Hwange National Park

The Africa of my dreams.

In my mind, I always pictured Africa as expansive grassy plains, watering holes where animals gathered to drink, and the sun setting in a final sigh of purple and orange hues as it disappeared behind stands of acacia trees. Hwange National Park delivered all of this and more. From a pride of lions stalking unconcerned through tall grasses, to elephants wandering the park stripping leaves and branches as they passed, to the loping grace of giraffes nibbling as they moved from tree to tree, their heads rising up to survey the landscape, to the magnificent and varied species of birds, there was never a day without the breathtaking magnificence of animals in their natural environment. The abundant wildlife and diversity made daily photo safaris a much anticipated adventure. With so much to see, I’d have to remind myself to listen as well and breathe in all that Hwange National Park has to offer. The call of the birds, the rustling of the grasses, the myriad scents carried on the breezes, the thrum of insects, all made for a memorable African experience. I hated to leave. Now, whenever I think of Africa, I cry to think of what I left behind, and the images that come to mind are the treasured images from my visit to Hwange National Park.

Sikumi Tree Lodges is a section off Hwange National Park. It offered an unique experience. Plus we wanted to see Victoria Falls.

Hwange NP has a landscape of typical African savanna, it is rather easy to find animals at the waterholes in dry season.

Hwange is Zimbabwe's biggest National Park and also its premier safari destination. It's proximity to Victoria Falls makes it accessible and popular to the international safari seeker. Hwange is home to all of the big five and sightings of large herds of elephant and buffalo are common, as are good viewings of lion, leopard and wild dogs. It is also a great place to see the amazing Sable antelope in some of their biggest numbers. The park has many waterholes that the wildlife likes to congregate around, especially during the afternoon heat. Hwange is largely flat country interspersed with grassland, teak and mopane tree forest. This park is not as spectacular in terms of scenic beauty as Gonarezhou, Matusadona and Mana Pools, but the abundance of game and birdlife more than make up for this.

My safari was exellant

I did a safari in Kruger Nat. pak and and Chobe- My Hwange experiece far surpased both of the others . It was more Natural - Rustic- Not as commercilized and less People. My Guide was exellant (eveen COOL). The weather ewas graet and I saw all of the BIG 5. I would do it again on my next trip to Africa.

Hwange provided wide open spaces with no other people in sight and only animals as far as we could see.

The accommodations, service and food at Davidson's Camp were superlative. It was more like staying in a fine hotel than in a camp. I have never been so comfortable while being so close to nature. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and accommodating. When we asked to spend a little longer time at certain places, rather than constantly moving, it was not a problem. The enthusiasm of the staff seemed to reflect a genuine appreciation of the wildlife around them and their dedication to preserving it. At the end of the rainy season the grass was tall and it may have made it a bit more difficult to spot some of the animals, but everything was green and lush providing a beautiful background for what we saw. We saw plenty. We kept returning to one watering hole for sundowners that was surrounded by open savannah with grazing animals all around us as far as we could see. The elephants parading by us in large groups never got boring.

Spend time in an unspoiled wilderness with something to see round every corner

Hwange has been mostly untouched by the modernisation of the western world. The wildlife there is free and you can see it in the behaviour of the animals and birds. As you drive by them they watch you with what appears to be mild curiosity but have little fear if you don't get too close. The park is wonderfully safe (from people), nicely located 1.5 hours drive from Victoria Falls and is huge so one can drive around all day. The accomodation in the National Park's lodges is basic but comfortable. Clean bedding, Mosquito nets, Fridge/freezer, kettle, cooking and eating utensils. We had Elephants eating the tree pods all around our chalet at one point. As an Ex Zimbabwean and a wildlife photographer I love staying here. I'm also happy to stay at more expensive private lodges nearby but the chalets at Main Camp are lovely for me.

Not crowded safari

We were cycling in Zimbabwe and wanted to have Safari in Hwange National Park. Because there is not allow to cycling to main camping site, we took small truck. Hwange Park is the biggest in Zimbabwe but not crowded. There was only few cars with tourists. Camping site was empty. There were only two tents together with our. We had opportunity during Safari to see elephants, giraffes, warthogs, antelope. Additionally by binocular we saw a lion.

excellent national park. I wish I could stay much longer

Awesome scenery plc to be at . This Place I love. Xx

Most of the game was at the watring holes.

We did not see as much game driving around as we saw in other parks. possibly because Zimbabwe allows hunting. However, at the watering holes there was a large concentration of animals and birds. There were some rock outcroppings that added variety to the scenery, which for the most part was dry and flat. The accommodations were especially nice at Kashawe Camp, probably the best out of the four camps we visited. The food was very good, and we had nice sunny weather with cool nights. Our guides were excellent, very friendly and very knowledgeable. The people at the camp and the guides certainly make a visit to this camp a valuable experience..