Hwange National Park

Summary

Hwange National Park

Described as one of Africa’s top national parks, Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe’s northwest should be on any safari lover’s bucket list. Hwange is the largest wildlife area in Zimbabwe. On the border with Botswana, Hwange covers an area of just under 15,000 square kilometres and is home to a rich variety of different habitats, vegetation and wildlife.

Founded in 1928 as a game reserve, Hwange did not become a national park until 1930. The park is located on the main road between Bulawayo and Victoria Falls, and is included in the 5 Nation Kavango – Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA)

Hwange’s claim to fame is one of the largest elephant populations in the world. There are between 20,000 to 70,000 elephants that congregate around the waterholes toward the end of the dry season. Predators, including all three of the big cats (Lion, Leopard and Cheetah), are regularly spotted. The park has an impressive variety of antelope, including some of the unusual species such as sable antelope and greater kudu. The park is an important breeding ground for wild dog

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From price: NZD0Rooms: 5Type: Tented CampLocation: Zimbabwe

Miombo Safari Camp bordering Hwange National Park offers a choice of rustic or deluxe accommodation and is ideally situated for day safaris into the national park. The area enjoys the highest concentration of wildlife and is famed for its large herds of elephant. Hwange's elephant population is estimated at 30,000. Miombo features four luxury tented treehouses and one honeymoon tented suite. Each suite is built to the highest quality with a world of comforts. Set in verdant Miombo woodland with our own waterhole providing you with the ultimate game viewing and birding experience at your doorstep.

From price: NZD0Rooms: 1Type: CampsiteLocation: Zimbabwe

Robins Camp, now under private new management, offers an exciting revival of the iconic safari destination in Hwange National Park. Robins Camp is situated in the rugged northern Basalt area of the park, an area rich in natural water with seeps and springs dotting the area. It is the home to some of the last great buffalo herds in Africa, with herds of over 2000 still seen. Given the abundance of prey animals, it is no wonder that it also has the highest concentration of lion in the Park. Robins is also known for big populations of reedbuck, roan, sable and tsessebe as well as the usual herds of elephants and other species encountered in the Park. Particularly encouraging are the regular sightings of both Cheetah and Painted Dog. The scenery of Robins is varied with hills, kopjes (small bouldered hills) and vlei (grassed plains that flood seasonally) areas and has a lot to offer the wildlife enthusiast. We welcome children of all ages and guests can self-drive or choose a fully guided trip.

From price: NZD0Rooms: 6Type: Tented CampSpoken Languages: EnglishSpecial Interests: Adventure, Birding, Star Gazing, WildlifeLocation: Zimbabwe

Somalisa Expeditions is set in the heart of Hwange National Park , and is known as the land of the giants for its big elephant herds. As an exact replica of the original Somalisa Camp, Somalisa Expeditions offers one of the most authentic ways to experience this exceptional wildlife haven. Nestled under an incredible grove of Acacias, along the edge of a seasonal flood plain. Somalisa Expeditions' main area includes a lounge and dining area on raised decking which overlooks a small pool, which elephants have become habituated to drinking out of. Add to this, the water hole, frequently used as a 'mud-bath' and a popular rendezvous for the elephants. The up-close encounters and photographic opportunities with these majestic animals is endless. Consisting of six elegantly furnished Meru Style Tents, each tent has en suite bathroom facilities including flush toilets and an outdoor shower. Activities include guided walks lead by qualified and passionate guides who will share their knowledge and love of the bush with you, game drives and night drives. Wildlife sighting include elephant, kudu, sable antelope, zebra, wildebeest, gemsbok, the rare and endangered roan antelope, buffalo, giraffe, lion, leopard, hyena and many other wildlife species.

From price: NZD0Rooms: 13Rating: Type: Safari LodgeSpoken Languages: EnglishSpecial Interests: Birding, Flora, Leisure, Star Gazing, Wildlife, WineLocation: Zimbabwe

Located in a prime position in Hwange National Park, The Hide offers a life-enriching safari experience for its guests, from its fantastic game viewing right on your doorstep, to a variety of daily activities to suit everyone and the warm and welcoming staff, who make you feel like family from the minute you arrive.

Guests are accommodated in 10 beautifully-furnished deluxe tents, all boasting en-suite bathrooms and private verandas overlooking the busy waterhole. As well as 2 exclusive use options for private groups or families. Keep your binoculars on hand, as elephant, lion and buffalo can often be seen satisfying their thirst.

Adventures include day and night game drives, guided bush walks and exceptional game viewing in the seclusion of the camp’s unique underground hides. For those who are a little more adventurous, The Dove’s Nest Treehouse is available at no extra charge. Located 10 minutes away from camp, this rustic gem sleep out has the perfect vantage point from which to view wildlife safely, quietly.

After an exhilarating day of game viewing, guests can retreat to the cool refuge of the camp’s swimming pool and can enjoy delectable meals savoured al fresco or in the elegant dining room.

From price: NZD0Rooms: 9Rating: Type: Safari LodgeSpoken Languages: EnglishSpecial Interests: Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Flora, Gourmet, Leisure, Star Gazing, WildlifeLocation: Zimbabwe

Ivory Lodge, located in the forestry area on the outskirts of Hwange National Park, offers family-friendly safari experiences and is famous for its exhilarating up-close sightings. Hwange is renowned for its huge tuskers – big old bulls with magnificent tusks. It is also here that the famous Presidential Herd drinks – these elephants’ home-range is amongst the dense feeding areas of the Sikumi Vlei and where they find refuge from the scorching heat at Ivory’s water hole. Ivory lodge comprises of a Main Thatched dining and lounge area overlooking a guest swimming pool and overlooking a watering hole which is frequented by elephants, predators and a number of plains game species. The rooms themselves are elegantly built on stilted wooden platforms offering elevated views of the open floodplain and watering hole in front of camp.

From price: NZD0Rooms: 10Type: Tented CampSpoken Languages: EnglishSpecial Interests: Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Leisure, Star Gazing, WildlifeLocation: Zimbabwe

Verney’s is a private concession area in a typically un-used part of Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. It is a beautiful amphitheatre fringed by teak forest that opens up onto an impressive waterhole that is a playground to the famous elephant herds of Hwange. Situated on the central side of the popular south eastern part of Hwange National Park, Verney’s Camp is a private concession of 10 000 hectares (24 710 acres).