Hwange National Park

Overview

Hwange is Zimbabwe’s flagship reserve. It is a land of massive scale, known for its "pumped" waterholes that sustain life during the brutal dry season. It offers a classic safari experience where the sheer volume of wildlife, particularly elephants and buffalo, is staggering.

Quick Facts

  • Country: Zimbabwe
  • Size: 1,465,100 hectares (14,651 km²)
  • Established: 1928 (Zimbabwe’s oldest and largest park)
  • Provinces: Matabeleland North
  • Wildlife: Giant herds of elephant; high density of African wild dog and lion
  • Malaria Zone: Low–moderate risk; prophylaxis recommended
  • GPS Coordinates: ~18°44′S 26°57′E
  • Fence Status: Unfenced border with Botswana’s Chobe region (Kaza TFCA)
  • Habitat: Kalahari sands, teak forests, and open salt pans

Best Time to Visit

Season
Months
Weather
Wildlife & Visibility
Dry / Winter
May–October
Mild days, freezing nights
Peak. Massive elephant herds congregate at pumped waterholes; thin bush.
Wet / Summer
November–April
Hot, afternoon storms
Green Season. Excellent birding; newborns; animals disperse into the interior.