Haka Game Park

Haka Game Park is a protected area in Zimbabwe.

Haka Game Park at a Glance

Location
Central Highveld, Zimbabwe, Southern Africa
Coordinates
-17.833960, 31.152643
Crowds
Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
May to October (dry season) for game viewing. February to May for Victoria Falls at peak flow.

Getting to Haka Game Park

Nearest airport: Mkonono Airport, 79 km away.

Nearest international airport: Kariba International Airport (KAB), 282 km away.

Weather & Climate in Haka Game Park

The warmest temperatures in Haka Game Park occur in November, averaging 21.5°C (up to 27.8°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 14.1°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in September with average rainfall of 0.4mm. Average humidity: 43.3%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 19.2°C (rainfall: 233.6mm)
  • February: 19.8°C (rainfall: 107.1mm)
  • March: 19.7°C (rainfall: 37.9mm)
  • April: 18.6°C (rainfall: 40.9mm)
  • May: 16.5°C (rainfall: 1.8mm)
  • June: 14.5°C (rainfall: 3.6mm)
  • July: 14.1°C (rainfall: 1.0mm)
  • August: 16.9°C (rainfall: 0.5mm)
  • September: 20.0°C (rainfall: 0.4mm)
  • October: 21.4°C (rainfall: 36.6mm)
  • November: 21.5°C (rainfall: 104.8mm)
  • December: 20.9°C (rainfall: 152.3mm)

Best Time to Visit Haka Game Park

The best months to visit Haka Game Park are March, April, May, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 19.2°C, rainfall 233.6mm, sunshine 9.3 hrs, humidity 82.2%
  • February: Good, temperature 19.84°C, rainfall 107.1mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 76%
  • March: Great, temperature 19.69°C, rainfall 37.9mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 70.9%
  • April: Great, temperature 18.56°C, rainfall 40.9mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 65.2%
  • May: Great, temperature 16.47°C, rainfall 1.8mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 56%
  • June: Great, temperature 14.5°C, rainfall 3.6mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 56.1%
  • July: Great, temperature 14.13°C, rainfall 1mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 51.5%
  • August: Great, temperature 16.87°C, rainfall 0.5mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 46.2%
  • September: Great, temperature 19.98°C, rainfall 0.4mm, sunshine 11.5 hrs, humidity 43.3%
  • October: Great, temperature 21.45°C, rainfall 36.6mm, sunshine 11.5 hrs, humidity 48.5%
  • November: Great, temperature 21.46°C, rainfall 104.8mm, sunshine 11.4 hrs, humidity 61.1%
  • December: Good, temperature 20.93°C, rainfall 152.3mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 69.2%

Wildlife in Haka Game Park

Home to 80 recorded species including 36 iconic birds, 22 birds of prey, 18 waterbirds, 2 big herbivores, 1 reptiles, 1 tropical birds.

Recommended Packing List for Haka Game Park

Based on average temperature of 18.6°C, typical conditions, humidity 61%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 19°C weather
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Haka Game Park

19 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Central Highveld

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Zimbabwe

Travel advisory for Zimbabwe

Haka Game Park FAQs

What specific wildlife can I expect to encounter at Haka Game Park, and is it known for any particular species?

Haka Game Park is renowned for its diverse plains game, including zebra, giraffe, various antelope species like kudu and impala, and often hippos and crocodiles in its water features. While not a 'Big Five' destination, it offers excellent birdwatching opportunities and a chance for more intimate wildlife viewing.

What is the optimal time to visit Haka Game Park for wildlife viewing, and what kind of safari experience does it offer?

The dry season, typically from May to October, is ideal for visiting Haka Game Park as animals congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot. This park provides a more intimate and tranquil safari experience, perfect for those seeking a peaceful encounter with nature away from bustling tourist routes.

How accessible is Haka Game Park for independent travelers, and what are the typical entry fees or activity costs?

Haka Game Park is conveniently located near Harare, making it easily accessible by car for a day trip or short stay, even for independent travelers. Entry fees are generally affordable, and specific activity costs for game drives or guided walks can be confirmed directly with the park or local tour operators upon arrival.

Beyond traditional game drives, what unique activities are available at Haka Game Park, and what accommodation options are there?

Besides self-drive or guided game drives, Haka Game Park often offers opportunities for birdwatching, fishing, and guided bush walks, allowing for a deeper connection with the environment. While there might be basic camping or self-catering lodges within the park, more extensive accommodation options are readily available in nearby Harare.

What essential safety tips and preparations should visitors consider for a trip to Haka Game Park?

Visitors to Haka Game Park should always adhere to park rules, stay in their vehicles unless in designated safe areas, and maintain a respectful distance from wildlife. It's advisable to carry sufficient water, sun protection, and a basic first-aid kit, especially if planning self-guided activities or longer stays.

Recommended Books

  • Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight by Alexandra Fuller - Raw and unflinching memoir of growing up in Rhodesia/Zimbabwe during the civil war. One of the most honest accounts of life in southern Africa.
  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • Lonely Planet Botswana & Namibia by Lonely Planet - Covers the Okavango Delta, Chobe, Etosha, Sossusvlei, and the Skeleton Coast. Essential for self-drive safaris through two of southern Africa's wildest destinations.
  • Lonely Planet Zambia & Mozambique by Lonely Planet - From Victoria Falls and South Luangwa to Mozambique's pristine coastline. Practical advice for two of Africa's most rewarding off-the-beaten-path destinations.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • Lonely Planet Southern Africa by Lonely Planet - Covers South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. Practical planning information with detailed park and city guides.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Bradt Guide: Zimbabwe by Paul Murray - The most detailed guide to Zimbabwe including Hwange, Mana Pools, Matobo Hills, and Victoria Falls. Written by a Zimbabwe specialist with decades of experience.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Roberts Bird Guide by Hugh Chittenden, Greg Davies & Ingrid Weiersbye - Comprehensive southern African bird guide covering 960+ species with detailed range maps and illustrations. The birder's bible for safaris in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Sasol Birds of Southern Africa by Ian Sinclair, Phil Hockey & Warwick Tarboton - The southern Africa birding bible. Covers over 950 species with detailed illustrations, distribution maps, and habitat notes. The most trusted bird field guide for South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.