Reviews of Somalisa Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
39 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Somalisa Camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
93% success
33% success
43% success
17% success
93% success
93% success
93% success
86% success
85% success
85% success
77% success
62% success
36% success
25% success
23% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
"Somalisa Camp review"
Impressed with the charitable foundation's work." See all these reviews: 6n in Zimbabwe; 5n in Botswana; 2n in Namibia
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Eland
1 sighting
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Leopard
Multiple sightings
Lion
Multiple sightings
Roan antelope
1 sighting
Sable antelope
1 sighting
Spotted Hyena
Multiple sightings
Wildebeest
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Somalisa Camp review"
Uncle Richard greeted us to camp as if we were returning guests and great friends. He and his entire team made us feel welcomed and cherished for our entire stay. Our rooms were generous in size, and very comfortable. This camp provided guests with walkie talkies in case of emergency. This was the only camp that did this and it gave a great sense of security. If possible, all camps should have these ... it was a comfort to have someone "on call" if we needed help for anything. Fireplace lit for us at bedtime was an extra special touch.
The main areas, lounge, pool, decks were wonderful. Backgammon and jenga available in the lounge was a nice touch. Lots of books around to read. Felt very homely. Sitting on the deck watching the elephants and antelope drink from the watering hole and the small "pool" deck side will be a special memory always.
Attention to detail by staff, particularly at mealtimes, was excellent. Noting that one of us didn't like raw onions in our salad and the next day salad arrived minus the onions. Nothing said, but noted by staff and acted on ... great service. Noe seemed to be tuned in to everything we might need! Thank you Noe!
Two special meal memories ... make your own pizza - cooked to order in the wood burner oven. And, best of all, build your own stir fry cooked over the fire. Amazing! Great menu varieties at Somalisa." See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana; 5n in Zimbabwe; 4n in Namibia; 1n in South Africa
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Cheetah
1 sighting
Eland
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Lion
Multiple sightings
Roan antelope
Multiple sightings
Sable antelope
Multiple sightings
Spotted Hyena
Multiple sightings
Wildebeest
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Somalisa Camp review"
The three days at Somalisa were really memorable. As can be expected in Hwange, there were lots and lots of elephants gathering at the numerous waterholes.
Furthermore, it’s also worth mentioning that this was the only camp where we saw a pack of wild dogs, on the first morning game drive. During the same outing we saw a huge herd of cape buffaloes.
Most importantly, this was the first camp where we had several unforgettable encounters with a pride of 11 lions that is made up of descendants of Cecil, the lion that was killed by an American trophy hunter in 2015. I would also like to emphasize that Dophas anticipated correctly where the lions were going to be, and he parked our vehicle in the right spots to get the best possible angles for photography.
I took more photographs here than in any other camp on this trip, and the lion photos I could take with the help of Dophas easily made my best-of collection.
Needless to say that we would love to return here for a third time, possibly in 2026." See all these reviews: 12n in Zimbabwe; 11n in Botswana
Buffalo
6 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
2 sightings
Hippo
1 sighting
Lion
5 sightings
Roan antelope
2 sightings
Sable antelope
1 sighting
Wild dog
1 sighting
Zebra
10 sightings
"Somalisa Camp review"
We were travelling with friends, one of whom had asked to see elephants… well I should think it is the place for that. Herds are constantly approaching the camp to drink, along with other animals. It’s a very special experience.
Lions were very close throughout our time there, there was a kill nearby and 2 lionesses walked through camp one morning.
Food was excellent, we enjoyed the communal dining experience and chatting to other guests.
Guiding was excellent and responsive,
Thought the staff here were exceptional, and it has a very joyful feeling." See all these reviews: 11n in Zimbabwe
Cheetah
1 sighting
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
3 sightings
Lion
3 sightings
Roan antelope
1 sighting
Sable antelope
1 sighting
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
Wildebeest
2 sightings
Zebra
4 sightings
"Somalisa Camp review"
I will remember always the incredible welcome as we arrived, the Gin and Tonic placed in my hand, then sitting on a sun bed watching families of Elephants drinking right next to us.
The camp was amazing, the people incredible and the food, drink and activities sensational." See all these reviews: 11n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
10 sightings
Cheetah
2 sightings
Eland
10 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Lion
6 sightings
Oryx
10 sightings
Roan antelope
10 sightings
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
Zebra
10 sightings
"Somalisa Camp review"
A special mention should be made about our guide Mike who is a larger than life character with a seemingly inexhaustible knowledge of the bush and a wicked sense of humour.
