Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe's largest park, bordering Botswana and managed by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority. It is known for its large elephant population, which relies on waterholes in the dry season.
- Country
- Zimbabwe
- Type
- National park
- Approx. area
- 14,650 km²
- Best time
- August to October
- Suggested stay
- 3–4 days
- Main gateway airport
- Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA)
- Big Five
- Not all five
- Malaria
- Malaria area: see a travel doctor
Why go to Hwange
- Zimbabwe's largest national park
- One of Africa's largest elephant populations
- Waterholes that draw wildlife in the dry season
- African wild dog and sable antelope
- Close to Victoria Falls
Best time to visit Hwange
Based on average weather and wildlife seasons, the best period to visit Hwange is August to October.
Late in the dry season wildlife depends on pumped waterholes and elephants gather in high densities.
The rains fill natural pans so animals disperse, with green scenery and migrant birds.
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain | Experience | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 19–29 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| February | 18–30 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| March | 17–30 | some rain | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| April | 13–29 | some rain | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| May | 9–27 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| June | 6–25 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| July | 6–24 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| August | 8–28 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| September | 13–32 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| October | 17–33 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| November | 18–32 | some rain | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| December | 18–30 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | quiet |
What you can see
Wildlife you may see in Hwange includes elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, cheetahs, African wild dogs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, crocodiles, sable antelope, kudu, eland and birdlife.
Things to do
Getting there
Most visitors arrive via Victoria Falls Airport and drive to Main Camp, or take light aircraft to private camp airstrips in the park.
Trips to Hwange
No trips are listed for this destination yet. Send a request and we will check with providers.
Plan by travel style
- Hwange for families
- Hwange for a honeymoon
- Hwange for photographers
- Hwange for a first safari
- Hwange on a budget
- Hwange for luxury travel
Compare with
- Hwange vs Mana Pools
- Hwange vs Victoria Falls
- Hwange vs Kruger
- Hwange vs Pilanesberg
- Hwange vs South Luangwa
- Hwange vs Addo
Travelling to Hwange from
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Hwange?
Generally August to October. Late in the dry season wildlife depends on pumped waterholes and elephants gather in high densities.
How many days do I need in Hwange?
Most visitors spend 3 to 4 days there, not counting travel days.
How do I get to Hwange?
Most visitors arrive via Victoria Falls Airport and drive to Main Camp, or take light aircraft to private camp airstrips in the park.
Is there malaria in Hwange?
Yes, it is in a malaria-risk area. See a doctor or travel clinic well before your trip.
Sources: ZimParks - Hwange National Park · Zimbabwe Tourism - Hwange National Park · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Hwange National Park
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.