Zimbabwe's largest national park is also its star attraction, offering incredible game viewing and birding in what's highly regarded as one of Africa's top conservation areas. The park is named after a local Nhanzwa chief, and was once the royal hunting ground for the Ndebele warrior-king Mzilikazi, before being classified as a protected National Park in 1929.

At just over 14,600 square kilometres, Hwange National Park is the size of Belgium and an absolute must for any Zimbabwean safari itinerary. Located in the north-west of the country and easily accessed from Victoria Falls, Hwange's savannah grasslands and dense woodlands are home to the Big Five and more than 100 other mammal species. More than 500 species of birds have been recorded here and some 50,000 elephants roam its vast landscapes.

The dry winter months between June and October are the best time to visit Hwange which offers truly spectacular wildlife sightings as wildlife concentrates around waterholes. This is where you'll find a range of predators waiting to ambush hapless prey as they come to drink. With good numbers of lion, leopard and cheetah as well as painted wolves (African wild dogs) and hyena, the carnivore action is fantastic.

The rainy season from November to May turns the park into a lush, verdant paradise filled with incredible birdlife making Hwange a year-round destination and a huge drawcard to birding enthusiasts and photographers. With some wonderful lodges and camps scattered throughout the park, there's no shortage of incredible places to stay and Hwange is easily paired with both its neighbour - Victoria Falls - and Mana Pools National Park.