Reviews of Camp Hwange
Wildlife sightings and reviews
94 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Camp Hwange and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
88% success
29% success
47% success
31% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
92% success
85% success
59% success
57% success
57% success
43% success
36% success
11% success
3% success
3% success
0% success
0% success
"Camp Hwange review"
The elephants visited us every night. No fences allow the animals to get up close.
Staff were lovely and couldn't have been more helpful." See all these reviews: 9n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
3 sightings
Eland
2 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
5 sightings
Hippo
3 sightings
Lion
2 sightings
Roan antelope
2 sightings
Sable antelope
1 sighting
Wildebeest
5 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Camp Hwange review"
Very well run camp." See all these reviews: 11n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Lion
Multiple sightings
Roan antelope
1 sighting
Sable antelope
1 sighting
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Camp Hwange review"
We were lucky to visit the lodge when it was quiet and had a professional guide, a learner guide and a tracker looking after us, often with us as the only guests in the vehicle.
Walking safaris were excellent with Moses, we always felt very safe even when approaching lions and a lion kill on foot! For us the best thing about Camp Hwange was the lack of other lodges or vehicles nearby - we would frequently be at sightings on our own. Whilst this meant it was slightly harder to tick off the wildlife (as so few other guides were searching for them and sharing information), it felt more wild than many other places and rewarding when we did find the animals. I would definitely recommend this lodge, particularly to those experienced in safari holidays who are looking for a slightly different experience.
Note there is no phone signal at all in the lodge or this area of the national park. If you ask, the team will let you check staff WiFi occasionally. We were told WiFi may be brought in for guests soon." See all these reviews: 7n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
7 sightings
Cheetah
1 sighting
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
4 sightings
Hippo
3 sightings
Lion
5 sightings
Roan antelope
1 sighting
Zebra
4 sightings
"Camp Hwange review"
It is a magical space for relaxation and chatting around the stunning fire pit.
Shayne is arguably the best camp hosts you could possibly come across.
Her warmth and attention to detail and her authenticity is world class.
John was an outstanding guide and his wisdom of the country and nature is second to none!
A great team and great experience" See all these reviews: 12n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Lion
Multiple sightings
Sable antelope
1 sighting
Spotted Hyena
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Camp Hwange review"
The guiding here is superb and after 4 trips here we will always return. The perfect camp? We think so!" See all these reviews: 9n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
2 sightings
Eland
3 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
10 sightings
Hippo
6 sightings
Leopard
Multiple sightings
Lion
Multiple sightings
Spotted Hyena
5 sightings
Wild dog
2 sightings
Wildebeest
3 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Camp Hwange review"
The staff were very well trained, attentive and efficient. Everything worked like clockwork under the guidance of superb camp manager Shane.
The guiding was exceptional and we really enjoyed the emphasis on opportunities to go walking every day. Our guide Moses was a fount of knowledge in whom we had complete confidence while crawling up to a herd of Buffalo and approaching mature bull Elephants. We were also lucky enough to be accompanied most days by a spotter as well as trainee guide Savannah who's already great knowledge was a tribute to her and the training sh'e had in her first year.
We had some excellent unusual sightings including an African Rock Python, a Porcupine, several Bat Eared Foxes and two sightings of African Wild Cat - all firsts for me on my eighth sub-saharan safari.
Early mornings and nights were cold, especially on the vehicles so if you are going in May or colder months take plenty of warm clothes. The ponchos provided on the vehicles were a vital piece of equipment.
It's along five hours or so drive back to Victoria Falls from the camp so I'd suggest spending the night before your flight home in the Falls.
We could only have enjoyed our stay at Camp Hwange more if we'd seen Wild Dog and Leopard, but that just gives us a good reason to return, not that we'd need one." See all these reviews: 9n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
1 sighting
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
5 sightings
Hippo
7 sightings
Lion
2 sightings
Spotted Hyena
3 sightings
Wildebeest
3 sightings
Zebra
6 sightings
"Camp Hwange review"
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Lion
1 sighting
Spotted Hyena
Multiple sightings
"Camp Hwange review"
Again the team did a great job of ensuring a fabulous visit, in a very friendly and efficient manner. With “work to do” each day we had great engagement with the animals we watched and schedules became flexible during the day as we reacted to what we found.
We especially enjoyed seeing and worrying about the lone lion cub and finally seeing it reunite with its parents.
Walking with Dave and Washington was excellent and their enthusiasm and excitement really makes the experience.
Private guiding in Hwange
Dave’s energy and enthusiasm is infectious. Being out in the bush with him is hugely informative and fun. He was totally focused on giving us the best experience and searching for tracks to find certain wildlife.
Schedules went out of the window as we happily followed what we found, and learned much more about the animals’ activities, environment and social interaction.
It was also great to see how good a manager, trainer and mentor Dave is to his team.
We also had some great walking at Camp Hwange - always meaningful tracking for certain animals and feeling totally safe. We had some great experiences with some elephants on a couple of walks.
Would very much recommend time with Dave and Washington" See all these reviews: 9n in Zimbabwe
Eland
1 sighting
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
10 sightings
Hippo
4 sightings
Lion
6 sightings
Roan antelope
1 sighting
Wildebeest
4 sightings
Zebra
8 sightings
"Camp Hwange review"
We were lucky to have it to ourselves for some of our time
We experienced freak weather that washed out a couple of drives but gave us incredible thunder and lightening in the bush as compensation.
The strange weather and the long grasses combined so that our sightings were very limited ( no predators other than hyaena on last day ) but nevertheless we loved the place as the green landscape was wonderful and Moses was such an insightful guide
We would like to return but at a different time of year.
Private guiding at Camp Hwange: Excellent
Moses is a legend and deserves to be. Having a tracker and also a trainee guide on board with us meant that we saw all that was feasible.
The walks were exciting and we got close to an elephant even if the buffalo eluded us.
We had a 7 year old with us and really appreciated that the team assessed her on her own terms rather than apply a crude age limit. As a result, we were able to walk as a family and felt very safe and privileged doing so." See all these reviews: 7n in Zimbabwe; 5n in Botswana
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Sable antelope
1 sighting
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
Wildebeest
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Camp Hwange review"
Moses and Robert were our guides, and we had a wonderful time with them. learned so much about local culture, as well as the flora and fauna--and we laughed a whole lot. We also did some walking safaris with the most amazing tracker whose name I'm embarrassed to have forgotten.
We heard the leopards mating, very close by, and he tried to lead us to them on foot, but they ended up enjoying their afterglow out of sight of us. Our Land Cruisers at other camps were entirely roof-less. Here they had the typical canvas roof. That was great for the scorching sun, but ultimately I prefer the roof-less variant." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia; 10n in Zimbabwe
Brown Hyena
4 sightings
Buffalo
10 sightings
Eland
1 sighting
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
8 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Lion
10 sightings
Roan antelope
2 sightings
Sable antelope
3 sightings
Spotted Hyena
8 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
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.
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.
Somalisa Expeditions
A simple but stylish camp, Somalisa Expeditions sits in the heart of Hwange National Park, offering walking safaris and game drives.
Davison's Camp
Within the Linkwasha Concession, Davison's Camp offers superb value for money, morning walking safaris and spot-lit drives after dark.
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.
Nehimba Lodge
Nehimba is a comfortable, good-value camp in a remote area of Hwange National Park, teeming with wildlife.
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.
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.
Somalisa Acacia
Somalisa Acacia is a family-friendly, yet remote and luxurious safari camp in Hwange National Park.
Linkwasha Camp
In its own private concession within Hwange National Park, Linkwasha offers excellent wildlife sightings and luxurious surroundings.
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.
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.
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.
Camelthorn
Camelthorn is a stylish lodge with a range of activities in a remote region of western Zimbabwe, adjacent to Hwange National Park.
Deteema Springs Camp
In the remote north-west of Hwange National Park, Deteema Springs is a well-designed but unpretentious tented camp that offers good service and excellent wildlife potential.
Daka Camp
One of the most remote camps in Hwange National Park, Daka Camp, like the smaller Daka Expeditions, sits almost on the border with Botswana.
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.
Camp Chitubu
Nestled in the rugged north of Hwange National Park, the unpretentious yet comfortable Camp Chitubu has a strong focus on excellent guiding.
Tum Tum
The Tum Tum Treehouses are due to open in late 2025. Details on this exciting development are still scarce, so watch this space.
