Why Hwange in Green Season Should Be Your Safari Choice

When people ask when to go on safari, the dry season often gets all the spotlight. It’s reliable, the grass is low, and animals crowd around shrinking water sources. But this year I decided to take a different route, literally and figuratively, and visit Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe during the lush and vibrant green season.

We have all heard the rumours that green season in Africa typically means fewer sightings, thicker vegetation, and dispersed wildlife. But what I actually experienced was something far more special: breathtaking beauty, exceptional value, intimate encounters, and some of the best cat sightings of my life. This trip truly rewrote the safari rulebook for me, and I am fortunate to have a lot to compare it to.

Best. Lion. Sighting. Ever.

Let’s just start with the moment that set the high standard for our trip.

It was late afternoon as we were approaching our first lodge ready to start our Hwange experience. The golden light was beautiful, as we traversed over the savannah. We pulled up to a clearing and there they were: a massive pride of lions. Not just one or two, but a beautiful black-maned Kalahari male, three lionesses, and three sets of cubs, each at a different stage of cubhood all sat out in the open on sandy mounds, almost like they were posing just for us.

The male was a picture of strength and regality, his mane dark and thick against the soft grasses. He lay proudly at the edge of the pride, eyes half-closed but always alert, exuding the quiet authority of a seasoned king. The lionesses moved with calm precision, casting watchful glances over the cubs while occasionally nuzzling each other in sisterly affection. And the cubs……oh, the cubs…..they tumbled over each other in bursts of playful chaos, attempting mock hunts on each other’s tails and pouncing with all the uncoordinated enthusiasm of youth. Each one had a distinct personality, but all of them shared the same curiosity and joy, completely captivating to watch, and impossible to forget.

This wasn’t just a sighting, it was a moment. One that made me realise green season doesn’t mean less… sometimes it means more.

Cheetah vs. Jackal – The Unexpected Showdown

As if the lion pride hadn’t already made my trip, the very next day served up a cheetah in pursuit of dinner. Starting from right in front of our lodge. We watched him move with precision and grace through the grass, every muscle taut, every paw placement calculated. You could feel the tension in the air. But someone else was watching too.

A crafty jackal had picked up on the cheetah’s trail and had other plans. Instead of hunting, it seemed the jackal was hunting chaos. Every time the cheetah got close to the impalas, the jackal would create a fluster and give away the cheetah’s position. It was a wild, unscripted safari moment. Nature, in all its unpredictability.

The Elusive Wild Dogs? Not This Time.

If there’s one species that eludes many safari-goers, it’s the African wild dog. But Amalinda’s Private Concession, neighbouring Hwange National Park, I struck gold. We first spotted the pack in the late afternoon, relaxing in the tall grass. Camouflaged yet visible, they yawned, stretched, and rolled about. It was serene, yet enthralling – the kind of quiet observation that leaves a lasting impression.

But it was the next morning that brought the thrill. We found them again, this time wide awake and full of energy, loping through the open terrain near a waterhole. They paused now and then to scout the horizon, then burst into motion with bursts of speed that left us breathless. With no rush, no other vehicles, and nothing but the rising sun and the call of the bush around us, it felt like we were witnessing a private showing of one of Africa’s most endangered and enigmatic species. We followed them for what felt like forever, watching their social interactions, their scouting, their speed. No rush, no crowds – just us and this rare, endangered pack, living their wild lives. A dream encounter.

Why Green Season is Seriously Underrated

The green season in Hwange National Park typically runs from late November through to the end of April. Here’s the secret no one’s talking about: green season safaris are incredible value for money. With pay-stay specials, you can stretch your stay, and consequently potential sightings, without stretching your budget. Plus, the landscapes are absolutely gorgeous. Think endless green plains, dramatic skies, fresh waterholes, and animals in their best condition. The air feels clean, the colours pop, and the whole environment hums with new life. Even better? Fewer visitors. That means there is regularly no vehicle traffic at sightings, more one-on-one time with guides, and the feeling that you have the whole park to yourself. It’s intimate, peaceful, and deeply rewarding, like you’ve been let in on a secret safari season no one else has discovered yet!

Blue Skies, Green Bush – The Weather Was on Our Side

Let’s talk about the weather! It’s often a concern for anyone considering travel during green season. But we were incredibly fortunate throughout our stay. Aside from just two dramatic but short-lived 30-minute downpours, which were more thrilling than inconvenient, we enjoyed clear, bright blue skies and warm sunshine almost every day. Daytime temperatures hovered comfortably in the high 20s (°C), making for perfect game drive conditions. The light was simply stunning, casting a soft, golden glow across the landscape, making it ideal for photography. The air felt crisp and fresh, and the lush, vibrant scenery was a welcome contrast to the more barren, dusty months. Despite the green season’s reputation for rain, the landscape was far from waterlogged. In fact, the rain only enhanced the environment, bringing new life to the park and a sense of renewal that made the whole experience even more magical. Green season, it turns out, isn’t just about the greenery – it’s about a refreshing energy that permeates everything.

Two Lodges. Two Regions. One Epic Safari.

To get the most out of Hwange, I did something I highly recommend for any safari-goer: I split my time between two very different lodges, staying three nights at each. This wasn’t just about variety in accommodation, it was about experiencing the true diversity of Hwange, both inside the national park itself and within a private concession that borders it.

