Hwange National Park

Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest national park and a major conservation area known especially for its large elephant populations. The park contains a mosaic of woodland, scrub and open plains with many waterholes that wildlife depend on in dry months.

Visitors encounter sizeable herds of elephants, buffalo, various antelope species and predators across a broad landscape; reliable wildlife viewing centers on permanent and managed water points. The park’s scale and varied habitats support both large mammals and diverse birdlife.

The area was set aside for wildlife protection in the 20th century and has been managed as a national park to conserve large mammal populations and their habitats. Ongoing conservation and tourism initiatives focus on maintaining water supplies and anti-poaching measures.

Hwange sits in northwestern Zimbabwe’s Matabeleland North region and is accessed by road and regional flights from major cities; the park forms a large contiguous protected area on Zimbabwe’s western plateau.

• Size and wildlife focus: It is Zimbabwe's largest national park and is notable for substantial elephant populations spread across its woodlands and open plains.
• Best time to visit: Dry-season concentrations around water sources make May to October the most reliable months for game viewing.

What to See #

• Key waterholes and pans: A network of seasonal and permanent waterholes that attract large congregations of elephants and other mammals during the dry season.
• Visitor sectors and camps: Several park sectors and tourist camps that provide access to wildlife-rich bush and plain habitats across the reserve.