Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest and most visited conservation attraction, is home to one of Africa’s greatest elephant populations. It’s amazing to watch the large herds arrive and depart from one of the park’s several waterholes. A wide range of antelope, lions, and even African wild dogs are among the many other animals that can be found there.

There are many of lodging options in the park, particularly for those seeking a posh bush experience. Some of the best safari lodges and camps in Hwange National Park are listed here.

There is no set order of quality for the hotels listed below.

1. Camp in Somalia

Perched on the edge of a seasonal floodplain, this true bush camp looks out over a pit where animals congregate.

Intimate bush camp Somalisa seamlessly blends luxurious luxury with unadulterated nature. In the center of Hwange National Park, on a private concession, are seven exquisitely designed tents with a view of the savannah plains.

Somalisa sets the standard for environmentally friendly safaris in Zimbabwe with its fully solar-powered farm and water purification system. Away from camp, you can sleep outside on a private platform with a view of a waterhole if you want to spice up your stay a bit.

2. The Safari Camp in Hide

One of Hwange’s oldest family-run camps, it provides good value for the money.

The Hide Safari Camp is a fantastic option for a safari in Hwange, situated on a private concession with a view of an active waterhole. Ten beautifully furnished luxury tents with separate balconies and various configurations of indoor and outdoor showers and bathtubs provide lodging.

The subterranean hide, a shelter for animal observation, is one of the lodge’s outstanding attractions. It is directly accessible from the main deck via a 10-meter (32-foot) tunnel. Here, you may be sure to get some striking close-up and low-angle shots. Spending a night beneath the stars in the Dove’s Nest, your own private treehouse, is another must-do experience.

3. Tented Camp Bomani

Bomani Tented Camp is reasonably priced and has a rustic vibe.

East of Hwange National Park, on a private concession on the Ngamo Plains, sits Bomani Tented Camp. Offering expansive views of a bustling waterhole, the outdoor main lodge has a cozy atmosphere. A communal dining table serves delectable meals, and the outside fire pit is a great place to end the evening with a drink.

Game drives may take place in the national park or on the concession, depending on the movements of the animals. A ride on the Elephant Express tram is a must for a distinctive travel experience.

4. The Camp of Verney

From your own balcony, this opulent tented camp is a great place to observe animals arriving and passing.

At Verney’s Camp, located on a private concession in a secluded area of Hwange, you can expect a genuine wilderness experience. It provides a classic safari feel with a hint of luxury. There are ten roomy tents facing a huge waterhole that is frequented year-round by a variety of species.

However, the volume of elephant traffic increases dramatically during the dry season. One of the greatest spots to sit and observe herds of these giants interacting, playing, fighting, and splashing water is here. With all of stuff going on at camp, why go on a game drive?

5. Bush Camp in Khulu

In a sizable private concession that borders Hwange, this tiny bush lodge provides a unique wilderness experience.

Located in a private concession that borders Hwange, this small camp is managed by Robin Pope Safaris. Nine tented cottages on elevated platforms make up the camp. They have private balconies with views of an old river bend that is home to a wide range of wildlife.

There are both indoor and outdoor showers in each apartment. Elephants frequently stop for a drink at the camp’s plunge pool, which is visible from the main dining and lounge area, which spans a wooden deck. A fire pit is used to serve predinner cocktails, making it the ideal setting for discussing your day’s events.

6. The Nehimba Lodge

The reasonably priced Nehimba lodge is situated on a sizable private concession with multiple water sources.

Nehimba Lodge is made up of nine roomy canvas-under-thatch tents situated in a sizable private concession in the isolated northern region of Hwange. During the dry season, thirsty elephants are drawn to the active waterhole that the lodge overlooks. The pool does the same. Activities, like as game drives, night drives, and walking safaris, are customized to your individual interests, and meals are shared around a large table.

 

7. Expeditions to Somalia

In just six tastefully decorated tents, Somalisa Expeditions provides a genuine safari experience.

Somalisa Expeditions is another excellent choice among the lodges in Hwange National Park. In a private concession with the seasonal Somalisa Pans, the camp is tucked away in an acacia tree grove.

The atmosphere of a mobile camp is provided by Somalisa Expeditions without sacrificing comfort. For daring tourists seeking a genuine jungle experience, it is an excellent option. If you have the time, you should definitely visit the nearby community.

8. The Lodge at Camelthorn

The opulent Camelthorn Lodge deviates from the traditional bush camp with its sophisticated modern decor.

On the southern edge of Hwange National Park, Camelthorn Lodge is located in the center of the exclusive 162-hectare (400-acre) Ngamo Wildlife Sanctuary. Eight spacious villas with mosaics and ethnic artworks adorning them are part of the exquisite lodge’s modern African décor. The enormous en suite bathrooms in each villa feature a bathtub and shower, and the elevated balconies, which are accessed by a spiral staircase, provide stunning views of the property’s namesake, an ancient camelthorn tree.

Two white rhinos that were moved to the refuge in 2022 can be followed on foot, however they frequently pass the lodge. Currently, guests staying at Camelthorn or its sister resort, Bomani Tented Camp, are the only ones who can go rhino trekking.

 

9. Makalolo Little

This cozy little camp is a home away from home, providing excellent walking safaris with knowledgeable guides.

A little bush camp with a view of a waterhole is called Little Makalolo. It is located in a private concession in the eastern part of Hwange and is encircled by a stunning teak forest. There are just six tent suites in the camp, and each one has an outdoor shower and a private balcony.

You can’t go wrong here if you want a traditional bush camp safari experience. Little Makalolo offers flawless service and top-notch guiding, as is typical of all Wilderness Camps. Highlights that should not be missed include a walking safari in the early morning and an afternoon spent photographing wildlife from a hide.

 

10. The Springs of Deteema

There are only eight standing tents in this simple camp, which is joined by an elevated wooden boardwalk.

Scattered across a low rocky outcrop in the northeast of Hwange National Park, this luxury tented camp is situated on a tiny private concession and looks out over year-round natural springs that are obviously a favorite among the local elephant population.

All of the cozy stilted tents provide fantastic views. However, you will probably have some up-close interactions with elephants drinking directly below your balcony if you are staying at tents six through eight. The main focus of game drives is typically Deteema Dam, which is a popular drinking location for the local fauna.