Wildlife Guide
Meet the incredible animals of Western Zimbabwe and learn where to find them
Mammals
African Elephant
Loxodonta africana
The largest land animal on Earth. Hwange is home to one of the biggest elephant populations in Africa, with massive herds congregating at waterholes during the dry season.
Hwange National Park, Zambezi National Park
Lion
Panthera leo
The king of the African bush. Hwange is famous for its large lion prides, while smaller populations exist in the Zambezi National Park near Victoria Falls.
Hwange National Park, Zambezi National Park
Leopard
Panthera pardus
Elusive and beautiful, leopards are found in rocky outcrops and dense riverine bush. They are often spotted at dawn or dusk draped over tree branches.
Hwange National Park, Matobo Hills
Cape Buffalo
Syncerus caffer
One of the most dangerous animals in Africa. Large herds congregate near water sources, particularly during the dry season.
Hwange National Park, Zambezi National Park
White Rhinoceros
Ceratotherium simum
The larger of the two rhino species, white rhinos can be seen on walking safaris in Matobo Hills and on private reserves near Victoria Falls.
Matobo Hills, Private Reserves near Victoria Falls
Black Rhinoceros
Diceros bicornis
Critically endangered, the black rhino is smaller and more aggressive than its white cousin. Matobo Hills is a key sanctuary for this species.
Matobo Hills
African Wild Dog
Lycaon pictus
One of Africa's most endangered predators. Hwange National Park is a stronghold for painted dogs, with several active packs regularly sighted on game drives.
Hwange National Park
Cheetah
Acinonyx jubatus
The fastest land animal, preferring open grasslands for hunting. Less common than lion or leopard in the region but present in Hwange.
Hwange National Park
Spotted Hyena
Crocuta crocuta
Common predator and scavenger with a haunting whooping call often heard at night around safari camps.
Hwange National Park
Plains Zebra
Equus quagga
Abundant throughout the region, zebras are a common and beautiful sight on game drives, often seen alongside wildebeest and impala.
Hwange National Park, Zambezi National Park
Giraffe
Giraffa camelopardalis
The Southern giraffe subspecies is common in the region, often seen browsing on acacia trees in woodland areas.
Hwange National Park, Zambezi National Park
Hippopotamus
Hippopotamus amphibius
Easily seen on Zambezi River cruises, hippos spend their days in the water and emerge at dusk to graze. Despite their docile appearance, they are one of Africa's most dangerous animals.
Zambezi River (Victoria Falls cruises)
Sable Antelope
Hippotragus niger
A flagship species for Zimbabwe with impressive curved horns. One of the most beautiful antelope in Africa.
Hwange National Park, Zambezi National Park
Greater Kudu
Tragelaphus strepsiceros
Majestic antelope with magnificent spiral horns, commonly found in woodland habitats throughout the region.
Hwange National Park, Matobo Hills
Impala
Aepyceros melampus
The most abundant antelope in the region. Graceful and athletic, impala are often the first animals you see on a safari.
All parks
Blue Wildebeest
Connochaetes taurinus
Common on open plains, wildebeest are often seen in mixed herds with zebra.
Hwange National Park
Gemsbok
Oryx gazella
A desert-adapted antelope with striking straight horns, found in the arid southern parts of Hwange.
Hwange National Park (southern sections)
Warthog
Phacochoerus africanus
Commonly seen grazing with tails held high, warthogs are a delightful sight even in Victoria Falls town.
All parks, Victoria Falls town
Chacma Baboon
Papio ursinus
Social and intelligent primates found throughout the region. Keep food and belongings secure around them.
All parks, Victoria Falls town
Vervet Monkey
Chlorocebus pygerythrus
Small, agile monkeys commonly seen in hotel grounds and lodge gardens. Opportunistic feeders who will steal food if given the chance.
All parks, Victoria Falls town
Banded Mongoose
Mungos mungo
Often seen in large, active troops foraging across lodge grounds and open areas.
All parks, lodge grounds
Roan Antelope
Hippotragus equinus
A large, striking antelope that is less common than its cousin the sable. A prized sighting on safari.
Hwange National Park
Waterbuck
Kobus ellipsiprymnus
Always found near water, as their name suggests. Recognisable by the white ring on their rump.
Hwange National Park, Zambezi National Park
Klipspringer
Oreotragus oreotragus
Small antelope adapted to rocky environments, often seen standing on rock ledges in pairs.
Matobo Hills
Rock Dassie
Procavia capensis
Despite looking like a large rodent, the rock hyrax is actually the closest living relative of the elephant. Found sunning themselves on rocks.
Matobo Hills
Birds
African Fish Eagle
Haliaeetus vocifer
Its haunting call is known as the "voice of Africa." Commonly seen and heard along the Zambezi River.
Zambezi River
Lilac-breasted Roller
Coracias caudatus
Perhaps Africa's most beautifully coloured bird, with vivid blues, greens, and lilac plumage. A common and stunning sight.
All parks
Southern Ground Hornbill
Bucorvus leadbeateri
A large, turkey-sized bird with a booming call. Often seen walking in groups on the ground, hunting for insects and small animals.
Hwange National Park, Zambezi National Park
Kori Bustard
Ardeotis kori
One of the heaviest flying birds in the world. Found in open grasslands, it impresses with its massive size and dignified walk.
Hwange National Park
Reptiles
Nile Crocodile
Crocodylus niloticus
Large crocodiles are common along the Zambezi riverbanks, often seen basking in the sun during river cruises.
Zambezi River