Conservation work in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Working Together to Protect Hwange’s Wildlife

At Friends of Hwange Trust, we’re passionate about preserving the rich biodiversity of Hwange National Park. From pumping life-saving water during the dry season to protecting endangered species and supporting eco-tourism, we work hand-in-hand with ZimParks to help keep this incredible ecosystem thriving.

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OUR PROJECTS

As there is no natural surface water available for wildlife in the dry winter months, Friends of Hwange (FOH) works hard to ensure that sufficient water is available for the wildlife throughout the dry season.

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DONATATIONS

Friends of Hwange needs your help to assist with vital conservation work. By contributing, you are joining us in our commitment to ongoing wildlife protection and conservation in Hwange National Park. Please consider making a regular donation.

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Hwange National Park (HNP) is home to the Big Five (Lion, Leopard, Rhinoceros, Elephant and Cape Buffalo) and is one of Africa’s largest elephant sanctuaries. 105 mammal species occur here, including 19 large herbivores and eight large carnivores. All Zimbabwe’s specially protected animals are to be found in Hwange. An astounding 496 bird species and countless smaller creatures occur here. To date, 1070 plant species have been identified including 255 trees and shrubs. But it is the 202 species of grass that provide the most easily accessible food for most of the herbivores. This abundance of flora and fauna makes Hwange National Park one of the most diverse parks in the world.

Friends of Hwange Trust (FOH) works to conserve not just the elephants, but all wild fauna and flora in the National Park. This work is undertaken in close collaboration with the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZPWMA – ZimParks).

As there is minimal natural surface water available during the dry winter months, the Trust’s main focus is water provisioning for wildlife from plentiful underground sources throughout the dry season. In a National Park that covers more than 14600 square kilometers, with an estimated elephant population of about forty thousand individuals at the height of the dry season, this is no mean feat. As well as providing water for wildlife, FOH undertakes fire control, clearance of firebreaks, and upkeep of access roads. The trust supports anti-poaching deployments, data collection, human-wildlife conflict mitigation, community engagement and conservation awareness. We undertake basic maintenance of tourist facilities to promote eco-tourism.

Friends of Hwange is a Zimbabwe registered non-profit Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) and is totally reliant on donor funding. All contributions are guaranteed to help make a difference.