Reviews of Hwange Bush Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
31 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Hwange Bush Camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
95% success
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37% success
20% success
100% success
95% success
95% success
75% success
74% success
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44% success
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11% success
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"Out in the bush experience at Hwange Bush Cam"
The location is excellent - away from anywhere, with no light pollution and a clear view of the stars and Milky Way. There are no barriers between you and the bush and the wildlife; it was interesting lying in our tent listening to lions roaring during the night and elephants grazing right outside.
The tents were very comfortable, with luxury beds and flushing toilets. The showers are 'bucket showers' but can be provided as cold, tepid or warm; however, they are very effective and we got two showers out of a cold bucket which was perfectly comfortable given the daytime temperatures. As the camp is about 1000 metres up, the nights were cooler but a hot water bottle waited for you in bed, so we were never cold.
The staff were excellent, friendly and informative, and the food (all cooked over an open wood fire) amazing. Our guide Andrew Dalziel is a well known Zimbabwe guide and led us on daily, walking safaris. we learnt much about anything from lichens to lions.
I highly recommend the Hwange Bush Camp to anyone who wants to experience camping in the bush but with comfortable beds and flushing toilets - however, not for those who do not have an interest in all aspects of safari and who cannot stray from a luxury hotel or the internet." See all these reviews: 11n in Zimbabwe
Brown Hyena
2 sightings
Buffalo
2 sightings
Eland
1 sighting
Elephant
8 sightings
Giraffe
8 sightings
Hippo
6 sightings
Lion
4 sightings
Roan antelope
2 sightings
Sable antelope
2 sightings
Zebra
6 sightings
"Hwange Bush Camp review"
"Beautiful and highly professionally"
But how to find these guides? The answer for us was to ask Expert Africa, as several times before. Their recommendation to also go Fly Camping with the team from Hwange Bush Camp turned out to be a brilliant and exciting experience. We have written a separate review about the Fly Camping which was just amazing, especially when we tracked down a pride of lions together with our very professional guides and we came very close without the lions seeing us.
After the Fly Camping we had a last night at the main camp again together with the whole Hwange Bush Camp Team which is very service minded, nice and attentive. And easy going!" See all these reviews: 7n in Zimbabwe
Elephant
3 sightings
Giraffe
2 sightings
Lion
1 sighting
"Brilliant time at Hwange bush camp"
It was good to have the same guide throughout our stay, who also happened to be the owner, Dave. To be guided by someone who is so passionate about the bush and the wildlife was a real bonus. Not only did we do the walks, but Dave’s willingness to stop a drive, hop off the vehicle, to follow tracks and/or get a better view of wildlife on foot was a new experience for us.
Although we are keen on photography, we are not that ‘professional’, so Dave’s ability (where possible) to position the vehicle to get the best of the light on the wildlife was a great help to us.
A bush camp doesn’t mean that you can’t be comfortable! The tents were spacious, and well furnished – much more than we were expecting from a bush camp. The familiar bucket showers were always welcome at the end of the day." See all these reviews: 21n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
8 sightings
Cheetah
1 sighting
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
10 sightings
Hippo
3 sightings
Lion
7 sightings
Roan antelope
9 sightings
Sable antelope
1 sighting
Zebra
10 sightings
"Hwange Bush Camp review"
We were told that it was not necessary to put "valuables" in the camp safe but as all our bags were visited by mice (although the bags were not on the floor and we carried no food - this has never happened to us before), we would not have been amused if the mice had chewed through $ and passports rather than ear plugs and tissues. We would recommend zipping all bags closed and putting money in the safe.
Although our guide was very good and we had some good sightings, it often seemed that they were struggling to think of things to do with us, due to a lack of local knowledge. As is obvious from the species list we did not see much variety of animals. It was often necessary to drive quite a long way to see anything, whereas I feel the point of a bush camp is to feel isolated but self contained. (There were even suggestions that we might drive to Camp Hwange for viewings, which seemed to defeat the object of being at the Bush Camp).Next year the location of the Bush Camp will change, which may correct some of the shortcomings." See all these reviews: 15n in Zimbabwe; 2n in Kenya
Elephant
10 sightings
Lion
10 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Hwange Bush Camp review"
Food continued to be excellent on both evenings, and again we decided to have picnic lunch each day to stay out in the park longer. The chef rose to the challenge and provided different food each day. Everything about the experience was superb, especially the evening dinners, shared with four other guests in camp and the camp staff and guides present on site." See all these reviews: 8n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
3 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
10 sightings
Hippo
8 sightings
Lion
4 sightings
Roan antelope
5 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Hwange Bush Camp Fly Camping"
This may not be for everyone as it is very basic on the accommodation side, but that is not why you do fly camping you do it to see more of the park and get closer to nature.
