Hwange National Park

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 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.

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

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

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.

It was amazing, everything as I imagined an African safari would be.

We stayed at Ivory Lodge, which is on the border to Hwange National Park, I was a part of a tour group so we camped, but some of my fellow travelers upgraded into the tree houses and they said it was some of the best accommodation of the trip. At Ivory Lodge they have a water hole with a hide, so we spent most of the night watching for what would come to the water hole. We saw a herd of greater kudu and two bull elephants, the elephants were so close you could hear them breathing it was one of the best moments of my trip.
We spent two days at Ivory Lodge, on the first day they took us to the Painted Dog Conservation Centre. At the centre they has 3 rehabilitating dogs and its a place were they take local schools to educate the children and visitors about the plight of the Painted Dogs. Its very rare to see Painted Dogs in the wild so being able to just see some who one day will again be wild was wow. That afternoon we went on a sunset game drive in Hwange and we actually saw real Painted Dogs, so that was my unexpected highlight of the trip, we also saw a breeding herd of Elephants, Buffalo, lots of birds and a cheetah.
On the second day we spent on a whole day game drive, and saw much of the same animals, as well as three lions, and we ran into another herd of elephants they were so close you could have touched them and they weren't afraid they just checked us out and kept eating.
We went during the rainy season, but thankfully it didn't rain, but the park was all green and in full bloom, it was some of the best scenery in Zimbabwe. Our guide were all locals and new everything and always had an answer to our questions.
I would definetely go back it was an amazing couple of days

Hwange is absolutely beautiful with good roads and accommodation, but giving you that exclusive bush hideaway. We have been sitting at the hides on our own for hours just watching the wildlife. Lots of elephants to be seen. Discovered best places to see them is at the waterholes from the platforms/hides. The heat makes the animals come to drink all through the day. Nyamandhlovu Platform is a prime game viewing area at a pumped water hole. We took excellent photo's here. We stayed in selfcatering lodge at Main Camp and had excellent dinners at the restaurant. Te park covers vast areas and one has to be prepared to take food along each day and lots of water. Fill up with petrol/ gas when you can. Excellent curios /art pieces to buy on the road to Hwange from Victoria Falls.

If you're into bush vibe, this park is a great destination; not so much so if you're into wildlife.

Hwange National Park is quite a large national park, which gives off a really nice bush vibe since it is definitely not overrun with tourists at all, neither in minibuses or private vehicles. Due to the vegetation of rather dense miombo woodland, you can see wildlife practically only at the many waterholes; safaris consist therefore of driving from waterhole to waterhole. Due to the overpopulation of elephants you'll see a lot of these! It seems the mismanagement of Zimbabwe by the current regime has had a surprisingly limited influence on the park in terms of wildlife. Conclusion: if you're into bush vibe, Hwange National Park is a great destination; not so much so if you're into scenic beauty or wildlife.

I truly enjoyed the park in Hwange, and it was very apparent why it is such a desired safari destination. I saw a lot of wildlife, which was not only varied, but seemed thriving. It is an interesting mix of flora and fauna, and I hope to be able to return soon.

The animal viewing in Hwange was excellent - the best of the trip - and the accomodations were very comfortable.