There is no place on earth like Africa.
You’ve probably heard that plenty of times before, but it is undoubtedly true. As one of the last places on earth where travellers can truly disconnect and enjoy the wide-open wilderness, Africa is just the place to go to have that unconventional adventure of a lifetime.
As the world’s wildest continent, Africa is best known for its safari holidays.
With the stunning savannahs full of wildlife waiting to be seen, picturesque landscapes waiting to be explored, and the opportunity to encounter nature at its most raw, it’s little wonder that the safari holiday holds a near-mythical status among travellers.
But as you sit down to plan your African safari holiday, you’ll quickly realise that Africa’s options are near endless and with so much variety, planning the ultimate trip means having to do a little research.
Two of the most iconic and beloved parks that you can visit are Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park and South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
Although both of these epic destinations are in Southern Africa, each is unique in just about every way, making them more suitable for certain kinds of holidaymakers. To help you choose between these two spectacularly wild destinations, this guide will give you all the information you need to know.
Hwange National Park
Established in 1928, and turned into a national game reserve in 1930, Hwange National Park, located in the northwest corner of Zimbabwe, is an expansive wilderness that gives safari-goers a chance to experience Africa in its purest, most undisturbed form.
Highlights of Hwange
- Home to one of the largest elephant populations in Africa.
- From forests to grasslands, Hwange has a rich biodiversity.
- Guests can enjoy seclusion and fewer crowds, as the park is remote.
Covering an impressive 14 600 square kilometres, Hwange is well-known in safari circles for its beautiful landscapes and huge wildlife populations. It is also famous for being rather remote and far removed from the busy cities. For this reason, Hwange is the ideal place for travellers who hope to have an intimate safari experience, one that is far removed from the bustling crowds found in some other parks.
Although the park’s remote location is a part of its wide appeal, one of Hwange’s other standout features is its massive elephant population.
The park is famously home to one of the largest elephant herds in Africa, with over 45 000 elephants roaming its plains. In addition to these gentle giants, the park is also inhabited by a range of other species including lions, leopards, hyenas, and a variety of antelope species, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.
Despite the park being seemingly well away from all civilisation, Hwange is home to some fantastic accommodation options. From quiet lodges built deeply in the bush to those more luxurious camps where guests can look forward to high-class fine dining and spa treatments, most safaris here are a perfect balance between exclusivity and rustic comfort.
The Kruger National Park
This one barely needs an introduction, as the Kruger National Park is a household name for anyone who dreams of an African safari.
Highlights of the Kruger
- Frequent and easy viewing of lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo.
- From mountains to bushveld, the park has a variety of ecosystems.
- Self-drive safaris, giving guests the freedom to explore independently.
Situated in northeastern South Africa, this legendary park covers an astonishing 19 485 square kilometres and is world-renowned for its incredible biodiversity, excellent infrastructure, and easy accessibility. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a first-time safari-goer, the Kruger is a park that caters to everyone.
One of the Kruger’s main attractions is the promise of seeing the Big Five. The park’s ongoing conservation efforts mean that these animals in particular are protected and able to flourish, almost ensuring that you will see at least a few of the Big 5 during your time here.
With an impressive network of well-maintained roads, the park is also just the place for self-drive safaris, where visitors can explore at their own pace. For those who would like a more guided experience, the park also has organised tours, night drives, and bush walks while there are also plenty of private safari companies who sell safari packages of varying days and which include a variety of accommodation options.
And while on the topic, the Kruger’s extensive range of accommodations is one of its strong suits.
From budget-friendly campsites to private luxury lodges in exclusive reserves in the Greater Kruger concession areas, there’s something for every traveller. This variety, combined with its excellent infrastructure, makes the Kruger the ideal destination for those looking for convenience without compromising on the safari experience. It also helps that the park is close to numerous other attractions, making a trip here one that can include many other experiences.
Wildlife Sightings
When it comes to wildlife sightings, both Hwange and the Kruger are rich with opportunity, but they do have slightly different experiences for travellers, depending on what their goals are.
