Hwange rivals Chobe in the region for the sheer diversity of mammals present in the park as well as problems with elephant overpopulation. Due to reduction of habitat which would allow for natural migration, the park has resorted to pumping underground water for artificial water holes to keep the animals alive in the dry winter months.

It was quite cold (-3 degrees Celcius at night!) and windy for the first day after we arrived and we saw little game. But, when the wind finally stopped blowing one afternoon, we saw tons of animals as they all came out to eat, drink, and play.