Hwange National Park
Matebeleland North
Hwange National Park, formerly known as Wankie Game Reserve, is the largest natural reserve in Zimbabwe, spanning approximately 14,600 square kilometers in the northwest of the country. Established in 1928, it lies near the main road connecting Bulawayo and Victoria Falls, with the nearest town being Dete. The park is characterized by diverse ecosystems ranging from Kalahari woodlands dominated by Zambezi Teak and Mopane trees to seasonal wetlands. It is home to over 100 mammal species and 400 bird species, including large herbivores like elephants and rare carnivores such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, and the endangered Cape wild dogs. Hwange is notable for its significant elephant population, which has grown substantially, leading to active wildlife management including culling in the past. The park is also recognized as a Lion Conservation Unit alongside the Okavango Delta. Despite challenges from poaching, including high-profile incidents such as the killing of the famous lion Cecil, Hwange remains a vital conservation area and a key destination for wildlife tourism in Southern Africa.
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Tip: The best time to visit Hwange National Park is during the dry season (May to October) when animals congregate around waterholes, making wildlife viewing easier. It is advisable to book guided safari tours and accommodation well in advance, especially during peak season. Visitors should consider purchasing park entry permits ahead of time and inquire about conservation fees or discounts for students and groups. Early morning and late afternoon game drives provide optimal opportunities for animal sightings and photography.
Interesting facts
- •Hwange National Park covers about 14,600 square kilometers, making it the largest natural reserve in Zimbabwe.
- •The park hosts over 100 mammal species and 400 bird species, including rare animals like the brown hyena and gemsbok.
- •Hwange’s elephant population has grown significantly since culling ended in 1986, sometimes exceeding the natural carrying capacity of the park.
- •The park is recognized as a Lion Conservation Unit, sharing this status with the Okavango Delta.
- •In 2015, the killing of Cecil the lion in Hwange sparked global outrage and increased awareness of big game hunting issues.
History
Hwange National Park was founded in 1928 as Wankie Game Reserve and has since grown to become Zimbabwe's largest protected area.
Throughout its history, the park has faced challenges such as poaching, notably the large-scale cyanide poisoning of elephants in 2013, which was one of the worst incidents in Southern Africa in decades.
The park has also been involved in ongoing conservation efforts, including culling programs to manage elephant populations between 1967 and 1986.
Hwange is currently considered for inclusion in the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, a multinational initiative to promote cross-border wildlife conservation.
Place Guide
Main Camp Wild Area
A key area within Hwange where grazing herbivores are commonly found, offering excellent opportunities to observe large mammals such as elephants and buffalo near waterholes.
Linkwasha Concession Area
Another prime location for wildlife viewing, especially for large herbivores that prefer open grasslands and seasonal wetlands.
Robins and Sinamatella Wild Areas
Heavily wooded regions within the park where mixed feeders and carnivores such as lions and leopards are more commonly sighted.
