Reviews of Camp Hwange
Wildlife sightings and reviews
89 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Camp Hwange and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Full on in many ways"
Soon became clear that Hwange walking differed markedly from rest of Africa previously experienced. As soon as a big five animal spotted, or tracks found, this became a tracking and then stalking exercise , with the intention of getting as close as possible , without intentionally creating a hazardous encounter. This evolution from hunting was striking, with considerable discussion over dinner about firearms, particularly with NRA supporting Americans. All the guides supported trophy hunting for cash as the only way to support conservation.
Our guide, a white Zimbabwean, working freelance was extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of of the bush and animals.
found there. He was very keen to please and did suggest varying the usual timetable with a full day out, and a couple of long walks initially 'nature' ones but reverting to stalking if the opportunity arose. The normal timetable was simple breakfast at 05.30, leave at 6.00, return for lunch at ca 12.30. Tea at 4.00 leave at 4.30 with spotlight from dusk till 7.30 with dinner finishing about 9.00. We felt that this did not give enough private time but given the meal times difficult to circumvent. However nobody would complain they weren't getting their moneysworth.
The extreme dryness encompassing Southern Africa this year showed in the reliance of all animals on the few water holes and damned lakes or a couple of natural spring areas. Even the ones accessible from the cam p were up to 20km apart, so it involved considerable travel between sites where animals were prolific.
It should be noted that the transfer from Vic Falls to Camp Hwange took 4.5 hours.of which 2.5 were in the park. A long time if people were coming straight out after a flight.
Description of camp as comfortable but not luxurious absolutely accurate ,food very good. Suited us very well." See all these reviews: 8n in Zimbabwe
"Lots of wildlife around Camp Hwange"
He was knowledgeable and experienced. When they talk about the great guiding in Zimbabwe, Andy is what they mean.
Couldn't be happier with the time spent at Camp Hwange. We saw it all except for a cheetah, and rhino. Enjoyed listening to the animals around the watering hole at night.
I highly recommend Camp Hwange." See all these reviews: 10n in Zimbabwe; 1n in South Africa
"Camp Hwangi - excellent walking safari ...."
The managers were on holiday whilst we were there so can not comment but thought all the staff that we did meet were quite exceptional even to the point that when clothes went to the laundry with forgotten $$ in the pocket - the money was returned immediately.
Highlights:-
Sundowner at a distant waterhole - watching hundreds of elephants & buffalo. Evening candle light dinner in the bush.
Walking safari with guide Dean. Watching the lion cubs play with guide Mike & thanks for the wonderful photos he took.
Return drive to gate with Washington - he had amazing detection skills!
Lowlights:-
Not facing a permanent waterhole that was described as pumped year round - it has almost dried up so this restricted the animals we would expect to see from our room.
Indemnity Form: strangely worded - maybe we should have been warned of this before hand! Curious to know how legally enforceable this document is?
e.g. 'This exception from liability shall apply even where injury, harm or loss referred above is caused by the negligence of any of the parties'.
The drive from Victoria Falls to Camp Hwange took longer than expected - almost five hours rather than three." See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana; 5n in Zimbabwe
"Fantastic camp, great location"
The hot water is supplied from solar panels and was more than adequate for showers although you need to be prepared for a bit of wait after turning on the hot tap before the water actually gets warm.
The food supplied during our 4 night stay was excellent with all the guests sitting around a large table along with the owners and guides which we felt was a big improvement over the previous camp, Little Makalolo. It made for a much more interesting and entertaining evening.
Our guides during our stay were Spike and Adam and they provided us with a wealth of information and stories during the guided walks and game drives. You need to wrap up warm for the morning drives out to the areas where the walking started as it was quite cold while we were there, it was their winter after all. Again elephants were the predominant wildlife we came across but we also saw eland, waterbuck, roan, giraffe and a pride of lions with a buffalo kill. Well done to Adam for getting us close to the two males and one of the cubs.
Big thanks to David, Julian, Spike, Adam and Ruth for making our stay such a memorable one. Would love to go back in the drier part of the season, the game viewing must be out of this world!" See all these reviews: 10n in Zimbabwe
"Camp Hwange review"
Also I had a bad reaction to Malaria tablets and Spike thankfully immediately recognised the symptoms he and the rest of the staff helped me to carry on and enjoy our stay - I am extremely grateful to them all." See all these reviews: 12n in Zimbabwe
"WOW! THE Place for walking Safaris!"
But the Guiding there is absolutely phenomenal. You're walking, but you're walking just upon an Elepant Bull in heat. Sitting in the tall Grass and watching these fantastic animals, just a few meters away. Wonderfull experience and completely different in terms of walking, what I have had experienced before.
Thanks to Julian and Adam the Guides! Also a big thank to Ashley and the team in the kitchen. The food was of a very high quality and especially the Lunch was one of the best in Africa so far. In terms of Game, I've saw definitely more in the Southern Part of the Park this time of the Season. But according to a lot of peoples, during the dry season, this must be the place.
