All You Need To Know About Hwange National Park Before Going On A Safari
Out of Zimbabwe’s national parks, Hwange is the biggest and most well-known. This enormous park spans 15,000 sq. km. And is teeming with big game and is renowned for its enormous herds of elephants and African Cape Buffaloes. It also has the second highest concentration of elephants on the planet.
Visits to Hwange National Park not only provide opportunities to see Zimbabwe Wildlife. But Zimbabwe Tourism also provides revenue for conservation efforts and the battle against poaching that’s supported globally.
If you’re looking forward to a Zimbabwe Safari, Hwange is the place to go. But there are some things that you should be aware of before your Zimbabwe Trip. Let’s have a glance at some things that you should know about Hwange National Park.
1. Hwange — Experience Zimbabwe Safari at its Finest!
Hwange is a well-liked option for a Zimbabwe Safari. Because of its accessibility and respectable facilities. It also pairs well with a trip to the neighboringg Victoria Falls or with Zimbabwe’s second top reserve, the raw and rewarding Mana Pools National Park on the Zambezi River.
1.1 Location — Where’s it?
Just off the main route between Bulawayo and Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park is located in northwest Zimbabwe. Dete is the closest city.
1.2 How to Get to Hwange National Park?
It’s easy to go to Hwange National Park. A tar road leads to Main Camp, which is located about 200km. south of Victoria Falls. The drive is less than three hours. During the rainy months, from May to October, a 4WD Safari vehicle may be required to access some of the farther campgrounds farther into the park. For chartered flights, some of the hotels have airstrips.
· Taking off to Hwange
Private Air Charters have the advantage of being faster and are great if you have an extended itinerary. Flying is essential if you wanna access remote camps like Linkwasha, Bomani, Davison’s, etc.
· Embark on a Longer Scenic Route
It’s now possible to travel by vehicle to Impofu Siding (located close to the Main Camp), from where you can board the Elephant Express to travel by rail to Ngamo Siding. After the two-hour safari, guests will be transported to Bomani Tented Lodge or Camelthorn Lodge by a 15 to 20-minute game vehicle ride.
1.3 Park Fees and Best Seasons to Visit Hwange
The entrance price is very affordable, $5 for locals and $15 (approx.) for visitors from outside the country.
· The park changes dramatically from the Dry Season to the Rainy Season. It lasts from late November to early April.
· Dry savannahs transform into lush plains with lots of grazing choices for Zimbabwe Wildlife. There are newborn animals everywhere, and there are plenty of birds.
· The Winter Season lasts from the middle of May to the beginning of August.
· Although the days are sunny with gorgeous blue skies. The evenings can get pretty chilly and the temperatures can go below the freezing point.
August through early November are the greatest times to observe Zimbabwe Wildlife. Because the water is so scarce during this time that the animals gather around watering holes. One of these water holes can reward you with excellent wildlife viewing if you wait patiently and silently.
1.4 Clothing Essentials for Your Hwange Safari
Having a mix of light and substantial clothing is often a fantastic idea because the temperature can reach as high as 90–93°F (32–34°C) in the summer and as low as 45–50°F (7 -10°C) in the winter.
These are some clothing essentials you should bring on your Hwange Safari:
· Long sleeves are the best choice for shielding your skin from mosquitoes and the blazing sun.
· Both men and women should pack regular and lightweight tees.
· When going on game drives or Zimbabwe Safaris, shorts or capris are the greatest clothing choice to beat the heat.
· Packing some relaxed shirts with earthy tones is always a smart move.
· In Zimbabwe, long, flowing skirts are the norm.
· Packing a pair of jeans for the chilly evening is advised because rain frequently causes the temperature to drop.
· Having a fleece sweater is nice during Zimbabwe’s chilly winter nights.
Hats and baseball caps are excellent items to have on hand in the summer to shield your face from the sun. Sunglasses are yet another essential that can offer shade in the hot afternoons of Zimbabwe.
1.5 Documents You Need For Your Zimbabwe Trip
Passport: Local officials will check for it at the port of entry, so be sure to apply in advance for a tourist or business visa if you require one to enter Zimbabwe.
· The second piece of identification, such as a driver’s license or photo ID, will be useful.
· Travel insurance is always a good idea, especially if you’re going on your first trip.
· Before you can enter the nation, you might need to provide documentation of your immunization history. A great immunization guide for Zimbabwe is available from the CDC.
If you lose your record, having a backup copy of your travel documentation, whether it be paper or digital, is useful.
