Zimbabwe: Construction of a new multi-purpose complex at Hwange National Park's main entrance point has commenced!

The construction of a state-of-the-art multi-purpose complex at the main entrance and exit point to Hwange National Park in north-west Zimbabwe has commenced. The building, which is expected to cost about US$1.4 million, will comprise a new one-stop gate, tourism offices, an exhibition centre, visitor and cultural centres, staff and ranger housing and a car park. The new complex is the first significant investment since ZimParks, the Zimbabwean Parks & Wildlife Management Authority, and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), one of the largest animal welfare and conservation charities in the world, have signed a 25-year agreement to secure a US$50 million partnership to support wildlife conservation in Hwange National Park. According to ZimParks director-general Dr Fulton Mangwanya, the construction of the multi-purpose complex is expected to be complete by June 2024.

With 45,000 elephants, over 100 species of mammals, and 400 bird species, Hwange National Park is a core part of the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA) - the world’s largest transfrontier conservation area—established to promote conservation and tourism development. At a staggering 520,000 km² - an area almost the size of Germany and Austria combined - KAZA comprises a mosaic of land uses, with 36 formally proclaimed Pational Parks and three UNESCO World Heritage sites.