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Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest conservation area with an elephant population that rivals that of Botswana’s Chobe National Park, the biggest on the planet. If you love these gentle giants, you won’t be disappointed with a safari in Hwange – there are about 50,000 ellies living in the park! But Hwange is also a paradise for big game like buffalo, giraffe, kudu and sable, as well as predators like lion, leopard and cheetah.
Thanks to conservation success stories, a resurgence of investment in new lodges and camps, and fantastic value for money, Zimbabwe is now THE place to go on safari. And Hwange is the perfect introduction to a country that’s known for its incredible natural beauty, rich wildlife, and some of the best safari guides in Africa. Not only that, it’s also located close to major travel hubs like Victoria Falls and Johannesburg.
If you’re considering a safari in Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park, here are some of our favourite places to stay:
1. Somalisa Camp
Type of Accommodation: Luxury Tented 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. Somalisa Camp is the luxury option within a series of three camps: Somalisa Acacia specialises in safaris with children while Somalisa Expeditions Tented Camp offers a more authentic safari experience in Hwange.
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
Type of Accommodation: Classic Tented 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
Type of Accommodation: Classic Tented 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
Type of Accommodation: Luxury Tented Camp
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
Type of Accommodation: Classic Tented Camp
The Private Hide boasts 360-degree views of a nearby waterhole 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.
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
Type of Accommodation: Classic Tented Camp
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.
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.