Hot water for a bucket shower was readily available on request, tent clean and welcoming.
The food provided was outstanding, set up on a proper dining table, with brilliantly coloured table cloth, china plates and cutlery, glasses etc. First night, we had spaghetti bolognase and apple crumble, second night steak/ribs followed by lemon pudding.
Again woken at 5am, breakfast by camp fire at 5:30am out on a bush walk by 6pm. each morning a bush walk for 2.5 hours not knowing what you would encounter. On our second day we followed Rhino tracks for 3km before we gave up. The move to the second camp was well managed by the team and, on arrival, again the whole camp was well set up." See all these reviews: 8n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
1 sighting
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
7 sightings
Hippo
7 sightings
Lion
2 sightings
Zebra
8 sightings
"Hwange Bush Camp review"
Tents are comfortable and clean with flushing toilet and running water. Hot water provided for showers on request and brought to your bucket shower at the back of the tent.
Electricity is limited to lights in the tent, battery powered - charging facilities for batteries etc provided in the main area. As a remote camp there is no WiFi or phone signal which means that being away from outside contact allows you to switch off.
Food was excellent throughout our stay, breakfast by the camp fire at 5:30am, then we went out for a bush walk for 2 to 3 hours, then we had a picnic lunch out in the park and returned to camp after a sundowner at 6:30pm. This was a full on safari experience with more than 12 hours in the bush each day. We could have gone back to camp for lunch but when we were offered the opportunity to spend all day out, we jumped at it.
At present we were told the camp will be moving to a new location next year due to the proximity of a new lodge being built. The building work didn’t negatively impact our stay in any way." See all these reviews: 8n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
2 sightings
Elephant
6 sightings
Giraffe
8 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Lion
2 sightings
Roan antelope
3 sightings
Zebra
5 sightings
"Hwange Bush Camp review"
Our first afternoon was spent watching a large group of elephant at a water-hole. The youngsters were very boisterous and it was a real privilege to watch them.
We also spent some time at Deteema Dam which was delightful and the high-light for the other one of us. We saw Painted Dogs there. We would have liked to have spent more time there just watching the wild-life come and go but a bush-walk had been scheduled and we weren't offered the option. The walk was through the heat of the day and intended to be to a spring, however when we got there the spring had dried. We didn't enjoy that experience.
Our tent was in a lovely location, spacious and well equipped. The bathroom was adequate and the bucket shower worked well. Meals were good and well cooked. Breakfast was informal - a buffet outside by the camp fire and drinks before dinner were taken under the stars with amazing views of the Milky Way.
Camp staff were friendly and helpful and laundry was returned promptly. The guides were very professional and knowledgeable." See all these reviews: 8n in Zimbabwe; 6n in Mozambique; 3n in South Africa
Buffalo
1 sighting
Elephant
5 sightings
Giraffe
4 sightings
Hippo
5 sightings
Lion
2 sightings
Roan antelope
2 sightings
Wild dog
1 sighting
Zebra
2 sightings
"Good small camp: experience below expectation"
We spent a lot of time on game drives which enabled us to see many different game but had only one close encounter out of the vehicle.
The tents are comfortable with great food and the night skies are amazing.
If you want to walk check out the availability of guides in advance" See all these reviews: 15n in Zimbabwe
Eland
4 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
3 sightings
Hippo
6 sightings
Lion
9 sightings
Roan antelope
4 sightings
Zebra
4 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.
Camp Hwange
Overlooking a waterhole in a remote part of Hwange National Park, Camp Hwange offers great guiding in a pristine wilderness at reasonable prices.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Camelthorn
Camelthorn is a stylish lodge with a range of activities in a remote region of western Zimbabwe, adjacent to Hwange National 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.
Deteema Springs Camp
Nestled deep in Hwange National Parks rugged northern sector, Deteema Springs Camp promises visitors an authentic bush amp 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.
Stimela Star
The Stimela Star is a luxury overnight train that starts in Victoria Falls before making it's way down to Hwange National Park where you can start your safari.
Daka Camp
One of the more remote camps in Hwange National Park, Deka Camp sits almost on the border with Botswana.
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.
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.
Elephant's Eye
In a private concession just outside Hwange National Park, the comfortable Elephant's Eye overlooks a pan and waterholes.
