Zimbabwe is a captivating destination in southern Africa, renowned for its dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. The country is home to some of the continent’s most iconic natural attractions, including Victoria Falls, one of the world’s largest waterfalls, where the mighty Zambezi River plunges into a deep gorge in a spectacular display of power. Wildlife enthusiasts can explore Hwange National Park, famous for its large elephant population and diverse game viewing opportunities, or visit Mana Pools National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its walking safaris, canoeing adventures, and close wildlife encounters. Lake Kariba, one of the world's largest man-made lakes, offers scenic boat cruises, excellent fishing, and breathtaking sunsets. Combining adventure, natural beauty, and authentic safari experiences, Zimbabwe remains one of Africa’s most rewarding travel destinations.
Hwange National Park at 14,651 sq km is the largest National Park in Zimbabwe and one of Africa’s great parks. It was granted Game reserve status in 1928 and proclaimed a National Park in 1961.
Hwange has always been renowned for its incredible diversity of wildlife, and to this day it boasts more varieties of mammal and bird species than any other Zimbabwean National Park. There are over 100 species of mammals, including 19 large herbivores such as buffalo, eland, sable and wildebeest, and over 400 bird species. However, the area is particularly famous for its population of elephant, some 44,000 strong - based on the latest aerial survey - and combined with the elephants of northern Botswana this is the world’s largest contiguous elephant population and a flagship for the Kavango Zambezi Trans Frontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA).
The southern two thirds of the Park are ecologically defined by deep Kalahari sands, which support impressive forests of Zambezi teak and other hardwoods. Scattered within these woodlands are ancient fossil lakebeds and drainage lines, which are now large savannah grasslands fringed with Acacia and Leadwood trees.
Located in western Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park (formerly Wankie Game Reserve) is the largest natural reserve in the country and is famous for its rich diversity of wildlife. Home to one of the biggest elephant populations in the world, as well as around 100 mammal species, the park is a wonderland for animal lovers. Several protected animals inhabit the awe-inspiring open landscapes, including the endangered wild dog, critically endangered black rhino, and rare roan and sable - along with lion, cheetah, and around 500 bird species. Adventurers can look forward to guided bush hikes, game drives, and horse riding safaris, all of which offer excellent photographic opportunities. Hwange boasts several unique natural features, most notably the natural seeps such as Nehimba and Shakwanki animals dig for water.
As previously described
