Best Of Hwange Safari
This 7 day safari ventures far from the beaten track into the untouched wilderness haven that is the Hwange National Park. Guests can explore this remote area with the confidence of experienced & knowledgeable Guides who will lead walking safaris and game drives in 4×4 vehicles.
This safari is for those seeking a truly adventurous and authentic wildlife safari, staying in two small, safari accommodations with the focus on observing the wildlife that call this remote area home.
Itinerary in Detail
DAY BY DAY
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Tour Experiences
Day 1 – VICTORIA FALS – HWANGE NATIONAL PARK
This morning you will depart your accommodation on the road transfer to Nehimba Lodge in northern Hwange. The first 2.5hrs is on a tarmac road to Dete Railway Station. From here, you’ll board Imvelo’s game viewing vehicles for a 2.5hr game drive, arriving at Nehimba Lodge in the late afternoon.
Depending on time of arrival, you may head out on a game drive on the Nehimba Concession. Alternatively, you could relax by the lodge swimming pool or patio and watch the herds of elephant and other wildlife come to drink at the waterholes in front of the lodge.
Return to Nehimba Lodge to freshen up before sipping sundowners on the deck, watching the sunset over the waterhole as the herds of elephants and other game arrives to quench their thirst. A 3-course dinner under the stars follows, surrounded by elephant drinking from the pool just steps away from the dinner table!
Days 2 & 3 – HWANGE NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast, you’ll depart for the morning exploring the Nehimba concession and the beautiful northern part of Hwange National Park. As you’ll see, the north is distinctly different from the southern part both in topography, habitats and species of wildlife. Nehimba is situated right on the edge of the mopane woodlands of northern Hwange and the Kalahari sandveld of the west, and so offers the full spectrum and diversity of fauna that Hwange has to offer. The elephant hunting lions of this area are famous. The area is well watered so is host to large numbers of animals throughout the year but particularly during the dry season. You’ll return to the lodge for a leisurely lunch and then afternoon siesta.
Sundowners at the famed Nehimba Seeps is a must-do activity while staying at Nehimba in the dry season. The Nehimba Seeps are a specially designated conservation area and one of the few year-round, naturally occurring water sources in the massive Hwange National Park. The seeps are an ancient water resource that was once used by the San huntsmen. Today the area is frequented by elephants, which dig for minerals and water; this sacred spot will leave you with special memories and photographs.
Back at Nehimba Lodge, enjoy drinks and then dinner while watching the elephants slurp from the waterhole just steps away.
Day 4 - HWANGE NATIONAL PARK
Early risers will depart for a sunrise morning game drive and walk, exploring the area around Nehimba Lodge.
After breakfast back at the lodge, embark on a 2-3hr game drive exploring the northeastern part of Hwange National Park before reaching Dete Railway Station just outside Hwange’s Main Gate. Drinks and a tasty light lunch will be served on the Elephant Express, Imvelo Safari Lodge’s unique railcar, before departing Dete on the 3hr trip down the eastern border of Hwange National Park to Bomani Tented Lodge or Camelthorn Lodge. This historic railway line demarcates the border of the park so there will be plenty of game viewing along the way!
Arrive at Ngamo siding in the late afternoon, disembark the Elephant Express and board 4 x 4 game drive vehicles for an evening game drive and sundowners. Following a beautiful Zimbabwe sunset, you’ll night drive back to the lodge looking for nocturnal wildlife just starting their “day.” Enjoy a delectable 3-course dinner out under the stars followed by coffee or a night cap around the campfire.
Overnight at Bomani Tented Lodge or Camelthorn Lodge.
Day 5 - HWANGE NATIONAL PARK
After an early wake-up call, join your guide at dawn for a cup of coffee and slice of toast before heading out to explore and interpret what happened in the wilderness last night. You head out early because that is when the big cats are still active – we make no promises, but we can ensure a fascinating time will be spent with your guide. Walks will be conducted by an experienced professional guide, looking at tracks and signs, or perhaps approaching an animal on foot to snatch a memorable photograph. Your guide will keep you updated on the ground with recent sightings and put forward his recommendations.
