Reviews of Somalisa Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
37 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Somalisa Camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Somalisa Camp review"
The three days at Somalisa were really memorable. As can be expected in Hwange, there were lots and lots of elephants gathering at the numerous waterholes.
Furthermore, it’s also worth mentioning that this was the only camp where we saw a pack of wild dogs, on the first morning game drive. During the same outing we saw a huge herd of cape buffaloes.
Most importantly, this was the first camp where we had several unforgettable encounters with a pride of 11 lions that is made up of descendants of Cecil, the lion that was killed by an American trophy hunter in 2015. I would also like to emphasize that Dophas anticipated correctly where the lions were going to be, and he parked our vehicle in the right spots to get the best possible angles for photography.
I took more photographs here than in any other camp on this trip, and the lion photos I could take with the help of Dophas easily made my best-of collection.
Needless to say that we would love to return here for a third time, possibly in 2026." See all these reviews: 12n in Zimbabwe; 11n in Botswana
"Somalisa Camp review"
We were travelling with friends, one of whom had asked to see elephants… well I should think it is the place for that. Herds are constantly approaching the camp to drink, along with other animals. It’s a very special experience.
Lions were very close throughout our time there, there was a kill nearby and 2 lionesses walked through camp one morning.
Food was excellent, we enjoyed the communal dining experience and chatting to other guests.
Guiding was excellent and responsive,
Thought the staff here were exceptional, and it has a very joyful feeling." See all these reviews: 11n in Zimbabwe
"Somalisa Camp review"
I will remember always the incredible welcome as we arrived, the Gin and Tonic placed in my hand, then sitting on a sun bed watching families of Elephants drinking right next to us.
The camp was amazing, the people incredible and the food, drink and activities sensational." See all these reviews: 11n in Zimbabwe
"Somalisa Camp review"
A special mention should be made about our guide Mike who is a larger than life character with a seemingly inexhaustible knowledge of the bush and a wicked sense of humour.
This is the park to come to if you are a fan of elephants - we have never seen so many and I would estimate that we saw literally hundreds every day !
Just a small point on the tents - we were in Tent 5 and when the wind got up, the noise from the guy ropes and stanchions was deafening and kept us awake - structural issue ??" See all these reviews: 11n in Zimbabwe
"Somalisa Camp [11-2019]"
Facilities: Located in an isolated area of the Huangwe park, you can fully emerge into the bush feeling you are looking for (no cell phone connection or WIFI). You have a nice overview on the surrounding plains both from your tent and the central area. The central area has a small pool and a nicely arranged shaded area overviewing the water hole where you can relax during lunch break. Very nice rooms with comfortable bed and both an indoor and outdoor shower, as well a stylish copper bath tub.
Service: Excellent food and drinks, attentive service. After being ripped open by baboons while we were away (fortunately, they just made a bit of a mess and obviously slept on the bed, but didn’t steal anything), the fly-net surrounding our tent was repaired immediately. We visited three camps from African Bush Camps during our trip. What sets these camps apart from other sites we have visited before: The common rule is that dinners are taken at a large table together with camp manager + one staff member. Thereby, you interact both more with other guests, as well as get to talk with local Zimbabwe guys enabling lots of interesting conversation.
Experience: Excellent location within Hwange park giving a representative feeling of its nature and animals. You will meet only few other vehicles during your game drive (due to Somalisa Camp having its own concession area and a limited numbers of visitors in the vast area of Huangwe). Huangwe is basically the most eastern part of the Kalahari desert therefore being unaible to sustain large numbers of permanent game. This was overcome early by drilling (now half solar/half diesel generator driven) artificial waterholes which provide the necessary waterholes to sustain abundant wild life. Unfortunately, the impact of the 2019 drought in combination with an overpopulation of elephants in the park were clearly visible as we saw a number of very thin and regularly also dead elephants, as well as many destroyed trees/bushes where even the roots were digged out. Our guide was Bee. Special sightings: Elephants (of course), Lion pack (descendants of Cecil) with several cubs playing around and one time gathering to go hunting in the evening (unfortunately it got dark and we had to stop following). Cheetah mother + son seen twice. Abundant roan antilope (rarely seen on other trips so far). Spring hares, african wild cat and nightjars during night drives. Numerous smaller and also larger birds (secretary bird, grounded and other hornbills, Kori bustard…)
Overall: Luxury bush-feeling camp with a limited number of the opportunity for great game drive experiences. Excellent camp management by Roland (always joyful and observant camp manager)." See all these reviews: 9n in Zimbabwe
"Luxury, tented camp in great location."
The staff were friendly and food good, with an interesting take on 'do it yourself' wood fired pizzas and stir fries (you choose the ingredients and it is cooked for you). The camp supports local charitable initiatives and has a craft shop which profits the charity.
The guiding was excellent, especially if you ask the guides to show you everything, not just big cats.
Somalisa did seem to attract a different clientele from Hwange Bush Camp and Amalinda - older and more conservative and content to be drive around looking just for big cats; they missed out on a lot." See all these reviews: 11n in Zimbabwe
"Wonderful experience"
The tents are very spacious with seating area, desk space and large bathroom and very large balcony with sofa, chairs and table and hammock. We were in tent 4 which is the nearest to the water hole, so we were able to watch the animals there as well as the comings and goings.
The food was excellent with a little DIY for stir fry and pizza. Breakfast by the fire was also great. Another bonus was the 5.30 delivery of a pot of coffee with our wake up call.
Game viewing was good - so many elephants swell as Cecil's daughters and grandchildren." See all these reviews: 13n in Zimbabwe
"Somalisa Camp review"
Staff very keen on providing best experience." See all these reviews: 8n in Zimbabwe
"Large camp luxury"
The facilities are obviously outstanding - luxury tents, copper baths, a wood burner(!) in tent, plus small pool and high quality furnishings in private and public areas. Staff were delightful (a feature of all three African Bush Camps we visited) and guides excellent in quality vehicles. If this is what you like then you will not be disappointed!
What surprised us, however, was how close the sister camp of Somalisa Acacia was i.e right on top of it, enabling it to act as a single entity for large groups. Our tent #7 looked onto the back of Acacia and was certainly less than 100m from it. We dropped the curtains to give us a sense of privacy. This was no intimate Bush experience, and was therefore not for us. Other tents had more privacy but it is still a sizeable complex." See all these reviews: 9n in Zimbabwe
"Fabulous property and experience"
Exercise awareness of where the elephant are if you decide to use your private outdoor shower. Having your shower interrupted by an elephant is funny now but it required quick thinking and reaction - quite exciting at the time.
Extensive wildlife sighting notes will be emailed." See all these reviews: 3n in Botswana; 3n in Zimbabwe; 2n in Zambia; 1n in South Africa
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