In Hwange, visitors are most likely to be awestruck by the sheer number of elephants.
The park’s large herds can often be seen gathering at waterholes while they are also often spotted simply walking through the park, following their familiar trails. Seeing elephant families interacting is quite something special.
Other wildlife that you’ll see when visiting Hwange include lions, leopards, and rare species like the sable antelope and African wild dogs. Due to its remote location, Hwange also gives travellers more intimate wildlife encounters, since there are fewer vehicles at any given sighting.
Meanwhile, the Kruger is famed for its abundance of the Big Five. The chances of spotting these iconic animals are significantly higher in the Kruger, given the park’s dense wildlife populations. The Kruger is also home to well over 500 bird species and an impressive array of smaller mammals, reptiles, and insects, which means that if you choose the Kruger for your holiday, you’ll get to enjoy the complete safari experience.
Safari Activities and Experiences
While wildlife viewing is at the heart of any safari, the type of activities that you can partake in can greatly influence your choice of destination.
Hwange will give you a more traditional safari experience, with guided game drives and walking safaris being the most popular options. Walking safaris, in particular, allow visitors to fully enjoy and experience the African bush, giving them the opportunity to learn all about the smaller details of the ecosystem, from animal tracks to plant life.
In contrast, the Kruger has a far wider variety of activities, thanks to its excellent infrastructure. Visitors can sign up for self-drive safaris, night drives, guided walks, and even special photographic safaris. The self-drive option is particularly appealing to those who prefer to create their own safari. The Kruger also occasionally hosts less conventional activities, like movie nights and orchestral events.
Accommodation Options
Both Hwange and Kruger cater to a range of budgets and tastes.
Hwange is known for its luxurious lodges, many of which provide all-inclusive packages that include game drives and meals. The remoteness of most of the lodges means that you’ll often have uninterrupted views of waterholes, where wildlife frequently gathers. However, budget-friendly options are fewer and less developed, making Hwange a better choice for those who want a more exclusive, high-end experience.
The Kruger, on the other hand, has a far broader range of accommodation, which includes affordable campsites, exclusive private reserves, and even accommodation outside of the park, in the nearby town of Hazyview. For budget-conscious travellers, the main rest camps are a fantastic option, with their basic but comfortable facilities built in prime wildlife-viewing areas (often wildlife can be seen right up close to the camps). For luxury travellers, private lodges, located in adjacent private reserves like Sabi Sands, are luxurious alternatives for those willing to splurge.
Accessibility and Travel Logistics
Hwange is somewhat more challenging to reach, with most visitors flying to the Victoria Falls and then travelling by road to the park. This remoteness adds to its exclusivity, making it ideal for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure.
The Kruger is much more accessible, with daily flights from Johannesburg and an extensive network of well-maintained roads leading to the park. This ease of access makes the Kruger a popular choice for travellers looking for a hassle-free safari experience.
Cost Comparison
When it comes to costs, Hwange tends to be more expensive overall, especially due to its remote location and its focus on giving guests a luxurious experience. However, the exclusivity and quality of the experience often justify the higher price tag.
The Kruger on the other hand has a much wider range of options for travellers on a budget, with basic campsites, affordable self-catering accommodations, and more extravagant private lodges all within the park or in the surrounding reserves. The Kruger is also the ideal place to have a self-drive holiday which will generally cost less than a travel package.
Best Time to Visit
Both Hwange and the Kruger are best visited during the dry season (April to October), when wildlife tends to congregate around water sources, making for excellent viewing as well as clear photography opportunities. The wet season (November to March) turns the land green again and with the rain and dense bush there are generally fewer crowds, but the wildlife can be more challenging to spot.
The Final Verdict
In the end, choosing between Hwange and the Kruger comes down to your holiday priorities.
If you’re after a more intimate, exclusive, and luxurious safari, Hwange is your destination. But if you’re looking for variety, ease of access, a chance to see the Big Five, and if you don’t mind the crowds, then the Kruger might be the perfect fit.
Whichever you choose, both parks are ranked high up there among the best places to have an African safari holiday.