Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest and most famous wildlife reserve, renowned for its huge elephant herds, predators, and diverse habitats ranging from teak forests to open savannah. It’s a natural extension to a Victoria Falls trip.
Activities in Hwange National Park
- Game Drives (Morning, Afternoon, Night) – Spot elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffes, and more.
- Walking Safaris – Guided bush walks with professional rangers for close encounters with wildlife.
- Birdwatching – Over 400 bird species, especially vibrant during the rainy season.
- Photographic Safaris – Specialized tours for wildlife photography.
- Community Visits – Learn about local culture and conservation projects.
- Lodge & Camp Experiences – Stay in luxury lodges or rustic camps inside the park.
Distance from Victoria Falls
- Victoria Falls to Hwange Main Camp: ~105 km (about 2 hours by road).
- Victoria Falls to Hwange Town: ~100 km.
- Victoria Falls to deeper southern camps (e.g., Sinamatella, Robins Camp): 140–200 km depending on location.
Travel Options
- Road Transfers
- Most common option; 2-hour drive from Victoria Falls to Hwange Main Camp.
- Private transfers or organized safari tours available.
- Self-Drive
- Possible with own vehicle; roads are tarred up to Hwange town, then gravel inside the park.
- Rail Transfers (Historic)
- Some lodges arrange transfers using the old railway line, though less common today.
- Air Transfers
- Charter flights from Victoria Falls Airport to Hwange airstrips (e.g., Hwange Main Camp, Linkwasha, Somalisa).
- Flight time ~30–40 minutes, ideal for lodge-to-lodge connections.
Key Considerations
- Best Season: Dry season (May–Oct) for wildlife concentration at waterholes; wet season (Nov–Apr) for birding and lush scenery.
- Park Size: Covers ~14,600 km², so distances between camps can be significant.
- Safari Style: Hwange offers a more traditional safari compared to the adrenaline activities of Victoria Falls.