Hwange National Park

Known as the land of the giants for its big elephant herds Hwange National Park is the largest park in Zimbabwe occupying roughly 14,650km². It is located in the northwest corner of the country about one hour south of the mighty Victoria Falls.

Situated on the edge of Kalahari Desert, a significant feature of Hwange is the absence of a natural water course. This means the wildlife relies on a series of waterholes that are fed by boreholes, many of which have hides that provide remarkable photographic opportunities whilst animals quench their thirst.

The diverse landscape is a haven for over 100 mammal and 400 bird species. Dense teak forests in the north gives way to Kalahari sandveld in the south. In between, open grassy plains lined with acacia lie alongside mopane woodland and islands of ilala palms. The park protects populations of all of Zimbabwe's endangered species, elephants numbering in excess of 20,000 (up from around 4,000 when the park was proclaimed in 1929), and what is thought to be one of the largest populations of African wild dog left in the world. Large prides of lion and buffalo are frequently seen and there is a good chance of spotting leopard and rhino in addition to cheetah, sable, roan, giraffe and spotted hyena. The wild and woolly brown hyena also occurs here and is something of a rarity.