Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest national park, offers a diverse range of activities that allow visitors to experience its wildlife. Most activities in Hwange National Park revolve around wildlife, from game drives to birdwatching, ensuring guests are always in the company of nature’s finest residents. Occupying around 14,650 square kilometers (an area roughly the size of Belgium), Hwange is renowned for its rich biodiversity and has become a sanctuary for a wide range of animals.
Activities in Hwange National Park
Safari game drives
Most of the lodges in Hwange National Park offer daily game drives where guest can view the wildlife found in the park.
Walking Safaris
Some lodges take things down a notch with guided walking safaris. It’s all about taking a walk on the wild side, quite literally. Perfect for those who want to feel the crunch of savannah grass underfoot. The Hide, Bomani Tented Camp, Camelthorn Lodge and Somalisa Camp offer walking safaris with a pro guide.
Bird Watching
With over 400 bird species fluttering about, lodges often provide guided bird-watching excursions. Some of the unique birds you can find in Hwange include the Bateleur, Ostrich, Kori Bustard, Southern Ground Hornbill, the Secretary Bird, and Grey Crowned Cranes.
Night Drives
Nantwich Lodge and Camp Hwange offer night drives, providing visitors a unique opportunity to experience the park’s nocturnal wildlife with the safety and insights provided by trained guides.
Waterhole Observatories
Certain lodges boast their own waterhole observatories, where guests can sit back, relax, and watch as wildlife congregates just a stone’s throw away. Some of the most popular waterholes in Hwange include: Makwa, Nehimba Seeps, Ngweshla Pan and the Mandelandzovu Waterhole.
Playing Golf
Hwange Golf Club is located in the town of Hwange, close to the Hwange National Park. The golf course offers an 18-hole layout with some unique challenges and beautiful scenery that compliment the safari experience. The main gate of Hwange National Park, also known as the Main Camp, is approximately 4 kilometres from the Hwange Golf Club. The travel time by car is around 5 to 10 minutes, depending on road conditions and traffic.
Horse Riding Safaris
You can experience thrilling horse safaris in Hwange, enjoying guided rides through the park and encountering incredible wildlife. Hwange Horseback Safaris provide daily activities for travelers, as well as exclusive multi-day horse safaris that travel from camp to camp within Hwange.
Cultural Visits
Some lodges organize visits to local villages, where guests can enjoy cultural exchanges. It’s the perfect way to understand the human side of this untamed land. Dingani, Nabushome and Mambanje Village provide a wonderful opportunity for guests to experience Zimbabwean culture, up close and personal.
One of the standout features of Hwange’s wildlife is its impressive elephant population. The park is home to the largest population of elephants in Zimbabwe, making it a crucial habitat for these magnificent creatures. Additionally, Hwange harbors Africa’s largest population of the endangered African wild dogs, providing critical support to this vulnerable species.
Predators are well-represented in Hwange, with lions being commonly sighted throughout the park. While leopards and cheetahs are more elusive, visitors still have the occasional chance to spot these big cats. The park also plays host to a variety of herbivores, including giraffes, zebras, and several types of antelope such as the rare roan and sable.