Located in western Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park is the largest nature reserve in the country, home to an abundance of wildlife including giraffes, lions, zebras, and approximately 40,000 elephants. Named after a local Nhanzwa chief, the park was once the royal hunting ground of the Ndebele warrior-king Mzilikazi before being designated as a protected national park in 1929.

Hwange is a sanctuary for all of the country’s endangered species, including a population of wild dogs, which are considered one of the most significant surviving groups on the continent. The park's magnificent landscape ranges from desert dunes and savannas to mopane forests, rocky outcrops, and sparse woodlands.

The best time to visit Hwange National Park is during the dry season, from July to October. During this period, large herds of wildlife, especially the magnificent elephant herds, gather around the waterholes to drink and survive in this hot and unforgiving environment. While the rainy season from December to March disperses the animals across the park, making them harder to spot, the summer showers bring forth stunning vegetation. This season offers incredible bird-watching opportunities as the local bird population is bolstered by migrants from the Northern Hemisphere. Hwange National Park truly is a year-round wonderland.

Look forward to game drives, guided walks, or horseback safaris. Other highlights include the Bumbusi National Monument and the Nyamandhlovu Pan.