1.6 A Peek Into The History of Hwange National Park
Hwange National Park was established in 1928. Ted Davison, who was the first warden, was 22 years old. James Jones, the stationmaster for the Rhodesian Railways at Dete, which lies close to the main camp at Hwange, was a friend of Davison’s. Jones would expedite the delivery of supplies to the park, and they would jointly manage day-to-day operations on the reserve.
Sadly, poaching has been a problem in Hwange historically. The park made headlines in October 2013 when it was discovered that many elephants were cyanide-killed. According to conservationists, this was one of the biggest illegal killings in Southern Africa in the previous 25 years.
All elephant poaching offenses now carry a nine-year sentence as a result of this horrible crime. Poaching is treated far more aggressively in several African national parks. An excellent outcome!
2. How To Experience Hwange Safari at Its Best!
A few days or even a few weeks are ideal for experiencing Hwange and the best Zimbabwe Wildlife viewing. Both inside and outside of Hwange National Park are private, luxurious lodges, several of which offer all-inclusive pricing.
· Within the park itself, you may also discover reasonably priced lodges, self-catering cottages, and campsites that are excellent for any budget.
· The good news is that a two-wheel drive may be used to explore many parts of the park.
· However, bear in mind that certain camps may only be reached by 4WD safari. Book a 4WD Safari vehicle if you want to go on an adventure so you can explore the entire park and take advantage of the trails.
There are several excellent walking safaris in Hwange National Park where you may wander through the forest. You can also take part in one- or multiple-day horseback excursions.
3. The Enchanting Wildlife of Hwange National Park
A variety of animals and bird species can be found in Hwange National Park. Elephants are a common sight in the park, and if you stop by the Somalisa tent, you’ll see that they’ve even taken over the pool. You will also come across other predators including wild dogs, cheetahs, and leopards.
· The park is open from July through October and is the greatest time to watch wildlife in Hwange National Park.
· The greenery is less dense during these months, and animals gather around water sources. During this time, it’s usual to observe a lot of animals at the waterholes, and it is likely to see a kill.
A considerable concentration of African wild dogs can be found in Hwange. On your Zimbabwe Safari, you might even have the chance to witness a wild dog hunt or a lion killing. The rare sable and roan antelope can also be seen in Hwange. Many people are unaware of the fact that Hwange National Park boasts over 400 different kinds of birds and is well known for its raptor population.
4. Some Fun Facts About Hwange National Park
There are some interesting things about Hwange National Park that you should know before your Zimbabwe Trip.
· At 14.651 km (5.656 miles), Hwange is the largest national park in Zimbabwe and one of the ten largest in Africa.
· In Hwange National Park, there is an elephant herd known as the “Presidential Herd.” With 40,000 members, it is thought to be one of Africa’s largest elephant herds. It is common to witness up to 100 at once.
· There are 106 different species of other animals in Hwange, including big cats. There are more than 400 different bird species in this area. The painted dog is the most exotic animal to see in Hwange. The number of these African wild dogs has now dropped to 5,000. Their last stronghold is in Zimbabwe.
· You might come across a curious little species one day that jumps about the globe and resembles a small kangaroo. It’s a springhare. Some privately owned lodges allow Zimbabwe Night Safari. Keep an eye out for it!
There are two places to stay: inside the park or outside. The greatest lodgings, though, may be found in the exclusive concessions near Hwange. Ivory Lodge is one famous location. It is situated directly next to a waterhole that is suitable for elephants. There will be a hide in any lodge you choose. Visitors can get up and personal with Zimbabwe Wildlife in hides or safe viewing places, which are typically found next to watering holes. For nighttime watching, hides are excellent. It’s important to keep quiet while in the hide.
If you’re planning a Zimbabwe Safari, don’t forget to analyze our list of some of the things you should know about Hwange National Park. And, ensure to book a Zimbabwe Safari with us, if you have any further questions, and/or suggestions. Then, feel free to reach us at the following details
+263 83 284 1840/1 or
Email: info@falconsafaris.com
You can also look through some of our other blogs related to Southern Africa:
· https://falconsafaris.com/blog/discover-the-victoria-falls-attractions-as-an-adventure-lover/
· https://falconsafaris.com/blog/what-makes-victoria-falls-unique-thrilling-facts-to-watch-out-for/
Conclusion
Ultimately, browse through our specially compiled list of all you need to know about Hwange National Park before going on a safari. And, you’re guaranteed to have a memorable Zimbabwe Safari experience.
