Connect with us

Slider

Hwange National Park: Planning for Your Safari

Published

on

BY BEN WILLIAMS

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

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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!

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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…

Advertisement

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].

Advertisement

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!

Advertisement

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

Advertisement

 

 

 

Advertisement

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Lifestyle

Marvin Dube: Spreading hope and gratitude through gospel music

Published

on

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

Born in Kadoma and raised across various towns in Zimbabwe, gospel artist Marvin Dube carries with him the deep spiritual and cultural roots of his Tonga heritage from Junamina village in Binga. Now based in the United Kingdom, Marvin is making waves in the gospel music scene, using his voice and message to uplift, heal, and inspire.

Advertisement

Following his previous single “Munoziva Zvose”, Marvin continues to evolve as a gospel minister and artist. His latest songs, Tinetariro and Tendai Mwari, showcase a refreshing mix of faith, gratitude, and reflection on the moral and spiritual challenges facing society today.

Below are excerpts from his interview with Nokuthaba Dlamini, Managing Editor for VicFallsLive, where Marvin opened up about his inspiration, journey, and the purpose behind his new work.

What inspired these new songs, and what message do you hope listeners take away from them?

Advertisement

Marvin Dube:

Both Tinetariro and Tendai Mwari were born out of reflection and prayer. Tinetariro speaks about hope — the kind that reminds us we are God’s children, even in times of moral decline and confusion. I was inspired by the challenges we are facing today, especially among the youth. Many have lost direction and respect, and social media has become a space where spiritual values are often mocked.

I wanted to use Tinetariro to remind people that there’s still hope for our generation — that God hasn’t forgotten us.

Advertisement

Tendai Mwari carries a message of gratitude. It encourages us to appreciate God for the little we have and to remain thankful even before we receive the big things we dream of — the car, the house, the job. Gratitude opens doors, and I want listeners to embrace that attitude of thankfulness every day.

How do these songs reflect your personal journey or growth as a gospel artist?

Marvin Dube:

Advertisement

These songs mark a point of maturity in my journey. I’ve grown to understand that gospel music is more than melody — it’s ministry. I now write with more purpose, aiming to address real issues affecting believers and society. Tinetariro and Tendai Mwari reflect my growth in both faith and artistry, showing that gospel music can heal, correct, and inspire all at once.

Can you tell us about the creative process, from writing to production, and who you worked with on this project?

Marvin Dube:

Advertisement

My creative process is very spiritual and organic. I draw a lot of inspiration from preaching. Often, a melody will start as a small tune in my mind — it keeps ringing until I can’t ignore it. Usually, the chorus comes first. I then take time to pray for inspiration to write the verses so that the message aligns with what God wants to say through the song.

After that, I play the song on my guitar, record a rough version, and share it with the producer or the band I’ll be working with. For this project, I worked with Hertz Records, who have produced all my music to date. They truly understand my sound and help me bring my ideas to life.

I also want to give a special shout-out to my wife, Leonora, and my two little kids. They’ve been my biggest supporters and motivation throughout this journey. Their love and encouragement mean everything to me.

Advertisement

How do you see gospel music evolving in Zimbabwe and Africa, and where do you see your work fitting into that movement?

Marvin Dube:

Gospel music in Zimbabwe and across Africa is evolving in powerful ways. Artists are finding new ways to reach wider audiences by blending traditional gospel messages with contemporary sounds. It’s exciting to see how the gospel is being shared in modern, relatable ways — especially among young people.

Advertisement

I see my work fitting right into that movement. My goal is to be a bridge between generations — to deliver timeless spiritual truths with a fresh, modern sound that speaks to today’s world while staying true to the Word of God.

What has been the most powerful reaction or testimony you’ve received from people who have listened to your music?

Marvin Dube:

Advertisement

One of the most powerful testimonies I’ve received came from a young listener who said Tinetariro gave them hope again after going through a very dark season. They told me the song reminded them that God still has a plan for their life. Hearing that touched me deeply. It’s moments like those that remind me this is more than music — it’s ministry, and I’m humbled that God is using my songs to touch lives.

Closing Note

Marvin Dube:

Advertisement

I’m truly grateful for the love and support I’ve received for Tinetariro and Tendai Mwari. If you haven’t listened yet, both songs are available on all streaming platforms and on my YouTube channel, Marvin Dube. The year 2026 will be even more exciting, with several projects already in motion that I believe will uplift and bless many lives.

