In 1926, the beginning of a great wildlife sanctuary began, and today, we enjoy the results of the efforts. Hwange National Park is one of the best places you can travel to and enjoy wildlife at its finest. Popular for its tusker elephants, Hwange National Park is also home to a variety of mammals, reptiles and birds. It is also a place of beautiful landscapes, and views which make great safari experiences in Zimbabwe. In this article we feature some of the things you can expect to see on your next visit to Hwange National Park.

The Cape To Cairo Railway Line

As you approach the entrance to Hwange National Park, you’ll see a railway line which progresses on the eastern boundary of the park. This long stretch of rail, was part of Cecil John Rhodes’ Cape To Cairo vision.

On this railway line, you can have the experience of boarding onto a railroad car, cruise and enjoy beautiful scenery, and watch game. Sometimes you will have to stop as you will encounter lions lying on the tracks. 

Wildlife

Hwange National Park is home to over 100 species of mammals, it is one the sanctuaries you will find the widest variety of mammals in the world. The Big Five are found in Hwange. You’ll come across lions, elephants, giraffes, leopard, buffaloes, antelopes, sables and many more. The national park is also home to Zimbabwe’s biggest population of the gemsbok.

Coloring the skies are also a number of bird species, a delight to those who love birdwatching. You will also come across a variety of reptiles, some which live on the land, and some which are amphibious. 

Hwange is a place of great wildlife viewing. A couple of sites have viewing points, these include Ngweshla, Guvalala and the popular Nyamandlovu, where platforms are built on stilts and visitors can get views of wildlife as they drink from waterholes. These are good spots for having sundowners too! 

A game drive here can be one of the best experiences to have in Hwange. Rangers will take you to places where you can get the best views. A 4×4 here is a must!

Wildlife can also be seen at waterholes, early morning or at dawn as they take a drink. There are quite a lot of waterholes, some natural, and some man made to create more sources of water as it can be dry in the park. Water is pumped from underground to ensure that wildlife has drinking water even during the dry season. 

Wildlife photography is another interest some can pursue. Always ensure you keep a safe distance from wildlife, as cases of people being injured whilst trying to get the perfect shot have been recorded. 

Biodiversity

Some describe the Hwange National Park as ‘a forest with a desert’s heart.’ This is because you’ll experience variety of life; flora and fauna, and various landscapes which will sometimes be dry and arid, resembling the desert and sometimes be lush green, resembling flourishing forests. 

This is why you will have to take you time when exploring Hwange National Park. There is a lot to be seen, a lot to be experienced, and it takes time to ride across the varying terrain.

Conservation Efforts 

It has taken a lot of conservation efforts for Hwange National Park to be what it is now. Partnerships with various organizations are being formed to ensure the conservation of wildlife progresses. Conservation efforts are led by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority (ZimParks), which has well trained, and highly knowledgeable rangers who protect the precious wildlife in the park, educate and help communities on human and wildlife conflict, as well as trace any poaching activities. These well trained rangers can also guide you around the park and help you get the best experience of exploring Hwange. 

Recently, ZimPark’s Aron Gwema received the prestigious Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award for his contribution towards reducing elephant poaching in Hwange. Elephants were victim to poaching because of their tusks which contain ivory. Hwange National Park holds the largest herd of Zimbabwe’s elephants. 

Lions are also at risk of trophy hunting. Zimbabwe made headlines globally after the killing of the male lion famous in Hwange, Cecil by a trophy hunter. His departure has left other younger lions taking his place, however his swagger is missed. Conservation efforts are being made to ensure lions are protected and can flourish in the wild.

The painted African painted dog has been facing risk of extinction. However due to conservancy efforts, there has been a recognizable increase in numbers of the fascinating wild dogs. Wild dogs are adored for their hunting instincts and the social hierarchy within their packs.

Rhinos are another species at risk of extinction. They are protected in the Hwange National Park, and here and there you could come across one in the wild. Sinamatella Intensive Protective Zone is the rhino conservancy area in the national park. Rhinos are a marvelous sight. 

Safari Camps 

The park has had its nature conserved by having less infrastructure. When many locals think of accommodation when traveling, they think of hotels, however in Hwange National Park there are safari camps instead of hotels. Concessions have been given to private enterprises to develop safari camps, and there are quite a number of options at different budgets one can enjoy. ZimParks also runs affordable campsites where you can stay and enjoy Hwange National Park. 

Some visitors come with their camping equipment, and stay in their tents instead of staying in the already established facilities. Camping in itself is another interesting experience to have. You can sit around a bonfire with your colleagues, chat till late, watch the stars and retire to sleep to the sound of laughing hyenas, hooting owls and many other sounds of nocturnals. Early morning you can watch as the sun rises, and mark the beginning of a bright day full of adventure. 

The Nambya People and Hwange 

Oral traditions say that Nambyans are originally Rozvi people who migrated in search of their own independence. They arrived at a place where they settled, and built stone structures which are now ruins, and named the place Shangano (meeting point). The chief resided here, and it later on became known as Sawanga which was the name given to the chief. From there, it evolved into Wankie, then presently Hwange. 

The stone ruins can still be seen in Hwange, and are also another interesting activity for those with a keen interest on history. At Mtoa, you’ll see archeological and cultural treasures, at Deteema you’ll see rock paintings, and at Bumbusi, you’ll see a monument which is reminiscent to the Great Zimbabwe Monuments. 

Best Season To Visit Hwange National Park

Some prefer to visit in the winters, when it’s dry and animals are more likely to gather around waterholes, and vegetation is also thinner, making it easy to spot wildlife. During the winter, temperatures are moderate, with cold nights and warm days with beautiful skies. There’s very little probability of rains during this period.  

Some prefer the summers when it’s green, and there’s a lot of energy in wildlife. Many animals would have given birth so you’ll see the young ones. Migratory birds are also plenty in summer. 

However summers are hot, especially during the day. The rains may also make it difficult to drive around the park, as some roads become muddy and impassable. 

What can be defined as the best season depends on one’s preferences. 

We hope you will enjoy your visit to Hwange. Travel Zimbabwe.

tinashe@travelzimbabwe.co.zw