Discovering Hwange’s Wilderness: A Safari Tale

Hwange National Park, a hidden gem in Zimbabwe, was the setting for our unforgettable 6-day safari adventure. From stunning Victoria Falls to remote Nehimba Camp, we experienced the best of Hwange’s wilderness, wildlife, and conservation efforts. Here’s our journey…

Hwange Safari Adventure

We embarked on a thrilling 6-day safari adventure to Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe, with overnight stays in Victoria Falls before and after the trip. Our journey began at Elephant Camp, Wild Horizons in Victoria Falls, where we enjoyed spacious tented rooms with 4-poster beds, lounges, and plunge pools on the deck. The camp’s location within Victoria Falls National Park offered breathtaking views of the falls, and we loved watching the “smoke” rise from the falls in the distance. The food was delicious, and the service was attentive and friendly.

As we settled in, we couldn’t wait to explore the surrounding area. Elephant Camp is an ideal overnight stop, situated just a short drive from the airport. The camp’s tranquil atmosphere and stunning views made it the perfect spot to relax and unwind before our safari adventure.

Nehimba Camp Experience

Next, we headed to Nehimba Camp in Hwange National Park, a remote and wild camp with nine canvas-walled rooms on raised decks around a watering hole. Our guide, Harris, and his team ensured we had an unforgettable experience, with game drives, bush walks, and campfire sessions. We spotted lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, antelope, and many raptors and birds on our game drives and safari walks.

The drive to Nehimba from Victoria Falls took about 5-6 hours, but the scenic views and sand tracks made it worth it. We arrived just in time for lunch and spent the afternoon relaxing by the pool, which overlooked a large watering hole frequented by elephants and other game.

Nehimba Camp is part of the Imvelo group of safari lodges, which operates exclusively in Hwange, making them specialists in this rapidly resurging wilderness area. The team’s knowledge and passion for the land and wildlife were evident in everything they did, and we felt like we were in good hands.

Bomani Camp Delights

We then moved to Bomani Camp, Imvelo’s most popular camp, with nine canvas-tented rooms and a family suite. Bomani Camp is situated on the Eastern border of Hwange National Park, and its location offered stunning views of the surrounding plains. We stayed in the camp’s large family room, which had two bedrooms, a lounge, a dining room, and a wooden deck overlooking the plains.

During our stay, we enjoyed delicious meals, often taken outdoors while watching wildlife come and go. The camp’s guides were professional and friendly, and we appreciated their knowledge and expertise. We also visited the nearby village to see how Imvelo supports and collaborates with the locals, which was a highlight of our trip.

Unique Experiences

A highlight of our trip was the Elephant Express, a refurbished railway tram ride to Bomani Camp, offering game viewing along the way. We saw Sable, giraffes, elephants, and more on our trips in and out of the park. The tram ride was a unique and relaxing way to experience the wilderness, and we felt like we were in the heart of Africa.

We also visited Camelthorn Lodge, situated in a rhino sanctuary, and Victoria Falls River Lodge, a 5-star lodge with stunning river views. Both lodges offered exceptional service and unique experiences, and we loved our stays.

Hwange’s Transformation

Hwange National Park has undergone a remarkable transformation since our previous visit in 2006. Poaching has decreased, and the park’s water pumps are now solar-powered, supporting over 40,000 elephants. New lodges have opened, and travelers are rediscovering Hwange’s wonders.

The park’s management and conservation efforts have paid off, and we saw firsthand the impact of their work. The wildlife is thriving, and the park’s facilities have been upgraded. Road access is still limited, but small aircraft operators are returning to the area, making it easier to get in and out.

We left Hwange feeling inspired and rejuvenated, knowing that our visit had contributed to the park’s conservation efforts. If you’re looking for an authentic safari experience, Hwange National Park is a must-visit destination.