Hwange National Park (pronounced 'WAHN-gay') is Zimbabwe's largest and most famous wildlife reserve, a 14,651-square-kilometer wilderness that shelters over 44,000 elephants and some of the healthiest populations of endangered African wild dogs on the continent. Situated in northwestern Zimbabwe where Kalahari sands meet mopane woodland, Hwange's genius lies in its network of pumped waterholes. During the dry season, these artificial water sources draw staggering concentrations of wildlife. It is not unusual to watch 200 elephants gathered at a single waterhole at sunset, with lions waiting in the surrounding bush and herds of sable antelope approaching nervously from the treeline. The park supports over 100 mammal species and 400 bird species across diverse habitats ranging from Kalahari sandveld to teak forest and open grassland. All of the Big Five are present, including both black and white rhinos, though the rhinos are rarely seen. Hwange is also one of Africa's best destinations for wild dog sightings, with several resident packs regularly encountered on game drives. Despite being one of Africa's premier wildlife destinations, Hwange receives a fraction of the visitors that flood Kruger or the Masai Mara, meaning you can enjoy world-class game viewing in relative solitude.
Last updated: February 2026
Wildlife in Hwange National Park
Big Five Status
lion
Good
leopard
Moderate
elephant
Excellent
buffalo
Good
rhino
Rare
Wildlife Highlights
African Elephant
Hwange's 44,000+ elephants are the park's greatest spectacle. During the dry season, herds of 200 or more gather at pumped waterholes in scenes rarely matched anywhere in Africa.
African Wild Dog
Hwange is one of Africa's best destinations for wild dog sightings. Several packs are resident, and encounters are regular on game drives, particularly in the eastern and central sections.
Sable Antelope
Hwange is one of the best parks in southern Africa for sable antelope, a strikingly beautiful species with sweeping curved horns. Often seen in small herds near waterholes.
Roan Antelope
Another rare and magnificent antelope species found in Hwange's grasslands. Less common than sable but present in the park.
400+ bird species including Kori bustard, Secretary bird, Southern ground hornbill, Bateleur eagle, Racket-tailed roller, Bradfield's hornbill.
Best Time to Visit Hwange National Park
Hwange is at its absolute best during the dry season (May to October) when animals congregate at the park's pumped waterholes. The hot dry months of September and October produce the most spectacular wildlife concentrations. The green season (November to April) brings lush landscapes and migratory birds but some roads become impassable.
peak Season
July, August, September, OctoberDry with increasing heat from September. October can exceed 40C in sheltered areas.
Moderate (still far fewer than Kruger or Mara)
High season rates at lodges
Outstanding. Waterhole viewing at its peak. Elephants, lions, wild dogs all concentrated.
high Season
May, JuneCool and dry. Pleasant temperatures (15-25C). Cold nights.
Low to moderate
High season rates
Very good. Animals beginning to concentrate. Excellent wild dog viewing.
shoulder Season
November, AprilTransition months. First or last rains. Hot and humid.
Low
Shoulder season rates
Mixed. Animals dispersing (November) or still scattered (April). Good birding.
low Season
December, January, February, MarchHot, humid, afternoon thunderstorms. Some roads impassable.
Very low
Green season discounts
Animals dispersed. Newborn animals. Excellent birding with migratory species.
Getting to Hwange National Park
By Air
RecommendedBy Road
Entry Gates
Main Camp Gate
Primary entrance. Closest to Victoria Falls. ZimParks headquarters.
Sinamatella Gate
Northern entrance. Access to the park's wilder northern sections.
Robins Gate
Southwestern entrance. Less-used, quieter section.
Hwange National Park Entry Fees (2026)
| Category | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Adult (Non-resident) | $20/day |
| Child (Non-resident) | $10/day |
| Vehicle | $5 |
- • $20/day per person for non-resident adults (ZimParks fee)
- • $10/day for children (6-12 years), under 6 free
- • $5/day vehicle fee
- • Fees payable at park gates or through your lodge/operator
- • Private concession fees may apply on top of park fees
- • Night drives available in some concessions (additional fees apply)
Activities in Hwange National Park
Included Activities
Self-drive game viewing
Drive between pumped waterholes on a network of gravel and sand roads. Stop, park, and watch the wildlife come to you. The waterhole experience is Hwange's signature attraction.
