Two travelers sitting in chairs near a group of adult elephants separated by a fence in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe.

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Discover Hwange National Park

​Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe's biggest National Park, covering an area of about 14,600 square kilometers. It is also its most accessible, being only a 2 hour drive from Victoria Falls. This makes an easy safari add-on for those looking to visit Victoria Falls, but work also very well as a combination with Matopos and other safari areas Botswana.

Why Visit Hwange National Park?

Where the Elephants Roam and the Wild Still Rules

Hwange is primarily famous for its large elephant population and, for the birders, its large Ground Hornbill population. You also have excellent chances to see lions, leopards and the critically endangered African Wild Dog, amongst a big range of plains game including the rarer sable antelope, zebra, giraffe and nocturnal species like civets, genets and bushbabies. Several of our favourite Hwange losdges and camps also have waterhole hides, superb for photographers and close up viewing.

A group of elephants in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, captured in their natural habitat.

Best Times to Visit Hwange National Park

Seasons of Giants and Golden Plains

Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest and most diverse reserve, offers exceptional wildlife viewing throughout the year. From vast herds of elephants to big cats and painted dogs, each season brings its own rhythm and spectacle to this wild corner of Africa.

🌀 May to October – Prime Game Viewing Season

This is the best time to visit Hwange. The dry season draws immense concentrations of wildlife to the park’s pumped waterholes, creating unforgettable game drives and photographic opportunities. Warm days, cool nights, and golden light define this classic safari period.

🌀 November to April – The Green and Quiet Season

Rain transforms the park into a lush paradise, filled with migratory birds and newborn animals. While wildlife disperses more widely, sightings are still rewarding, and the park’s landscapes glow in rich greens — ideal for photographers and travellers seeking serenity.

🌀 April to May – The Transition of Life

The rains ease, the bush begins to thin, and the air feels fresh and alive. This is a beautiful, lesser-travelled time, when animal movements increase and the park bursts with new vitality.

Start Planning Your Safari to Zimbabwe’s Iconic Hwange National Park

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Stories from the Land of Dust, Drama, and Herds Without End

Journey through the untamed beauty of Hwange in our collection of stories and insights. Learn when to travel, where to explore, and what makes this legendary park one of Africa’s greatest wildlife sanctuaries. From heart-stopping lion hunts to quiet moments at sun-drenched pans, our blogs bring Hwange’s wild spirit to life.