Accommodation

Hwange National Park

A unique, small and intimate eco-lodge reclaimed from a bygone era for true safari lovers who want to get off the beaten track and discover the pristine wilderness and abundant wildlife of Northern Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe.

Perched up on a bluff overlooking a large dam with resident crocodile and hippo, the lodge boasts one of the best views in the park.

Built from the foundations of an old Zimparks outpost, and using as many eco principles as possible, the refurbished lodge embodies the very essence of conservation and responsible tourism by re-purposing, preserving and celebrating the natural heritage of the site.

A hidden gem within a hidden gem, Nantwich is a lodge to which you’ll want to return again and again. Receive front row seats to one of the best wildlife stages in Africa and play an active role in your own safari experience. The stage is set for interactive experiences with our passionate team, their intimate knowledge of the wilderness area and your dreams of a truly memorable safari holiday. Wonderfully remote, there are fewer people in this part of the park and excellent game viewing awaits. The lodge provides exceptional views and extensive walking safari opportunities – for a truly immersive African wildlife experience.

Become a Hwange expert through guided bush walks and game drives. When not busy exploring the surrounding bush or spying wildlife right from your chalet, the Main Lodge is where you will find the open lounge and dining area, as well as a well-equipped library. Here, you won’t just be a visitor but a budding conservationist or African wildlife enthusiast. Your first fun fact? This part of the park has the highest density of lions in the park and those in the know refer to it as Big Cat country.

For the first time visitor to Africa looking to experience the continent’s remarkable wildlife in an authentic setting or the seasoned safari traveller looking to get off the beaten track and away from crowds and other vehicles, Nantwich is the perfect one-stop African destination.

A rustic, traditional camp of 8 canvas-walled units beneath cooling thatch, Camp Hwange overlooks one of the natural waterholes that make this part of Hwange National Park special.

Founded in 2010 by a well-known professional guide, Camp Hwange’s location is strategic. This private concession in the central part of Hwange lies between the rugged mopane woodlands to the north and the sandy soil teak forests to the south-west; it’s location here on this open savannah ecotone means that game viewing is as diverse as its habitat types.

Aside from fantastic game viewing, especially in the drier months from April through to November, Camp Hwange offers an excellent guided experience with a strong emphasis on walking and tracking.

Hwange National Park has among the highest diversity of animals of any national park in the world. There are more than 100 species of mammals here, including all of the Big Five, as well as over 400 species of birds. The park boasts huge herds of buffalos, and large numbers of the unusual and distinctive black sable antelope. Other animals commonly seen here include lions, zebras, giraffes, hippos, and hyenas. But Hwange is perhaps most famous for its elephants. In fact, more than 30,000 elephants live here, making Hwange one of Africa’s most important elephant sanctuaries. The park is also home to one of the last and largest remaining populations of African painted dogs. Because there are so few packs left, and their ranges are so extensive, a sighting of these remarkable hunters is a rare and memorable occasion.

From the awesome grandeur of the Victoria Falls, it’s an easy two-hour drive, or a quick 30-minute charter flight, to the seclusion of Iganyana Tented Camp. This Luxury Tented Camp is situated on a private concession just minutes from Hwange airport and Hwange National Park. We’re also right around the corner from the African Painted Dog Conservation Centre. Iganyana Tented camp is easy to get to. But, once you arrive, the rest of the world feels far away.

Tucked into a teak forest, our African Luxury Tented Camp looks out over the wide, open grass plain of a long-dry riverbed. This is, in fact, a highway of sorts. However, the only traffic on it is wildlife on their daily commute between waterholes – one of which is directly in front of Iganyana Tented Camp. Natural walkways of compacted red river sand lead to the center of the camp. Here, tall rain trees shade the large Bedouin tented dining and living area. This opens onto a large, raised wooden deck with a swimming pool, overlooking the waterhole just a stone’s throw away. Below the deck is the boma with a fire pit: the hearth and heart of the luxury camp. A low, sculptural wall of twisted acacia boughs is all that separates you from the wilderness beyond.

