Reviews of Somalisa Expeditions
Wildlife sightings and reviews
18 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Somalisa Expeditions and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Perfect traditional safari camp"
A good distance away from the glitz of Somalisa Camp this intimate 6 tent camp is set in amongst trees with simple but delightful facilities. The tents are spacious, the beds are super comfortable and the en-suite outside showers solar powered - a little bracing on a cold evening but refreshing at the end of your game drive.
Food was excellent, served in the main tent where an open fire kept off the chill. A pump fed pond attracts elephants to within feet of the deck.
Our guide David was very knowledgeable and because of the link to the nearby big sister camps had many eyes looking for game on the drives.
We would highly recommend this camp, our favourite in Zimbabwe.More" See all these reviews: 9n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
4 sightings
Cheetah
1 sighting
Eland
1 sighting
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
2 sightings
Lion
4 sightings
Roan antelope
1 sighting
Wildebeest
2 sightings
Zebra
4 sightings
"So many elephants!"
Elephants played a very big part in our time at Somalisa (we saw several hundred in total), not least at the camp itself which is well known for attracting family groups to its water tank). It's amazing being that close. A couple of naughty younger males liked coming into camp to shake acacia pods of the trees for a tasty snack right by our tent. One pushed under our guy ropes and was photographed from the outside bathroom toilet seat just the other side of the canvas. You don't get much closer!.
Ray (Xoxindaba the storyteller) was our guide and great fun and generous with his 24 years of guiding knowledge. A highlight was seeing a lioness transferring her three cubs 500 yards from a waterhole to a day-time hideaway, carrying one youngster in her mouth. We also saw one leopard and one cheetah here plus sable.
All the camp staff, headed by Egania, were exceptionally friendly and helpful. For us, as vegetarians, the meals were the best of the three-camp trip. From our tent (number three ) we could see much of the action at the water tank." See all these reviews: 17n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
10 sightings
Cheetah
1 sighting
Eland
8 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
10 sightings
Hippo
8 sightings
Leopard
1 sighting
Lion
10 sightings
Sable antelope
1 sighting
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
Wildebeest
10 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Somalisa Expeditions: a lovely location"
A very comfortable camp and well furnished. As our last camp of the trip it was good to have a few more comforts before our trip home. All staff were excellent and friendly, as was Martin our guide who would go out of his way to show us as much as possible.
Maximum time game viewing is important to us, so it was good to go out on a long morning drive and not come back until lunchtime. Even on our last morning we were offered the option to go out on a morning drive for 4 hours, which we did. It proved to be very worthwhile, and then it was straight onto the aircraft!" See all these reviews: 21n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
6 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
8 sightings
Lion
7 sightings
Roan antelope
10 sightings
Sable antelope
4 sightings
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
Wild dog
2 sightings
Wildebeest
10 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Somalisa Expeditions review"
Buffalo
10 sightings
Eland
10 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
10 sightings
Lion
7 sightings
Roan antelope
10 sightings
Sable antelope
1 sighting
Spotted Hyena
5 sightings
Wildebeest
10 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Somalisa Expeditions review"
We were in Tent 1 which is the farthest from the main area and has a fantastic view of the nearby waterhole to its right. The tents are on raised wooden platforms, have a small front deck with 2 chairs, a comfortable bed, a writing desk with charger, a fan, tons of storage, cotton robes, a nice bathroom with flush toilet and a regular shower. The bathroom is through a door and is open to the sky.
Lionel was our excellent guide (very descriptive and easy to understand) and on the way to camp we stopped at the local waterhole to see cape buffalo and many zebra. Animals sighted here seemed more habituated to the vehicles, and we were therefore able to get a bit closer (especially the zebras).
Tonny was our Camp Host and he was wonderful throughout our stay. Thanks Tonny for the extra coffee! Siyabonga.
The food here was good but we found it was not quite as enjoyable as at our other camps. Some meals were average. One which was quite good was the BBQ served in the open. Some meals were plated, others were served buffet style. Refillable water bottles were used for the drives, we appreciated that.
One special experience here is that there is a pool in front of the open area and elephants often come to drink from the pool. Guests can sit quietly on the deck to watch them, only a few feet away. Very exciting! We saw the elephants coming to the pool from our tent (they passed in front of us) and made our way over to the pool. Sat for about 20 minutes observing them. A very wonderful experience.
Other interesting sightings included 2 groups of lions, roan, sable, wildebeest.
Would like to thank Lionel, Tonny, Gloria, Brian, Present and Guide David for their care during our stay. We apologize for not remembering everyone's name." See all these reviews: 11n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
1 sighting
Eland
3 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
3 sightings
Leopard
1 sighting
Lion
2 sightings
Roan antelope
4 sightings
Sable antelope
1 sighting
Wildebeest
3 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Magical!"
Camp staff were attentive and a pleasure to talk too, special mention to David our guide, he taught me a lot, extremely knowledgeable, couple of worrying moment's with Elephant's, but David's calmness and experience made you feel in good hand's!
Best magical moment, being so close to the regular Elephant herd who came down to drink at the watering pool every evening, so close you could almost touch them, it was best at night after a glass of wine, and the starry sky's above, i will not forget it, magical!!!" See all these reviews: 9n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
1 sighting
Cheetah
1 sighting
Eland
1 sighting
Elephant
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Lion
3 sightings
Roan antelope
1 sighting
Zebra
4 sightings
"Absolutely fantastic"
The tented accommodation was beautifully appointed and very well designed. The main lodge had a number of seating arrangements both inside and out. Drinks were readily available and you are encouraged to help yourself, if a staff member is unavailable. Lunch and dinner are taken around a large table with other guests, Hope, and guides. This we enjoyed and gave us chance to discuss experiences as well as get to know more about the background of staff members which we found very interesting.
If you love elephants then this place is a must. Sitting on the deck area directly next to the pool and water trough was a highlight of the holiday. You see elephants so close up as they fill their trunks with water to drink. An amazing experience that we will never forget.
Robert our guide also deserves a special mention. Such a lovely, gentle, and knowledgable young man. We very much enjoyed all the game drives we experienced with him. The area is abundant with wildlife. As well as seeing hundreds of elephants highlights were observing a herd of around 250 buffalo.
We witnessed a pride of lions feeding on a recent buffalo kill and followed a lone male lion along the road for at least 30 minutes. He had no intention of moving over so we had to follow him until the road split. The animals in this area are used to seeing vehicles and appear very relaxed in their presence." See all these reviews: 9n in Zimbabwe; 5n in Namibia
"Somalisa, simply superb! "
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.
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.
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.
