Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest wildlife reserve, spans over 14,600 square kilometers, offering a diverse landscape of savannah, woodlands, and semi-desert scrub. It is home to one of Africa’s largest elephant populations, alongside lions, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs, giraffes, zebras, and over 400 bird species. The park is renowned for its remote, uncrowded safari experience, making it a top destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
Hwange National Park
All About Hwange National Park
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Hwange National Park Park Entry Fee
Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest wildlife reserve, offers diverse wildlife experiences throughout the year. Here’s an overview of park entry fees and the best times to visit:
Park Entry Fees:
- International Visitors: $20 per adult per day.
- SADC Residents: $15 per adult per day.
- Zimbabwean Residents: $10 per adult per day.
- Zimbabwean Citizens: $5 per adult per day.
Note: These fees are subject to change.
Best Time to Visit Hwange National Park
Dry Season (May to October): This period is ideal for wildlife viewing as animals congregate around limited water sources. The vegetation is sparse, making wildlife spotting easier.
Wet Season (November to April): The park transforms into a lush landscape, attracting migratory birds and showcasing newborn animals. While wildlife may be more dispersed, the scenery is vibrant.
Low Season
January to May
During the low season, Hwange National Park experiences its rainy period, transforming the landscape into a lush green paradise. The rains bring an abundance of food and water, causing wildlife to spread out across the park, making animal sightings more challenging. However, this is the best time to see newborn animals, adding a special touch to any safari. Birdwatching is at its peak, with migratory birds arriving and resident species in their breeding plumage.
High Season
June to September
This period is excellent for game viewing, as animals gradually move towards permanent waterholes, increasing the chances of sightings. Predator activity also becomes more pronounced as prey congregates around water sources. While birdwatching is slightly less vibrant due to the departure of some migratory species, the resident birds remain active.
Peak Season
October to November
The peak season brings extreme dry conditions, with temperatures soaring in October before the first rains arrive. Wildlife viewing is at its best, as large concentrations of animals gather around the last remaining water sources, creating dramatic safari encounters. This is the prime time for spotting predators, as they take advantage of weakened prey. Birdwatching also remains rewarding, with raptors in abundance and the early return of some migratory species. However, this is the busiest time of year, with more tourists in the park, making some areas feel crowded.
How to get to Hwange National Park
By Road
Hwange National Park is about 200 km a 3 to 4 hours’ drive from Victoria Falls and 260 km from Bulawayo. The roads leading to the park are mostly well maintained, but a 4×4 vehicle is recommended, especially during the rainy season.
By Air
Charter flights are available from Victoria Falls and Bulawayo to Hwange National Park’s airstrips which are Hwange Main or Umtshibi Airstrip, taking around 30 to 45 minutes.
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