Our 15 large luxury safari tented accommodation have been specially designed and purpose built just for Iganyana Tented Camp. Offering 640 square feet of pure peace and privacy, all rooms have king or twin beds and en-suite bathrooms, as well as a separate dressing area, an indoor sitting area, tea and coffee making facilities, and double doors leading onto a shaded outdoor veranda. The sturdy steel-framed tents feature a double layer of canvas for additional insulation, and cool, polished cement floors topped with natural fiber rugs. The luxurious large tented rooms are elegantly furnished with lovingly restored antiques and locally crafted wooden furniture. Bathrooms are equipped with flush toilets, double vanities, and indoor showers with solar-powered hot water. Air-conditioning and electricity ensure your room is always bright, cool and comfortable. Top-quality bedding and linen guarantee a heavenly night’s sleep.

On safari at Iganyana Tented Camp, you’re free to do as much or as little as you choose. Because our game activities are optional, you don’t have to feel obliged to be busy in the bush all the time. If you like, you can spend your day simply detoxing from the stress of civilisation and sit peacefully on the deck with a book and a pair of binoculars. But it would be a shame not to experience all our game activities at least once. Each of them offers a special way to discover the beauty and wildness of Hwange up close.

Enjoy a bush lunch under the trees beside a waterhole. Here, you can watch crocodiles bask in the sun, while zebras and giraffes come cautiously to drink. Return to Iganyana Tented Camp in time for sundowner drinks and dinner. Then enjoy an evening around the fireside, reliving the special sightings of the day.

Deep inside a private concession, nestled inside the remote northern region of Hwange National Park, hides Nehimba Lodge. By combining luxury living with ultimate elegance and lashings of African charm, this Lodge is designed to create the most exceptional safari experiences. Our Main guest area and 9 spacious guest accommodations are thatched tents built on teak decks, overlooking the magnificent lodge pan – a favoured spot frequented by a variety of wildlife and large numbers of elephants, particularly in the dry season.

Nehimba sits firmly on the edge of the mopane woodlands associated with the north of the park and the kalahari sandveld of the south and west. All the diversity of Hwanges fauna and flora is within easy reach. No two days are the same at Nehimba and game viewing experiences are tailor-made to our guest’s preferences, including game drives, walking safaris and night game drives on our private concession in search of nocturnal species of wildlife. Whether you choose to track a herd of elephant on foot with your highly trained guide at dawn or spend the afternoon relaxing overlooking the waterhole on the deck by the pool, this wild and unspoilt bush paradise will guarantee you leave with memories to last a lifetim

At Bomani we do not have rigid schedules and timetables for you, our guests. Instead we prefer to tailor your time around you – it’s your safari after all! Choose to be woken with coffee in bed, before joining your guide on a sunrise game drive inside the Park or, opt for a relaxing lie-in before visiting the nearby village and school for insight into the daily lives of the local people.

If you are looking for an exciting safari destination – in a remote and exclusive area – with great game viewing all year round, and one that actually makes a difference to the local communities and wildlife, then you need look no further than Bomani.

Welcome to Khulu Bush Camp, Hwange National Park’s quintessential luxury safari lodge. Inspired by the breathtaking splendor of its natural surrounds, Khulu Bush Camp reflects Africa’s timeless wonder and natural beauty, providing you with the ultimate and utterly unforgettable safari experience.

Khulu Bush Camp is the smaller, more intimate sister lodge to its neighbouring Ivory Lodge. The excellent accessibility does not take away from its unparalleled feeling of seclusion and remoteness in the true African wilderness. Khulu Bush Camp is a tribute to Cedric Wilde, one of the Directors of the Amalinda Safari Collection, who it is named after. Khulu is the community and staff’s affectionate name for Cedric and it means ‘grandfather’. If you are lucky enough to be in camp with Khulu himself your evenings will be spent around the fire, talking of days gone by and strumming to old country tunes.

