Read 11 traveller reviews of Somalisa Camp

Situated on the eastern side of Hwange National Park, Somalisa Camp is an authentic bush camp which consists of just six elegant canvas tents each of which lies hidden amongst a grove of camelthorn acacias (Acacia erioloba). An ancient, dried-up watercourse known as the Sumamalisa Vlei stretches across the face of camp and provides a great place to view the large herds of elephant for which Hwange National Park has been made famous.

The tents at Somalisa are positioned in a horseshoe formation, far from being uniform however the individual tents are well spaced out with each fragmented from the next by the intermediate bush. All of the accommodation is solidly built with a rigid A-frame structure supporting a well-made canvas roof and walls, and large mesh windows all on low teak decking. At each end of the tent is a gauze-mesh wall which allows a breeze to flow through during the day and provides a secure boundary from the wildlife and the elements at night. This can be closed completely by canvas flaps.

Two of the tents at Somalisa contain double beds while the other four offer twins - all are decorated in a traditional 'safari-style'. With a classic feel in mind each tent has some really nice touches; dark teak furniture, including a writing desk and varnished floors lend the rooms an authentic, timeless atmosphere while a kikoi for each guest provides a comfortable garment for relaxing in during the heat of the day. At night, much of the camp is lit by paraffin lanterns which give off a distinctive smell and an ambient light that one could imagine illuminating the tents of explorers traveling through the same area in distant times past. The rooms also have lamps with low-energy bulbs which work from batteries charged during the day.

All of the tents at Somalisa have their own open-air, en-suite bathroom with flushing toilet and large, bucket shower - this is filled with hot water on request and the chance to shower under the stars is an opportunity not to be missed! The cold water for the wash basin is stored underneath the sink in a large calabash and poured into the sink with a large wooden ladle as and when needed. This loses its novelty after a time but is the kind of quirky feature which gives Somalisa its memorable character. Hot water is provided in a separate flask each morning and at various points throughout the day for washing before breakfast and freshening up before meal times.

Guest tents are connected to the main lounge and dining area by wide elephant paths which are lit at night by paraffin lamps. Guests must be accompanied to and from their tents by a guide after dark. As one would expect, the lounge has plenty of comfortable chairs in which to relax and to reflect on the day's activities and sightings and there is also a small library with a selection of fact or fiction to choose from too. Food at Somalisa is of a good quality and dinner is often taken under the trees in front of camp. Each dish is served with a selection of local beers and spirits or your choice of South African wine.

The camelthorn trees around camp provide a favourite fodder for giraffes and the ear-shaped pods that the acacia produces provide sustenance for a variety of herbivores as they fall to the ground; all of which makes wildlife encounters in and around camp a real likelihood. Nowhere in Somalisa could this be said to be truer than at the camps rather unique 'swimming pool' – much less a place to cool off these days and much more an opportunity to take a quiet seat and watch as the local elephants, who have now claimed it as their own, come down to drink from it (to get a real sense of what we're talking about take a look at the slide show on the right of this page!).

Activities offered from Somalisa Camp include game drives and walking safaris in the surrounding area, especially around the Kennedy Vlei. These are supervised by knowledgeable and qualified 'Zim-pro' guides who are enthusiastic about the area's flora and fauna. The camp also has a raised platform away from the main camp which is used for sleep-outs, although on our last visit to Somalisa we didn't visit this.

In conclusion… Somalisa is a small, well-appointed camp which has some interesting features and a lot of great game-viewing opportunities. A lot of thought has been put into the decoration and furnishing of the tents, which are cozy as well as functional, and the main area is comfortable and well-maintained. The emphasis at Somalisa is certainly on quality of experience and the staff are a young team who are friendly and willing. The guiding in Zimbabwe is some of the best in Africa, and we were impressed by the guides at Somalisa on our last visit.

Lodge overview

Lodge type: Safari

No. of bedrooms: 6 tents

Season: Open Year Round

Ideal length of stay: A 3- or 4-night stay at Somalisa is ideal for most visitors, and this works well in combination with a stay in Victoria Falls. Some visitors combine Somalisa with its sister-camps, which include Kanga Bushcamp in Mana Pools, and both Linyanti Tented Camp and Kwai Tented Camp in Botswana.

Geographics

Location: Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Directions: Travellers usually transfer to the camp by 4WD from either Victoria Falls airport (about 180 minutes' drive), or the tarred airstrip near Hwange Safari Lodge (about 90 minutes' drive).

Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Key personnel

Owner: African Bush Camps

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board

Food quality: When we last stayed at Somalisa the food was very good. A typical day begins with tea and coffee before sunrise and a continental breakfast by the fire before boarding the vehicle and embarking on the morning game drive. During the drive the guide will find a suitable place to stop and tea and coffee are again served, usually with fresh muffins. On returning from the morning game drive brunch is served (a typical menu might include eggs Benedict with mushrooms, tomato wrapped in bacon, roasted butternut and chicken Caesar salad, fresh bread and a fruit platter). High tea is taken before the evening game drive and contains a selection of sweet and savoury snacks. During the evening game drive the guide will again find a suitable place to stop and sun downers are taken along with more savoury snacks. On return to camp full three-course dinner is served. Typically expect something like spicy butternut soup for starter; roast beef fillet with French potatoes, roast vegetables and side salad for main course; and pink grapefruit soufflé for desert. There is a tea-tray in each tent for use during the day, complete with ground coffee and tea bags. Bottled water is also supplied in the rooms – and all local drinks are normally included in the rate here.

Dining style: Group Meals

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Room service: Private dinners are possible, with notice.

Cost of meal e.g. lunch: Included

Drinks included: All drinks included – including beers, South African wines and soft drinks – although note that there are no drinks imported from outside Africa (eg: champagnes) available.

Children

Attitude towards children: Yes - Somalisa does take children

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

Activities: NONE

Equipment: NONE

Generally recommended for children: Although Somalisa will accept older children – ages 10-16, Expert Africa doesn't recommend it for children under about 16.

Notes: It's a very open safari camp, deep in the bush, with dangerous big game passing through regularly. All children must be under a parent's supervision at all times.

Central communications

Power supply: Generator

Communications: There is no mobile phone signal here, but the camp can communicate by Satellite phone in case of emergency.

TV & radio: None.

Health & safety

Malarial area: Yes

Medical care: There is a basic first aid kit on site.

Dangerous animals: High Risk

Fire safety: There is a fire extinguisher outside the kitchen.

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.

Accepted payment: The camp accepts cash in US dollars, British pounds and SA rands.

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