Given the expansive size of Hwange National Park, the variety of wildlife on offer is just as impressive. Over 100 mammal species roam its diverse landscapes, while approximately 400 bird species grace the skies. While the park’s massive elephant population is one of its most iconic features, you’ll also encounter a variety of other wildlife, including sable and roan antelope, zebra, impala, kudu, wildebeest, giraffe, and buffalo. Hwange is also home to one of Africa’s largest populations of African wild dogs, thanks to the successful Painted Dog Conservation efforts.

Hwange offers the rare chance to spot less common creatures like the brown hyena, a smaller, desert-adapted relative of the more familiar spotted hyena. While not exclusive to the park, it’s one of the best places to observe these elusive creatures. Be on the lookout for other shy species such as the aardvark, porcupine, and pangolin, known for their difficulty to spot.

Although Hwange is often associated with the Big 5, its rhinos are not currently found roaming the park. They are protected by the Community Rhino Conservation Initiative, which is supported by The Cobras—a local group of dedicated community members. The Cobras work tirelessly, often with Malinois dogs, to protect rhinos from poaching and ensure their well-being. Their efforts extend to patrolling for snares, managing wildlife, fighting fires, educating the community, and resolving human-wildlife conflicts, all to safeguard these majestic creatures.

A guided walking safari in Hwange National Park offers a completely different perspective on the safari experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the small yet fascinating details of the bush. Your expert guide will lead you on an unforgettable trek, offering opportunities to track wildlife and learn about the intricate ecosystem. The nature of these walks varies from camp to camp and lodge to lodge—some offering more in-depth explorations, which are often longer, while others provide a shorter overview. If a walking safari is on your bucket list, Hwange is the place to experience it!

Although bush walks are possible year-round, the best time to embark on a walking safari is during the dry winter months, from June to October. As the surface water recedes and vegetation thins out, wildlife congregates around the park’s permanent waterholes, offering spectacular sightings. However, the higher temperatures during the peak of the dry season can make walking safaris a bit more strenuous. For optimal conditions—where both sightings and temperatures are favorable—plan your walk between the end of June and August, when the combination of cooler weather and abundant wildlife viewing is at its best.

Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe, nestled on the edge of the Kalahari Desert, boasts a unique array of wildlife, adapted to the region’s harsh conditions. This includes the elusive brown hyena, a creature rarely seen in other parts of Zimbabwe. A key factor in the park’s success is its 60+ waterholes, many of which are manmade and pumped year-round, providing life-giving water even when natural sources dry up.

The park’s semi-arid climate brings striking seasonal contrasts—from the dry, hot winters to the wet, lush summers where the plains and vegetation come alive. For birdwatchers, the green season (December to March) is the best time to visit, as migrating species and blooming flora fill the air with vibrant birdlife.

When exploring Hwange, you’ll encounter dramatic landscapes, from the granite koppies and mopane woodlands in the north to the more arid, scrubby desert in the south. With its diverse terrain and abundant wildlife, the park is a haven for both professional and amateur photographers. Whether capturing vast elephant herds at the waterhole or the striking silhouettes of birds against the golden glow of an African sunset, Hwange provides the perfect setting for memorable shots.