The beauty of this camp is that it combines luxurious and private accommodation with old world hospitality. Khulu overlooks an ancient riverbed, in today’s terms called a ‘vlei’, known to attract a variety of the greatest wildlife and bird life in Hwange National Park, right on your doorstep.

Resting on the top of the low foothills in the far north west of Hwange National Park, is Daka Plains. Probably the remotest Lodge in Hwange, this area offers guests an opportunity to walk and game drive some of the wildest areas in Southern Africa. The Lodge is situated in our own private concession in Hwange National Park so allows us the opportunity to do night drives as well. Daka Plains consists of seven units, made of thatch, local rock and canvas. Ideal for taking the whole lodge for groups, this unique place will captivate you. Big sky country is what sums up this wild area. Daka Plains overlooks the Deka floodplains and seeps which are the head waters of the Deka river.

Bumbusi Wilderness Camp Offers a Private Safari Experience inside Hwange National Park.  Many people struggle to find safari camps that are unique and private. Bumbusi Wilderness Camp’s historical ruins site and secluded game viewing offers guests the chance to experience a Zimbabwean safari with a difference!  The camp offers an exceptionally unique experience in a reclaimed corner of Hwange National Park where the various gorges, drainage lines and hills are perfect for safari lovers who like to explore a region on foot. The shady oasis of camp acts like a magnet for wildlife, especially the elephant as the season gets drier which makes for incredible game viewing.  Added to the walking and game drive experience, the Bumbusi National Monument adds a beautiful richness to any safari and is located a short drive from camp.

Zimbabwe’s Leading Tented Safari Camp – World Travel Awards 2019 & 2020

Somalisa provides guests with breathtaking views of the golden savannah plains of Hwange. A place where, one moment you are sipping on your gin and tonic listening to the distant baritone roar of a lion coalition on the hunt and the next, you are gazing over at a congregation of elephants mere meters away, peacefully sharing a sundowner with you. Hwange National Park is a land of contrasts from dense teak and acacia forest to vast open savannah, offering guests an exhibition of raw and diverse Africa. Somalisa Camp enjoys pride of place as our first-ever Hwange safari lodge.  It was built by our owner, Beks Ndlovu and is home to the quintessential African Bush Camps experience. Tucked away under the dappled shade of an Acacia grove, along the edge of an ancient seasonal floodplain.

Our intimate bush camp is perfect for a relaxing Hwange safari with friends and loved ones. The elegant style is infused by natural wood and organic features of the bush. Kudhinda, the Zimbabwean national material, is thoughtfully paired with modern decor influences creating an authentic contemporary African style. A full solar power farm and water purity system allow the camp to recycle 80% water used, Somalisa Camp leads the way in eco-friendly safari accommodation. It has been awarded the first GOLD Green Tourism Certification in Zimbabwe. Our seven tastefully furnished sailcloth tents are set on a private concession in the heart of Hwange National Park. This is where you will find nature and luxury seamlessly entwined. Your guest tent is replete with modern appointments such as a fan, a battery charging station, wood-burning fireplace and private viewing deck. Your bathroom, worthy of a special mention, is inspired by the romance of yesteryear, boasts an indoor and outdoor bathroom and features a copper slipper-style bathtub and endless views across the vast plains beyond. 

Explore legendary Hwange National Park through a variety of pursuits while staying at Somalisa Camp. Activities include walking safaris, game drives, birding and cultural visits. All are included in your stay and led by our qualified and passionate guides. These natural storytellers enlighten our guests by sharing their wonder and wisdom of the African bush with them. 

Verney’s is a private concession area in a typically un-used part of Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. It is a beautiful amphitheatre fringed by teak forest that opens up onto an impressive waterhole that is a playground to the famous elephant herds of Hwange. The camp is situated on the central side of the popular south eastern part of Hwange National Park, Verney’s Camp is a private concession of 10 000 hectares (24 710 acres).

