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As a long time Professional Guide and Co-owner of Daka Plains in Hwange, I am both incredibly excited and humbled to write a very short and brief description of this amazing area and ecosystem that we call our home. We are surrounded by one of the truly great National Parks in Africa, surrounded by an expanse of pristine and unspoilt ‘space’….I use the word ‘space’ because this is truly what we experience in this north western corner of the Park.
Hwange is the largest National Park in Zimbabwe and one of the largest in Southern Africa. Bordering Botswana to the West, our private concession is blessed with seeps and springs that provide clean fresh and reliable water for the wildlife in the dry season….water is life, sustenance and the chance of survival to a myriad of fauna – the unique birdlife, insects and tiny creatures, capped by the large mammals and mega fauna of this region.
Another captivating aspect of Hwange is the varied topography, landscapes and vegetation zones, from the low hills of the Sinamatella region to the more open Kalahari feel and small river systems of Deka, the extensive Mopani woodlands and then the Vlei lines and open savanna in the south of the park. One of my favourite experiences and not to be forgotten – the widespread Teak Forests, a very special feel to walk and be amongst these old stands that bear witness to an ancient land with a truly magical history!
Elephant on foot is both exhilarating and often daunting for our visitors, hearing lion roaring close to camp during the hours of darkness and then setting out at first light to find them. Using the age old skills taught from childhood, reading tracks and sign, wind and cover….sharing this experience with our guest and introducing them to a very unique and special insight to safaris!
Sadly, so many wilderness areas today have become crowded and over utilised…the far corners of Hwange have definitely not. Hwange is home to the largest, successful remaining population of African Elephant on the continent, some 40,000 in estimated numbers. These ‘Gentle Giants’ roam this region as they criss-cross between Botswana and Zimbabwe through a porous, non-visible border…. the largest of our African land mammals know no borders and move without restriction. In the dry season, Hwange is home to massive herds of these fascinating pachyderms traversing its varied landscapes.
As a Guide that loves to conduct and lead the traditional walking safaris and lead my guests on foot, Hwange offers both excitement and diversity – the ability to track and approach a Bull Elephant on foot is both exhilarating and often daunting for our visitors, hearing lion roaring close to camp during the hours of darkness and then setting out at first light to find them. Using the age old skills taught from childhood, reading tracks and sign, wind and cover….sharing this experience with our guest and introducing them to a very unique and special insight to safaris!
Hwange has an incredible number of bird species that form a vital part of this habitat, from the very unique Yellow throated Sandgrouse to the largest non-flying bird, the Ostrich. Mammals here are numerous from the large Elephant herds, the buffalo herds, the ever present Impala all the way through to the diverse Roan and Sable antelope.
Few places match this for the sheer numbers and concentrations of creatures great and small. Come and experience it. A place where one could easily spend several days on safari with so many different areas, vistas and landscapes.
I believe Hwange to be one of the last Great Parks on our continent.
