Reviews of Somalisa Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
40 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
93% success
38% success
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15% success
93% success
93% success
93% success
87% success
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79% success
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40% success
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"A Great Safari Experience"
We saw abundant & varied wildlife especially around the waterholes and, if you like Elephants, then this is the place to be.
There is a waterhole less than 100yds from the camp with a constant stream of Elephants coming down for a mud bath and a plunge pool 10ft away were all the Elephants come to drink!
A special thanks must go to our guide Calvet, who was simply superb." See all these reviews: 12n in Zimbabwe
"Tented camp in the Hwange bush"
We saw a great range of wildlife with our guide David who was excellent and shared a wealth of information with us about the animals including tracks, diet, food chain, habitat and other 'evidence' of their presence - his enthusiasm was infectious.
The food was excellent and incorporated traditional dishes and regional produce - we absolutely loved the braai on our first night and the opportunity to try sadza porridge.
The tents are comfortable however the shower part of the tent only has a gauze roof however so you are exposed to the wind/temperature (on our second night the wind was very strong so showering was too uncomfortable and our toiletries were blown across the room). The rooms do not have hot water on tap so you have to book your shower slot. Similarly breakfast is taken outside and the main tent is not overly wind proof so warm layers are definitely required for early morning and evening." See all these reviews: 7n in Zimbabwe
"Excellent first time safari at Somalisa"
The camp itself had a lovely old word charm about it along with an informal feel where the staff were more than happy to get you a drink but you were also encouraged to get your own in no one was about.
The room here was a lovely, characterful tented form of accommodation with a private open air bathroom that on occasion the elephants did help themselves to the soap. The area in which the camp was situated also supported large amounts of game so plenty of game viewing close to camp was available." See all these reviews: 5n in Zimbabwe
"Somalisa Camp review"
Food and drink was top notch.
I expected to swim in the pool there but the swimming pool has been taken over by the ellies!
Your information sheet mentions walks and hides at Somalisa. Not the case." See all these reviews: 10n in Zimbabwe
"A real experience of life in the bush...."
Visitors during the winter months need to be well-prepared for cold overnight temperatures, in contrast with warm sunshine during the day, especially when out in safari vehicles early morning or after dark. However at the camp itself the warm log-fire is very cheering and the hot porridge provided for breakfast is most welcome. Beds are comfortable (and included hot-water bottles) but showering arrangements need improvement. Food is good and plentiful and a very congenial atmosphere prevails at meal-times, particularly in the evenings" See all these reviews: 14n in Zambia; 4n in Zimbabwe
"Somalisa Camp has seen better days"
Upon arriving at Somalisa we were warmly greeted by Shane, Johnny, Sandra, and Nick. We never saw Johnny or Nick again, and Sandra left the next day; so although Shane took excellent care of us they seemed to be short handed. That being said, for two days all the guests in camp toured in one safari vehicle, seven of us, a bit crowded to say the least. Obviously there was not other driver/guide for us in camp.
The safari drives had a limited area to roam in and they tended to be repetitive, the same waterholes morning and evening. Michael was really into tracking lions and wasn't too interested in stopping for us to photograph other animals.
On the morning of our departure, about halfway into our two hour return to Main Camp our safari vehicle broke down. After about a half hour a vehicle from another camp came by and offered to help with repairs. After another half hour a supply truck from our camp came by an took us on to the pick up point. Break downs can happen anywhere. I think the age and run down condition of the vehicles at Somalisa camp was a major contributing factor.
There is a bright spot. On our final evening Shane had organized a lamp-lite dinner on the deck beside the pool and in the full moon elephants came and drank from the pool as we were sitting there, truly magic. Well done Shane!!!" See all these reviews: 8n in Zimbabwe; 4n in Botswana
"Somalisa Camp review"
"Somalisa Camp review"
Excellent staff and guides. The elephants drinking y the pool in the afternoon and right before dinner was a very unique experience. Once we got used to scheduling the hot water for the overhead bucket shower, it was great." See all these reviews: 5n in Zimbabwe; 1n in Zambia
"Somalisa Camp Review"
Excellent and friendly upper echelon staff. Mike was a brilliant guide. All were very accommodating.
Hwange Park is a bit challenged for wildlife due to limited water. Consequently, the park might not be the best choice for a first visit to Africa. Unless one wants a bush camp experience as opposed to the more usual lodges. Then, it's excellent.
Very peaceful, too. You can design what you do to get all the rest you want.
We're definitely planning on go back fairly soon." See all these reviews: 5n in Zimbabwe
"Somalisa Camp review"
Food would have been given a "good" score but the kitchen was at the main site so the hot food was warm at best and the sorbet was a puddle. I understand that a new kitchen for Somalisa Acacia is planned. However, the recipes were good and Smart, our chef, passed one on to me which I plan to make and serve to my family - hot!
Whilst the huge herds of elephant and buffalo are incredible to see around Somalisa, the driving is limited in area so the same waterholes were driven to on a repetitive basis." See all these reviews: 9n in Zimbabwe; 1n in South Africa
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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.
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