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Hwange National Park: Planning for Your Safari

Published

3 years ago

February 19, 2023

VicFallsLive

BY BEN WILLIAMS

If you’re planning a trip to Hwange National Park, here are a few

Hwange National Park is located in Zimbabwe and covers an area of 7,800 sq km.

Hwange National Park is located in Zimbabwe and covers an area of 7,800 sq km. It’s the largest national park in Zimbabwe, as well as one of the largest game reserves in Africa.

Hwange lies within Matabeleland North, in the south-western part of Zimbabwe (a landlocked country). The park gets its name from the Shona word for “large ironwood tree”. Hwange has many different landscapes including grasslands and woodlands that support a wide range of animal species including lions and elephants.

The park is home to an incredible variety of wildlife and has some of the finest game viewing safari lodges in the world.

Hwange National Park is the largest game reserve in Zimbabwe, covering an area of 7,800 square kilometres. It’s home to an incredible variety of wildlife and has some of the finest game viewing safari lodges in the world.

The park was established in 1928 as a hunting ground for white hunters and their clients, but today it welcomes visitors from around the globe who come here to experience what many consider one of Africa’s most exciting safaris!

The climate is hot and dry, with temperatures on average between 20-30 degrees Celsius throughout the year.

The climate is hot and dry, with temperatures on average between 20-30 degrees Celsius throughout the year. The weather can be unpredictable at times, but it’s generally sunny during the day and cool at night. There are no seasons in Zimbabwe: summer lasts from December to February while winter runs from June to September.

There are two main areas within Hwange National Park – The North part is for more adventurous travellers who want to explore wilderness areas.

Hwange National Park offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different travellers. The north part is for more adventurous travelers who want to explore wilderness areas, while the south part offers luxury accommodation at one of the many five star lodges within the park.The South part is for those who would like to relax in luxury at one of the many five star lodges within the park.

The south part of Hwange National Park, which is where you will find your luxurious five star lodges, is the most beautiful area of Hwange. You can go on game drives and walking safaris from these luxury spots.

The north part of Hwange National Park has some wonderful campsites but they don’t have the same level of luxury as those found in the south. However if you are planning on camping then this might be better for you than staying at one of the many five star lodges within Hwange National ParkIf you’re planning a trip to Hwange National Park, here are a few things that you’ll need to know before you go…

Know your itinerary.

Check the weather before you go, and pack for all seasons so that you’re prepared for whatever comes your way.

Know what to bring and what to leave behind by reading our Hwange National Park packing list here: [link].

Familiarize yourself with park rules and regulations; this will help keep you safe while in the wilderness!

There are lots of things to know when going on safari!

In this section, we’ll cover some of the basics.What to pack: You should bring plenty of water and sunscreen, as well as a hat and sunglasses (and maybe even bug spray). Don’t forget your camera!

How to buy tickets: You can purchase them online from the official Hwange National Park website, but it’s better if you do it in person at one of their offices in Harare or Bulawayo. There are also other companies that sell tour packages for Hwange National Park; these may be cheaper than buying everything separately yourself.

What to expect on safari: You’ll see lots of animals–elephants! lions! zebras! giraffes!–but since they’re wild creatures with minds of their own, don’t expect them all the time or in certain places at any given time (or even at any time). Also remember that many animals have babies right now so there might be young ones accompanying adults who aren’t usually seen together during prime viewing hours like morning or evening when light conditions are best suited for photography purposes; however this does mean there’s even more excitement packed into those precious few minutes each day when everyone comes together just right!

We hope that this article has helped you to plan for your next trip to Hwange National Park. We know how exciting it can be, but also how overwhelming! There are so many things to consider when planning a safari – from where you’re going and what kind of accommodation suits your budget, right through to packing for the adventure ahead. But don’t worry – we’ve got plenty more articles here on our blog all about planning an African adventure!-The London Economic

Hwange

Hwange Central finally receives long-awaited CDF funds

Published

2 days ago

January 7, 2026

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Hwange Central constituency has finally received its long-awaited Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocation, marking the first disbursement since 2022, Member of Parliament for the area, Fortune Daniel Molokele, has confirmed.

In a statement, Molokele said an amount of ZiG 1.3 million was deposited last week into a special bank account set up exclusively to administer CDF funds for the constituency. The disbursement falls under the 2024 national budget, following confirmation from the Parliament of Zimbabwe that no CDF disbursement will be made under the 2023 national budget.

He further noted that there is still no clarity on when CDF allocations under the 2025 and 2026 national budgets will be released.

“With this development, our local CDF Committee will, during the coming week, initiate the process of rolling out the approved projects,” said Molokele.