This is the park to come to if you are a fan of elephants - we have never seen so many and I would estimate that we saw literally hundreds every day !
Just a small point on the tents - we were in Tent 5 and when the wind got up, the noise from the guy ropes and stanchions was deafening and kept us awake - structural issue ??" See all these reviews: 11n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
5 sightings
Cheetah
3 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
4 sightings
Leopard
2 sightings
Lion
4 sightings
Roan antelope
1 sighting
Sable antelope
1 sighting
Zebra
5 sightings
"Somalisa Camp [11-2019]"
Facilities: Located in an isolated area of the Huangwe park, you can fully emerge into the bush feeling you are looking for (no cell phone connection or WIFI). You have a nice overview on the surrounding plains both from your tent and the central area. The central area has a small pool and a nicely arranged shaded area overviewing the water hole where you can relax during lunch break. Very nice rooms with comfortable bed and both an indoor and outdoor shower, as well a stylish copper bath tub.
Service: Excellent food and drinks, attentive service. After being ripped open by baboons while we were away (fortunately, they just made a bit of a mess and obviously slept on the bed, but didn’t steal anything), the fly-net surrounding our tent was repaired immediately. We visited three camps from African Bush Camps during our trip. What sets these camps apart from other sites we have visited before: The common rule is that dinners are taken at a large table together with camp manager + one staff member. Thereby, you interact both more with other guests, as well as get to talk with local Zimbabwe guys enabling lots of interesting conversation.
Experience: Excellent location within Hwange park giving a representative feeling of its nature and animals. You will meet only few other vehicles during your game drive (due to Somalisa Camp having its own concession area and a limited numbers of visitors in the vast area of Huangwe). Huangwe is basically the most eastern part of the Kalahari desert therefore being unaible to sustain large numbers of permanent game. This was overcome early by drilling (now half solar/half diesel generator driven) artificial waterholes which provide the necessary waterholes to sustain abundant wild life. Unfortunately, the impact of the 2019 drought in combination with an overpopulation of elephants in the park were clearly visible as we saw a number of very thin and regularly also dead elephants, as well as many destroyed trees/bushes where even the roots were digged out. Our guide was Bee. Special sightings: Elephants (of course), Lion pack (descendants of Cecil) with several cubs playing around and one time gathering to go hunting in the evening (unfortunately it got dark and we had to stop following). Cheetah mother + son seen twice. Abundant roan antilope (rarely seen on other trips so far). Spring hares, african wild cat and nightjars during night drives. Numerous smaller and also larger birds (secretary bird, grounded and other hornbills, Kori bustard…)
Overall: Luxury bush-feeling camp with a limited number of the opportunity for great game drive experiences. Excellent camp management by Roland (always joyful and observant camp manager)." See all these reviews: 9n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
5 sightings
Cheetah
2 sightings
Eland
1 sighting
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
2 sightings
Lion
3 sightings
Roan antelope
6 sightings
Wildebeest
1 sighting
Zebra
3 sightings
"Luxury, tented camp in great location."
The staff were friendly and food good, with an interesting take on 'do it yourself' wood fired pizzas and stir fries (you choose the ingredients and it is cooked for you). The camp supports local charitable initiatives and has a craft shop which profits the charity.
The guiding was excellent, especially if you ask the guides to show you everything, not just big cats.
Somalisa did seem to attract a different clientele from Hwange Bush Camp and Amalinda - older and more conservative and content to be drive around looking just for big cats; they missed out on a lot." See all these reviews: 11n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
2 sightings
Elephant
8 sightings
Giraffe
6 sightings
Lion
1 sighting
Wildebeest
2 sightings
Zebra
4 sightings
"Wonderful experience"
The tents are very spacious with seating area, desk space and large bathroom and very large balcony with sofa, chairs and table and hammock. We were in tent 4 which is the nearest to the water hole, so we were able to watch the animals there as well as the comings and goings.
The food was excellent with a little DIY for stir fry and pizza. Breakfast by the fire was also great. Another bonus was the 5.30 delivery of a pot of coffee with our wake up call.
Game viewing was good - so many elephants swell as Cecil's daughters and grandchildren." See all these reviews: 13n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
10 sightings
Eland
2 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
10 sightings
Leopard
1 sighting
Lion
10 sightings
Roan antelope
5 sightings
Sable antelope
5 sightings
Wildebeest
10 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Somalisa Camp review"
Staff very keen on providing best experience." See all these reviews: 8n in Zimbabwe
Eland
1 sighting
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Oryx
1 sighting
Roan antelope
Multiple sightings
Sable antelope
Multiple sightings
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.
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.
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.
