Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s premier and largest wildlife area. It encompasses 14,500 square kms of which only the northern third is used for commercial purposes. As Hwange lies on the eastern edge of the Kalahari Desert much of the park is of a flat, arid, thornscrub character, especially in the south west. Further north the flat sandveld gives way to low hills scattered rocky kopjies and well established water courses.

Besides the more interesting nature of the landscape the north also features numerous permanent water holes, natural springs, mineral and salt licks and underground water sources which are utilized by the wildlife especially in the dry season, June – November, when the resources become scarce in the south.

The northern central area, around Sinamatella, is the most prolific in these natural features and is where Leon Varley concentrates his safari operations. It is not as accessible as the east of the park and so is less utilized by the tourist industry, ensuring a more satisfying wilderness experience.

Hwange has a healthy population of the main southern African game species such as buffalo, giraffe, lion, leopard, kudu, sable, rhino, impala, wildebeest, zebra, eland and the smaller mammals but as an elephant viewing destination it stands on its own. The elephant population is conservatively estimated at over 35 000 and during the dry season, June – November, it is not unusual to count over 1000 animals at some waterholes over a 24 hour period.

Other attractions for the Sinamatella area are that it contains the largest concentration of Black Rhino in the Park and a number of White Rhino have also been translocated there.

There are a number of camps in the Sinamatella area that are used by the safari company. They all overlook the Lukosi River and are chosen because of their proximity to either pools or underground water sources that are used by game during the dry season.

These camps are known as Eco Camps where there are no permanent structures and everything must be taken in and then removed after every safari. During the safari they are exclusive and reserved to a single party. One night on the safari is spent at an established waterhole, also exclusive between sundowns to sun up, where a rotating watch system is used to ensure the best possible opportunity to view nocturnal species.

Fully Backed up Hwange Trail

The camps are comfortable with traditional large walk in tents with bush bathrooms en-suite and proper beds and bedding. Dining is either around the campfire or in a dining tent well placed to overlook the river.

All camp chores, food preparations and laundry service are carried out by experienced camp staff.

The transport is by open game viewing vehicle and each safari is taken by Leon Varley and a traditional Matabele tracker. The guide is fully licensed armed and carries a well stocked first aid kit and satellite phone. The tracker carries a back up weapon and extra water.

Walks are taken in the morning after an early breakfast and late afternoon when it is cooler and participants must be fit enough to be able to cover 15 -20 kms in a day split into two or three separate walks. Much of the time on the ground is spent tracking and stalking large game, mainly Rhino and lion as they are the more elusive and unlikely to be come across by chance. Leopard is notoriously hard to track but is an animal of habit and tends to be found in the same areas. Other game is prolific enough to chance on or see at the water holes.

The middle of the day is spent either in camp or at a waterhole where lunch will be served. We return to camp 30 minutes after sunset for sundowners, a hot shower, dinner and drinks around the fire.

Highlights

Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park

Please Note

You will need to be able to walk 15-20 km daily

Restrictions

Minimum age is 16

Extras/Upgrades

Extensions in Vic Falls before or after the walk are available.

Hotel Pickup

You will be collected from your hotel on day of departure