Hwange National Park

Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe's flagship wildlife reserve and one of southern Africa's great safari destinations. Straddling the Kalahari sandveld in the country's northwest, the park supports one of the largest elephant populations in Africa — over 44,000 animals — along with more than 100 other mammal species and 400 bird species.

Hwange's unique character comes from its network of pumped waterholes, solar-powered bore holes that sustain wildlife through the harsh dry season when natural water sources dry up. These engineered oases create extraordinary concentrations of game. Sitting at a waterhole hide as a procession of elephants, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, and predators come to drink is quintessential Hwange.

The park is also one of the best places in southern Africa to see African painted dogs (wild dogs), with several packs ranging across the northern and central areas. The combination of proximity to Victoria Falls, excellent guiding, and dramatic dry season wildlife viewing makes Hwange a cornerstone of any Zimbabwe safari.