Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s biggest game reserve and covers 14,651 sq km (5,656 sq miles) of Kalahari sand country. The Park’s saltpans, acacia scrub and grassy plains support an abundance of game, but this has not always been so.
HWANGE NATIONAL PARK

Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s biggest game reserve and covers 14,651 sq km (5,656 sq miles) of Kalahari sand country. The Park’s saltpans, acacia scrub and grassy plains support an abundance of game, but this has not always been so.

Hwange came about almost by chance – Hwange was an early African chief who was ousted by the invading Ndebele people and huge areas of his land was taken over for hunting. White settlers arriving in Zimbabwe continued on the hunting practice but with less challenging weapons. As the human population pressures increased, the country’s animals were pushed further and further into the inhospitable western reaches of the country where Hwange lies and finally it was realised the game was worth protecting. Seventy years ago it was proclaimed Wankie National Park and with independence its name was changed to Hwange.

The Park has one of the densest concentrations of wildlife in Africa with great herds of buffalo and elephant and all the “big five” present. Other predominant species include giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, lion, cheetah, Painted Hunting Dog, kudu, hyena, Impala, Roan Antelope, Waterbuck, Tsessebe, Black-backed Jackal and Bat-eared Fox. This is also one of the best places in Africa to see the beautiful and elusive Sable Antelope. In all Hwange is home to over 100 species of mammal and 400 species of birds.

Generally, there are no seasonal animal migrations. The best time to view wildlife is during the dry season, from July to October, when the game concentrates near permanent water. Game viewing is also good during May, June and November and fairly good from December through April. During the rainy season, from January to March, the game is widely dispersed.