This is Zimbabwe’s largest national park. Together with the neighbouring Chobe and Makgadikgadi eco-systems this is a formidable wilderness area.
Altogether five parks in this vicinity of southern Africa provide critical refuge for many species. Hwange is just a short two-hour drive south of the Victoria Falls.
Sandy soils, miombo and mopane woodlands provide varied vegetation. As a result, the dense concentration of animals is diverse. Water is scarce in the park and is mainly from human-made waterholes. One of the exciting activities visitors take part in is checking the borehole pumps. These are critical to ensure the waterholes fill with sufficient water.
During the winter months, animals gather around these pools in high numbers. Subsequently, the game viewing is superb at this time of the year, June to November. Buffalo and elephant move in particularly big herds through the park. However, there are good numbers of giraffe, zebra, and various antelope, including sable as well. Big cats like the majestic Hwange lions, leopard and cheetah have plenty of prey food. At night aardvark, honey badgers and porcupine all come out to play. Apart from the nightlife, the stars are spectacular in the night skies as there is no light pollution.
The private Makalolo-Linkwasha Concessions in the southeastern corner of Hwange are particularly exciting for game viewing. Grassy plains, woodlands and river valleys host good numbers of wildlife. Sable, roan, wildebeest, gemsbok, wild dog, cheetah, lion, elephant and buffalo are all present.
There are numerous safari camps and lodges throughout the park. Also, self-catered national parks campsites are available for self-drivers.
