Zimbabwe Victoria Falls Hotel Victoria Falls Falls View 031 logo-zimbabwe
Back to Listing

Hwange National Park

Named after a local Nhanzwa chief, Hwange National Park is the largest Park in Zimbabwe occupying a vast 14,650 square kilometres. The park lies in the northwest corner of the country, about an hour’s drive south from the mighty Victoria Falls. Still relatively untouched, Hwange is a great destination for those that value exclusivity – it is rare to see other vehicles roaming the park.

Hwange became a royal hunting ground to the Ndebele warrior king, Mzililazi, in the early 19th century and in 1929 it was set aside and declared as a national park. Hwange is famed for its tremendous selection of wildlife with over 100 species of mammals and as many as 400 bird species recorded. For elephant lovers, Hwange is nirvana. The elephants of Hwange are epic with the park boasting one of the largest populations in the world, somewhere between 30,000 to 40,000 animals. This however wasn’t always the case, in the 19th century Hwange was a useless wasteland due to over hunting and limited water sources meaning wildlife was almost non-existent. After the drilling of boreholes and creating new pans, the animals slowly began returning. The constant repairing and maintenance of these natural looking pans are a major stronghold in sustaining this ecological reserve, and the survival of the largest concentration of elephant.

Hwange is a magnet for the big game safari lover, due to its enviable reputation for the Big 5 and predator sightings. Lion, leopard and cheetah are regularly seen, and night drives reveal nocturnal predators such as the enchanting bat eared fox. Hwange is also an important breeding ground for the endangered African wild dog, black rhino and the majestic roan and sable antelope. Hwange is not overcrowded with minibuses like areas such as the Kruger National Park or even Chobe National Park, so offers an authentic safari experience. The camps and lodges, although of high quality, also indicate this with limited electricity and Wi-Fi, this is the ideal destination for those wishing to escape the outside world and be totally encompassed by the wilderness and magic of Africa. The genuine warmth of the locals and extremely well-trained guides adds to the incredible charm of this region.

Due to its proximity to the Kalahari Desert, Hwange has a semi-arid climate with marked seasonal changes, which dictate the range and diversity of wildlife activities. During the dry winter months (May to October) animals congregate around the shallow pans and waterholes making for superb game viewing. Once the much-anticipated rains arrive, the vegetation bursts into life, the pans fill up and consequently, the wildlife disperses making game viewing less reliable. However, this is a time for some stunning bird viewing and the bush is alive with butterflies, flowers and young antelope. 

Easy access and good air and road links to Victoria Falls, make Hwange an excellent choice for a combination safari with either Mana Pools or with the world-renowned Okavango Delta in Botswana as well as bustling cities such as Cape Town with direct flights from Victoria Falls.

Easy access and good air and road links to Victoria Falls, make Hwange an excellent choice for a combination safari with either Mana Pools or with the world-renowned Chobe National Park in Botswana as well as bustling cities such as Cape Town with direct flights from Victoria Falls.

Matetsi River Lodge Victoria Falls Zimbabwe11 Matetsi River Lodge Victoria Falls Zimbabwe11
Zimbabwe Matetsi River Lodge Victoria Falls Matetsi Game Drive Elephants 61 Zimbabwe Matetsi River Lodge Victoria Falls Matetsi Game Drive Elephants 61
Zambia Stanley Safari Lodge Victoria Falls S Luangwa 2014 07 145E Zambia Stanley Safari Lodge Victoria Falls S Luangwa 2014 07 145E
Zambia Stanley Safari Lodge Victoria Falls Rps07 101 Zambia Stanley Safari Lodge Victoria Falls Rps07 101
Zambia Stanley Safari Lodge Victoria Falls S Luangwa 2014 07 160E Zambia Stanley Safari Lodge Victoria Falls S Luangwa 2014 07 160E
Zambia Stanley Safari Lodge Victoria Falls S Luangwa 2014 07 149E Zambia Stanley Safari Lodge Victoria Falls S Luangwa 2014 07 149E
Zambia Stanley Safari Lodge Victoria Falls S Luangwa 2014 07 133E Zambia Stanley Safari Lodge Victoria Falls S Luangwa 2014 07 133E
Zambia Stanley Safari Lodge Victoria Falls Rps07 118 Zambia Stanley Safari Lodge Victoria Falls Rps07 118
Zambia Stanley Safari Lodge Victoria Falls Rps07 089 Zambia Stanley Safari Lodge Victoria Falls Rps07 089
Zambia Stanley Safari Lodge Victoria Falls Rps 2012 09 221 Zambia Stanley Safari Lodge Victoria Falls Rps 2012 09 221
Zambia Stanley Safari Lodge Victoria Falls Lions Zambia Stanley Safari Lodge Victoria Falls Lions
Matetsi River Lodge Victoria Falls Zimbabwe13 Matetsi River Lodge Victoria Falls Zimbabwe13
The traveller sees what he sees, the tourist sees what he has come to see.
G. K. Chesterton

Client Testimonials

We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma
Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
- Mr Wyburd, Ireland
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand

Let us keep you up to date

Sign up to our newsletter and never miss out on unmissable exclusive luxury experiences