10 Best Safari Camps in Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park

1. Somalisa Camp

We can go on about Somalisa's ‘elephant pool' right in front of camp (perfectly situated for armchair game viewing) or its luxurious tented suites, but it's the camp's fantastic staff that really makes it a cut above the rest. Warm, friendly, courteous and helpful professionals who will feel like family before your first game drive.

Highlights:

• World Travel Awards 2019 winner: Zimbabwe's Leading Tented Safari Camp
• Fireplaces and large copper bathtubs in tented suites
• Fantastic service and hospitality
• Incredibly knowledgeable and professional guides
• The ‘elephant pool' in front of camp

Best for:

Couples

2. Davison's Camp

Davison's is nestled within a prolific wildlife pocket of Hwange and overlooks one of the best-loved waterholes for the area's elephant and buffalo herds. You will love spending time around the convivial campfire in the evenings while gazing at the stars and sharing the day's special sightings with other guests.

Highlights:

• Overlooks a waterhole frequented by elephant and buffalo
• Spacious main lounge and open campfire area
• Great birding area – spot specials like Arnot's chat, Dickinson's kestrel and Bradfield's hornbill
• View animals from the camp's photography hide
• Night game drives in a private concession

Best for:

Couples

3. Verney's Camp

Verney's Camp is situated in a very exclusive part of Hwange that is not frequented by other safari-goers and regular park visitors. This amphitheatre-like safari camp is built around a busy waterhole and fringed by teak forest. Each tent has been carefully positioned to deliver a superb view over the drinking hole while ensuring the serenity and privacy of guests.

Highlights:

• Situated in a serene part of Hwange National Park
• Built around a busy waterhole
• Beautifully designed tented suites
• Spot-lit night drives and nature walks

Best for:

Adventurous couples and families.

4. Linkwasha

This safari camp lies in the wildlife-rich south-eastern corner of Hwange, on the edge of the famous Ngamo Plains – a magnet for large numbers of game all year round. Linkwasha has been designed to be as eco-friendly and energy-efficient as possible while not compromising guests' creature comforts. It is arguably the most luxurious safari camp in Hwange.

Highlights:

• Situated in a wildlife-rich private concession
• Overlooks a prolific waterhole
• Spend a night in the romantic ‘star bed'
• Guided walking safaris
• See lion, elephant, buffalo, cheetah, leopard and giraffe on game drives

Best for:

Couples

5. The Private Hide

The Hide Lodge as a whole is one of the luxury safari camps in Hwange National Park which overlooks a favoured waterhole. Known as the former royal hunting grounds of the Ndebele kings, Hwange is well-established as a place of abundant game, a fact which is well highlighted here. Twice daily game drives, guided walks, and even night drives aim to expose guests to the exceptional variety of wild- and birdlife found in Hwange.

The Private Hide falls under the greater lodge and is a great choice for a family safari in Hwange. It's an intimate safari camp where children of all ages are welcome and you'll enjoy perks like private dining, a private vehicle and guide, as well as a private plunge pool. 360-degree views of a nearby waterhole ensure constant entertainment for all involved.

Highlights:

• Spectacular 360-degree views of Hwange
• Intimate tented camp with a family atmosphere
• Private plunge pool
• Watch animals and birds drink at a nearby waterhole
• Up-close game viewing from a photography hide

Best for:

Families with children of all ages.

6. Little Makalolo

The legendary ‘Little Mak' offers superb privacy for guests who prefer smaller safari camps. Being in a private concession also means that you'll be able to go on spot-lit night game drives and guided walks to experience Hwange's ecological diversity up close. The pool area is a great place to relax with a refreshing drink in hand while watching a variety of animals slaking their thirst at the camp's waterhole.

Between the diversity of the wildlife and the 400 recorded aviary species, there is plenty to see, a veritable paradise for photography enthusiasts. With its intimate layout and comfortable family unit, Little Makalolo welcomes younger explorers. For those who relish a little adventure, spend a night sleeping under the open night sky on the Star Bed.

