Reviews of Somalisa Acacia
Wildlife sightings and reviews
4 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Somalisa Acacia and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Somalisa Acacia review"
All else was excellent, especially our guide Calvit." See all these reviews: 10n in Zimbabwe; 1n in South Africa
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Eland
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Lion
Multiple sightings
Roan antelope
Multiple sightings
Sable antelope
Multiple sightings
Wildebeest
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Can It Be Better than Somalisa Acacia?"
Other notable sightings included a cheetah, hyena, painted dogs and sable antelopes as well as the usual giraffes, zebras, buffalos, other antelopes, jackals, baboons, monkeys and birds galore.
The food was also the best we have experienced on safari (but maybe too much of it!).
The guides, our hostess, and other staff, were also top class and made us feel right at home.
Along with this, the accommodation is on the luxurious side." See all these reviews: 6n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
3 sightings
Cheetah
1 sighting
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
10 sightings
Leopard
1 sighting
Lion
4 sightings
Roan antelope
3 sightings
Sable antelope
2 sightings
Spotted Hyena
2 sightings
Wild dog
1 sighting
Wildebeest
4 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Somalisa Acacia: Fantastic watering hole"
This small enclave is around the corner from the main Somalisa, which looked nearly identical. It had a larger watering hole where elephants liked to swim, but our watering hole is where they come to drink. When I think of our 13 nights on safari, the image I keep coming back to is lying on a lounge chair and watching the elephants large and small at my feet, herds of buffalo trooping through, smaller groups of kudu cautiously sipping, zebras frolicking, species ignoring or battling each other.
Somalisa started as a bush camp with bucket showers and is still somewhat rustic. The canvas tents are not designed that well, with light switches and plugs in odd places; and a bathroom with a draw curtain for the toilet but not for the shower (though it had a huge lovely tub and an outdoor shower, too). There is good shelving behind the bed and adequate counter space in the bath. It is warmed by a small wood stove, which is stoked for you at night, but did not last through the early morning, making it very challenging to get out of bed. You’re awaken by a knock and a pot of coffee accessed through a pass-through cabinet.
(The family room is two connecting rooms; the smaller one has its own door but no wood stove or outdoor shower.)
The deck was generous with a comfy hammock. The lounge had a small bar, sitting area, dining area, pretty pool, great deck, two fire pits. There is no WiFi.
Any discomfort with our lodging was forgiven and forgotten as we basked in intimate animal encounters.
Dining was relatively simple but tasty: choose your own items for a stir fry was our first dinner; choose your own toppings for pizza was one lunch. Breakfast was light, with porridge and cereals and toast by the fire; tea and snacks were pretty weak. They did a nice job catering to our preferences (vegan, etc.), and brought in a sparkling wine the day after I asked for it.
Our stay was enhanced by new, young manager Phindile, who helped solve a room problem creatively and quickly. Our guide Albert was good, with excellent language and knowledge. He said he plans to retire in two years so perhaps he wasn’t quite as energetic or conscientious as he could have been.
We had some terrific game viewing, including “hunting” with a pack of painted dogs, enjoying a pride of lions with six cubs, and watching a cheetah gnaw at his supper. Somalisa provides warm, lined ponchos instead of blankets, and we appreciated the windproofing and the hood.
I would return for that watering hole; I’d just bring more warm clothes in the winter!
In conclusion: Very memorable location/game/experience" See all these reviews: 6n in Zambia; 4n in Botswana; 3n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Cheetah
1 sighting
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
1 sighting
Hippo
1 sighting
Leopard
1 sighting
Lion
Multiple sightings
Roan antelope
1 sighting
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
Wild dog
1 sighting
Wildebeest
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Brilliant Somalisa Acacia"
We had Elephants at the waterhole every day and at one point Martin said he counted at least 70. We also saw lions everyday.
We also met Yvonne Bahlangene again which was great.
We would totally recommend Somalisa camps to anyone wanting good game viewing, good food and very good company. Thank you for a wonderful stay and we will be back." See all these reviews: 9n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
3 sightings
Eland
2 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
3 sightings
Lion
5 sightings
Roan antelope
3 sightings
Sable antelope
3 sightings
Wildebeest
4 sightings
Zebra
5 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.
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.
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.