Somalisa Expeditions exudes adventure and brings you face to face with Africa’s giants. Sit in your armchair and watch nature venture to you. Somalisa Expeditions is a place of bonfires, where stories and laughter are shared and where the striking African sky evolves from a bright orange blaze, with silhouetted acacia trees on the horizon and the twilight of the night sky.

Senses are awakened on game drives, bush walks, bird watching excursions and cultural visits. Our professional guides transform an experience from passive viewing of sightings to a passionate demonstration of beauty and wonder. Their wisdom about the African wilderness will fascinate and amaze you.

Capturing the ambiance of a mobile camp but with all the trimmings, Somalisa Expeditions offers with authenticity and comfort. Slightly more grounded with common areas on the land giving you a closer connection to the true wilderness experience, without sacrificing any luxury. The honest and genuine design of this camps truly grants you the space to explore Africa as it should be. Where guests make themselves at home in Serengeti-style tents with contemporary finishes.

Hwange Safari Lodge is located on the border of the world-renowned Hwange National Park.

The lodge is only 2 hours’ drive from Victoria Falls, a favourite with visitors from all over the world. Home to the world’s largest population of the African elephant, including the presidential herd, Hwange boasts an abundance of other wildlife including buffalo, lion, leopard and a host of other species. The prolific birdlife is a must see for the enthusiast with one of the world’s most diverse population of raptors.

The lodge caters for a diverse range of guests from the lone adventurer to couples, groups, families and tour groups. It offers comfort, modern conveniences and an opportunity to experience the real African wild. Don’t forget, a camera is a must!

The style of the camp is “Less is more”. A non-pretentious camp designed to blend in with the rock and bush which occur on this slight rise above the Deteema Springs. The tents are smaller than the traditional Machaba style tent, fitting in with the surroundings of one of the most iconic parts of Hwange National Park. The tents are comfortable with all the facilities of a luxury camp, including hot and cold running water, flush toilet and decks. The main area is tented on decks overlooking the Deteema Springs, offering one an opportunity to sit and watch the African bush unfold in front of you.

A safari camp with a strong legacy, Little Makalolo promises a magnificent experience in a diverse and wild corner of Hwange.

Up-close animal encounters. Thrilling sightings. Exclusive access. Little Makalolo offers an unrivalled safari experience in Hwange National Park, where the wonderful, wild scenery is matched by unforgettable wildlife sightings in this remote, exclusive region of Zimbabwe.

Hwange Bush Camp is an authentic 6 tent bush camp situated in the remote northern region of Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. The Robins Area of Hwange National Park offers guests scenic diversity with huge open grass lands, natural springs and water points - and best of all, you will have the area pretty much to yourself.

Our aim is to provide visitors with an exceptional game viewing experience in the African bush that is second to none. Wildlife experiences include drives in open 4X4 safari vehicles, generally combined with guided walks accompanied by one of our Professional Guides.

Experience exceptional game viewing at Linkwasha, on the edge of Hwange’s famed Ngamo Plains.

Linkwasha is positioned on the edge of Hwange National Park’s productive Ngamo Plains, an area renowned for some of the best year-round game viewing on Earth. During summer, the plains teem with wildlife, and in winter they gather in abundance at the many Wilderness-supported waterholes throughout the park.

Welcome to Sable Valley, known for its sprawling grassy plains and abundance of wildlife diversity. The Dete Vlei, home to Sable Valley, provides scenic landscapes of exceptional and rare beauty, sustaining an ecosystem of remarkable habitat and species, all whilst maintains its ecological resilience and amazing natural phenomena. The Vlei is home to robust populations of some of the world most endangered large mammals such as Cheetah, Wild Dog & Leopard. The natural habitats of the nominated area are diverse, with 1070 plant species which include about 255 trees and shrubs and over 202 grasses, 470 species of bird and 100 specials of mammal. The Dete Vlei plays a pivotal role of the conservation of wildlife. This pristine concession is co-managed and protected by Forestry Commission and The Amalinda Safari Collection’s Mother Africa Trust anti poaching unit.

This ‘off the grid’ eco friendly safari lodge is owner and family managed and has steadily established a great reputation for their personalised and bespoke experience complete with a passionate team, homely food and exceptional elephant encounters.  Sable Sands Lodge overlooks the ancient riverbed of the famous “Dete Vlei” and is located within a private Forestry Concession on the outskirts of the unfenced and world-famous Hwange National Park. Conveniently located 8km from the Hwange National Park and 200km from Victoria Falls, Sable Sands offers easy access to these African gems.  Comprising of sixteen spacious and open-plan thatched ‘rondavels’, simply yet elegantly furnished to create a blend of traditional culture, nature and modern convenience, this African Forest “home-away-from-home” welcomes guests to an exquisite safari setting in unspoilt surroundings. The main area holds the restaurant, lounge, library and bar with full views of the ‘Dete Vlei’ and the Sable Sands solar pumped “wildlife water- hole”. In addition, a quaint tree house and solar powered pool allow for guest to cool off during the heat of the day.  The Dete Vlei is frequented by herds of sable antelope, elephant, buffalo and other plains’ game species. Lucky sightings include lions, cheetah, painted dog, jackal and on the rare occasion leopard. Add to this the incredible selection of an estimated 350 bird species and you have one the most beautiful wildlife havens on earth.  In the evenings, guests can either enjoy a delicious three course dinner inside the main dining area or a cosy dinner under a blanket of the starry African night sky while the flames of the nightly camp-fire flicker in the wind.  Sable Sands harvests dead wood for cooking and heating up the traditional wood boilers. The lodge operates on generator power in the evenings and guests can charge their gadgets, each room has solar lamps for later in the night once the generator is switched off to allow guests to enjoy the natural sounds of the African wilderness.  At Sable Sands you will not experience the ultimate luxury, but you will be immersed by the enchanting teak forest and seduced by its peaceful and enchanting charm, where every new day holds the promise of a new adventure, unique discoveries, and a complete appreciation of the Natural World in which it is nestled.  Sable Sands is your ‘Safari Home with the Earth, People, Conservation & Wildlife @ Heart.’

Ivory Lodge, located in the forestry area on the outskirts of Hwange National Park, offers family-friendly safari experiences and is famous for its exhilarating up-close sightings of the Presidential Elephant Herd.

The Lodge comprises of a Main Thatched dining and lounge area overlooking a guest swimming pool and overlooking a watering hole which is frequented by elephants, predators and a number of plains game species. The rooms themselves are elegantly built on stilted wooden platforms offering elevated views of the open floodplain and watering hole in front of camp.

Located in a prime position in Hwange National Park, The Hide offers a life-enriching safari experience for its guests, from its fantastic game viewing right on your doorstep, to a variety of daily activities to suit everyone and the warm and welcoming staff, who make you feel like family from the minute you arrive.

Guests are accommodated in 10 beautifully-furnished deluxe tents, all boasting en-suite bathrooms and private verandas overlooking the busy waterhole. As well as 2 exclusive use options for private groups or families. Keep your binoculars on hand, as elephant, lion and buffalo can often be seen satisfying their thirst. 

Adventures include day and night game drives, guided bush walks and exceptional game viewing in the seclusion of the camp’s unique underground hides. For those who are a little more adventurous, The Dove’s Nest Treehouse is available at no extra charge. Located 10 minutes away from camp, this rustic gem sleep out has the perfect vantage point from which to view wildlife safely, quietly.

After an exhilarating day of game viewing, guests can retreat to the cool refuge of the camp’s swimming pool and can enjoy delectable meals savoured al fresco or in the elegant dining room. 

Camelthorn is nestled in the cool woodlands on the southern edge of Ngamo’s famous Plains. Here, you will be treated to a truly memorable safari experience, in pure comfort and style. Enjoy al fresco dining under our ancient camelthorn tree, savour your morning coffee in front of a roaring fire, track herds of elephant by foot, and enjoy close up photography from inside our look-up blind. This flagship lodge ticks all the boxes for your authentic African safari experience.

Jozibanini Camp is situated in the remote south west of Hwange National Park in a wilderness unused for nearly 20 years; only the wildlife and the Parks rangers who look after it frequent this area, once roamed by San people. This is a small, truly exclusive camp in a truly wild place, providing a unique, untamed wilderness experience.

The ecosystem here is semi-desert akin to the Kalahari in neighbouring Botswana. Ancient windblown fossil sand dunes are separated by shallow valleys where elephant paths have compacted the terrain, providing Imvelo with the opportunity for a unique experiment of game viewing by mountain bike. Imvelo is breaking new ground in Hwange in terms of the remoteness of the location and the uniqueness of the environment.

Ideally we recommend this as a two day add-on for guests from Imvelo’s other Hwange properties; Bomani, Camelthorn or Nehimba. These special guests will be looking for adventure; the day-long transfer to Jozibanini will be a ‘pump run,’ resupplying waterholes en route, providing an opportunity for guests to get involved in the incredible game water supply program that is unique to Imvelo.

Trees represent rooting and connection, which is one of the reasons why our family-friendly camps are named after our favourite African trees. The acacia tree is one of the richest symbols of Africa, its silhouette in the vivid orange and hues of pinks, harmonise with the tranquil sounds of the hornbill in the distance to create truly serene moments to share with loved ones.

Somalisa Acacia is the perfect Hwange safari lodge experience for families with younger children or, for smaller private groups of safari-goers. This family safari camp, located slightly to the west of sister camp Somalisa sits on the edge of a seasonal floodplain in Hwange National Park. Somalisa Acacia is tucked away beneath the dappled shade of an Acacia grove. A place where meeting an elephant in your backyard is not at all a fanciful notion. Especially if your backyard happens to be the largest natural reserve in Zimbabwe, famous for its rich diversity of wildlife. In addition to the large families of elephants that frequently roll across the golden plains of Hwange to visit the camp’s elephant pool, keep a lookout for swift cheetah, dazzling zebra, honking hippos and the graceful giraffe that may saunter into view.

Access this Hwange safari lodge from Victoria Falls International Airport via a 45-minute light aircraft flight landing at Manga Airstrip with a 30-minute game drive transfer to camp. Alternatively, road access is an easy 4-hour drive from Victoria Falls. We welcome children of all ages at Somalisa Acacia, making it a natural fit for meaningful and authentic memories with your family under the African sky. Honest, functional design principles embrace the surrounding pristine wilderness environment. The main camp area comprises of a lounge, dining room, boma and elephant drinking pool, a distinct feature. Acacia trees fill the space, creating a dappled stream of light over the deck which shapes an ambiance of tranquility and security. The splash pool at Somalisa Acacia borders the wild elephant waterholes which are visited by these peaceful, magnificent animals.

Somalisa Acacia accommodates a maximum of twelve guests. This intimate camp comprises two family tents with inter-leading walkways between the parents and children’s rooms which are both en-suite, as well as two additional stand-alone canvas guest tents. Each guest tent includes gauze sliding doors to a private deck offering panoramic 180-degree views of the surrounding bush. A fusion of textures from face brick to natural wood to copper lends a genuine organic atmosphere to this incredible family camp. Your guest tent is replete with modern appointments such as a fan, a battery charging station, wood-burning fireplace and bathroom that features a roll-top bath. Here, your Hwange safari activities include walking safaris, game drives, birding and cultural visits. All are included in your stay and led by our qualified and passionate guides. Natural storytellers, they are eager to share their love of the bush with you and your family.

An authentic safari camp in a classic African setting: Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park.

Come for the abundant wildlife, stay for the incredible sense of belonging.  Wilderness Davison’s in Hwange National Park captures the true spirit of an African safari, where crisp mornings, warm afternoons, breath-taking sunsets and fireside chats set the day’s tempo. Experience exceptional game-viewing across all seasons in a wildly beautiful environment.