Reviews of Hwange Bush Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
35 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
96% success
29% success
39% success
20% success
100% success
96% success
96% success
80% success
78% success
71% success
41% success
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0% success
0% success
"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
"Great stay at Hwange Bush Camp"
We stayed in Tent 6, which I think was the farthest from the main area. Small covered seating area just outside the entrance to the tent, bucket shower (3 1/2 minutes long, which we found to be plenty), running cold water at the sink and a flush toilet. The water was fine to drink and we did so throughout our stay. In fact if the camp could figure out how to avoid using the small plastic bottles of water for guests, that would be great (maybe refillable metal bottles?).
The meals are all cooked over an open fire and were very enjoyable. Lunch and dinner were served buffet style in the dining tent. Breakfast around the fire before the game drive.
On the morning game drives we seemed to travel quite a distance before seeing any animals and we found the jeep was not quite as comfortable as some others we have been in. We sat in the front row and there was no bar to hold onto and my feet didn't reach the floor. But it did not stop us from enjoying the sightings: giraffes, elephants galore having mudbaths and drinking, 12 wild dogs resting, lions, kudu, impala, hippos, steenbok, rock hyrax, banded mongoose. In this more remote area of the park, the animals may be less habituated to the vehicles so we didn't always get as close to them as at other camps.
Spike was our guide and he is extremely knowledgeable and descriptive, of course. On one late afternoon walk from camp we sat to watch elephants at a water source, this was really special. We also saw a leopard, from a distance-we had been watching an elephant and suddenly the leopard ran off from under a bush nearby.
We found that the length of the morning drives was less dependent on a fixed time than in some other camps, ie. on one day we did not return to camp until 3 pm. Although we did have a snack at 1 pm that time, it was a rather long day for us, although it was certainly productive in terms of sightings. A trade off! And that is the day we did the walk to see the elephants as our late afternoon activity, which was a welcome alternative to another drive.
Thank you Spike, Anna, Beth and Jean. I apologize for not remembering everyone's names." See all these reviews: 11n in Zimbabwe
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
8 sightings
Hippo
1 sighting
Leopard
1 sighting
Lion
1 sighting
Wild dog
1 sighting
Zebra
5 sightings
"Awsome experience"
I always enjoyed meals with other guests, camp staffs and guides. I love this familiar atmoshere.
My guide was Julian. On the way to the camp, I had my first experience to touch a Python. We tracked lions on foot but didn't find them, but on my third day , finally we saw the lion, "Vusi", with 4 females and 2 cubs.
I would definately stay there again." See all these reviews: 6n in Zimbabwe
"From Hwange Mobile to Hwange Bush Camp ."
There are six large tents - similar to those used on the "luxury" mobile safari, but with an extended toilet and shower area at the rear. It is all very spacious and comfortable. The lounge and dining areas are very well appointed - and of course the food is good and the guiding excellent.
Bush Camp is located in the Robins Camp section of Hwange which is much quieter with fewer vehicles than other parts of Hwange. Game viewing was excellent - we clocked up 20 lions on one day. It is nice to have the flexibility to stay out all day if one wants and to combine walking with driving. We were pleased to meet up again with Andrew Dalzell who has guided us on all of our previous trips to Hwange. Andrew is an amazing guide and every day with him is a rewarding experience." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia; 8n in Zimbabwe; 1n in Botswana
"A wonderful experience"
They also produced the most imaginative vegetarian meals, which were much appreciated. Another surprise to us all was the care and attention that went into setting the table for dinner. Lucky went to astonishing lengths to produce beautiful table settings which even included napkins modelled as giraffes. All very impressive in a bush camp.
There is no waterhole at this camp but the night noises and animal visitors make up for this. We frequently heard lions quite close to camp and one evening the staff has to chase away a hyena.
The time spent on game drives can be quite tiring. Up at 5.15am for a quick breakfast and out by 6am. A break on route for a drink and biscuit at around 11am was much needed. Although the homemade biscuits are delicious, maybe something more substantial is required at this point as we didn't return to camp until 1pm with lunch at 1.30pm. After a delicious lunch we had a short rest before going out again at 4pm until 6.30pm. Dinner at 8pm then bed. This regime may it suit everyone but for 2/3 days it is worth it.
The animals in this area of the park are less used to being observed and are therefore quite skittish and more difficult to find. The advantage of this though is you do not share the experience with others, which makes it more special? Our guide, Andrew was very experienced and along with Felix the tracker, they made a formidable spotting and tracking team. We not only went on game drives but also tracked lions on foot as well as elephants. We were keen to see hippo so Andrew took us to a section of river one evening where we had our sundowner watching them. It was a magical experience, particularly as we were the only ones there.
Don't be put off by the bucket showers it's not as bad as it sounds. A canvas bag on the outside of the tent is filled with warm water when you request it. You then turn on a tap in the shower as normal and water appears through a shower head. There is ample water for 2 showers.
We were so pleased that we stopped at this camp." See all these reviews: 9n in Zimbabwe; 5n in Namibia
"Fantastic Guide at Hwange Bush Camp!"
This was an "Eat, Sleep, Safari" adventure! We woke up at 5:15 for coffee or tea around the campfire. Off to an early morning safari and watch the sunrise. We came back to a full breakfast ready for us. Then we went on a 3 hour safari and returned to a beautiful lunch spread. Given an hour or two in the afternoon to rest, we ventured out for another 3 hour safari, returning to dinner. There were six in our group which made it very comfortable in the jeep so we could easily take lots of pictures.
Spike found so many animals that we would not have seen on our own. The walking safaris were phenomenal ! We were able to get up close to photograph and observe the behavior of many animals.
The staff washed our clothes and had them neatly folded and returned to us in the afternoon. They took care of our tents and prepared the hot water for our showers. The food was delicious! Kelvin is a fantastic chef working very hard behind the scenes! I want to thank Spike, Sean, Lucky, Kelvin, and there is one more member of the staff in which I can not remember his name.
It was the best safari ever!" See all these reviews: 3n in Zimbabwe
"A wilder safari"
Night game drives are not allowed here as the Bush Camp is not in a concession area. For some reason, it was harder to track animals on foot. Friendly staff and great food." See all these reviews: 8n in Zimbabwe
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