Priority Wards and Projects

The initial phase of implementation will cover five wards, namely Wards 1, 4, 5, 6 and 14, with the remaining wards expected to benefit under the next CDF disbursement.

According to minutes from a public consultation meeting held on 13 April 2024 at St Ignatius Primary School in Hwange, the community unanimously prioritised solar-powered boreholes with JoJo tanks and fenced nutritional gardens as the flagship project for the 2024 CDF cycle.

The project is set to be implemented at the following locations:

Ward 1: Chibondo
Ward 4: Baghdad
Ward 5: Empumalanga
Ward 6: Phase Four
Ward 14: Ngumija

Other proposals discussed at the meeting included the construction of an Advanced Level laboratory science facility at Nechilisa Secondary School and the refurbishment of Nengasha Stadium, but these were deferred in favour of addressing water and food security.

CDF Committee in Place

The public meeting also elected a new 2023–2028 CDF Committee, comprising:

Alice Phiri (Trade Unions, Women and Local Communities)
Luka Katako (Traditional Leaders and Faith-Based Leaders)
Bryan Nyoni (Youth and Local Communities)
Shonipai Muleya (Finance and Accounting)

Francisca Ncube was nominated as the National Assembly representative, while Teresa Kabondo will represent the constituency in the Senate.

The CDF bank account signatories and procurement committee members include Molokele, Luka Katako, Thulani Moyo and Alice Phiri.

Funding Clarifications

Although earlier discussions indicated that the 2024 allocation would include outstanding funds from 2023—bringing the total to an estimated USD100 000, to be disbursed in ZiG at the interbank rate—the Speaker of Parliament later clarified that the 2023 CDF allocation was no longer available.

“As a result, each constituency ended up receiving ZiG 1.3 million, which was meant to be equivalent to USD50 000,” Molokele explained, adding that the approved projects were subsequently endorsed by the relevant Parliamentary committee.

He also confirmed that no CDF proposals have yet been submitted for 2025 and 2026.

Residents seeking further information have been advised to contact CDF Committee Secretary Thulani Moyo on 078 648 3659.

Molokele said at least two public feedback meetings will be held once implementation begins, to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of the funds.

National

Education ministry launches nationwide one laptop, one iPad per pupil program

Published

2 days ago

January 6, 2026

VicFallsLive

BY LWAZI SHOKO

Zimbabwe has launched a nationwide One Laptop, One iPad Per Pupil initiative aimed at bridging the digital divide and expanding access to technology in schools, Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Torerayi Moyo announced on X on Monday.

The programme, being implemented in partnership with UNICEF Zimbabwe, will see the distribution of ICT equipment including laptops, tablets and projectors to schools across the country, with priority given to disadvantaged and solar-powered schools.

According to Minister Moyo, the initiative is designed to strengthen digital teaching and learning while promoting inclusive and equitable education. He said the programme seeks to ensure that all learners, regardless of geographic location or socio-economic background, have access to modern learning tools.

“As part of this initiative, I had the honour of presiding over the official handover of a major consignment of ICT devices,” Moyo said, adding that the resources would support the delivery of quality education and help prepare learners for a technology-driven future.

The minister described the programme as a transformative step that goes beyond the provision of devices, framing it as an investment in equity, opportunity and long-term national development.

Moyo also paid tribute to President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, crediting his leadership under Vision 2030 and the Presidential Computerisation Programme for driving innovation and public-private partnerships in the education sector.

“By placing a laptop and an iPad in the hands of every pupil, we are building the digital foundations of a knowledge-based economy,” he said.

Lastly, expressed gratitude to UNICEF Zimbabwe and other development partners for their continued support, noting that the collaboration is key to building a more connected and future-ready education system.

In the community

Two artisanal miners die in Umguza mine shaft collapse

Published

2 weeks ago

December 25, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

Two artisanal miners have died following the collapse of a flooded mine shaft at Cement Side in Umguza District, ZBC has reported.

The incident occurred early Tuesday morning after heavy water ingress caused the shaft to give way, trapping the two men underground.

When rescue teams arrived at the scene, officers from the Bulawayo Fire and Ambulance Services Department, assisted by local volunteers, were leading recovery efforts.

A survivor of the incident, Khulumani Nkomo, described the terrifying moments leading up to the collapse.

“We heard a loud cracking sound as we reached the ground, then water started rushing in. The two were behind us, and the shaft just closed, trapping the other one in the tunnel,” he said.

Nkomo added that attempts to rescue the trapped miners proved futile.

“We tried to dig with our hands and tools, but the water kept coming. By the time help arrived, it was already too late.”

A brother of one of the deceased miners said the family is struggling to cope with the loss, revealing that the victim was only 19 years old.