A new spot on the sign

Apr 23, 2026

It is very rare that a day goes by around Gwango where something unusual doesn’t happen. We have come to expect anything and everything and that just about sums up the unique experience of living out in the Hwange wilderness. Even so, every now and then, something even more unusual will catch everyone’s attention, making it very clear that there is still so much more to see and understand out here. Recently, that something has been a leopard at the entrance.

Leopards are not new to Hwange National Park. In fact, it is home to a healthy population and sightings, while never guaranteed, are always a highlight for guests. Over time, there are even a few that become familiar to those who spend enough time here. They move through the estate, mostly unseen, keeping to themselves as they always do.

This particular leopard is one of those residents. It has been known to roam around the Gwango estate, especially during the dry and winter months. But lately, it has chosen a spot that no one quite expected. During the day, it has been resting right on top of the main Gwango stone entrance sign.

It is not something you see every day. Guests arriving or passing through have been greeted with the sight of a leopard stretched out at the entrance, completely at ease, welcoming everyone to its home. For the lucky ones, this has turned an ordinary arrival experience into something far more memorable.

Every day for the past few weeks that the leopard has chosen to stick around, we have been reminded of what it means to be in a place like Hwange…this is their home and their environment and they will move freely and sometimes appear right at the entrance. Wildlife is very much part of the whole experience.

For now, the leopard seems comfortable with its chosen resting place. Whether it keeps returning to the sign or moves on, it has already left its mark as one of the most rare sightings that those of us who saw it will remember and talk about for a very long time.

 If you happen to be visiting soon, be sure to keep an eye on the entrance and your camera ready. You never quite know what might be waiting there.