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:
"Very good"
"A great safari experience"
We arranged our own flights and the ground arrangements worked well with this. It did appear that the transfer from the Hide back to the airport may have cut it a bit fine, however it worked out well in the end.
The only other observation I would make is that this time of year (mid November) does seem to be the time when travel trade reps are on familiarisation trips and this can change the dynamic in the lodges. Something perhaps that customers need to be aware of." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zimbabwe safari
"A memorable and interesting trip"
Apart from the mishaps in respect of the car (see earlier) the other thing worth mentioning is the problem of the border crossing from Botswana to Zimbabwe. We apparently arrived at a peak time, but queuing for over 2 hours in the sun to pay $55 dollars for a visa was infuriating - all the more so because it was obvious that virtually every transfer agent except ours had a special arrangement with the clerks issuing the visas.
We lost count of the number of times transfer agents would go to the front of the queue with wads of passports and forms. We were, literally, the last in the queue at the point we left, even though many people arrive after us. I'm not sure of the answer - probably either they should crack down on petty corruption or you should get a different agent?" Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 9 on a Namibia trip
"Unforgettable Trip"
Everything came off without a hitch. All transfers were on time and uneventful. (Except when the plane at Mana Pools started rolling backwards with no one in it. We were able to stop the plane about ten feet from the pick up vehicle, avoiding a collision.)
I will not hesitate to recommend Expert Africa." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zimbabwe safari
"My Sep 2016 trip"
Although overall the trip was highly enjoyable, we can now say that we have been to Botswana but will not be returning as it seemed to miss the wow factor. This was mainly down to the game viewing.
We appreciate that it is nature and so cannot predict these things and are already looking forward to our next African adventure" Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari
"My Sep 2016 trip"
We had a wonderful holiday and any criticisms are intended to be purely constructive. These comments are in the light of us having now been on six safaris.
One of the reasons we chose Expert Africa is that we travelled to Namibia several years ago and had excellent advice from Chris McIntyre when he was at Sunvil. The book that you sent us on Botswana that Chris had written was invaluable and very much appreciated. Thank you Chris for including so much detail.
Well done Expert Africa for arranging a great holiday." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari
"Zimbabwe trip full on"
Also EA information about the newly opened West Etosha through Galton gate proved the key to the Namibian tour. All EA recommended accommodation was excellent as was the Sandwich Harbour tour
Zimbabwe trip a full on safari, Fabulous game .Very dry this year which meant waterholes were great but not a lot in between. Thank you to James for suggesting Camp Hwange. It was just right for us although we probably won't do Zimbabwe again as we prefer the type of walking in Zambia." Read full review: 26 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zimbabwe safari
"My Aug 2016 trip"
I travelled together with friends to two lodges in Hwange. No complaints at all, but for a solo traveller things tend to be a little bit unsatisfactory. The seat next to the driver, that is my opinion, should not be considered as equivalent to the others. You don`t see much, especially when you are small. The photographic opportunities are limited, too. So, as it seems to be no question that couples should be separated during a game drive, it`s the fate of the solo guest to be confined to this place.
I was lucky, however, that other guests arrived late, and I had an entire vehicle and driver for myself one day." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 6 on a Zimbabwe safari
"Our August 2016 trip"
We have only good things to say about the help and guidance we received from Nick at expert Africa. He understood perfectly the kind of trip we were trying to make, made valuable suggestions that improved our itinerary, and he chose fantastic lodges for us to stay in Hwange.
After Nick left the company, Freddie took over for a smooth transition." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zimbabwe safari
"A fine intro to Africa - and fun for us too"
Our guests had spent two weeks in Zambia with us before we took this trip, mainly at our home just outside Livingstone. But, other than a day at Masuku Lodge just north of Choma and a couple of sunset cruises around 'our' patch of the Zambezi, this had not been safari as such. We therefore wanted to give them a good taste of the wildlife. We picked The Hide in Hwange NP and Victoria Falls (Gorges Lodge) because of their proximity to our home in Livingstone and our wish for our guests to see the Victoria Falls on both sides.
This turned out to be about as good a final week to their three week trip as we could have imagined, not only in absolute terms but also as a great counterpoint to the time our guests spent in Zambia. It was also very good from our perspective too. Getting such a good balance is not straightforward and we are grateful to the team at Expert Africa for once again coming up trumps." Read full review: 6 nights in Africa; 6 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.
