Full-Day Hwange Safari with Two Game Drives, Painted Dog Centre & Open 4x4

Early Morning – Departure from Victoria Falls

6:00 AM – pickup from your Victoria Falls hotel or lodge

Drive to Hwange National Park

Distance: about 180 km

Drive time: approximately 2.5 to 3 hours

Scenic route through rural Zimbabwean villages

Arrival at Hwange National Park

Arrive at Hwange Main Camp

Transfer to an open 4x4 safari vehicle

Painted Dog Conservation Center Visit

Visit the Painted Dog Conservation Center

Meet a professional guide

Learn about the center's conservation work

Interact with the endangered African wild dogs

Understand rehabilitation and reintroduction efforts

Visit duration: about 1 hour

About Hwange's Painted Dogs:

Hwange is one of Africa's premier strongholds for painted wolves

Estimated 200 individuals across more than 30 packs

The park has 60 man-made water holes with raised wooden hides for viewing

Best viewing season: April through October (dry season)

The Painted Dog Conservation project is one of Africa's longest-running protection initiatives

Morning Game Drive

Board the open safari vehicle

2.5 to 3-hour game drive

Visit water holes where animals gather to drink

Spot a wide range of wildlife

Animals you may see:

Elephants – large herds (over 40,000 in the park)

Buffalo

Lions

Leopards

White rhino

Giraffes

Zebras

Sable antelope

Wildebeest

Impalas

Over 100 mammal species and 400 bird species

Midday, lunch break

A picnic lunch inside the park, for your own account

Or lunch at Hwange Safari Lodge, for your own account

Relax and enjoy the surroundings

Afternoon Game Drive

Second game drive in the afternoon

Best viewing occurs as the sun cools and animals head to water holes

Sunset provides spectacular photo opportunities

Drive lasts about 2.5 to 3 hours

Late Afternoon – Return to Victoria Falls

4:00 PM – depart Hwange National Park

Drive back to Victoria Falls

Arrive at your hotel around 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM

End of Day Trip.

What's Included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Professional safari guide

Open 4x4 safari vehicle

Two game drives (morning and afternoon)

Painted Dog Conservation Center visit

Bottled water

What's Not Included

National park entry fee – approximately $20 USD per person

Lunch and drinks at the midday stop

Gratuities

Personal expenses

Visas

What to Bring

Passport

Camera with zoom lens

Binoculars

Sunscreen and hat

Comfortable walking shoes

Jacket (winter mornings and evenings are cold)

Water bottle

Cash for park fees and souvenirs

Tips

Avoid wearing bright colors

Road conditions can be rough – prepare for a bumpy ride

Winter (June–August) mornings are very cold – dress warmly

Summer (October–November) is extremely hot – stay hydrated

Book at least 24 hours in advance

A minimum of 2 people per booking is usually required