Ground Hornbill Safari: Day-by-day
The joy of this adventure lies in the journey across Zimbabwe, as well as within its national parks. Seeing Zimbabwe’s everyday life in a variety of landscapes and communities en route will help you get a rich understanding of the country.
Starts: Victoria Falls Airport
Victoria Falls to Camp Hwange by road
An air-conditioned vehicle will transfer you from the airport to meet your safari guide at Hwange National Park's Mbala Gate. Then it’s a 4WD safari to Camp Hwange, across rocky granite hills. It’ll take around four hours total, depending on how long you stop to watch wildlife on the way.
Camp Hwange
In the north-west of Hwange National Park, where the Kalahari's flat plains start to transition into rugged hills, you’ll find Camp Hwange. The camp combines a distinct "bush" feel with an emphasis on the safari experience and top guiding.
In the north-west of Hwange National Park, where the Kalahari's flat plains start to transition into rugged hills, you’ll find Camp Hwange. The camp combines a distinct "bush" feel with an emphasis on the safari experience and top guiding.
"accommodation very comfortable.. food was super.. lovely relaxed atmosphere.."
Mr A.fromOngarArrived 12 Nov 2023, 3 nights
We've been sending our travellers on mobile safaris with David Carson for many years, and we are very impressed with this, his first permanent camp, which continues his legacy of top guiding and unforgettable safaris. Camp Hwange is all about experiencing the wilderness first-hand, so if you're looking for five-star luxury this is not the place for you. If, however, your emphasis is on flexible, knowledgeable and charismatic guiding in very comfortable surroundings, then we think you'll love it here. See our full report on Camp Hwange
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Guided walking safari
Night drive
Camp Hwange to Somalisa: 4WD game drive
A fascinating open-topped 4WD transfer right across Hwange National Park transports you through Kalahari woodlands, open vleis and past the occasional pan to your next camp, Somalisa. Depending on stops to watch wildlife, switch vehicles and picnic, this will take around four hours.
Somalisa Expeditions
A reinvention of a classic Hwange safari camp, Somalisa Expeditions opened at the start of 2017. The camp sits among a grove of acacia trees in a private, 150km² concession in the heart of Hwange National Park, and offers a friendly if relatively simple safari experience.
A reinvention of a classic Hwange safari camp, Somalisa Expeditions opened at the start of 2017. The camp sits among a grove of acacia trees in a private, 150km² concession in the heart of Hwange National Park, and offers a friendly if relatively simple safari experience.
"Staff was great... a more “glamorous” camp setting"
Mr & Mrs B.fromFloridaArrived 17 Sep 2022, 3 nights
Somalisa Expeditions provides the experience of a traditional safari camp in the middle of a wildlife-rich area, balancing its simple rustic design with more stylish and comfortable elements. It's a great choice for travellers looking for a classic African safari camp that can deliver excellent guiding and superb wildlife viewing, both on activities and from the camp itself. See our full report on Somalisa Expeditions
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Guided walking safari
Night drive
Road transfer Hwange to Matobo Hills
After a two-hour game drive through the rolling Kalahari woodlands of the park, you’ll rendezvous with an air-conditioned vehicle for the drive south-east. This takes you through open country, villages and the city of Bulawayo, to reach Amalinda, in the stunning granite kopjes of Matobo Hills, about four hours later.
Amalinda Lodge
In a small private concession within Matobo Hills, Amalinda Lodge occupies a truly spectacular location. The lodge, formerly Camp Amalinda, is comfortable and owner run, with authentic, cleverly designed rooms built amongst ancient granite boulders. Come for the setting, the rich history and the opportunity to track rhino on foot.
In a small private concession within Matobo Hills, Amalinda Lodge occupies a truly spectacular location. The lodge, formerly Camp Amalinda, is comfortable and owner run, with authentic, cleverly designed rooms built amongst ancient granite boulders. Come for the setting, the rich history and the opportunity to track rhino on foot.
"Loved the room set in the rocks"
MarkfromSwitzerlandArrived 2 Jan 2024, 3 nights
Amalinda is a highly original lodge. It has been built into the Matobo Hills with an imagination and flare that not only incorporates its natural surroundings with great style and comfort, but also pays homage to the area's history. It offers intelligent historical and cultural activities, relatively easy rhino tracking, and some gentle safari activities that pleasantly contrast with and complement the more safari-focused camps in the larger national parks. It's a great lodge in a stunning area, and it's well worth a visit. See our full report on Amalinda Lodge
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Self-guided walking
Amalinda to Bulawayo by road
Following a leisurely morning around the lodge, or perhaps a short activity, one of Amalinda’s drivers will take you to Bulawayo Airport, in plenty of time to meet your flight. It’s about an hour’s drive, largely on tar roads, passing through the historical city of Bulawayo.