Camp Hwange: Our full report

Camp Hwange opened in April 2012 and is the latest safari offering from David Carson; a top ZimPro guide with enormous experience in the industry. We've been sending our travellers on mobile safari with him for a number of years now and are very excited by his latest project.

A member of the Expert Africa team visited and stayed at the future site of Camp Hwange in early December 2011. At that stage building materials for the camp were still being delivered but the couple of nights spent camping here gave us a great feel for the area as well as a chance to experience both Dave's flexible and adventurous style of guiding and the hospitable service which can be expected at Camp Hwange.

Camp Hwange sits in a secluded area of Hwange National Park set on a rise overlooking a water-hole which is pumped year round. The main area is set under a large thatch roof with supporting timber pillars opening the whole building up to 180° vistas. This large and open area plays host to the dining area which consists of a large dining table and a side table where food is served in hot plates in the evening and tea and coffee along with cereals, yoghurts and fruit are on offer in the morning. There are also a couple of seating areas found in the main area too, very comfortable settees and chairs surround a coffee table - perfect for relaxing in while waiting to see what comes down to drink from the water-hole. For those looking for refreshment there’s also a small but well-stocked bar.

In front of the main area is the fire-pit which forms a focal point for pre- and post-dinner discussions of the day’s events and sightings. Set slightly further away from the main area there are also a couple of 'loos with views'.

Accommodation at Camp Hwange comes in the form of 8 canvas walled chalets with thatched roofs all overlooking the water-hole. Gauze windows allow a breeze to blow through but keep the insects out while a free standing fan in each tent also helps to keep the air circulating. Double or twin beds are curtained by mosquito nets while at the foot of each there are a couple of wooden storage trunks. A couple of solar powered bedside lights give enough light to read by while listening to the sounds of the bush outside. In the evenings a paraffin storm-lantern is provided in each tent to provide a little extra light too. Polished concrete floors are decorated by rugs and mats which add warmth and a little colour to each chalet. There’s an electronic safe for securing away valuables in each tent.

All of the chalets at Camp Hwange have en-suite bathrooms. These contain flush toilets and solar heated showers providing hot and cold running water – the bathrooms are simple but provide everything you’ll require during your stay.

Activities at Camp Hwange focus on walking and 4WD game drives. The beauty of these is their flexibility, something which we really enjoyed on our last visit. This is a camp designed specifically with the wilderness experience in mind and there was a genuine sense of adventure on every drive/walk we took here – add to this Dave’s enthusiasm and knowledge and you have a truly authentic safari experience.

The wood pile in front of camp is a great place to spend a couple of hours in the early morning or late afternoon too, sitting patiently waiting to see what comes down to drink from the water-hole.

Another real positive of Camp Hwange is that the camp is situated much further west than most of the other lodges in Hwange National Park. Thanks to this Camp Hwange conducts its activities in a region hardly visited by other lodges and rarely featured on self-drive itineraries. As Zimbabwe starts to show tentative signs of economic recovery we have our doubts that this exclusivity will last forever, but for now this is still an exceptionally private game experience in one of the most diverse national parks on Earth.

Our View

Part-owned and run by a very experienced ZimPro guide, the brand new Camp Hwange isn't opulent but it is very comfortable with 8 large canvas walled en-suite chalets positioned to overlook a water-hole. What Camp Hwange is really all about though is the wilderness experience and getting out amongst it. If you’re looking for five-star luxury then Camp Hwange is not the place for you. If however your emphasis is on flexible, knowledgeable and charismatic guiding all in comfortable surroundings then why not give us a call to discuss Camp Hwange in more detail.

Geographics

Location: Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Ideal length of stay: At least three nights here is recommended; four would probably be optimum.

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board

Dining style: Group Meals

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Health & safety

Malarial area: Yes

Medical care: Nearest doctor is likely to be in the nearby mining town of Hwange, or Victoria Falls.

Dangerous animals: High Risk

Extras

Disabled access: On Request