When travelling to Zimbabwe, a visit to Hwange National Park is a must and should be part of any Zimbabwe safari itinerary. Here are the top things to do whilst on safari in Hwange. Located in the Hwange District, Hwange is a town in Zimbabwe that attracts tourists as a result of the nearby Hwange National Park. It’s the largest national park in the country. Home to a vast variety of wildlife, it’s a popular destination for lovers of African safaris. In order to give you a true idea of what to expect, we are going to look at the best things to do in Hwange that will turn a trip to this destination into a memorable Zimbabwe safari experience.
The Best of Hwange Wildlife
Hwange National Park game drives and walks
No visit to Hwange can be complete without a game drive through Hwange National Park. Visitors can drive through the park between 6 am and 6 pm and can encounter the Big 5, who roam freely through the park and surrounding concessions. Covering around 14 650 square km, there are over 100 mammal species to be seen, making Hwange National Park a popular destination for animal lovers. Also worth noting is the park’s status as home to one of the world’s largest herds of elephants, which is reason enough to include this experience on any Hwange itinerary.
Bird Watching in Hwange
As if the abundance of wildlife wasn’t enough of a reason to visit, there are almost 400 different species of birds that can be found in Hwange National Park, making it a twitchers’ paradise! Make sure to keep your eyes directed at the sky and towards the treetops while you’re on a game drive in Hwange so that you don’t miss out on an incredible opportunity to tick some awe-inspiring bird species off your list. Bird watching is definitely one of the best things to do in Hwange!
Painted Dog Conservation Centre Hwange National Park
Once having roamed through 39 countries, wild dogs, also known as painted dogs, have seen their numbers drop from around 50 000 to just 3 000. With such a huge drop in numbers resulting from urbanisation and loss of natural habitat, a place like the Painted Dog Conservation Centre in Dete, Zimbabwe is an eden for them. The conservation facility aims to address the issue through the protection and rehabilitation of injured or orphaned wild dogs, while providing long-term education and development projects to the communities in the area. The centre also works to translocate entire packs of wild dogs from problem areas to regions where they can thrive.
The Top Activities in Hwange
Walking safari Hwange, Zimbabwe
Guides at Elephant’s Eye, Hwange, offer walking safaris that showcase the best of Hwange National Park and its surrounding fenceless concession The guides give guests an intimate Hwange bush experience and teach them about the tracking animal footprints, the endemic plants of Hwange, and they even get to learn to create fun things like a bush toothbrush.
Victoria Falls Day Trip from Hwange National Park
A day trip to the glorious phenomenon of Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, is entirely possible. It is only a 30-minute flight or less than two hours by road from Hideaways Nantwich, Hwange. Not only are the Falls and their surroundings incredibly beautiful, but they also offer a range of activities to enjoy that include helicopter trips over the Falls, daredevil bungee jumping from Victoria Falls Bridge, and other memorable encounters. For an extended adventure, we recommend our Hwange and Victoria Falls Safari in order to experience some of the best things to do in Hwange!
Cultural Experiences in Hwange Zimbabwe
Cultural Tourism Experiences
In an attempt to empower the local villages in the Hwange District, steps have been taken to turn local villages into tourist destinations. Visitors to the region can visit traditional homesteads to learn about the local people and their unique cultures. Village markets offer locals the chance to sell their arts and crafts, enabling them to turn their skill into an activity that empowers them to support their families.
Local Hwange Primary School Dingani
Dingani Primary School is a rural school in Zimbabwe, close to Hwange National Park and Elephant’s Eye. With over 300 pupils from the ages of 4 to 12, the school is in dire need of equipment and maintenance for the education and development of their pupils. Hideaways have partnered with Dingani to assist with the sustainable development of the local community’s children. Guests of Elephant’s Eye can visit the school to see how donations are put into action.
Relaxing in Hwange
Enjoy a Sundowner at Watering Hole
The best way to toast a successful day exploring Hwange National Park is with the quintessential African sundowner. Even better in this spectacular Zimbabwe location, whether it be in private at Elephant’s Eye’s main watering hole or at one of the neighbouring waterholes situated in the heart of the open bush. As the light slowly fades, watch a wide variety of game come down to drink, all whilst sipping on a refreshing cocktail until eventually, a blanket of stars lights up the sky above. This might be one of the most relaxing and romantic of the best things to do in Hwange!
Sleep out under the Stars in Hwange
Elephant’s Eye is a small eco-retreat located on a private concession bordering Hwange National Park. Our sleep-out deck, The Eye, offers all the creature comforts of the main lodge, and is situated overlooking a busy waterhole. Guests are escorted from the main lodge at dusk to spend a magical night under the Milky Way. Do not worry about setting an alarm as the rising sun, or trumpeting elephants, are sure to wake you after a fantastic night of sleep under the stars.
Day Spas in Hwange
Nothing quite beats a pampering session in the wild African bush, hence the introduction of the eco-spa at Elephant’s Eye. Enjoy a variety of luxurious treatments in the natural tranquillity of Mother Nature and experience the perfect spa and safari holiday. The spa’s philosophy is about rejuvenating the mind, body, and soul through a unique combination of African and Western massage techniques. Set in the magnificent natural surroundings, indulge yourself with some unique treatments and excellent game viewing at the same time.
Best Things to Do in Hwange
At Hideaways we invite you to explore the best things to do in Hwange, with our African safari collection and experience the best Hwange has to offer, life-changing experiences await!
