Zimbabwe
Northwestern Zimbabwe (Matabeleland North)
National Park
14,650 km²
Wildlife
A PROLOGUE
Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest national park, covering around 14,650 square kilometers in the country’s northwest, bordering the Kalahari sands. Established in 1928, the park lacks significant natural surface water across much of its area, leading to a network of pumped waterholes that draw dramatic concentrations of wildlife, especially during the dry season.
Hwange is home to one of Africa’s largest elephant populations, alongside significant numbers of lion, buffalo, giraffe, and endangered African wild dog. The park’s mix of Kalahari sand woodland, grassland, and seasonal pans supports over 100 mammal species and around 400 recorded bird species.
Total Area
Established
Elephants
Tens of thousands of elephant gather dramatically at the park's waterholes.
Prides are regularly encountered across the park's grasslands and woodland.
Large herds gather at waterholes, especially during the dry season.
A common sight browsing across the park's open woodland.
Found in the park's more open grassland areas.
Active mostly at night, often heard calling near waterholes.
Accommodations
Zimbabwe
Linkwasha Camp occupies a private concession in the south-east of Hwange National Park, overlooking the open Ngamo Plains, widely considered among the park’s most productive game areas.
Contemporary tented suites face the grassland, and the concession’s exclusivity means very few other vehicles at sightings. Predator activity is consistently strong, with lion, cheetah and wild dog all regularly recorded.
Zimbabwe
Somalisa Camp sits in a private concession in the heart of Hwange National Park, its canvas suites styled after 1920s safari expeditions with copper baths and campaign furniture.
The camp’s signature is its elephant pool, positioned directly in front of the main deck, where herds regularly come to drink within metres of guests during the dry season.
Zimbabwe
The Hide Safari Camp overlooks a busy waterhole in a private concession bordering Hwange National Park, where elephant, buffalo and antelope arrive to drink through the dry months.
Tented suites are raised on wooden decks facing the water, and a sunken hide connected by an underground tunnel allows guests to watch and photograph wildlife at ground level, metres from the waterline.
Location
Most nationalities receive South African entry on arrival; Zimbabwe issues an e-visa or visa on arrival. We confirm requirements for your passport.
Low-risk malaria areas — anti-malarials advised. No mandatory vaccinations from most countries; consult your travel clinic before departure.
South African Rand; US Dollars are widely used around Victoria Falls. Cards are accepted in cities; carry small USD for tips.
Warm days and cool mornings on safari in the dry season. Pack layers — early game drives can be cold even when afternoons are hot.
Neutral, breathable clothing, a warm layer, sun protection and binoculars. Soft bags are required on light aircraft, with strict weight limits.
Wi-Fi at all hotels and lodges, though deliberately gentle in the bush. Power is 230V; bring a universal adaptor.
The practical Guide
A quick visit focused on game drives around the park's main waterholes near the main camp.
Per Person
A classic itinerary combining multiple camps, waterhole game drives, and strong elephant and predator sightings.
Per Person
An extended stay covering different regions of the park for varied habitats and wildlife.
Per Person
Matobo Hills National Park protects a dramatic landscape of weathered granite kopjes and balancing boulders in southwestern Zimbabwe, formed over more than two billion years. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the hills hold one of the richest concentrations of San rock art in southern Africa, alongside significant cultural and spiritual sites still used today.
Beyond its geology and history, Matobo is a vital rhino sanctuary, protecting both black and white rhino within a fenced conservation area, and is considered to have one of the highest densities of leopard anywhere in Africa. The park’s rugged terrain also makes it a popular destination for hiking and rock climbing among its ancient granite formations.
Mana Pools National Park covers around 2,200 square kilometers along the Zambezi River in northern Zimbabwe, named for four permanent pools left behind by the river’s shifting course. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park is one of the few in Africa where unguided walking is permitted, drawing visitors seeking a more immersive safari experience.
The park’s floodplains and albida forests support large herds of elephant and buffalo, along with lion, leopard, and one of Africa’s most photographed sights: elephants rearing onto their hind legs to reach nutritious acacia pods. Hippo and Nile crocodile are abundant along the river, while the dry season draws wildlife to the Zambezi’s permanent water.
Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest national park, covering around 14,650 square kilometers in the country’s northwest, bordering the Kalahari sands. Established in 1928, the park lacks significant natural surface water across much of its area, leading to a network of pumped waterholes that draw dramatic concentrations of wildlife, especially during the dry season.
Hwange is home to one of Africa’s largest elephant populations, alongside significant numbers of lion, buffalo, giraffe, and endangered African wild dog. The park’s mix of Kalahari sand woodland, grassland, and seasonal pans supports over 100 mammal species and around 400 recorded bird species.
Victoria Falls is one of the world’s great natural spectacles, located on the Zambezi River at the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning “The Smoke That Thunders,” the falls are recognised for their immense curtain of water, powerful spray and thunderous roar.
At 1,708 metres wide and up to 108 metres high, Victoria Falls is among the largest waterfalls on Earth. During high-water months, the rising spray can be seen from kilometres away, while rainbows often form above the gorge in the afternoon light.
Visitors can experience the falls from both the Zimbabwean and Zambian sides. Rainforest paths lead to spectacular viewpoints, while activities on the Zambezi River and in the surrounding gorge offer everything from gentle sunset cruises to adrenaline-filled white-water rafting and bungee jumping.
Beyond the waterfall, Victoria Falls is a gateway to the wildlife, culture and landscapes of the Zambezi region. It can be paired with river safaris, national park visits, village experiences and scenic flights for a complete southern African adventure.
TOURS & SAFARIS
How it works
01
Share where you long to go and what would make it unforgettable .
02
A tailor-made itinerary matched to the right camps and seasons.
03
We shape every detail until the journey feels entirely your own.
04
A dedicated team is with you from landing to homecoming.
GUEST REVIEWS
answers
Hwange is known for its enormous elephant herds, which gather in large numbers at the park’s pumped waterholes, especially during the dry season.
Much of the park lacks significant natural surface water, so a network of pumped waterholes was developed to support wildlife populations year-round.
The dry season, from May to October, offers the best game viewing as wildlife concentrates around the park’s limited water sources.
The park is accessible by road or rail from Victoria Falls and Bulawayo, or via light aircraft to a nearby airstrip.
Yes, Hwange supports one of the largest African wild dog populations in the region, alongside strong sightings of lion and other predators.
Yes, Hwange is commonly combined with Victoria Falls, as the park is within a few hours’ drive of the falls.
Neutral-coloured clothing, sunscreen, insect repellent, and layers for cool early-morning game drives are all recommended.