 

Advertisement
Continue Reading

National

Zimbabwe moves to establish tough drug control agency amid rising substance abuse crisis

Published

on

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

As Zimbabwe battles a surge in drug and substance abuse, the government has tabled a new Bill in Parliament seeking to establish a powerful agency to coordinate enforcement, rehabilitation, and prevention programmes across the country.

Advertisement

The National Drug and Substance Abuse Control and Enforcement Agency Bill (H.B. 12, 2025) proposes the creation of a dedicated agency mandated to combat the supply and demand of illicit drugs, provide rehabilitation services, and strengthen coordination between law enforcement and social service institutions.

According to the explanatory memorandum of the Bill, the agency will operate under two main divisions — a Social Services Intervention Division to focus on prevention, treatment and community rehabilitation, and an Enforcement Division to target supply chains, trafficking networks, and related financial crimes.

The legislation describes drug abuse as “a grave internal national security threat” and “a public health crisis” that fuels organised crime, corruption and violence. It notes that drug profits have enabled criminal cartels to “purchase the instrumentalities of crime, including weapons,” and to corrupt both civilian and non-civilian public officials.

Advertisement

Under the new framework, the agency will have powers to:

  • Investigate and arrest individuals involved in drug trafficking and production;
  • Work jointly with the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, and Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe;
  • Establish checkpoints at ports of entry and exit to intercept harmful substances; and
  • Expand the legal definition of “harmful drugs” to include emerging synthetic substances, in consultation with the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe.

The Social Services Division will lead prevention campaigns, develop demand-reduction programmes, and facilitate the creation of rehabilitation and detoxification centres nationwide. It will also introduce a monitoring system requiring schools, employers, and local authorities to adopt anti-drug awareness and intervention programmes within 90 days of the Act’s commencement.

Each province and district will host offices of the agency to decentralise services and ensure community-level engagement, while traditional leaders will help devise local prevention strategies.

The Bill further empowers the agency to employ prosecutors from the National Prosecuting Authority to handle drug-related cases, signalling a shift toward specialised prosecution of narcotics offences. It also introduces a new, stricter “standard scale of fines” and penalties for drug crimes — higher than those prescribed under existing criminal laws.

Advertisement

In a major development, the proposed law integrates the agency into Zimbabwe’s Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act, allowing it to pursue unexplained wealth orders and seize assets linked to drug cartels.

The Bill stresses rehabilitation and social reintegration as key pillars. It obliges the agency to support affected individuals through psychosocial counselling, vocational training, and community wellness programmes aimed at helping addicts rebuild their lives.

If passed, the National Drug and Substance Abuse Control and Enforcement Agency will replace fragmented anti-drug efforts currently scattered across ministries and law enforcement agencies, creating a central authority to drive national strategy and coordination.

Advertisement

Parliament is expected to debate the Bill in the coming weeks amid growing concern over youth addiction to crystal meth, cough syrups, and other illicit substances that have taken root in both urban and rural communities.

 

Advertisement
Continue Reading

National

Hwange unit 8 breaks down, deepening Zimbabwe’s power supply challenges

Published

on

BY WANDILE TSHUMA 

ZESA Holdings has announced that Hwange Unit 8 has been taken off the national grid following a technical fault, a development expected to worsen Zimbabwe’s persistent electricity shortages.

Advertisement

In a statement released on Monday, the power utility said the unit would be out of service for ten days while restoration work is carried out.

“Hwange Unit 8 has been taken off the grid due to a technical fault. The unit will be out of service for 10 days while restoration work is carried out,” ZESA said.

The company said Hwange Unit 7 remains operational, generating 335 megawatts (MW) to support system stability, while power generation at Kariba South Power Station has been ramped up with “careful management of water allocations” to compensate for the temporary shortfall.

Advertisement

ZESA apologized for the inconvenience and appealed for public understanding as engineers work to restore the unit.

Zimbabwe has faced recurring electricity supply challenges over the past two decades, driven by ageing infrastructure, limited generation capacity, and low water levels at Kariba Dam. While the commissioning of Hwange Units 7 and 8 in 2023 brought some relief, frequent breakdowns have continued to disrupt supply, forcing industries and households to endure prolonged load-shedding.

The latest fault at Hwange comes at a time when power demand is surging across the country, particularly during the hot season when air conditioning and irrigation systems increase pressure on the grid.

Advertisement

Energy experts say the outage highlights the need for greater investment in maintenance, renewable energy, and grid modernization to stabilize Zimbabwe’s power supply in the long term.

 

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2022 VicFallsLive. All rights reserved, powered by Advantage