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African safaris are a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Wake up to the sounds of wildlife, and in the evening, explore the bush on the back of an open vehicle as the sun sets. Add in luxurious touches, gourmet feasts, and bouts of relaxing pampering at a luxury safari lodge, and you have it all. Zimbabwe is home to 11 national parks. Hwange National Park is the largest park in the far west of Zimbabwe on the border of Botswana. The best safari lodges in Zimbabwe have thought above and beyond the game drives and here is our pick of the very best.
1. Nantwich Eco Lodge, Hwange National Park
Nantwich Eco Lodge is a unique, small, and intimate eco-lodge reclaimed from a bygone era for true safari lovers who want to get off the beaten track and discover the untouched wilderness and abundant wildlife of Northern Hwange National Park. It lies in the northwest corner of the Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe and is the closest lodge to Victoria Falls. It can be accessed by a short 30-minute flight or an easy 1.5-hour road transfer from Victoria Falls, making it the perfect midway stop from Chobe.
Untamed Africa at its best, Nantwich Eco Lodge is an escape that time forgot and where wildlife rules supreme, just as it should. The lodge comprises comfortable and chic suites perched upon a bluff overlooking a dam with resident crocodiles and hippos that draw large herds of buffalo and predators that follow them. The wildlife is a truly magnificent sight to behold, and during your stay, you might be lucky enough for a showdown right on your doorstep!
Days here can be spent exploring this secluded region’s pristine wilderness and many tracks and trails, looking for leopards, Roan or Sable antelope, and lions lounging in tall grasses. Evenings can be spent reminiscing with fellow travelers over the day’s highlights while dining on the sumptuous fare at the open-plan kitchen and restaurant that provides an intimate and lively atmosphere.
Guests can become a Hwange expert through guided bush walks and game drives. When not busy exploring the surrounding bush or spying on the wildlife right from the comfort of your chalet, the Main Lodge is where you will find the open lounge and dining area and a well-equipped library.
2. Mpala Jena
Inside Zambezi National Park and 10 miles from Victoria Falls, you will find four all-inclusive tented suites and a two-bedroom tented villa overlooking the stunning Zambezi River shoreline. Mpala Jena means “white impala”, a mythical animal once seen in the Zambezi National Park. It is also the name of the springs that attract so many wild animals year-round to the edges of the camp’s four tents.
Using recycled materials and solar power for electricity, Mpala Jena is one of the most eco-friendly sites you will find. Offering bespoke safari tours and guided walks, this all-inclusive camp is truly exquisite. A paradise for experienced or amateur birdwatchers, it also offers the pleasures of safari, plunge pools with views of the rapids and adventures to Victoria Falls, a mere twenty kilometers away.
3. Singita Pamushana
Singita Pamushana is located in the heart of the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, a stunning 320,000-acre private reserve in south-eastern Zimbabwe. This lodge has earned a string of awards and spends huge amounts of money conserving wildlife.
Perched high on a sandstone ridge, Singita Pamushana Lodge’s eight elegant suites, all with private plunge pools, is set within the 130,000-acre Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve in Zimbabwe’s remote southeast.
Drawing inspiration from the rich tribal history of the region, the lodge’s design features bold geometric patterns, tile inlays, and carved furniture, as well as comforting natural fabrics, raw silks, and woven leather elements.
The organic-shaped buildings feature detailed thatch- and stonework, carefully curated interiors, and picturesque views of the landscape and Malilangwe Dam below, while the lodge’s expansive decks deepen connections with nature. A cliff-top firepit and signature Singita ‘bar-deli’ invite alfresco dining and storytelling under the stars.
The Malilangwe Reserve boasts one of the highest concentrations of the endangered black rhino, and its abundant wildlife makes for unparalleled game-viewing opportunities. With private access to this untouched wilderness, guests can immerse themselves in nature on twice-daily game drives, bush walks, sundowner boat cruises, excursions to rock art sites, and more.
4. Linkwasha Camp
Linkwasha Camp is a luxurious camp that lies in the south-eastern corner of Hwange National Park. An eclectic mix of contemporary interiors complements the fresh, open, and airy design of Linkwasha Camp. Eight sumptuous en-suite tents and one family unit offer incredible views. The main area includes multi-level decks, a pool area, and a winter lounge complete with a library that overlooks the prolific waterhole.
5. Somalisa Camp
Somalisa Camp is an award-winning camp in Hwange National Park. Somalisa provides guests with breathtaking views of the golden savannah plains of Hwange. A place where, one moment, you are sipping on your gin and tonic, listening to the distant baritone roar of a lion coalition on the hunt, and the next, you are gazing over at a congregation of elephants mere meters away.
Tucked away under the dappled shade of an Acacia grove along the edge of an ancient seasonal floodplain, this intimate bush camp is perfect for a relaxing Hwange safari with friends and loved ones. The elegant style is infused with natural wood and organic features of the bush. A full solar power farm and water purity system allow the camp to recycle 80% of the water used, Somalisa Camp leads the way in eco-friendly safari accommodation. It has been awarded the first GOLD Green Tourism Certification in Zimbabwe.
Seven tastefully furnished sailcloth tents include modern appointments such as a fan, a battery charging station, a wood-burning fireplace, and a private viewing deck. Your bathroom, worthy of a special mention, is inspired by the romance of yesteryear, boasts an indoor and outdoor bathroom, and features a copper slipper-style bathtub and endless views across the vast plains beyond.
6. The Elephant Camp
With its 12 luxury suites under canvas, The Elephant Camp Main really puts you at one with nature.
Situated approximately 10km from Victoria Falls, this all-inclusive camp perched on a hill offers spectacular panoramic views. Rooms boast a private plunge pool and decking area and the gorge is the place to spend the evening watching the sunset while sipping a cocktail.
6. Old Drift Lodge
Overlooking the Zambezi National Park, the opulent Old Drift Lodge is only 7 kilometers from the Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, making it the closest lodge within the National Park to Victoria Falls. Found between Zimbabwe and Zambia on the Zambezi River, this family-friendly lodge is situated north-facing onto the Zambezi and south-facing onto a water hole. With its 360-degree views, the views and sights will not disappoint.
7. Shongwe Lodge Lookout
Located around 2km from Victoria Falls Waterfall, Shongwe Lodge Lookout consists of 23 beautifully furnished rooms set in the suburbs of Victoria Falls. The rooms surround their unique Lookout Tower, which offers amazing views of the Zambezi River and the magical mist rising from Victoria Falls. A true African delight.
8. Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
Situated only 4km from Victoria Falls and surrounded by African Bush, as far as you can see lies the beautiful Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. The Falls lie across the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. Sunsets from the Buffalo bar viewing deck are a sight to behold, as are the striking views from the bedrooms – some of them overlooking the waterhole frequented by elephants, buffalo, and other wildlife and birds.
9. Camp Hwange
Camp Hwange is a classic safari camp on Sinamatella private concession in the north of the Hwange National Park. This is Zimbabwe’s largest park and is one of the best places in the world to view huge numbers of elephants as well as a great mammal diversity, with over 100 species and over 400 species of bird. The camp is a 3-hour drive from Victoria Falls, one hour on a good tarred road, and the final two hours through the National Park.
10. Shongwe Lodge Lookout
Located around 2km from Victoria Falls Waterfall, Shongwe Lodge Lookout consists of 23 beautifully furnished rooms set in the suburbs of Victoria Falls. The rooms surround their unique Lookout Tower, which offers amazing views of the Zambezi River and the magical mist rising from Victoria Falls. A true African delight.
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