Jozibanini Camp: Our full report
The brand-new Jozibanini Camp is an exciting offering in a very remote area of Hwange National Park.
None of the team at Expert Africa has yet visited 'Jozi', but we're confident it will offer a unique experience.The Jozibanini area, in the southernmost part of Hwange, was once the site of a ranger station, but was abandoned around 12 years ago, and this area of the park fell off the tourist circuit. However, one of Zimbabwe's most prominent safari companies has now taken over the lease for the area, with the purpose of re-establishing a permanent presence, and deterring poaching.
Jozibanini works with in conjunction with its sister camps in Hwange, probably as a three-night add on to a stay at either Bomani Tented Lodge, Camelthorn, or Nehimba Lodge.
We’ll update this information with our own first-hand impressions as soon as possible but for now here is what we've been told so far by the team at Jozibanini:
The main area consists of an open-plan dining room and lounge area, built under acacia trees with a view over the Jozibanini Pan.
Accommodation at Jozibanini consists of three tents raised on decks, with en-suite bathrooms that have a bucket shower and flushing toilet.
From a game-viewing perspective Jozibanini sounds promising. The camp is built behind an ‘unobtrusive elephant-proof barrier’, and we're told that a large pack of wild dog (around 22) are resident in this area. We'd expect the presence of a camp in the area to deter poachers and this, combined with renewed maintenance of the area’s waterholes, should help to improve game densities.
Activities at Jozibanini focus on morning, afternoon and evening drives with experienced professional guides. Game walks, again with a highly trained guide, will also be on offer, usually in the morning, often along the network of ancient elephant paths on the fossil dunes around camp. The plan is to use these same elephant paths for mountain-biking excursions and to restore the old ranger's house into a museum.
Geographics
- Location
- Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
- Ideal length of stay
- We'd recommend a three-night stay at Jozibanini Camp as an add-on to one of its sister camps, Bomani Tented Lodge, Camelthorn, or Nehimba Lodge.
- Directions
- Jozibanini will be accessible by road on a transfer from a sister camp, or by air with a one-hour light-aircraft flight to Manga Airstrip, followed by a three-hour drive into camp.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Dining style
- Group Meals
- Dining locations
- Outdoor Dining
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children aged seven plus are welcome at Jozibanini, although there are no special provisions for children.
- Property’s age restrictions
- Jozibanini accepts children of seven years and older.
- Special activities & services
- None
- Equipment
- None
- Generally recommended for children
- Given the remote location and lack of child focussed activities we feel that Jozibanini would suit older children.
- Notes
- The camp is unfenced, so children will need supervision at all times.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Jozibanini Camp
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Jozibanini Camp have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
50% success
50% success
50% success
50% success
50% success
50% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
Communications
- Communications
- Due to the remote location of the camp there is no WiFi or cellphone reception here, but we expect this simply adds to the wilderness experience.
- TV & radio
- None
- Water supply
- Borehole
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Fire safety
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Guided walking safari
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
Other lodges in Hwange National Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.