Zimbabwe • Hwange • Wildlife

Hwange Wildlife Guide: Elephants, Painted Dogs, Lions & More

Hwange wildlife is some of the richest in Southern Africa. The park is famous for one of the continent's largest elephant populations, but it is also home to painted dogs, lions, leopards, buffalo, rare antelope and more than 400 bird species. Here's what you can hope to see, and how to give yourself the best chance.

Elephants

Hwange is one of the best places in Africa to see elephants. Tens of thousands live in the wider area, and in the dry season they gather at waterholes in large family groups. Watching a herd arrive, drink, play in the mud and move off again is one of the defining experiences of a Hwange safari.

Painted dogs (African wild dogs)

Hwange is one of the strongholds of the painted dog, also known as the African wild dog. These social, highly efficient hunters are among Africa's most endangered carnivores, and seeing a pack on the move is a real privilege. Sightings are never guaranteed, but experienced guides in the private concessions know their habits well.

Lions, leopards and cheetahs

Hwange has a healthy lion population, and prides are often found near waterholes, where prey comes to drink. Leopards are present throughout but are more secretive, and cheetahs are occasionally seen on the open plains.

Buffalo, giraffe and antelope

Large herds of buffalo move through the park, along with giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and many antelope species. Hwange is one of the better places in Southern Africa to see the beautiful sable antelope, and the rarer roan antelope is sometimes seen too.

Birdlife

With over 400 species recorded, Hwange is a wonderful birding destination, from raptors and hornbills to colourful bee-eaters and rollers. The green season, from November to April, is best for birders, when migrant species arrive. If birds are your passion, see our guide to the best birding safaris in Africa.

Is Hwange a Big Five destination?

Hwange has elephants, buffalo, lions and leopards. Rhinos are very rarely seen, so it is better thought of as an outstanding elephant, predator and general game destination than a guaranteed Big Five park. If seeing all five is important, ask us about combining Hwange with another reserve.

Tips for the best wildlife viewing

• Travel in the dry season for the best concentrations of game. See the best time to visit Hwange.
• Stay in a private concession for fewer vehicles and expert guiding.
• Spend time at a waterhole or hide. Sitting quietly often brings the best sightings.
• Try a walking safari to notice tracks and smaller creatures. Read about walking safaris and sleep-outs.
• Bring good binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens.

You hear them before you see them: the rumble of a herd, the snap of a branch. Then the elephants step out of the bush, and suddenly nothing else matters.