Camelthorn Lodge
The mosaic of habitats of his area of Hwange is perfect for the full spectrum of grazers and therefore also predators. Safari locations don’t get much better than this.
However, the best is outside: large windows and patio doors open onto a generous ground-floor deck, and there’s a spiral staircase to an even more desirable place to relax upstairs. From this elevated vantage point with a hammock and sofa, you’ll spot plenty of small bush creatures drawn to the small water sources scattered in the surroundings. Four of the villas have the additional benefit of a plunge pool on the upper deck.
With three stone fireplaces indoors, there’s a cosy comforting feel to the bar and lounge area, and there’s also an outdoor firepit; the ideal place to share safari stories while sipping a hot chocolate or a sundowner cocktail.
- The lodge has seven horses that are well trained and suitable for all levels of riding ability. On horseback, you can quietly approach unsuspecting game.
- For unbelievable photos of elephants looming against the sky, the place to go is the “Look Up Hide”. This sunken and adapted shipping container is disguised as a termite mound.
- Take a ride on the Elephant Express train on the tracks built under the supervision of Cecil Rhodes. Train buffs will also love the chance to ride on the Stimela Star from Victoria Falls.
- Camelthorn Lodge is the ideal place to find out more about rhino conservation in the community-owned rhino reserve. Meet with the Cobra anti-poaching team and walk with these enormous creatures.
- Help with the “Pump Run” to take stores of fuel and food to rangers operating the scattered boreholes.
- As the owners of Camelthorn Lodge are genuine partners with the local community, you will have the chance to have authentic visits to nearby schools and other ventures to see how tourism and conservation benefits are shared.
- This is the ideal location for a night safari, aided by an expert guide with a red filter spotting beam. Perhaps you will see a leopard.
Within a private reserve adjacent to a quiet area of spectacular Hwange, known for its enormous elephant population, Bomani is a luxurious tented experience. Moreover, it is fun, diverse, and it is genuinely part of the local community.
Diverse natural habitats for awe-inspiring wildlife.
There are few other safari destinations that offer the sheer diversity of landscapes that Zimbabwe does. The cascading waters of Victoria Falls and forested banks of the Zambezi River contrast with the arid open plains of Hwange and the rugged mountain terrain of Matusadona. Together, they create a completely unique safari experience.
Camp Hwange is an opulent safari retreat, in a prime location.
Somalisa Acacia is the sister property of Somalisa Camp and is situated just a ‘stone’s throw’ from the main camp.
Imagine views overlooking the broadly drifting Zambezi River and stretching beyond to the 2,000 ft peaks of the Rift Valley escarpment. Ruckomechi is an intimate camp with just such spectacular views and situated on a large, private concession within Mana Pools. Ancient forests and wetlands stretch behind the camp, and in front is the massive escarpment of Africa’s Great Rift Valley.
Ilala Lodge is the perfect base from which to visit and explore majestic Victoria Falls.
Surrounded by cliffs, rivers and wildlife in huge numbers, Chilo Lodge offers exciting safari experiences in pristine Zimbabwean wilderness. At this magical lodge you can watch elephant crossing rivers right from your bed, before spending the day walking through the bush accompanied by exceptionally knowledgeable guides.
Pioneers Lodge combines the charm of colonial styling with the undoubted advantages of modern construction to meet the demands of today’s traveller, all within serene gardens close to the incredible Victoria Falls.
From mysterious baobab groves, to the arid sands of Hwange, the balancing rocks of Matobo, and the awesome Zambezi River as it rages over Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe is a country that serves up all that could be hoped for in an African holiday destination.
Luxurious and exclusive, Camelthorn Lodge’s great appeal is the comfort provided by its small collection of permanent villas, each with an elevated game-viewing balcony. The thatched main building surrounding an enormous tree is a stylish hub from which to start your adventures.
Jozibanini Tented Camp in Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park, offers an immersion in the remote African bush for its intrepid guests. The location may be unspoilt, but you don’t have to be because there’s plenty of comfort in the rustic raised tents and great food to complement a true safari experience.
For unforgettably close encounters with massed-ranks of elephants, Nehimba is unsurpassed. In the dry season, they are drawn in their hundreds to the waterhole at the centre of the lodge and have even claimed ownership of the swimming pool.
