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:
"Trip to ZImbabwe"
The only noticable differences were in the food portion sizes (smaller) and the room laundry (bed linen and towels - less frequent). The guiding, especially in Mana Pools was excellent. It was a very long day to get there though and a bit depressing to fly over and then not to arrive for another 8 hours....
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Perhaps more detailed information on the website to try and reduce the amount of time needed to be on the phone" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zimbabwe safari
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Driving in Namibia is really straightforward and the distances were not a problem at all.
Everybody very friendly.
We went mainly for the scenery and landscapes and were not disappointed.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We stopped at Tsumeb by chance which was a lovely town. Maybe you could make suggestions to your clients for 1 or 2 hr stops in nice places along their route to wander around or for lunch.
I know we needed to stop at / near Swakopmund because of length of journey from Sossus to Kipwe but apart from the kayaking which we enjoyed the town did nothing for us. So easy to be wise after the event but 1 night here and an extra one at Wolwedans or Okonjima would have been a much better use of time for us." Read full review: 26 nights in Africa; 18 on a Namibia trip
"Our first trip to Zimbabwe"
The trip was very varied and rounded so things like the connection to Mother Africa and the more cultural/historical dimension of Matobos made a perfect balance.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Not really, we were thoroughly satisfied." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 14 on a Zimbabwe safari
"I trip I would recommend"
In Zimbabwe we found wonderful places, very friendly and reliable people, an attentive and personalized service.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We think you did a very good job. Next trip to Africa will be booked with you again!" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zimbabwe safari
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Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
none" Read full review: 3 nights in Africa; 3 on a Zimbabwe safari
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We had been a little worried about potential problems with the political situation.
At no time did we receive any thing but helpfulness and courtsey with our dealings with officials
Go now to Zimbabwe before it gets too busy! You will not regret it
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
I cannot think of anything at the moment" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 13 on a Zimbabwe safari
"The emerald trip"
This was a longer trip (2 weeks) visiting two Countries and several places. This involved a lot of organization and we are once again impressed by how well every little details is sorted in advance. We spent a lot of time asking Ellie a million questions and debating about options and she never ever gets tired of answering my emails...and usually in a matter of hours if not minutes! Every suggestion she gives us is great.
Having been to Tanzania previously in June, we wanted to see different places and the green season. The landscape is fantastic and as expected it is a bit harder to see animals, but we still saw a lot. Of course this is not the best season for walks, as it is a bit hot (at least for us) and some roads and area are not accessible or not safe for walking but we did enjoy morning walks. The bonus is there are very few people and you have the places for yourself.
The game behaviour is very different in South Luangwa and Hwange: in SL they are almost tame, for example impala are in the middle of the road and do not move away from you, while in Hwange they are more skittish. On the other hand Hwange feels a lot wilder (even if they created artificial waterholes). It is good to see different places and landscapes and their contrasts.
We got the biggest safari bug and we are already dreaming about another trip, with Expert Africa of course!
As a last comment I would like to add that everywhere we went everyone (including a couple of tour operator from Australia) spoke highly of the Expert Africa team, not surprisingly!
Thanks a million!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No matter how hard I think I cannot find any suggestion- no need to improve!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zambia safari
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Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
As mentioned in feedback from previous trips we do think the website could be usefully updated more frequently. But we would congratulate you on the 2011 brochure which is a step up from the still very good 20010 version." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zimbabwe safari
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One major recommendation - go in November! It is supposedly low season, but we saw a huge amount and had a fantastic time, with the greatly added benefit of having the vehicles and often camp to ourselves in the vast majority of places.
We have never been on an organised tour holiday, so I was apprehensive that we would be herded around like pack animals and miss out on the unique experience you get when you travel individually. This was not the case. I was very happy with Expert Africa and would certainly use you again if we booked another luxury trip." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari
"Good africa!"
We can only summarise by saying it was fantastic and will be planning something again - this time they will all have to pay their own way though. The mix of freedom, planning and excitement made the experience unforgettable.
Chris and Claire were very helpful and knowledgeable and gave us great reassurance personally speaking to several of the party individually.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Make it clear in your advisory pamphlets that it is serious hot in October and make sure you do read all the emails customers send so all the details get included right at the beginning. The short time scales we set you were incredibly tight and the schedule you created was faultless - thank you" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 8 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.
The Hide
Located in a small, private concession, The Hide is a relaxed and comfortable camp offering submerged hides and great family accommodation.
Somalisa Camp
Somalisa is a luxurious, yet remote, safari camp in Hwange National Park, offering walking safaris and game drives.
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.
Somalisa Acacia
Somalisa Acacia is a family-friendly, yet remote and luxurious safari camp in Hwange National 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.
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.
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.
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.
Daka Camp
One of the more remote camps in Hwange National Park, Deka Camp sits almost on the border with Botswana.
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.
Elephant's Eye
In a private concession just outside Hwange National Park, the comfortable Elephant's Eye overlooks a pan and waterholes.
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.
