Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest wildlife reserve, covering 14,651 square kilometres of savanna, teak woodland, and ancient Kalahari sand in the northwest of the country. It holds one of the highest concentrations of elephants on the planet — approximately 40,000 as of recent estimates — alongside all of the Big Five, 100-plus mammal species, and more than 400 bird species. No other park in Zimbabwe combines this range of wildlife with the accessibility Hwange offers: it sits 100 kilometres south of Victoria Falls, making it a natural addition to any Zimbabwe itinerary.
What Makes Hwange Different
Most safari parks in Africa require luck and distance. Hwange removes both variables.
The park has more than 100 artificial waterholes, pumped continuously from the dry season onwards. This system dates to the 1920s when early game rangers recognised that natural surface water disappears almost completely between May and November. The pumped waterholes effectively concentrate wildlife into predictable locations, meaning a good guide can take you directly to elephant herds of 200 or more animals, with lions and wild dogs often hunting the same areas.
Hwange also has one of the largest African wild dog populations on the continent. Wild dogs have become locally extinct in much of Africa, but Hwange’s size and low human pressure have protected viable packs. Sightings are not guaranteed — packs cover large ranges — but Hwange represents one of the best chances in the world of encountering them in the wild.
The Big Five are all present, though rhino require more effort. White rhino were reintroduced to a section of the park in the Sinamatella area, and guided rhino tracking walks are available from certain camps. Buffalo herds numbering in the thousands are common in the dry season, and lion prides are reliably found near the major waterholes.
Safari Operators and Prices
Hwange Safari Lodge is the park’s oldest full-service property and the largest operator in terms of facilities. Guided open vehicle game drives depart twice daily (morning and afternoon). Game drive packages from approximately USD 80 per person for a half-day shared drive as of 2026. The lodge runs a well-organised waterhole-watching programme from the main terrace, where guests can spend hours watching elephants, buffalo, and various antelope drinking without leaving their seat.
Touch the Wild (associated with Imvelo Safari Lodges) runs guided game drives and walking safaris from Bomani Tented Lodge and Camelthorn Lodge, both located on private conservancies bordering the national park. Morning drives from approximately USD 150 per person as of 2026; full-day excursions including lunch around USD 240. Their guides are among the most knowledgeable in the area and carry a strong reputation for wild dog and lion finds.
The Hide Safari Camp is a dedicated photographic camp overlooking a major waterhole. Full-day guided packages including all activities are incorporated into all-inclusive rates from approximately USD 450 per person per night as of 2026. The camp’s position means extraordinary wildlife comes to you rather than vice versa — elephant often drink within metres of the elevated viewing platform.
Wilderness Safaris Davison’s Camp targets higher-end safari travellers with expert guiding and fully inclusive pricing from approximately USD 380 per person per night as of 2026. Davison’s is well-positioned near the Linkwasha airstrip, making it accessible by charter flight from Victoria Falls (approximately 35 minutes; charter costs are additional).
Hwange Main Camp (ZPWMA-operated) offers self-catering accommodation — chalets and campsites — from around USD 15–30 per person per night as of 2026. The camp is the most budget-accessible way to experience the park, though amenities are basic. The ZPWMA office at Main Camp can arrange shared game drives at around USD 50–70 per person.
Book a Guided Hwange Safari on GetYourGuide
Visitors who prefer a guided experience departing from Victoria Falls can book the following via GetYourGuide, all with free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. Prices shown are 2026 verified starting rates.
| Tour | Duration | From (USD) | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hwange Full Day Safari from Victoria Falls | 8–10 hrs | $180 | Book |
| Hwange National Park Private Wildlife Safari | 12 hrs | $240 | Book |
| 2-Day Hwange National Park Safari from Victoria Falls | 2 days | $350 | Book |
Park entry fees (approximately USD 20 per person per day) may be additional depending on the operator — confirm inclusions before booking.
Entry Fees and Gates
- International visitor entry fee: approximately USD 20 per person per day as of 2026
- Vehicle fee: approximately USD 5
- Gates open: 6am to 6pm daily
- Main entry points: Hwange Main Camp gate (eastern), Sinamatella Camp gate (north), Robins Camp gate (northeast)
Book accommodation through ZPWMA’s official system for Main Camp, Sinamatella, and Robins camps. Private lodges listed above handle their own bookings.
Best Season
July to October is the peak season for game viewing. The dry season strips the vegetation back and wildlife gathers at waterholes in extraordinary numbers. August and September are peak elephant concentration months.
November to April is the green season. The park becomes lush after the rains begin, bird diversity is extraordinary, and calving season brings young animals. Rates at most lodges are lower, though some private camps close for maintenance.
Getting There
Hwange is 100 kilometres south of Victoria Falls on the main Bulawayo road. The drive takes approximately 1.5 hours by car. Scheduled transfers from Victoria Falls run through most lodge operators, typically USD 40–60 per person each way in shared vehicles. Charter flights from Victoria Falls Airport to Hwange Main Camp airstrip (approximately USD 120 per person each way on a shared charter) are available through operators including United Air Charter.
Where to Stay Near Hwange
For accommodation inside and around the park, we have a full breakdown on our where to stay in Hwange page. Options range from ZPWMA self-catering chalets to fully-inclusive private camps. Most visitors should book at least three months in advance for July–October travel.
Also worth pairing with a visit: Hwange is a natural complement to a Victoria Falls itinerary — the two destinations are less than two hours apart by road, and the contrast between the thundering falls and the silence of the bush is one of Zimbabwe’s great travel experiences. You can find game drives in Hwange specifically covered in a dedicated guide for those who want to compare operator options in detail.