Safari : Big 5 - Hwange National Park Safari Day Tour

Embark on an exhilarating safari journey through Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest game reserve. This day tour offers the chance to spot the legendary Big 5 – lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo – in their natural habitat. With a scenic drive from Victoria Falls and guided game drives, you’ll learn about the park’s diverse ecosystems and vibrant rural culture. Prepare to be captivated by the raw power and beauty of Africa’s wildlife. What awaits you on this unforgettable adventure?

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Key Points

Hwange National Park offers a premier safari experience to view the Big 5 – lions, leopards, rhinoceros, elephants, and buffalo.
The Safari Day Tour is an 8-hour excursion from Victoria Falls, including a guided game drive, sightseeing, and wildlife viewing.
The tour price starts from $265 per person, covering hotel pickup/drop-off, lunch, and refreshments, as well as park entry fees and taxes.
The itinerary includes a 2.5-hour drive to the park, 7 hours of guided activities, and a return to Victoria Falls around 4 PM.
While diverse wildlife is present, sightings of larger predators like lions and leopards are less frequent, especially during the rainy season.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Safari Tour

Hwange National Park is a renowned safari destination, offering visitors the opportunity to witness the Big 5 – lions, leopards, rhinoceros, elephants, and buffalo – in their natural habitat.

The Hwange National Park Safari Day Tour provides an 8-hour experience, including a 2.5-hour drive from Victoria Falls. During the tour, guests embark on a guided game drive, sightseeing, and wildlife viewing.

Lunch is served at a picnic platform. The tour highlights include the vast expanse of Hwange, known for its diverse mammal and bird populations, as well as the scenic drive through rural villages and the Hwange Colliery, a major coal mining town.

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Pricing and Inclusions

The Hwange National Park Safari Day Tour is priced from $265.00 per person.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a full-day game drive, lunch, and refreshments. National Park entry fees and government taxes amounting to $20 are also covered. Gratuities are included in the price.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a full-day game drive, lunch, and refreshments. National Park entry fees and government taxes amounting to $20 are also covered. Gratuities are included in the price.

The tour duration is 8 hours, with 7 hours spent on guided sightseeing, game drives, and wildlife viewing.

Clients can enjoy a free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Plus, the option to reserve now and pay later is available.

Itinerary and Schedule

The tour begins with pickup from Victoria Falls hotels and accommodations. The travel time to Hwange National Park is 2.5 hours.

The day’s activities include:

A guided tour, sightseeing, game drive, scenic drive, and wildlife viewing for 7 hours.
Lunch at a picnic platform.
Returning to Victoria Falls around 4 PM after the tour.

Guests will explore Hwange National Park, known for its large number of mammals and birds, and visit water holes for wildlife observation.

The scenic drive also passes through rural villages, traditional huts, hospitals, schools, and churches, including the highlight of Hwango Colliery, the largest coal mining town on the way.

Hwange National Park Highlights

Sprawling across 14,600 square kilometers, Hwange National Park is renowned for its diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes.

The safari tour highlights the park’s abundant mammal populations, including elephants, zebras, and antelopes. While sightings of larger predators like lions are less common during the rainy season, guests can still observe a variety of birds and other species at the park’s waterholes.

The scenic drive offers a glimpse into rural Zimbabwean life, passing through villages, hospitals, and schools. The highlight is a stop at the Hwange Colliery, the largest coal mining town along the way.

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Wildlife Viewing Opportunities

Although the park is known for its diverse wildlife, guests may have varying success with sightings during the rainy season.

Wildlife sightings may vary during the rainy season, despite the park’s diverse animal populations.

While the tour typically includes the opportunity to observe:

Elephants, the park’s most abundant species
Zebras and other antelope species
A variety of bird life

Sightings of larger predators like lions, leopards, and rhinoceros can be more elusive.

The tour guides will do their best to locate and view the animals, but guests should remain flexible and manage their expectations accordingly.

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Scenic Drive and Landscape

Beyond the wildlife encounters, the scenic drive through Hwange National Park offers breathtaking vistas and a glimpse into the local rural landscape.

The journey takes travelers past traditional thatched-roof huts, bustling community centers, and the Hwange Colliery, the largest coal mining town in the region.

Winding through rural villages, the road reveals a tapestry of everyday life, from children playing in schoolyards to local residents tending to their farms and businesses.

The scenic drive provides a unique opportunity to appreciate the park’s diverse natural beauty and the vibrant culture that thrives alongside it.

Logistical Details

The Hwange National Park Safari Day Tour departs from Victoria Falls hotels and accommodations, with a 2.5-hour journey to the park’s entrance.

The tour includes:

A guided game drive and sightseeing for 7 hours, providing ample opportunities to observe a variety of wildlife.
A lunch stop at a picnic platform during the tour.
Return to Victoria Falls around 4 PM after the day’s activities.

The tour price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, the game drive, lunch, refreshments, and all necessary entry fees and government taxes.

With an overall rating of 4.3/5, this tour offers a comprehensive Hwange National Park experience despite the lengthy travel time from Victoria Falls.

Customer Feedback and Recommendations

Customers have shared mixed feedback on the Hwange National Park Safari Day Tour, with an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on 4 reviews.

Reviewers praise the beautiful location but note the 3-hour drive from Victoria Falls with challenging roads.

While wildlife sightings include elephants, zebras, and deer, fewer giraffes and no lions, hippos, or rhinos were observed during the rainy season.

Despite these challenges, the tour is still recommended for its unique opportunity to explore Hwange National Park and witness the diverse wildlife and scenic landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Safari Tour?

The dress code for the safari tour is casual and comfortable. Participants are advised to wear lightweight, breathable clothing, closed-toe shoes, and a hat to protect against the sun. Bringing sunscreen and insect repellent is also recommended.

Can Children Participate in This Safari Tour?

Children can participate in this safari tour. The tour is family-friendly and welcomes guests of all ages. However, it’s important to consider the young participants’ needs and comfort during the long travel and outdoor activities.

Are There Any Medical or Fitness Requirements for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any strict medical or fitness requirements. However, participants should be reasonably fit to handle the safari activities and extended travel. If you have any concerns, it’s best to consult the tour provider.

Can I Bring My Own Camera Equipment?

You can bring your own camera equipment on the tour. The tour operator encourages guests to bring their cameras to capture the stunning wildlife and scenery of Hwange National Park.

How Experienced Are the Tour Guides?

The tour guides are experienced and knowledgeable about the local wildlife, terrain, and cultural sites. They’ve undergone extensive training to provide visitors with an informative and engaging safari experience in Hwange National Park.

The Sum Up

This Hwange National Park Safari Day Tour offers an unforgettable opportunity to witness Africa’s iconic Big 5 in their natural habitat. With a scenic drive, guided game drives, and a picnic lunch, it’s a comprehensive experience that immerses you in Zimbabwe’s stunning landscapes and vibrant wildlife. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or seeking an adventure, this tour provides an incredible glimpse into the heart of the country’s wild wonders.

You can check availability for your dates here: