Finally, Zimbabwe’s time as a premier Southern African safari destination has arrived. Having emerged from decades of political turmoil, Zimbabwe is coming into its own and now is the time to book a luxury safari to Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe and experience privacy, great hospitality and outstanding game viewing opportunities.
Located in the heart of Southern Africa’s premier wildlife destinations, Zimbabwe is easily accessible either on its own or as part of an African safari itinerary. We take care of the logistics and connect the dots to make the air and road transfers seamless so that you don’t waste precious on-vacation time.
The Victoria Falls is Zimbabwe’s most famous attraction and is fast becoming a busy tourist hub with its international airport and wide range of activities around the Falls and along the Zambezi River. Hwange National Park is easily accessible by road transfer or air transfer from Victoria Falls.
For the most of the year, Zimbabwe’s weather is hot and dry, with the dry winter months (May- September) offering the best safari viewing experiences due to the fact that the grass is shorter and the animals congregate around the water sources. The lush wet green season provides exceptional birding and great photographic opportunities.
Hwange has always been known for excellent Big Five game viewing and now that tourism to Zimbabwe is on the rise, we are finding that the established safari camps as well as newly opened camps in Hwange now offer, more than ever, some of the best guides in the region, genuine hospitality and great value. Here are 4 camps that we like to recommend to our clients when planning an African Safari that includes Zimbabwe.
Linkwasha Camp
Wilderness Safaris’ Linkwasha Camp lies secluded in a private concession in the south-eastern corner of Hwange National Park on the edge of the famous Ngamo Plains. The area is rightly famous for year-round game viewing, with sightings peaking during the winter months.
Fresh, open design and contemporary interiors welcome you to your luxury safari tent in this pristine wilderness, while the main area features a pool, lounge and tiered viewing decks. Uniquely, Linkwasha offers the option to stay overnight in the star bed, raised on stilts and open to the African heavens.
When you’re not out on game walks and drives or cultural trips to nearby villages, you can relax on your private deck, with the chance to spot over 100 species of game from your comfortable seat.
The Hide
The Hide is a well loved lodge that has won numerous hospitality and conservation awards. A point of difference at this safari lodge is the opportunity to do up to 4 different safari activities per day. It is located in a private concession on the eastern boundary of Hwange National Park.
There are 10 well appointed spacious safari tents or an exclusive use camp called Tom’s Little Hide which is great for families as you get exclusive use of a safari vehicle. And for honeymooners, there is the Bird’s Nest treehouse.
Activities at The Hide include game drives and walks, community project visits and conservation-related experiences. An underground viewing hide at the edge of the waterhole is a favourite for photographers.
Somalisa Camp
Get to the heart of the action at Somalisa Camp, located in the middle of Hwange National Park, where the large elephant herds roam.
Tucked away on an acacia island overlooking the Kennedy Vlei Line, Somalisa provides utter luxury and comfort along with outstanding game viewing. Guided walks and drives reveal the hiding places of endangered roan antelope and shy leopards as well as better-known species of plains game.
Back at camp, guests are spoiled with a sumptuous main area complete with a splash pool overlooking the Elephant Pool and waterhole. The 8 elegant sail tents are private and indulgent with en-suite bathrooms, heaters and fans as well as a private deck.
Verney’s Camp
One of Hwange’s newest camps, Verney’s is located in a previously unexplored part of Hwange National Park. The camp offers a classic safari experience from its location atop a beautiful amphitheatre surrounding an impressive waterhole which is irresistible to a wide variety of game.
The 10 tents are perfectly placed for maximum serenity and privacy in the shade of the teak trees overlooking an open waterhole. Spectacularly appointed with en-suite bathrooms the tents are configured for both couples and families wanting to explore the wealth that Zimbabwe’s premier wildlife destination has to offer.
In addition to amazing morning and evening game drives, guided walks and game viewing from your private deck (perfect for those who like the idea of an armchair safari!)
Our thoughts: Linkwasha offers superb year-round game viewing. Somalisa Camp showcases eco-friendly hospitality and huge elephant herds. Tom’s Little Hide is great for families with children and exclusive use of the vehicle is included. While relatively new, Verney’s Camp is managed by Machaba Safaris who’s camps in Botswana are getting rave reviews.
Add Hwange National Park to your bucket list and we’ll tailor-make an unforgettable trip for you. Get in touch to find out how to join the dots and make the most out of your African Safari.