Reviews of safaris to Hwange National Park
We have always listened to our travellers, and now you can learn from them also. Below are links to feedback from recent trips - these are their views, not ours! See what they think of us, and about our trips to Africa:
"My Apr 2024 trip"
Can't say better than that." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zimbabwe safari
"Our seventh trip to Africa"
That said, as outlined above in the detailed comments on individual camps, this trip wasn’t short on highlights in terms of wildlife sightings, but I would like to add a few general remarks.
Shortly before our trip, President Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe declared a national desaster because of the drought experienced in the previous rainy season. Considering that Zimbabwe has a government with a questionable reputation and a poor economy, we were a bit apprehensive about coming here. But our worries were unfounded. Granted, en route to our first camp, we drove through villages with hundreds of people gathering around big bags of cornmeal donated by the UN. We were told that if this country would be run by a decent and effective government, this desperate step wouldn’t have been necessary.
Given these rather bleak economic circumstances it is all the more astounding that whoever we met along the way was kind-hearted and of good spirits.
Shortly before our trip, Botswana’s president Masisi jokingly threatened to send 10,000 elephants to London’s Hyde Park and 20,000 elephants to Germany, because allegedly, they have too many of them. Without question, there is evidence for human-elephant conflict, but I doubt whether the solution is to allow trophy hunting (Botswana re-introduced trophy hunting in 2019 after a five-year ban).
When I raised this subject in Zimbabwe, everybody had an opinion on this controversial topic, whereas in Botswana, they would rather not talk about it.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
I have nothing but praise for all the freely given advice before the trip and the organization of the trips themselves." Read full review: 28 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zimbabwe safari
"My Apr 2024 trip"
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Nothing I can think of." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zimbabwe safari
"Shy animals, still loved it."
I'm sure in the dry season the Hwange camps in particular, with their waterfalls, would offer outstanding experiences. That said, the landscape was lovely--despite the drought, there had been recent rains in Hwange to green up the plains (and also create standing water) and there were several highlights to remember--the group of sable (an antelope I had never seen), the jackals and dozens of vultures diving into the bushes where the remains of a buffalo lay, then exploding outward as someone took fright--the highly vocal lion cubs yowling and yowling--the staredown between a giraffe and lion. . .
I particularly enjoyed the vast open spaces of Hwange and the frequent sense of being alone in the landscape (i.e. no other vehicles around)." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zimbabwe safari
"My Jan 2024 trip"
Beautiful birds and knowledgeable guides at 2 lodges in particular
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Please provide clearer guidelines on tipping." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zimbabwe safari
"My Nov 2023 trip"
It was the most memorable time and the organisation from Expert Africa was super.
All connections were seamless with cars to meet planes, planes to meet helicopters and planes to meet planes.
The camps we stayed in were both wonderful and the trip more than matched our expectations" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 6 on a Zimbabwe safari
"Zimbabwe 5 - 15 Nov 2023"
"My Nov 2023 trip"
It was the exact same one we did 10 years ago, which had a very unfortunate start. However, the days that remained were memorable and worth repeating. So we did and were definately not disappointed.
The trip as a whole went very smoothly and brought us exactly what we hoped for. We've come to rely on Expert Africa for just these reasons and will be doing so in the future. In fact, even before ending this trip we started planning the next one. If that's not a vote of confidence, I don't know what is.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
The service is impeccable, I can't think of any suggestions.
Regarding the trips; also pretty difficult. Maybe widen the range of countries you cater to?" Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zimbabwe safari
"My Oct/Nov 2023 trip"
The service throughout was outstanding.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Please keep it the way it is." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zimbabwe safari
"Our Oct 2023 trip"
Expert Africa took care of all the details once we landed in Africa, and when we had a flight delay between camps due to weather, our flight schedule and accommodation for an extra night in camp were organized for us without a hitch.
The quality of every camp was just as we expected. The quality of guiding was the highest we’ve experienced. And even after a month of travel we never tired of the delicious and varied menu options.
Expert Africa took care of every detail and Wilderness (plus Green Safaris for one camp) came through in every camp.
The other companies that provided ground and air transportation between countries or camp-to-camp were also efficient and convenient. Excellent trip!" Read full review: 28 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zambia safari
Where to stay in Hwange
Our suggestions for safari camps in Hwange National Park
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.
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
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.
