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.
Our view
From our knowledge of ‘Jozi's’ sister camps we expect that Jozibanini will be a different and exciting place to spend a few nights on a trip to Hwange National Park. We'll be sure to update this write-up as soon as we have a chance to visit.
Country manager: Zimbabwe
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.
Camp Hwange
Overlooking a waterhole in a remote part of Hwange National Park, Camp Hwange offers great guiding in a pristine wilderness at reasonable prices.
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.
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
Camp Chitubu is a comfortable, unpretentious camp nestled in the rugged hills of northern Hwange. The focus here is on top-quality 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.