Highlights:

• Intimate camp with a sense of remoteness
• Views of the waterhole from the raised pool deck
• Spacious tents with warm and homely interiors
• A sleep-out in the romantic ‘star bed'
• Up close game viewing from the photography hide

Best for:

Couples and families.

7. Somalisa Expeditions Tented Camp

Secluded in the depths of Hwange National Park amongst a grove of acacia trees stands Somalisa Expeditions Tented Camp. As one of the more intimate Hwange camps, it features a handful of Meru-style tents that ooze 20th century charm. Spacious private verandas offer guests a peaceful place to relax and unwind between activities while a cosy fireplace and boma in the main area provide the ideal spot for sundowners overlooking the waterhole.

Venture out on exhilarating game drives and guided hikes with expert guides to witness the area's wildlife; keep an eye out for lion, giraffe, leopard, and hyena to name a few. Back at camp, watch a seemingly endless number of elephant as they meander by and commune at the waterhole.

Highlights:

• Regular elephant sightings from the camp
• Modern, comfortable tents with en-suite bathrooms
• Solar panels to ensure constant power
• Fantastic game viewing on game drives and guided hikes
• Views of a nearby waterhole

Best For:

Couples and honeymooners

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8. Deteema Springs Camp

With a collection of springs on one side and Deteema dam on the other, this Hwange National Park camp is a hotspot for wildlife. The cover provided by teak and mopane forests and the odd boulder attract a host of plains game, endangered African wild dogs, and Hwange's iconic elephants. Its elevated position provide wonderful sweeping views of the surrounding water sources and vegetation, ideal for an armchair safari.

While well-appointed canvas tents and solar power ensure continued comfort back at camp, exhilarating safari adventures await away from home base. Venture out with highly trained guides for game drives and bush walks or simply sit back and see how many bird species you can spot.

Highlights:

• Ample wildlife sightings from the camp
• Game drives and guided walks
• A healthy population of endangered wild dogs
• An eco-conscious offering with low environmental impact
• Lovely views over Deteema dam and springs

Best For:

Couples and adventure travellers.

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9. Camp Hwange

Prepare for one of the most immersive Hwange National Park accommodation options. With wild plains as far as the eye can see and constantly available views, even from the en-suite bathroom, the wildlife rich surroundings captivate every traveller. Watch as the parks' gentle giants make their way to the waterhole accompanied by a variety of other game, including a diverse array of buck.

Enjoy a comfortable armchair safari at the camp in between adventurous game drives and informative guided walks identifying Hwange's smaller details. Alternatively, head to the log hide for a close-up of nature's theatre with daily acts taking place around the waterhole.

Highlights:

• Fantastic game viewing opportunities
• Excellent views of a waterhole from around the camp
• Log hide for closer observation of local wildlife
• Immersive natural experience
• Regular elephant sightings around the camp

Best For:

Couples, groups of friends, or families with older children.

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10. Somalisa Acacia

Located by its sister property, Somalisa Camp, along the Kennedy vlei line means ample action on game drives and exciting sightings of big game. As Hwange is known to be elephant country, large herds are fairly common while smaller mammals including lion, cheetah, kudu, sable, and even the infamous wild dog can also be spotted.

Between guided walks and game drives, discover each suites' private deck and relaxing hammock or enjoy a refreshing dip in the communal plunge pool. Not all Hwange National Park lodges are able to accommodate children, but Somalisa Acacia features the Ngwana Kids Club, perfect for younger family members.

Both Somalisa Acacia and its sister property form part of the African Bush Camps Foundation which works to create a positive impact in local communities by contributing a percentage of every bed night.

Highlights:

• Great wildlife and bird sightings
• Intimate setting with just a handful of tents
• Fantastic views of the waterhole
• Wonderful sightings of elephants

Best For:

Couples and families.

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Ready To Start Planning Your Safari in Hwange National Park?

If one, or several, of these properties has sparked the adventurer in you, contact one of our travel experts to start curating the perfect tailor-made itinerary.