Wonderfull place and definatly worth to come back in the dry season as the guiding and walking and the hosting is 5 stars!" See all these reviews: 9n in Zimbabwe
"Feeling part of the safari family"
From our first afternoon, we were taken out on varied and exciting safaris with their extremely knowledgeable team. Mostly these revolved around a couple of lion groups, but then with diversions according to what other animals (or tracks) were spotted. The wildlife viewing was exceptional - up close with a huge variety of animals including a leopard that had taken up residence not far from the camp.
Meals were very well catered, and eaten communally, giving a great opportunity to meet other guests and share stories. It's no wonder that some people come back repeatedly to Hwange." See all these reviews: 5n in Namibia; 5n in Zimbabwe; 2n in Botswana
"Camp Hwange review"
"Camp Hwange review"
Their emphasis is very much on providing a full experience,
We do not go on guided walks which is one of their regular features, but concentrate on game driving on which we can comment. Game drives last more or less as long as you want from 3 or 4 hours up to 6 hours and if required a whole day with packed lunches ( you can even discuss your meal requirements with management). Note: there are formal toilet facilities at one or two sites you may pass by during the day.
Camp Hwange offers good flexibility and a full day of activity if you want.
They have a large area of "concession" where they can search for animals plus the formal waterholes and pans which are located in National Park area and which we found provided good scenic backgrounds for photography. Rooms and food are typical of this type of camp and we would rate as good.
This was our first visit and we would hope to return again in the near future." See all these reviews: 9n in Zimbabwe; 8n in Zambia
"Camp Hwange review"
Only negative was that I was lumped into a large photography group on the last day and felt a little rushed out of the National Park because of their flight schedule." See all these reviews: 15n in Zimbabwe
Holiday styles & special interests in Zimbabwe
From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Zimbabwe.
Other lodges in Hwange National Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Somalisa Camp
Somalisa is a luxurious, yet remote, safari camp in Hwange National Park, offering walking safaris and game drives.
The Hide
Located in a small, private concession, The Hide is a relaxed and comfortable camp offering submerged hides and great family accommodation.
Hwange Bush Camp
Hwange Bush Camp is a small seasonal camp offering comfortable tents, great food, and superb guiding, and is often used by exclusive groups.
Little Makalolo Camp
Tucked away in Hwange National Park overlooking a waterhole, Little Makalolo Camp combines top guiding with excellent wildlife watching.
Somalisa Expeditions
A simple but stylish camp, Somalisa Expeditions sits in the heart of Hwange National Park, offering walking safaris and game drives.
Davison's Camp
Within the Linkwasha Concession, Davison's Camp offers superb value for money, morning walking safaris and spot-lit drives after dark.
Nehimba Lodge
Nehimba is a comfortable, good-value camp in a remote area of Hwange National Park, teeming with wildlife.
Bomani Tented Lodge
Bomani is a down-to-earth lodge with a range of activities in a remote region of western Zimbabwe, adjacent to Hwange National Park.
Verney's Camp
Verney's Camp is one of the newest offerings in Hwange, located in the wildlife rich, open landscape in the south-eastern section of the park.
Khulu Bush Camp
Just outside Hwange National Park, Khulu Bush Camp features a waterhole popular with wildlife, especially elephants and offers excellent value for money.
Jozibanini Camp
Remote and rugged, Jozibanini is one of the most remote camps in Zimabwe's largest National Park. Stay here for a real wilderness experience.
Linkwasha Camp
In its own private concession within Hwange National Park, Linkwasha offers excellent wildlife sightings and luxurious surroundings.
Somalisa Acacia
Somalisa Acacia is a family-friendly, yet remote and luxurious safari camp in Hwange National Park.
Ivory Lodge
Just outside Hwange National Park, the small Ivory Lodge is a great place to see large herds of elephant as well as smaller plains game.
Camelthorn
Camelthorn is a stylish lodge with a range of activities in a remote region of western Zimbabwe, adjacent to Hwange National Park.
Sable Valley Lodge
Set on the 12km Dete Vlei, the recently upgraded and family-friendly Sable Valley sits in a private reserve within easy reach of Hwange National Park.
Deteema Springs Camp
Nestled deep in Hwange National Parks rugged northern sector, Deteema Springs Camp promises visitors an authentic bush amp experience.
Daka Camp
One of the more remote camps in Hwange National Park, Deka Camp sits almost on the border with Botswana.
Stimela Star
The Stimela Star is a luxury overnight train that starts in Victoria Falls before making it's way down to Hwange National Park where you can start your safari.
Camp Chitubu
Nestled in the rugged north of Hwange National Park, the unpretentious yet comfortable Camp Chitubu has a strong focus on excellent guiding.
Khulu's Retreat
Just outside Hwange National Park, Khulu's Retreat is an exclusive private villa and is a great place to spoil yourself on a safari in Zimbabwe.
Elephant's Eye
In a private concession just outside Hwange National Park, the comfortable Elephant's Eye overlooks a pan and waterholes.
