Overview
Hwange is Zimbabwe’s largest national park – 14,600 km² – and famous for having one of the biggest elephant populations in Africa: 40,000+ tuskers. It’s about 180km / 2-2.5hrs drive from Livingstone.
Typical Itinerary
- Early Pickup – 5:30-6:00am
- Hotel pickup in Livingstone. You’ll need your passport
- Drive to Kazungula/Victoria Falls border into Zimbabwe
- Guides assist with immigration. Tip: Get a double-entry Zambia visa when you first arrive so re-entry is easy
- Quick stop at Painted Dog Conservation Centre sometimes included
2. Arrive Hwange Main Camp – ∼8:00am
- Transfer to open 4×4 safari vehicle
- Morning game drive: 3-4 hours. Hwange has 100+ mammal species and 400+ birds
- Wildlife to spot: Elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, sable, kudu, hyena, wild dogs if lucky
3. Lunch – Midday
- Picnic or buffet lunch at Hwange Main Camp platform or picnic site
- Meals + bottled water/soft drinks included. Hot tea/coffee available
- Great views over waterhole where animals come to drink
4. Afternoon Game Drive
- Another 3-4 hours exploring different areas/waterholes
- Guides are experts at tracking – 15+ years experience common
- Park closes at dusk, so you exit ∼4:00-5:00pm
5. Return to Livingstone – 6:30-8:00pm
2hr drive back, drop at your hotel
What’s Included vs Extra*
Usually Included:
- Return transfers Livingstone ↔️ Hwange in air-con vehicle
- Full day 4×4 game drive with professional guide
- Lunch + bottled water + snacks + tea/coffee
- Hotel pickup/drop-off
Extra Costs:
- Park entrance fee: $20 USD per person, cash at gate
- Visas: Zimbabwe visa if required. Single $30, Double $45 USD
- Tips for guide/driver
- Single supplement: Some operators charge extra $100 if only 2 people book 27ba
Practical Details
- Price: $275-$352 USD per person ≈ ZMW 5,500 – ZMW 7,040
- Duration: 11-13 hours total. It’s a long day
- Group size: Shared tours max 6-15 people. Private tours available
- Minimum: 2 people required for most tours
- What to bring: Passport, cash for park fee, hat, sunscreen, binoculars, warm jacket for morning drive
- Best time: May-Oct dry season. Animals congregate at waterholes.
Hwange vs Chobe Day Trip
- Hwange: Bigger park, more remote feel, famous for elephants + predators. Longer drive but only game drives – no boat
- Chobe: Closer to Livingstone, boat + game drive combo, huge elephant herds on river.
Operators from Livingstone
Savannah Adventures runs 1-Day From Livingstone-Hwange for $330 pp. Lochinvar Safaris also does it from $261 + $20 park fee. 638482ea
Want me to check which operator has pickup earliest, or what the visa process is like at the border?