Little Makalolo Camp sits amongst a teak forest in the eastern region of Hwange National Park overlooking a water-hole. Not to be confused with its larger sister camp Makalolo Plains; Little Makalolo enjoys a similarly remote location in the same game-rich private concession.

Little Makalolo contains just six tented chalets which are connected to the main area of camp via wide, sandy elephant paths. Each chalet is a very airy, timber-framed structure with mesh windows that allow a breeze to flow through during the day and roll-down canvas flaps which shield against the cold, wind and rain when necessary. Each tented-chalet contains a box-safe, a fan and a writing table which looks out onto the surrounding bush. A day bed also provides a great place to relax during the heat of the day and fresh drinking water is provided for guests on a table in their rooms. Lighting at night is provided by simple LED style lamps with low energy bulbs. There is also a paraffin lantern in each chalet which is lit by the staff as they turn down the beds each night; a hot water bottle is also provided for the cold winter nights.

The chalets at Little Makalolo are entered from the front through large double-doors which open up onto a veranda. The veranda is a simple concrete continuation of the chalet floor which spreads out beyond the canvas boundaries of the chalet. It is shaded by a wooden slotted-frame ceiling with a canvas roof above. On the veranda two metal chairs give good views through a clearing towards the water-hole and a tree stump doubles up as a novel table.

Each chalet contains an en-suite bathroom complete with indoor hot and cold shower, his and her copper wash basins and a flush toilet set apart from the main bathroom area in an adjoining cubicle with canvas walls. Each bathroom also has its own outdoor shower with concrete floor and a vanity mirror while the honeymoon chalet also has an outdoor bath. The bathrooms are simple but tastefully decorated and the same could be said for the chalets as a whole with a variety of authentic wood and brass features adorning the walls and tables throughout. The concrete flooring helps to regulate the temperature of the chalets during the day while a good spread of rugs throughout ensures guest's comfort at night.

One really impressive feature that we noted on our last visit to Little Makalolo was the use of particularly modern and efficient solar panels. Each of the camp's chalets has a modern unit which combines both thermal rods for heating water, and photo-voltaic cells for charging the chalet's electricity storage cells. Apart from the environmental benefits that this brings it also helps to enhance the aesthetic value of the camp, as it minimised the need for a noisy generator.

The main area at Little Makalolo contains the dining room and a tea and coffee station which is available for guest use throughout the day. There is a lounge area full of comfortable seats and chairs here too; this contains a small library complete with magazines, books and board games.

In front of this main area there is an outdoor fire pit surrounded by chairs. This area provides a real focal point for the camp where guests can warm themselves with a hot drink around the fire first thing in the morning or perhaps with something stronger before and after dinner in the evenings. Little Makalolo also has a small plunge pool and some deck chairs that provide a great place to cool off during the hot afternoon.

Activities offered from Little Makalolo Camp centre around 4WD game drives and nature walks. The Makalolo Concession is rich in wildlife and as such a large proportion of the day is spent either in a vehicle or on foot. Game drives take place in the morning, beginning before sunrise, stopping for coffee at mid-morning and returning in time for brunch. Evening drives begin in the late afternoon and stop for sundowners before using a spot-light on the return leg to camp to try and seek out the nocturnal creatures that emerge at that time of night.

There are also many hides and water holes in the Makalolo area, including a 'tree-house' hide above a waterhole at the front of the camp enabling you to view the animals coming down to drink at the water's edge.

Most popular with guests is the “log-pile” hide beside the waterhole in front of the camp. This can seat up to four people (including your guide) and allows you to get very close to the elephants without them knowing that you are there. When we last visited in August 2010, we were sprayed with mud by an elephant which was only a few metres away –very exciting!

About 90 minutes' drive away from Little Makalolo, just outside of the national park, is the small town of Ngamo where there are two community-run schools The owners of Little Makalolo are heavily involved in community projects to try and improve the lives of the children in this area. Given Zimbabwe's troubles over the last decade or so this is a really positive impact that tourist dollars are having on the people of Zimbabwe and the camp offers guests the chance to visit the town of Ngamo and see the projects that have been set up. These include a borehole being dug to provide children and teachers with fresh drinking water, the re-thatching of school buildings and the provision of basic first-aid kits and health care. A village visit is of course completely optional, but may provide an interesting and unique change of scenery for guests who would normally only see the wildlife of Hwange, but not much of the local people.

