Introduction: Two Titans of Zimbabwean Wilderness

Zimbabwe may not receive the same tourist volumes as some of its southern and eastern African neighbors, but for those who venture here, the rewards are extraordinary. Among the most revered safari destinations in the country are Hwange National Park and Mana Pools National Park—each a bastion of untamed beauty and raw wildlife experiences. Both are UNESCO-recognized, both teeming with game, and yet each offers a safari experience as different in atmosphere and landscape as the dry Kalahari is from the lush Zambezi floodplains. Choosing between them—or better yet, combining both—comes down to what kind of wild encounter you’re looking for.

Hwange National Park: The Elephant Empire of the South

Located in the far west of Zimbabwe, near the border with Botswana, Hwange National Park is the largest game reserve in the country and one of Africa’s greatest elephant sanctuaries. Home to an estimated 40,000 elephants, the park is renowned for its vast herds, often seen congregating around the many waterholes, especially in the dry season from June to October.

Hwange’s environment is predominantly semi-arid savannah, interspersed with teak forests, grasslands, and seasonal wetlands. The variety of ecosystems means a wide range of species flourish here—lion, leopard, wild dog, buffalo, and numerous antelope, including the elusive sable and roan. The open terrain makes game drives particularly rewarding, offering long-range visibility for spotting predators and large herds from a distance.

The park’s infrastructure has developed steadily in recent years, with a growing network of high-end, community-conscious lodges located both inside and on the fringes of the park. These camps range from traditional tented bushcamps to luxury eco-lodges, many overlooking productive waterholes where wildlife viewing doesn’t stop even when you’re back at camp.

While game drives are the primary activity, walking safaris are also available in private concessions bordering Hwange, offering a more intimate look at the bush. The experience is guided by Zimbabwe’s famously knowledgeable professional guides, whose training is among the most rigorous in Africa.

Mana Pools National Park: The Wild Soul of the Zambezi

In the far north of the country, along the Lower Zambezi River, lies the iconic Mana Pools National Park—a true wilderness that stirs the soul of every safari lover who visits. It’s not just the game or scenery that makes Mana Pools special—it’s the rawness, the freedom, and the profound connection to nature it offers. This is one of the few parks in Africa where guests can walk unaccompanied, although most wisely choose to explore with one of the expert local guides.

The park’s landscape is lush, riverine, and rich with ancient mahogany and albida trees, whose cathedral-like groves provide shade and an atmospheric canopy for wildlife. The Zambezi River flows along its northern boundary, creating seasonal pools that become focal points for wildlife during the dry season. It’s here that Mana Pools gets its name—the “four pools” that remain long after the rains have passed.

Mana Pools is celebrated for its walking safaris, where you might track lion on foot or watch elephants rise on their hind legs to pluck fruits from trees—a behavior rarely seen elsewhere. It’s also a mecca for canoe safaris, offering days spent paddling silently past hippos, crocodiles, and colorful kingfishers as you drift down the river.

Wildlife is abundant, including elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, wild dog, and an impressive variety of birds. The experience here is raw and unfiltered—there are no fences, no crowds, and often no signal. It’s safari stripped down to its purest form.

Key Differences: Hwange vs. Mana Pools

Landscape: Hwange is dry, open savannah with scattered woodlands and waterholes; Mana Pools is lush, riverine, and shaded by forests, set along the Zambezi River.

Wildlife Viewing Style: Hwange excels in game drives, particularly for elephants and predator sightings; Mana Pools is ideal for walking and canoe safaris, with a focus on immersive, ground-level experiences.

Wildlife Density: Hwange has more consistently visible game across larger areas, including large elephant herds and predators; Mana Pools offers more intimate, less predictable, and often more dramatic wildlife interactions.

Accessibility: Hwange is more accessible by road from Victoria Falls; Mana Pools requires a charter flight or long drive and is seasonal (typically open from April to November).

Atmosphere: Hwange feels classic and expansive, with broad horizons and dramatic waterhole scenes; Mana Pools feels secretive, enchanted, and deeply wild—almost like a place from another time.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Hwange if:

You are new to safaris and want classic game viewing with high chances of seeing the Big Five.

You appreciate comfort and variety, with a mix of game drives and the option for short walks.

You’re traveling from Victoria Falls and prefer easy access.

Choose Mana Pools if:

You’ve done traditional safaris before and want a deeper, more participatory experience.

You’re drawn to wilderness, walking, and water-based activities.

You want to truly disconnect—physically and mentally—and embrace Africa on its terms.

For those who can, combining both Hwange and Mana Pools into a single itinerary is the ultimate Zimbabwean safari. Together, they represent the full range of what makes this country’s wild places so compelling—majestic herds, secret forests, open plains, and intimate, unforgettable encounters with nature.