Hwange National Park
The largest national reserve in Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park covers an expanse of 14,651 km2. Located in western Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park lies between Victoria Falls and Bulawayo, offering stunning views of the surrounding nature. The park has a complex topography primarily made up of desert sands from the Kalahari, basalt lava that flows in the northwest, and granite and gneiss rocks in the central-north section.
The park was named after the chief of the Nhanzaw people, Hwange Rosumbani. The area has always struggled with water shortages and does still to this day. The water sources in the park are mainly pans that fill with rainwater or natural groundwater seeps. Most of the pans are artificially filled by the park authorities.
Before we learn more about the wildlife and attractions of Hwange National Park, let’s take a quick look at Hwange’s history.
The History of Hwange National Park
- Before it became a reserve, the area was home to the San Bushmen, known as the ‘Nhanzwa’. Over the years, it became known as the hunting ground for the famous Matabele king, Mzilikazi.
- In 1928, the legislative assembly of the Rhodesian government declared the area a reserve. The decision was made becauseof the lack of water sources, and the infertile land.
- Ted Davison, a 22-year-old senior park official was offered the role of warden to this fledgeling reserve in September 1928. He held the position for 33 years, and under his administration, the reserve flourished.
- In the beginning, when he was assigned the warden’s position, Ted noticed the scarcity of wildlife and natural vegetation in the park due to infertile soil and lack of water. Furthermore, poaching had eliminated rhino from the park Ted and the park authorities set about building artificial pans all over the park, and their efforts allowed the area to flourish.
- Initially called the Wankie Game Reserve, Hwange was elevated to ‘park’ status in 1961.
Wildlife in Hwange National Park
Large herds of elephants are seen frequenting the water holes in the park during the night. Similarly, visitors will come across herds of giraffes and buffaloes. The park boasts a healthy herbivore population, with 16 species of antelope, including roan, gemsbok, and rare sable antelope.
Hwange National Park also has its share of predators such as the African wild dog, as well as lions, leopards, and hyenas. Lions are mainly spotted near the water holes, waiting for their prey.
Hwange is Zimbabwe’s premier birding destination, andis home to more than 420 bird species. African swamphen, African golden oriole, black-winged pratincole, and greater flamingo are some of the park’s unique bird species.
Hwange National Park Premier Attractions
The Hwange National Park has historical, archaeological, and cultural sites, making this park a must-visit, with so much to offer its guests. The park boasts numerous camping areas for visitors who love the outdoors, fascinating fossil rivers, and beautiful pans. Some of the major camping areas include Sinamatella, Dzivanini Wilderness, Shakwani Wilderness, and Tsanmhole Wilderness area.
The Hwange National Park has several pans worth visiting, including Dom pan, Chivasa pan, Shapi pan, Nehimba pan, and Bumbumutsa pan. These pans are fed by either rainwater or by natural groundwater seeps.
When to Visit Hwange National Park
Much like the other national parks in Zimbabwe, the best time to visit the Hwange National Park is during the dry season, from July to October. During these months, the major water holes teem with wildlife.
As a premier birding destination, the park receives plenty of enthusiastic bird watchers from November to April; a time when the park is swarming with migratory bird species. At the same time, visitors can also enjoy sightings of resident park birds.
You May Also Be Interested In...
Mana Pools National Park
Situated in northern Zimbabwe, Mana Pool National Park lies on the southern banks of the Zambezi River. On the northern banks, across from Mana Pool National Park, lies Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia....
Victoria Falls
The largest single sheet of falling water in the world (with a height of 355 feet (108 m) and width of 5,604 feet (1,708 m) and one of the world’s most spectacular waterfalls, Victoria Falls straddles...
Zimbabwe Safaris
11-Day Zimbabwe Highlights Safari
- 11 Days
This wonderful Zimbabwe safari includes the spectacular Victoria Falls as well as a superb safari experiences...
-
Country:Zimbabwe,
-
Departures:Array
-
Length:11 Days
-
Start/end:Start in Victoria Falls, end in Harare
29-Day Luxury African Fly-in Safari
- 29 Days
A luxury safari giving you the very best that Africa has to offer while in ultimate comfort. Visit Zanzibar,...
-
Country:Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Namibia,
-
Departures:Year Round
-
Length:29 Days
-
Start/end:Start in Nairobi, end in Luangwa
2-Day Great Zimbabwe Ruins Safari
- 2 Days
Explore two of the country's World Heritage Sites, the mysterious Great Zimbabwe Ruins and the Matopos...
-
Country:Zimbabwe,
-
Departures:Year Round
-
Length:2 Days
-
Start/end:Start/end in Bulawayo
8-Day Victoria Falls, Chobe & Okavango Delta Explorer
- 8 Days
It’s time to see Africa in all its glory! This safari uses a combination of lodges (Victoria Falls...
-
Country:Botswana, Zimbabwe,
-
Departures:Year Round
-
Length:8 Days
-
Start/end:Start in Victoria Falls, end in Maun
4-Day Victoria Falls Adventure
- 4 Days
Victoria Falls, also known as Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders), is one of the world's most spectacular...
-
Country:Zimbabwe,
-
Departures:Year Round
-
Length:4 Days
-
Start/end:Start in Victoria Falls, end in Victoria Falls
7-Day Affordable Botswana & Victoria Falls
- 7 Days
Perfect tour for clients on a budget yet still wanting to experience Botswana's premier safari areas...
-
Country:Zimbabwe, Botswana,
-
Departures:Year Round
-
Length:7 Days
-
Start/end:Start in Victoria Falls, end in Maun
4-Day Victoria Falls & Chobe Explorer
- 4 Days
On this safari you will visit two (2) countries—Zimbabwe and Botswana. Victoria Falls (being a World...
-
Country:Botswana, Zimbabwe,
-
Departures:Year Round
-
Length:4 Days
-
Start/end:Start in Victoria Falls, end in Kasane
18 Days Adventure Safari in Namibia, Botswana & Vic Falls
- 18 Days
This comfortable lodge safari takes you to Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia, bringing you spectacular...
-
Country:Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe,
-
Departures:Year Round
-
Length:18 Days
-
Start/end:Start in Windhoek, end in Zimbabwe
South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana Safari
- 14 Days
Packed with wildlife viewing, scenic beauty and a wealth of optional activities, this safari takes in...
-
Country:Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe,
-
Departures:Year Round
-
Length:14 Days
-
Start/end:Start in Cape Town, South Africa, end in Maun, Botswana
11-Nights Zimbabwe Safari – Budget
- 13 Days
A budget safari that takes travellers across Zimbabwe, visiting the country's greatest wildlife reserves...
-
Country:Zimbabwe,
-
Departures:Year Round
-
Length:13 Days
-
Start/end:Start in Victoria Falls, end in Harare