Aberfoyle Lodge promises a sublime blend of adventure and relaxation in the breathtaking highlands of Zimbabwe. Spend the morning sliding down waterfalls or zip lining through the forest canopy, and the afternoon on a tranquil river cruise, a glass of something cool in hand and the cheerful sounds of waterbirds in your ears.
Nyanga SkyDeck Retreat is a beautiful property that combines the luxury of an exclusive villa with the excitement and adrenalin of adventure activities. This is somewhere perfect for older families where you’ll wake to misty mountain views before spending the day exploring, ziplining, hiking and swimming. Set deep in the wilderness, this is somewhere you can truly reconnect with nature and one another.
Karabezi Houseboat is one of our favourite choices for groups who want to spend some time relaxing on Lake Kariba. You’ll be on board for three nights, exploring the lake’s smaller creeks, admiring the resident wildlife, fishing for tiger fish, and watching some of the most beautiful sunsets Africa has to offer.
Highlands House is a serene and charming oasis in the centre of Zimbabwe’s busy capital, Harare. Set within beautifully landscaped gardens, this pristine boutique hotel is one of our favourites to finish on after your time on safari.
Kanga Camp is located at the foot of the Zambezi Escarpment in the heart of the Mana Pools National Park on the only private concession within the park.
Hwange National Park stretches from the edge of the Kalahari Desert nearly to Victoria Falls, creating a diverse habitat rich with mammals and birds. Hwange is especially known for its large numbers of elephants – over 40,000 live here.
In the far north of Zimbabwe, Mana Pools National Park comprises the southern bank of the Zambezi River. The floodplains turn into a series of lakes following the rainy season, attracting a marvellous variety of mammals and birds.
The Matobo Hills rest in Zimbabwe’s south, defining the landscape with a range of domes, spires and granite rock formations. Black and white rhino roam the plateaus and kopjes of Matobo National Park.
The mighty Big Five roam the grasslands of Matusadona National Park. You can also see semi-aquatic antelope moving between the shores and river islands, while cheetah and African wild dog are never too far behind.
Equally enthralling from either the Zimbabwe or Zambian side – or from above via helicopter – Victoria Falls is an unmissable natural wonder. Watch as the powerful Zambezi River spills over and drops 350 feet.
Somalisa Acacia Camp is one of our favourite family camps in Hwange National Park. Children will love getting involved in bush life, tracking animals, completing the Junior Guide Programme, and falling asleep under canvas in the dedicated family suites.
Little Makalolo is a beautiful and remote base for viewing the herds of elephants, buffalo, the full range of plains game and predators.
This modern lodge welcomes you to enjoy a true home-away-from-home safari experience.
Camp Amalinda is located in a magnificent setting, built into the side of giant rock formations near the Matopos Hills.
Chikwenya is one of the longest established and most remote safari lodges in Zimbabwe. The lodge is set on the edge of the spectacularly beautiful World Heritage Site of Mana Pools. The surrounding setting is one of open grassland, shallow Zambezi tributaries and some of the most beautiful woodlands in central Africa which makes an ideal habitat for a rich variety of wildlife.
Sitting delightfully on the banks of a remote section of the Mighty Zambezi, Nyamatusi Mahogany Camp is a luxurious homage to the river.
Changa Safari Camp stands head and shoulders above other lodges in the Matusadona National Park and is a prime spot for birding and fishing. It is the park’s newest and most luxurious property set in a remote and secluded location on almost 4km of lakeshore frontage. As it is on its own private concession in the north east of the park, you are assured complete privacy for game viewing.
Bumi Hills Safari Lodge is a beautifully peaceful lakeside retreat that’s perfect for families, couples, singles and groups of friends alike. Set in a wildlife-rich conservancy, you can enjoy plentiful animal encounters on game drives and nature walks.
Musango Camp is located in a superb position for game viewing, on the southern shore of Lake Kariba close to Matusadona National Park.
Victoria Falls Hotel takes you back in time to the early 20th century - very little has changed here since then. Wander through the landscaped gardens, admire the original sepia photographs, and enjoy a cocktail on Stanley’s Terrace.
Mpala Jena is the perfect base from which to explore the Zambezi National Park whilst being within easy reach of the majestic Victoria Falls.
Matetsi River Lodge is one of the finest contemporary properties in Zimbabwe. Superbly situated for exciting wildlife safaris in the reserve and on the river, and for epic sightseeing at Victoria Falls, it ticks every box.