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Elephants in mopane woodland in Hwange National Park

Western Zimbabwe · Wildlife and wilderness

Hwange National Park

Explore expansive savannah and woodland landscapes shaped by wildlife and the seasons.

  • 14,650 km²Zimbabwe’s largest national park
  • ~45,000elephants (2023 estimate)
  • ~400bird species recorded
  • 100mammal species
Source: Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority ↗Source: IFAW ↗

Photo: Fabio Achilli · CC BY 2.0 · Cropped for display

The destination

Discover Hwange National Park

Hwange is one of Zimbabwe’s best-known national parks. The experience centres on wildlife viewing, changing landscapes and the patience of spending time in nature.

Ways to experience it

  1. Join guided wildlife drives with appropriately licensed providers.
  2. Learn about the landscapes and the role of water sources in wildlife movement.
  3. Make space for unhurried observation rather than expecting particular sightings.
Where is Hwange National Park? Western Zimbabwe · Wildlife and wilderness. The pin marks the approximate area. Map outline: geoBoundaries · CC BY 3.0 IGO
Hwange National Park · Photo: Fabio Achilli · CC BY 2.0

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Highlights to discover

What makes Hwange National Park worth the journey, from the official sources we rely on.

  1. Expansive wildlife habitat

    Zimbabwe Parks identifies Hwange as the country’s largest national park, with savanna grasslands and teak and mopane woodland.

    Read source ↗

  2. Zimbabwe’s largest elephant population

    The park authority says Hwange holds the largest population of elephants in Zimbabwe, alongside nearly 400 bird species. No particular sighting is guaranteed.

    Read source ↗

  3. Part of a five-country wildlife area

    Hwange is a core part of the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, which links protected areas across Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

    Read source ↗

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Places to explore

Places to stay, things to do and somewhere to eat in Hwange National Park.

31 published places to start exploring.

Browse all places in Hwange National Park →

Photos

Hwange National Park · Fabio Achilli · CC BY 2.0

Plan your trip

Helpful information

Confirm park access, permits, road conditions, accommodation arrangements and conservation rules before travelling. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

When to visit

Wildlife encounters and road conditions vary with weather and water availability. Confirm seasonal plans with your camp or guide.

Read more about when to visit

Getting there and around

Main Camp is reached from the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls road: turn off at Cross Mabale and continue 23 km on tar. The nearest international airport is Victoria Falls. Many lodges arrange air or road transfers, so confirm the route for your accommodation.

Read more about getting there and around

Inside or outside the park

Some lodges sit on private concessions or community land just outside the park and use their own gates. Ask your lodge how park entry and fees apply to your stay.

Read more about inside or outside the park

Health and safety

Zimbabwe Parks advises malaria precautions and care around elephants, especially cows with calves. Follow park wildlife rules and ask about vehicle suitability.

Read more about health and safety

Read the full guide to planning your visit

Information sources

Information sources

Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority — Hwange National Park ↗

IFAW — New building at Hwange National Park (19 October 2023) ↗

Editorial guidance, not live operating information. Reconfirm fees, opening times, access, weather and any operator arrangements before travel.

Editorial source review: 2026-10-18

31 currently published places associated with Hwange National Park.

Continue your journey

Nearby destinations

Straight-line distances between destination areas; road journeys are longer.