By spending time in both areas, I was able to explore dramatically different landscapes, from wide-open grasslands and teak forests in the national park to the more intimate, off-the-beaten-track feel of the private concession. Each offered something unique. In the private concession, we had the flexibility to go off-road for better sightings and enjoy night drives, which revealed a completely different world after dark – think aardwolf, genets, owls, and a spring hare ….. or 30! The guides had deep local knowledge, and the wildlife encounters felt personal, unhurried, and often exclusive.

In contrast, exploring the heart of Hwange National Park gave me a sense of the sheer scale and richness of this protected wilderness. The game drives here covered vast distances, revealing large herds of elephants, eland, buffalo, and zebra moving across open plains, as well as excellent birdlife. It felt like a safari in the classic sense. It is wild, remote, and timeless.

By combining both experiences, I didn’t just double my chances of seeing wildlife, I deepened my connection to the place. I got to witness the rhythms of life in two different environments, guided by people who live and breathe these landscapes. It’s the kind of itinerary that makes a safari in Hwange not just a holiday, but an adventure that stays with you long after you leave.

Bomani Lodge – Wild, Remote, and Conservation-Focused

First stop on our journey was Bomani Lodge, nestled deep in one of Hwange’s most remote and untouched corners. If you’re craving raw wilderness, fewer crowds, and truly authentic safari moments, this is the place to be. The landscapes here feel vast and untamed, and the game drives delivered incredible encounters. From powerful lions lounging in the shade, to great herds of elephants moving gracefully through the bush, to zebras, giraffes, and an explosion of birdlife around every bend.

But Bomani offered far more than just wildlife. What truly set this lodge apart was its deep-rooted commitment to community and conservation. During my stay, we had the chance to visit local villages supported by the lodge, where we met inspiring leaders and got a glimpse into daily life in this part of Zimbabwe. We also spent time with the anti-poaching unit, learning firsthand about the challenges and triumphs of protecting endangered species in such a vast landscape. And the rhino conservation efforts? Genuinely world-class. These weren’t just informative sessions they were eye-opening, emotional, and made me feel like my travel was part of something bigger. This wasn’t just a safari it was purposeful travel with a powerful impact.

Bomani Lodge also offers the unforgettable Elephant Express, a charming open-sided railcar that glides through the bush along a historic railway line. The journey offers a unique and scenic way to transit the park with fantastic wildlife viewing along the way. And yes, only in Hwange would you be offered the chance to drive the train yourself! I took the controls for a stretch (with supervision, of course), grinning from ear to ear… until we had to make an unscheduled stop for lions casually lounging across the tracks. Typical Hwange – full of wild, unscripted magic.

Just down the track from Bomani is Camelthorn Lodge, its sister property, offering a touch of elevated comfort and style. Here, you’ll find beautiful brick chalets, each with private rooftop plunge pools and decks perfect for soaking in the stars or the rising sun. It’s ideal for those who love remote wilderness, but want a little luxury with their adventure. And of course, Hwange always finds a way to surprise. After returning home, we stumbled across a viral YouTube video of rhinos casually strolling through reception at Camelthorn Lodge. Only in Hwange, right?

Amalinda Collection – Hide & Seek with Elephants

Our second stop was at the Amalinda Collection, the first night being at Sable Valley. From the moment I arrived, I felt completely at home, not just because of the warm welcome from the team, but because of the lodge’s effortless blend of comfort, authenticity, and connection to nature.

But the real showstopper? Their brand-new underground photographic hide, which is nothing short of magical. Imagine settling in at ground level, completely concealed, with just a small viewing window separating you from a procession of elephants. I spent hours there, mesmerised, as gentle giants padded in silently, some so close I could hear them breathing and feel the vibrations as they rumbled to each other. Tiny calves wobbled alongside their mothers, playfully flinging trunks and mimicking the adults, while older bulls drank and dusted themselves just metres away.

We were also fortunate to explore and stay at Ivory Lodge and Khulu Bush Camp, two nearby sister properties that further enriched our Hwange experience. Both lodges offered exceptional game viewing right from the comfort of camp, particularly around their waterholes where wildlife traffic was both constant and captivating. We watched elephants, giraffes, kudu, and warthogs coming and going in their natural rhythm, with the occasional dramatic showdown between species, making for unforgettable moments. What truly stood out, however, was the unwavering quality of service across all three lodges. The signature Zimbabwean hospitality was evident at every turn, from the warm greetings to the heartfelt conversations with staff. It was the kind of service that makes you feel like family, not just a guest, and every moment of our stay felt intentional and special. In the quiet hours between game drives, I loved nothing more than sitting on the beautifully positioned decks, a cold drink in hand, watching the wildlife slowly drift past the waterhole as the sun dipped lower in the sky. There was something incredibly peaceful and grounding about those moments. I can’t emphasize enough how much we loved it here as these lodges have a way of making you feel connected to the land, the people, and the animals in a way that’s truly unforgettable.

So, Would I Recommend Green Season in Hwange?

Yes. A thousand times, YES.

Hwange has always had my heart, as it is a park I have visited several times before. However, seeing it at the tail-end of green season showed me a different side and it was one that’s lush, wild, personal, and incredibly rewarding. The wildlife is still there (and thriving), the landscapes are jaw-dropping, and the value is unbeatable. Whether you’re a first-time safari-goer or a seasoned wildlife lover, this is the kind of experience you’ll be talking about for years.

With Victoria Falls just a short drive or flight away, you can easily combine Hwange’s untamed beauty with the thundering wonder of one of the world’s greatest natural landmarks. It’s the perfect African duo. So if you’re looking for authentic experiences, unforgettable sightings, and a touch of luxury, all without the crowds, green season in Hwange might just be your perfect safari secret.