Zimbabwe
Hwange National Park
Explore the national park Hwange, including things to see and best time to go
Explore the national park Hwange, including things to see and best time to go
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visit Hwange
Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe is a unique destination for backpackers due to its vast size and diverse wildlife. The park covers over 14,600 square kilometers, making it one of the largest national parks in Africa. Backpackers can explore the park on foot or on guided game drives, giving them the opportunity to see a wide range of animals, including elephants, lions, and giraffes. The park also offers affordable camping options, allowing backpackers to immerse themselves in the African wilderness.However, Hwange National Park does have its drawbacks for backpackers. The park can be challenging to navigate without a guide, and the wildlife can be unpredictable, posing potential safety risks for backpackers on foot. Additionally, the park’s remote location means that amenities and supplies may be limited, requiring backpackers to be self-sufficient.
Overall, Hwange National Park offers a unique and immersive experience for backpackers seeking an authentic African safari adventure, but it requires careful planning and preparation to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
💡 Highlights
Top-10 things to do in Hwange
1. Game Drives: Hwange National Park is known for its diverse wildlife, and a game drive is the best way to see elephants, lions, and other animals in their natural habitat.
2. Hwange Main Camp: This is the park’s headquarters and a great starting point for visitors, offering information, accommodation, and guided tours.
3. Painted Dog Conservation Centre: Learn about the conservation efforts to protect the endangered African wild dog and see these beautiful animals up close.
4. Ngamo Plains: This area is known for its large herds of elephants and buffalo, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
5. Kenneth Stainbank Hides: These hides offer a unique way to observe wildlife at close range, especially elephants and other animals that come to drink at the waterholes.
6. Linkwasha Concession: This private reserve within the park offers luxurious accommodation and exclusive game viewing experiences.
7. Mandavu Dam: A popular spot for birdwatching, with over 400 bird species recorded in the park, including raptors and waterbirds.
8. Pump Pans: These artificial waterholes attract a variety of wildlife, making them ideal locations for game viewing and photography.
9. Sikumi Forest: Explore this scenic area on foot or on a guided walking safari to experience the park’s diverse flora and fauna up close.
10. Deteema Dam: Another excellent spot for birdwatching and wildlife viewing, with a high concentration of animals drawn to the water.
2. Hwange Main Camp: This is the park’s headquarters and a great starting point for visitors, offering information, accommodation, and guided tours.
3. Painted Dog Conservation Centre: Learn about the conservation efforts to protect the endangered African wild dog and see these beautiful animals up close.
4. Ngamo Plains: This area is known for its large herds of elephants and buffalo, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
5. Kenneth Stainbank Hides: These hides offer a unique way to observe wildlife at close range, especially elephants and other animals that come to drink at the waterholes.
6. Linkwasha Concession: This private reserve within the park offers luxurious accommodation and exclusive game viewing experiences.
7. Mandavu Dam: A popular spot for birdwatching, with over 400 bird species recorded in the park, including raptors and waterbirds.
8. Pump Pans: These artificial waterholes attract a variety of wildlife, making them ideal locations for game viewing and photography.
9. Sikumi Forest: Explore this scenic area on foot or on a guided walking safari to experience the park’s diverse flora and fauna up close.
10. Deteema Dam: Another excellent spot for birdwatching and wildlife viewing, with a high concentration of animals drawn to the water.
🌤️ When to go?
Best time to visit Hwange National Park
The best time to visit Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe for backpacking is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During this time, temperatures are cooler and more comfortable for hiking and exploring the park. In May, the average temperature is around 27°C (81°F) during the day and 10°C (50°F) at night. As the dry season progresses, temperatures rise, with July and August being the coolest months, averaging around 25°C (77°F) during the day and 7°C (45°F) at night.
This time of year is also ideal for wildlife viewing, as animals congregate around water sources, making it easier to spot them. The vegetation is also less dense, providing better visibility for backpackers.
It’s important to note that September and October can be extremely hot, with temperatures reaching up to 35°C (95°F) during the day, so it’s essential to be prepared with plenty of water and sun protection. Overall, the dry season offers the best conditions for backpacking in Hwange National Park.
last page update: 24 September 2024
Explore Zimbabwe
Hwange National Park isn’t the only highlight in Zimbabwe. Explore all what Zimbabwe has to offer.🎎 Festivals: Chimanimani Arts Festival, HIFA, Harare International Carnival, Harare International Festival of the Arts, Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo
🛕 World wonders: Victoria Falls