In conclusion…Little Makalolo does a great job of combining high standards of service with quality facilities; it's probably the most comfortable safari camp inside Hwange National Park. Its chalets have the canvas construction of a classic bush camp, yet the décor combines this with welcome contemporary features. The plunge pool and lounge area are great for relaxing and unwinding. Its activities are varied; with walking safaris, drives and different hides. Little Makalolo is in an excellent game area and has highly professional guides, so walking in this area is a highlight not to be missed.

Lodge overview

Lodge type: Safari

No. of bedrooms: 6 tented chalets

Season: Open Year Round

Ideal length of stay: We would recommend Little Makalolo as a great place to spend 2 or 3 nights.

Geographics

Location: Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Directions: Travellers usually transfer to the camp by 4WD from either Makalolo Airstrip (also known as the 'Linkwasha Airstrip') or the airstrip at Main Camp (about 180 minutes' drive).

Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Key personnel

Owner: Wilderness Safaris

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board

Food quality: The food at Little Makalolo is of a very good standard. Meals are generally served buffet style around a large communal table in the open sided dining room. An early morning continental breakfast is served around the campfire before setting off for your morning activity. When we visited in August 2010 we had a choice of cereals, toast cooked over the fire, and warm porridge, as well as tea and coffee. Forlunch we had fish and chips with quiche and a selection of salads. After a relaxing siesta high tea as served. This consists of either a sweet or savoury snack. When we were there we had a choice of freshly baked chocolate cake or little mini pizzas. In the summer months iced coffee or tea are served along with regular coffee or tea. Dinner is served on return from your evening activity. For example we had chicken cordon bleu with butternut squash and roast potatoes. This was followed by a deliciously gooey chocolate pudding.

Dining style: Group Meals

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Room service: Private dining is available on request.

Cost of meal e.g. lunch: Included

Drinks included: Soft-drinks and wines, spirits and beers are included in the price. High-end liqueurs, champagne, imported wines (except most South African wines) and spirits are not.

Special interests

Walking safaris: ittle Makalolo's walking guides are fully-qualified Zimbabwean professional guides. The exams for this qualification are tough, and the guides that qualify usually have excellent bush skills – and are great for walking. - See more of our suggestions of the best places for walking safaris in Zimbabwe

Wildlife safaris: In Hwange National Park, Little Makalolo's main interest is the waterhole in front of the camp, which attracts elephants to drink at all hours of the day and night. Away from camp, the park is home to healthy populations of buffalo and giraffe. Lion and leopard are seen regularly; cheetah are scarce but present; and there is a good population of wild dogs. - See more of our suggestions of the best places for wildlife safaris in Zimbabwe

Children

Attitude towards children: Little Makalolo does accept children

Age restrictions: Little Makalolo Camp welcomes children aged 10 years and over throughout the year.

Activities: NONE – The Camp usually insists on guests with children hiring their own private vehicle for game drives.

Equipment: NONE

Generally recommended for children: We don't recommend Little Makalolo Camp for children under the age of about 16 – and walking safaris are only possible for adults. Activities are very limited for youngsters in between guided safari activities.

Notes: This is an open safari camp and big game is likely to pass through; children must be supervised by a parent at all times.

Central communications

Power supply: Solar Power

Communications: There's no mobile phone reception here, but the camp does have a satellite phone in case of emergency.

TV & radio: None

Health & safety

Malarial area: Yes

Dangerous animals: High Risk

Fire safety: Fire extinguishers are provided in each room and in various locations around the camp.

Extras

Disabled access: Not Possible

Laundry facilities: There is a complimentary laundry service included, although for cultural reasons, women's underwear isn't accepted. Washing powder is provided for guests who wish to do this themselves.

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