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Hwange National Park is the biggest and best-known wildlife reserve in Zimbabwe. Almost ten times the size of London, Hwange is home to between 45 000 and 60 000 elephants, making it the second largest population in the world after Botswana’s Chobe National Park. Aptly known as ‘the land of giants’, Hwange delivers some of the best big game safari experiences in Africa, especially during the dry winter months (May to October) when animals congregate around the park’s shallow pans and man-made waterholes.
Here are our favourite Hwange safari tours and itineraries, best combined with the rest of Zimbabwe’s premier destinations and completely customisable around your personal travel wishes:
1. Vic Falls, Lake Kariba and a Big Game Safari
Duration: 10 Days | Locations: 3
Highlights:
- Visit the Zambian side of Victoria Falls
- See elephant, buffalo, lion and giraffe in Hwange National Park
- Watch animals drink all day from a waterhole in front of Somalisa Camp
- Sunset boat cruises on Lake Kariba
- Track the renowned Matusadona lion prides
Best for:
Couples, honeymooners and special occasions
2. Hwange, Mana Pools and Zambezi River
Duration: 7 Days | Locations: 3
Stay at an elegant tented camp on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls before heading to the safari heavyweight, Hwange. Board a light aircraft for a short flight to Mana Pools, the gateway to the beautifully wild lower Zambezi. This itinerary is perfect for those who want to experience a safari away from the crowds and enjoy activities that showcase the natural beauty and wildlife of Zimbabwe. Hwange and Mana Pools National Parks are also lauded as some of the top destinations for a Big 5 safari.
Highlights:
- Gorgeous Zambezi River views from the contemporary Toka Leya
- Photographic opportunities from Little Makalolo’s game-viewing hides
- Morning and afternoon game drives in Hwange
- Ruckomechi Camp’s wonderful setting beside the Zambezi
- See lion, wild dog, leopard and cheetah in Mana Pools
Best for:
Couples and families.
3. Magical Matobo, Vic Falls and Lake Kariba
Duration: 11 Days | Locations: 4
Discover Matobo National Park: a surreal and hauntingly beautiful rocky landscape that’s home to an extraordinary collection of ancient rock art sites, as well as a thriving leopard population. Then move to the wonderful wildlife sanctuary of Hwange for thrilling big game encounters with elephant, buffalo, lion and giraffe while staying at a luxury safari camp. Next stop: Victoria Falls River Lodge on the banks of the Zambezi River, within sight of the spray rising from the world’s biggest waterfall. Culminate your Zimbabwe safari within the blissfully laidback surroundings of Bumi Hills Safari Lodge above Lake Kariba.
Highlights:
- Leopard sightings in Matobo National Park
- Matobo Hills, home to the world’s biggest collections of ancient Bushmen rock art
- The Hide, an intimate safari camp in Hwange
- Up-close game viewing from a waterhole hide
- See the spray of Vic Falls from your lodge
Best for:
Couples and families.
4. Victoria Falls & Zimbabwe Community & Wildlife Safari
Duration: 10 Days | Locations: 3
Spend 10 days on a safari that showcases culture and wildlife while exemplifying luxury. Venture into the heart of Africa and discover the rich cultures and people who call it home, beginning in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park near Victoria Falls. Enjoy contemporary elegance and luxury at Thorntree River Lodge before jetting off to Zimbabwe’s biggest reserve, Hwange National Park.
Somalisa Camp, your next home, is located within a private concession, which means exceptional walking safaris, night drives, and secret hides are all available to you. During your time here, meet local communities and discover their entrepreneurial spirit. Finally, make the most of Bumi Hills Safari Lodge and their legendary infinity swimming pool in Lake Kariba. Admire the vast lake from the lodges’ hillside locale, enjoy daily game drives, walking safaris, and sunset cruises – a true paradise.
This tour forms part of the Trips With A Purpose initiative thanks to contributions by African Bush Camps, a visit to Maunga Village, and a day spent in Hwange National Park supporting local community projects.
Highlights:
- Sensational guides, game drives, and bush walks
- Discover Victoria Falls from the Zambian side
- Stay in incredible, luxury accommodations throughout
- Visit the vast Lake Kariba
- Support and visit local communities & project
Best for:
Couples, families and adventure travellers.
5. Land- and Boat-based Safari for the Family
Duration: 11 Days | Locations: 3
This made-for-family itinerary starts at a luxury lodge overlooking the Zambezi National Park, from where you can enjoy the jaw-dropping beauty of Victoria Falls and revel in some of its thrilling activities like white-water rafting and bungee jumping. Then you journey to the heart of Hwange, the ‘land of the giants’, where you are guaranteed up-close sightings of elephant, lion and buffalo. End off watching the sun set over Lake Kariba from your luxurious houseboat, equipped with a dedicated crew and open-air Jacuzzi.
Highlights:
- Visit Victoria Falls, the world’s biggest waterfall
- Somalisa Acacia’s family-friendly suites and kids’ club
- Game drives in Hwange – see elephant, lion, buffalo, kudu and sable
- Stay on a luxurious private houseboat with a dedicated crew
- Water-based game viewing on Lake Kariba
Best for:
Families with children.
6. The Ultimate Zimbabwe Safari
Duration: 12 Days | Locations: 5
This incredible itinerary covers Zimbabwe’s premier locations, offering everything from guided walking safaris in Mana Pools and canoeing on the Zambezi River to tiger fishing on Lake Kariba and sensational big game viewing in Hwange. You’ll stay at luxurious camps and lodges in unique locations while enjoying safari activities with seasoned guides – some of the best in Africa.
Highlights:
- See rare wild dog in Mana Pools
- Sunset boat cruises on Lake Kariba
- Visit Victoria Falls on Zambia’s side
- Game drives and guided walks in Hwange
- Copper bathtubs and log-burning fireplaces in Somalisa Camp’s rooms
Best for:
Couples, honeymooners and special occasions.
7. Zimbabwe’s Hidden Gems Wildlife Safari
Duration: 12 Days | Locations: 4
Discover the wild, captivating landscapes of Zimbabwe and its hidden gems. Often considered Zimbabwe’s crowning jewel, the magnificent Victoria Falls is the first stop on your journey. Enjoy a host of adventure-filled activities and discover the town before heading off for a Hwange National Park safari. Here, Africa’s gentle giants abound along with a sensational array of other wildlife.
From there, Mana Pools National Park beckons and continues your Zimbabwe safari in style. Make the most of guided walking safaris during your time here and enjoy the seemingly minor details. Your final stop is Fothergill Island in Lake Kariba for a touch of tranquillity. Sit back, relax, and unwind or continue the adventure with nature walks, boating safaris, and sunset cruises.
Highlights:
- Game drives and walking safaris
- Boating safaris and sunset river cruises
- Meet Hwange’s thriving elephant population
- Enjoy the best of safari and tranquil island life
- Tour the iconic Victoria Falls
Best for:
Couples, honeymooners and adventure travellers.
Ready to Plan Your Trip to Hwange?
Our African Safari Experts use their first-hand knowledge and experience of their travels into Africa, including Hwange National Park, to help craft a tailor-made holiday that’s perfect for you. Get in touch to start planning an African safari that ticks all your boxes:
