Reviews of Camp Hwange
Wildlife sightings and reviews
90 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
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"Camp Hwange review"
Met by Stephen our guide for the tour and in my opinion the best most helpful guy you could want.....say no more!
After a long drive/safari we arrived at Camp Hwange. The open air dining room bar and lounge are really lovely nicely furnished and well thought. There was a camp fire to the front and ahead of this a large watering hole with resident hippos, excellent. Dinner was delightful, all guests and guides present which we liked as we could hear others stories and swap ideas for the next day. The staff were fantastic and we loved the table design they clearly spent time creating and was much appreciated thanks.
It was our first safari so not sure what to expect, more seasoned veterans we met said the game is not abundant here but they thought this added to the thrill when you did encounter game. Each drive we did whilst quiet for long periods was always eventful in the end. By the end of each day we had seen enough game to satisfy us at least and can include Lions, Baboons, Buffalo, Giraffe, numerous antelope species, vultures etc in our sightings. We also got a fleeting view of a leopard. The big thing is elephant ! loads of elephants ! This was the best thing for us just observing dozens of different herds all over the watering holes and bush was fantastic.
Our room was great, a large tent like structure very nicely done with lovely bedding and mossy net, big open shower and everything you needed. Just one thing is it could really do with a mini bar so you can have a cold drink when you return to the room. The single thermos flask they leave in your room doesn't do it for me although I know this may not be possible due to power supply but it would be great for spoiled travellers.
All in all a very nice stay just what we had hoped for and compared to many others not too deadly cost wise." See all these reviews: 4n in Zimbabwe
"Camp Hwange review"
Long drive from Main Camp (6 hours) but it was a game drive. We saw a leopard so what else matters?
Our guide, Andrew, was excellent. We have travelled a lot and he is without question, the best guide we have had.
The staff were very welcoming, personally greeting us after every outing and seeing us off each time." See all these reviews: 9n in Zimbabwe
"Camp Hwange review"
The camp is located in a nice spot overlooking a waterhole and has a very relaxed atmosphere. Especially when Dave is in camp.
The area is probably more spectacular later in the dry season as then there will be more game at the waterholes. Outside of the waterholes a large portion of the area surrounding the camp is covered in mopane." See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana; 5n in Zimbabwe
"Best Off-Road Adventure Guide Ever!!!"
Ashley and Sheema did a fine job with a brand new cook. Washington, a guide trainee is a delight.
We would highly recommend this camp" See all these reviews: 8n in Zimbabwe; 4n in Botswana
"Very happy new year!"
The camp is very well run and Dave and Antoinette are excellent hosts. The range of activities offered is first rate" See all these reviews: 9n in Zimbabwe; 3n in Zambia
"FUN!"
From the drive in to the 4 nights spent at the camp, we had amazing company... STELLAR hospitality and lots of laughs
We were blown away from how great his place was... and the FOOD! wowzas <3 <3
Bottom line, the staff really made it memorable. Thank you." See all these reviews: 10n in Zimbabwe
"Eyeball to eyeball with elephants"
It's described as simple but we found it really comfortable with lovely airy rooms well kitted out. It felt refreshingly different to some of the bigger camps we'd been to. The managers were away when we stayed but Tony Marsh, Washington and Gareth and all the staff did a great job in making everyone feel at home. We were there in the hottest month (October) and so there was plenty of game at our waterhole and we were eyeball to eyeball with elephants as we sat behind the boma made of branches and dead trees and they came to drink.
Our guide Tony, took us walking and on game drives and was a great source of information. The only drawback at Hwange is that at this time of year the only game is around the pans and driving between can take quite a while. We've never seen so many elephants in one place. Other game was more limited although we did see lion at a distance and also sable and roan. Three nights felt just right." See all these reviews: 12n in Zimbabwe
"Very knowlegable guiding"
Please see above for travel time related problems.
As we only had two nights and had essentially missed the first day Julian, the Manager and Guide took us out for the whole of Wednesday so that we could see as much of the area as possible. Julian could also turn his hand to a cooked picnic lunch which was a bonus on a long day out. We were the only guests at the Camp and I don't know whether he would have been able to go out for the day if there were other guests.
He and the apprentice guide were very knowledgeable and it is a pity we did not have the time to do any walking here as this had been an aim of this particular trip and choice of safari. I think given the quality of the guiding that this would have been a good experience at this camp.
The area is very different from Mana and the Eastern side of Hwange NP so a good contrast.
Good food, accommodation and guiding make for a good combination with good game viewing." See all these reviews: 10n in Zimbabwe
"New Camp - Lots of Potential"
The Camp is well laid out - the six Meru style Chalet-tents are very spacious and comfortable and are well appointed with a ceiling fan and an in-room charging point. The camp is designed in a curve with all of the tents facing a waterhole and the sunset. Food is excellent and service is good. Julian and Ashley run the camp extremely well and they are working towards making this one of the top camps in Zimbabwe. They are well on their way. Julian's skill and enthusiasm make him an excellent guide and host and Ashley's cooking is superb.
The waterhole attracts a lot of elephants and other game during the dry season but unfortunately the local large pride of lions had moved elsewhere just before we arrived and this meant we spent a lot of time on the road getting to where the game and predators were congregating.
We would come here again." See all these reviews: 11n in Zimbabwe; 3n in Zambia
"Great & flexible guiding in charming new camp"
Because of mum's somewhat impaired mobility, we weren't able to spend as much time walking as we would have liked but in all honesty, this wasn't a big deal. We were lucky to have Dave himself guide us for our visit and he was outstanding, spotting prodigious amounts of game at sometimes implausible distances from the vehicle (although much of it was extremely close!).
Having spent time in Somalisa a couple of years ago (another excellent camp), we felt this was the better location in terms of game (lots) and people (we saw maybe three other vehicles in four days which was great). All the animals were in fine condition and very good densities, especially elephants which numbered concentrations in the hundreds as well as Dave's beloved lions. Our only regret on the game front was missing the Aardwolf but we did see a spitting cobra which was a nice treat (honestly!)
The camp itself is very new and we found it hard to find much to fault. Spacious rooms, hot water bottles and good en-suite facilities. It didn't matter much to us (as we didn't try to start too early) but maybe it would be worth considering bringing tea or coffee to the rooms in the mornings at wake up call. And though I loved the long morning drives (much longer than in most other camps we have stayed at), I did miss the full safari breakfast although we had that (and enjoyed it) on our last morning.
Julian and Ashley were also great and one of the things I really appreciated at the camp was their flexibility and willingness to work around our slightly different schedule, given mum's slow starts in the morning (and my own!).
I would certainly return again. I suspect that later in the season it will be difficult to walk to and from the rooms (even with an escort) given the number of elephants in the area but I never felt anything but well looked after with the safety protocols in camp so am sure that Dave and the team will have a plan in place if one becomes necessary." See all these reviews: 6n in Zimbabwe
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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.
Nehimba Lodge
Nehimba is a comfortable, good-value camp in a remote area of Hwange National Park, teeming with wildlife.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Linkwasha Camp
In its own private concession within Hwange National Park, Linkwasha offers excellent wildlife sightings and luxurious surroundings.
Somalisa Acacia
Somalisa Acacia is a family-friendly, yet remote and luxurious safari camp in 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.
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.
Deteema Springs Camp
Nestled deep in Hwange National Parks rugged northern sector, Deteema Springs Camp promises visitors an authentic bush camp experience.
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.
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.
Camp Chitubu
Nestled in the rugged north of Hwange National Park, the unpretentious yet comfortable Camp Chitubu has a strong focus on excellent guiding.
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.
