Reviews of safaris to Hwange National Park
We have always listened to our travellers, and now you can learn from them also. Below are links to feedback from recent trips - these are their views, not ours! See what they think of us, and about our trips to Africa:
"My Mar 2018 trip"
I was told that there was cell phone reception almost everywhere, and I wouldn't need a satellite phone. It turned out half of the unsealed roads had no reception. There were some stretches of roads that I did not see another car for an hour at a time. I was driving alone and couldn't deal with any breakdowns myself. I wouldn't have made this trip if I had known the reality.
I was also told that I would see a good amount of game as it is baby season, and there would be an increase in predator activities to feed the babies. When I asked the guides they just laughed. Virtually all the animals gave birth anytime if the year. Also because there was alot of late rain, I really didn't see much game except for elephants.
I really wasn't prepared for how backward Africans were. The lodges in Namibia were nicely built, but you couldn't get even the most basic requests through the staff. They are genuinely nice people, but almost all the lodges never considered purchasing the few items that I requested due to dietery restrictions, eventhough they were common supermarket items. I asked if I should bring some of these items myself and was told the lodges confirmed they would supply them. Should I have been warned they may not mean what they say?
Zimbabwe apart from Victoria Falls was unbearably backward. I am not sure if its to do with their econmic meltdown 20 years ago. Even at departure, I thought I had to spend the night at the airport as they couldn't refuel the plane.
I did manage to get some good photos. I do think Namibia has the best rockscapes in the world and massive potential to develop their tourist industry further, but I wouldn't consider going back.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
I received a very good service from Maruska in planning this trip. But I feel she may need to be updated about a few facts. When I travelled to Egypt several years ago with a tour, we were given in writing tips on cultural expectations I call it. EA could certainly do with something like that, so travellers are better prepared as they interact with Africans.
I have travelled extensively around the world but have never been to Southern Africa. I have found this trip very taxing." Read full review: 24 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip
"Best trip ever"
"My Nov 2017 trip"
As usual the organisation from Expert Africa was perfect - with seamless transfers and bookings etc., all the arrangements spot on throughout the trip. And there were some unexpected and pleasant surprises - like finding that Andrew Dalzell was our guide again in Hwange and the unexpected upgrade to a luxury tent on the Botswana mobile safari.
Our thanks to Claire and all the team at Expert Africa for making this such a fantastic trip.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
It is hard to think of anything." Read full review: 33 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
"Zim trip Novemember 2017"
"More people should go to Zimbabwe !"
Lodges were very nice and staff excellent. I was impressed by the way the camps used all local staff and supported the local village school at Ngoma from Camelthorn.
Guides were all excellent and really ensured we saw as much as possible." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zimbabwe safari
"Great Trip"
There was not one issue which says a lot considering all the different places we traveled to." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zimbabwe safari
"Namibia NHS Zimbabwe October 17"
All our transfers in Zimbabwe also worked like clockwork.
The information provided by Expert Africa meant that we were well prepared for our trip and had no nasty surprises.
It was a holiday of a lifetime and the memories will be remembered for many years." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zimbabwe safari
"My Sep 2017 trip"
After listening to my interests, she recommended camps which we felt covered good variety of environments and experiences. I think starting in Hwange and finishing in the Delta was ideal as our Hwange guide was very educational and the wildlife at Kwara particularly superb. If we ended at Hwange we would have felt 3 nights probably sufficient, though were lucky enough for my son to spot a leopard and see a pride of 14 lions in our last 24 hr.
It was also great to have all the arrangements and transportation taken care of." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 7 on a Botswana safari
"Dream birthday trip"
To be able to see animals in their natural habitat was a real privilege and the people who were guiding were so passionate about the country and the animals welfare. I always felt safe and despite the long transfers was ell catered for.
I cannot recommend this trip enough to anyone who wants to experience the bush, or plains and who are solo travellers" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zimbabwe safari
"Best Safari Ever!"
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!" Read full review: 3 nights in Africa; 3 on a Zimbabwe safari
Where to stay in Hwange
Our suggestions for safari camps in Hwange National Park
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Deteema Springs Camp
Nestled deep in Hwange National Parks rugged northern sector, Deteema Springs Camp promises visitors an authentic bush amp experience.
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.
