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Hwange National ParkNamed after a local Nhanzwa chief, Hwange National Park is the largest game reserve in Zimbabwe occupying more than 14,500 square kilometres in the north western corner of the country. It became the royal hunting grounds to the Ndebele warrior-king Mzilikazi in the early 19th century and was set aside as a National Park in 1929. Hwange National Park boasts over 100 species of mammal and 400 species of birds making it not only one of Africa’s top Big Five game reserves but a bird watchers paradise. The Park has the second highest number of mammals of any national park in the world and is famed for its large herds of elephant in the dry winter months. Hwange’s elephant population is estimated at around 30,000. The semi-desert Kalahari-like flora of Hwange National Park is also diverse with some 250 species of tree. The Park also has two interesting historical sites, namely Bumbusi Ruins, an hour’s drive from Sinamatella, and Matoa Ruin, northwest of Main Camp. Bumbusi was built around 1834 but stone tools found here were dated as being about 20,000 years old. Climate Winter (mid May to mid August) Miombo supports the FOH Trust which was formed in 2005 to offer a long-term solution to water supply problems in Hwange National Park. In 2004 the Park received very little rain and as a result the pans dried up prematurely and many animals died due to dehydration. Even many of the main waterholes that are normally pumped were not working due to lack of diesel and maintenance as National Parks have very few resources. The main objective of the FOH Trust is to initially manage 10 main waterholes in Hwange NP in terms if supplying diesel, engines, pumps, spare parts and supplies to pump attendants. For your interest there are some 65 pumped waterholes in Hwange National Park, but many require replacement or extensive overhauls. The waterholes in Hwange National Park currently under the care of FOH are Makwa, Jambili, Kennedy 1, Kennedy 2, Manga 1, Shumba, Mbuya Mabema, Inyantue, and Shapi. Exciting developments include four new hi-tech windmills in place at Kennedy 1, Shumba, Shapi, and Mbuya Mabema. Although they are unable to pump as fast as diesel-driven pumps, obviously are cost free after installation, and are ecofriendly. FOH hopes to bring in more windmills and even solar-driven pumps to provide a long-term solution to Hwange’s water supply.
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