Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe? If you're planning to go to Hwange National Park, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

  1. When to go to Hwange National Park
  2. Important essentials for Hwange National Park
  3. Activities for Hwange National Park
  4. Hwange National Park in January: weather and what to pack
  5. Hwange National Park in February: weather and what to pack
  6. Hwange National Park in March: weather and what to pack
  7. Hwange National Park in April: weather and what to pack
  8. Hwange National Park in May: weather and what to pack
  9. Hwange National Park in June: weather and what to pack
  10. Hwange National Park in July: weather and what to pack
  11. Hwange National Park in August: weather and what to pack
  12. Hwange National Park in September: weather and what to pack
  13. Hwange National Park in October: weather and what to pack
  14. Hwange National Park in November: weather and what to pack
  15. Hwange National Park in December: weather and what to pack

When to go to Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Based on the climate and weather in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, the best time to go is September. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Hwange National Park, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe by month

January

Traveling to Hwange National Park in January, you will notice that it is hot. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Zimbabwe has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Hwange National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Be careful to pick the right type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

February

February in this region is hot. Temperatures average in the 70s F (low 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Zimbabwe has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Hwange National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Make sure to find the correct type. A lot of adapters available online are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

March

March for Hwange National Park is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Zimbabwe has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Hwange National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Make sure to pick the necessary type. A lot of adapters available online are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

April

April here dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (low 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Zimbabwe has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Hwange National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. It's important that you find the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

May

If you are traveling to Hwange National Park in May, you will notice that it very dry with almost no rain. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Zimbabwe has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Hwange National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Check that you get the correct type. Most adapters available online are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

June

Traveling to Hwange National Park in June, you will notice that it very dry with almost no rain. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C). There is frost about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Zimbabwe has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Hwange National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Ensure that you find the right kind. The majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most places.

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

July

July for Hwange National Park very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Zimbabwe has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Hwange National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Be careful to pick the right kind. The majority of adapters that you can buy are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

August

Traveling to Hwange National Park in August, you will notice that it very dry with almost no rain. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Zimbabwe has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Hwange National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Check that you find the correct type. The majority of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

September

September in Hwange National Park very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Zimbabwe has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Hwange National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Make sure to find the necessary kind. Most adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

October

If you are traveling to Hwange National Park in October, you will notice that it dry with little rain. Expect it to rain sometimes. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Zimbabwe has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Hwange National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Be sure to find the right type. The majority of adapters available online are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

November

If you are traveling to Hwange National Park in November, you will notice that it is hot. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Zimbabwe has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Hwange National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Take care to get the right kind. The majority of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

December

December here is hot. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Zimbabwe has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Hwange National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Be careful to choose the right type. The majority of adapters that you can buy are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

What to do in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Hwange National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa, located in Zimbabwe. The park covers an area of over 14,000 km² and offers a fantastic wildlife viewing experience. Hwange National Park is home to a diverse range of animal and bird species. If you're planning a trip to Zimbabwe, here are the top tourist attractions in Hwange National Park that you should not miss.

1. Game drives

Game drives are the best way to explore the wildlife in Hwange National Park. Visitors can go on guided drives in 4x4 vehicles with experienced guides who know the area very well. During game drives, you can spot some of the park's wildlife including elephants, lions, leopards, wild dogs, hyenas, antelopes, and more.

2. Hiking trails

Hwange National Park boasts a number of excellent hiking trails that offer stunning views of the park's wildlife and surroundings. Visitors can take guided walks through the park's diverse habitats, including savannah grasslands, woodland areas, and forests. The hikes are led by knowledgeable guides who will provide you with information about the local flora and fauna.

3. Horseback safaris

Horseback safaris are becoming more and more popular among visitors to Hwange National Park. It is a unique way of seeing the wildlife and the park's beautiful scenic views, with the sounds of nature all around you. This activity is recommended for experienced horse riders; otherwise, it can be quite challenging.

4. Night game drives

Night game drives are a unique way of experiencing the Hwange National Park. A guide, equipped with a high-powered spotlight, will take you out to explore the park's nocturnal wildlife. This includes some of the park's predators, such as lions and leopards, and other fascinating creatures, such as civet cats, hyenas, and genets.

5. Painted dog viewing

Painted dogs, also known as African wild dogs, are an endangered species found primarily in sub-Saharan Africa. Hwange National Park is a great place to see these fascinating animals up close. Visitors can go on guided tours to see the painted dogs in their natural habitats.

6. Camping

Camping is an opportunity to get closer to nature and absorb the stunning views of Hwange National Park. The campsites are located throughout the park and offer basic amenities such as hot showers, flushing toilets, and campfires. Visitors can camp under the stars with the sounds of the wilderness around them.

In conclusion, Hwange National Park offers a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors. The park's diverse range of wildlife, scenic landscapes, and exciting activities make it one of the top tourist destinations in Zimbabwe. Whether you're an animal lover, adventurer, or nature enthusiast, Hwange National Park has something for everyone.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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