehimba Lodge, Zimbabwe
Nehimba Lodge is a luxury safari lodge situated within a private concession in northern Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. Overlooking a bustling waterhole that attracts large herds of elephants throughout the year, the lodge offers an intimate and authentic safari experience in one of the park’s most wildlife-rich areas. The lodge features nine spacious canvas-under-thatch safari […]
Tum Tum Treehouse Lodge, Zimbabwe
Tum Tum Treehouse Lodge is a luxury safari lodge in the southeastern region of Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, operated by Imvelo Safari Lodges. The lodge offers a unique treehouse-style safari experience, with elevated accommodation surrounded by teak and ancient camelthorn woodland. Guests can enjoy views over nearby waterholes where elephants and other wildlife frequently gather. […]
Sable Valley Lodge, Zimbabwe
Sable Valley is an exclusive luxury safari lodge situated in the Dete Vlei ecosystem on the southeastern edge of Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. Surrounded by vast open grasslands and backed by mature teak forest, the lodge enjoys a prime location overlooking expansive savannah, where wildlife can often be observed directly from the camp. Its private […]
The Private Hide, Zimbabwe
The Private Hide & Private Camp is an exclusive-use safari retreat located within The Hide Safari Camp concession in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. Designed for families and small groups, it offers complete privacy while retaining access to the exceptional wildlife viewing and personalised service for which The Hide is renowned. The Private Hide consists of […]
Little Makalolo Camp, Zimbabwe
Little Makalolo is an intimate luxury safari camp located in the heart of Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations. Set within a private concession in the park’s renowned “action zone,” the camp offers exceptional game viewing, personalised service, and an authentic safari experience in a peaceful wilderness setting. During the dry […]
Linkwasha Camp, Zimbabwe
Linkwasha Camp is a contemporary luxury safari camp located in the south-eastern region of Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. Situated on the edge of the wildlife-rich Ngamo Plains, the camp overlooks a permanent waterhole that attracts an abundance of animals throughout the year. Combining modern design with exceptional game viewing, Linkwasha offers one of the most […]
Somalisa Acasia Camp, Zimbabwe
Somalisa Acacia Camp is an intimate luxury safari camp located within Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. Set beneath a grove of mature acacia trees on the edge of the seasonal Kennedy Vlei, the camp offers a peaceful and exclusive safari experience while remaining close to some of the park’s most productive wildlife areas. Its secluded setting […]
Ivory Lodge, Zimbabwe
Ivory Lodge is an exclusive luxury safari lodge located within the private Jozini Concession on the western boundary of Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. Surrounded by pristine teak forests and open grasslands, the lodge offers an intimate safari experience with exceptional wildlife viewing in a private wilderness setting. Its secluded location allows guests to enjoy the […]
Camelthorn Lodge, Zimbabwe
Remote forest lodge near Zimbabwe’s well-known Hwange National Park. Tucked into a camel thorn tree forest on the extreme south-eastern edge of Hwange National Park, Camelthorn Lodge is a ten minute drive to the park’s gate, very near the game-rich region of Ngamo Plains. Hwange is a unique park whose successful game viewing is hugely […]
Davidsons Camp, Zimbabwe
Davison’s Camp is a classic luxury safari camp situated in the private Linkwasha Concession on the south-eastern edge of Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. Named after the renowned hunter and conservationist Davison, the camp is set within a dense grove of mopane woodland overlooking an active waterhole, offering an authentic safari experience in one of Hwange’s […]
Camp Chitubu, Zimbabwe
Perched on a scenic ridge line in Hwange National Park’s remote Sinamatella region, Camp Chitubu offers an authentic wilderness experience defined by breathtaking landscapes, exceptional wildlife encounters, and some of Zimbabwe’s finest walking safaris. Overlooking a natural spring and expansive salt pan, the camp is ideally situated in prime big-game territory, where elephants, buffalo, lions, […]
Somalisa Camp, Zimbabwe
Somalisa Camp is a luxury tented safari camp located in the heart of Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. Known as the “Home of the Elephants,” the camp is positioned in a private concession area on the edge of the seasonal Kennedy Vlei, offering guests an intimate and authentic safari experience surrounded by some of Africa’s most […]
Hwange Safari Lodge, Zimbabwe
Hwange Safari Lodge is a well-established safari lodge located just outside the main entrance to Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest national park. Set on a hilltop overlooking the park’s vast wilderness, the lodge offers sweeping views across the surrounding bush veld and provides a comfortable base for exploring one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations. The […]