Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe's largest wildlife reserve at nearly 15000 km2 it is a haven for over a hundred mammal species and four hundred and twenty bird species.
Hwange has no permanent ground water other than rivers in the far north and southern border, so the animals of Hwange, especially the 20,000 elephant, reply on the series of waterholes that are dotted around the park.
In the dry winter months the waterholes would completely dry up if it weren't for the pumps that are maintained by a number of private organisations.
Rainfall and the lack of rain impose dramatic changes on the bush which in turn affects the game viewing in Hwange.
Hwange in winter vs.
Hwange in summer is vastly different.
In the dry winter months the grasses turn brown and all the leaves from the deciduous trees lose their leaves, thinning out the bush.
This makes game viewing a lot easier.
Winter is definitely a time to view elephants.
One need only go to any of the pumped waterholes in the early morning or late afternoon to find huge herds of elephant drinking and playing in the water, often at the expense of other species which have to wait patiently on the sidelines for a turn to drink.
Summer rains between December and March rejuvenate the dusty vleis into bright green grasslands which are the staple food for impala and other plains game.
This a time of plenty; it's during the rainy season that many of the plains game drop their young which in turn draws the attention of the apex predators.
Water is so important that impala can literally delay their birthing until the onset of rain.
The downside of a summer safari is that the waterholes become less important as water source.
Game disperses when the rains start and it's unlikely you will witness the big herds of elephant the park is renowned for.
Birding in Hwange is generally good all year round but summer turns Hwange in to birding wonderland.
The park is probably best known for its raptors both big and small and in the summer months one can see the Steppe Eagle and Lesser Spotted Eagle join the birding mix.
An explosion of termites into the air after a summer shower brings the park to life and it's possible to sit for hours with a set of binoculars watching the raptors plus a variety of animals from baboons to vultures gorging themselves on the feast.
Whichever time of year brings you to Zimbabwe; I encourage you to make time for a Hwange safari.
The wildlife is superb and the accommodations and guiding in most camps, is of an extremely high quality.
Zimbabwe is our passion.
Be sure to step by the Maplanga Africa website when the chance for safari in Hwange next arises.