Optional Extras
Guided game drives
$40-$100Expert guides from lodges and concessions know animal movements and offer off-road access in private concessions. Morning and afternoon drives typically last 3-4 hours.
Night drives
$40-$80Available in private concessions bordering the park. Spotlight drives reveal nocturnal species including aardvark, genet, civet, and hunting predators.
Walking safaris
$30-$60Guided bush walks with armed rangers. An intimate way to experience the bush, learning about tracks, insects, and smaller creatures missed from a vehicle.
Hide/blind viewing
$0-$0Underground or elevated hides positioned at waterholes allow eye-level photography and observation of wildlife drinking. Available at several camps and lodges.
Where to Stay
Hwange offers accommodation ranging from ZimParks campsites to world-class private safari lodges. The private concessions on the park's borders provide the most exclusive experience, with off-road driving, night drives, and walking safaris. ZimParks camps inside the park are more basic but offer an authentic, affordable safari.
luxury
$500-$1500/person/nightIncludes: All meals, game activities, park fees, drinks, laundry
Examples: somalisa-camp, little-makalolo-camp, davisons-camp, the-hide
mid range
$150-$500/person/nightIncludes: Meals, some game drives, comfortable rooms
Examples: hwange-safari-lodge, miombo-safari-camp, ivory-lodge
budget
$15-$80/person/nightIncludes: Basic chalets or camping. Self-catering. Park-managed facilities.
Examples: zimparks-main-camp, zimparks-sinamatella, zimparks-robins
Practical Tips
- 1Bring binoculars. Waterholes can be large and animals may be at distance.
- 2Carry plenty of water and snacks if self-driving. Distances between waterholes are significant.
- 3A 4x4 is recommended but not always essential on main routes in the dry season.
- 4Fill your fuel tank before entering the park. There are no fuel stations inside.
- 5Arrive at waterholes in the late afternoon for the best wildlife concentrations.
- 6Patience pays off at waterholes. Sit quietly and animals will come to you.
- 7The pan viewing areas have designated parking. Stay in your vehicle in the national park.
- 8If staying at ZimParks camps, bring your own food and cooking equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many elephants are in Hwange?
Hwange National Park has an estimated 44,000 or more elephants, one of the largest populations in Africa. During the dry season (July to October), huge herds gather at pumped waterholes, creating some of the most spectacular elephant viewing on the continent.
Is Hwange worth visiting compared to Kruger or Chobe?
Absolutely. Hwange's waterhole-based game viewing is a unique experience. The elephant concentrations rival Chobe, wild dog sightings are among the best in Africa, and the park receives far fewer visitors than Kruger or Chobe. For serious wildlife enthusiasts, Hwange is a highlight of any southern African itinerary.
Can I self-drive in Hwange?
Yes. Self-driving is allowed on the park's main road network. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended, and a 4x4 is advisable during the wet season. However, guided drives from lodges and concessions offer off-road access and expert knowledge that significantly enhance the experience.
How do I get to Hwange from Victoria Falls?
Hwange is approximately 200 km (3 hours) by road from Victoria Falls on a good tar road. Many lodges offer road transfers. Charter flights from Victoria Falls take 30-40 minutes and land at airstrips near the lodges.
What is the best time to visit Hwange?
The dry season from July to October is best, with September and October delivering the most spectacular waterhole gatherings. May and June are also excellent with cooler temperatures. The green season (November to April) offers lower prices and good birding but some roads may be impassable.
Are there wild dogs in Hwange?
Yes. Hwange is one of Africa's best destinations for African wild dog sightings. Several packs are resident in the park, and encounters are regular during game drives, especially in the dry season when the dogs are active around waterholes.
Official Resources
Sources
- Over 44,000 elephants in Hwange National Park: Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority / Great Elephant Census
- Park size 14,651 sq km, established 1928: ZimParks official records