This afternoon, head back into Hwange in search of game before making a stop for a bush lunch next to a specially built underground game-viewing blind at Stoffie’s Pan aka the “Look-up” blind, named such because its located at the water level so you’ll be looking up at the elephants! Here you can enjoy some time in the blind with snout-level viewing of thirsty elephants just feet way! The blind is furnished with comfortable seating and has running water for flush loos and hand basins.
In the late afternoon, you’ll continue to explore the Ngamo Plains by vehicle before you make your way back.
Overnight at Bomani Tented Lodge or Camelthorn Lodge.
Day 6 - HWANGE NATIONAL PARK
This morning sees an early start with breakfast in the dining room before heading to nearby Ngunyana Village where guests can join the children on their morning walk to school or join the younger kids for a ride in our safari vehicles! Once at the school, guests meet the Headmaster and are welcomed with traditional songs sung by the students, followed by a short classroom interaction. This activity gives the school children a wonderful opportunity to meet and interact with people from all over the world who have come to see the wildlife amongst which they live.
After the school visit, head to a nearby village for an un-choreographed visit of a local homestead, including a meeting with the headman of the village. Guests will be able to see some of the community initiatives firsthand and gain insight into the day to day life of a rural Zimbabwean including learning about thatching roofs, tilling fields, milling maize and weaving baskets.
During the afternoon, you’ll visit the Imvelo Ngamo Rhino Sanctuary where you’ll meet the resident white rhino, Thuza and Kusasa, as well as the Cobra Rangers guarding them 24/7. Start with a behind-the-scenes look at the Cobras basecamp, where you’ll learn more about their work along with Imvelo’s many other community and conservation programs. Hear a short talk on the origins and ideas behind the formation of the Cobras unit and how they protect the rhino, as well as the future plans for our ground-breaking Community Rhino Conservation Initiative.
Head off on foot or by vehicle with the Cobras to meet Thuza and Kusasa! There will be lots of photo opportunities and quality time to watch and enjoy the rhinos in their natural environment on the Ngamo plains; how close you will be able to get to the rhino will be subject to conditions on the ground.
Each guest at Bomani Lodge pays a rhino conservation and community levy; these funds all go into the rhino sanctuary along with community projects in the nearby villages.
Overnight at Bomani Tented Lodge or Camelthorn Lodge.
Day 7 - HWANGE NATIONAL PARK – VICTORIA FALLS
Approximate flight time 1 hour
After a final breakfast and morning game drive (time permitting), climb aboard your 1hr hour scenic air charter from the Bomani airstrip to Victoria Falls International Airport for your onward travel.
Tour Experiences
Day 1 – VICTORIA FALS – HWANGE NATIONAL PARK
This morning you will depart your accommodation on the road transfer to Nehimba Lodge in northern Hwange. The first 2.5hrs is on a tarmac road to Dete Railway Station. From here, you’ll board Imvelo’s game viewing vehicles for a 2.5hr game drive, arriving at Nehimba Lodge in the late afternoon.
Depending on time of arrival, you may head out on a game drive on the Nehimba Concession. Alternatively, you could relax by the lodge swimming pool or patio and watch the herds of elephant and other wildlife come to drink at the waterholes in front of the lodge.
Return to Nehimba Lodge to freshen up before sipping sundowners on the deck, watching the sunset over the waterhole as the herds of elephants and other game arrives to quench their thirst. A 3-course dinner under the stars follows, surrounded by elephant drinking from the pool just steps away from the dinner table!
Days 2 & 3 – HWANGE NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast, you’ll depart for the morning exploring the Nehimba concession and the beautiful northern part of Hwange National Park. As you’ll see, the north is distinctly different from the southern part both in topography, habitats and species of wildlife. Nehimba is situated right on the edge of the mopane woodlands of northern Hwange and the Kalahari sandveld of the west, and so offers the full spectrum and diversity of fauna that Hwange has to offer. The elephant hunting lions of this area are famous. The area is well watered so is host to large numbers of animals throughout the year but particularly during the dry season. You’ll return to the lodge for a leisurely lunch and then afternoon siesta.
Sundowners at the famed Nehimba Seeps is a must-do activity while staying at Nehimba in the dry season. The Nehimba Seeps are a specially designated conservation area and one of the few year-round, naturally occurring water sources in the massive Hwange National Park. The seeps are an ancient water resource that was once used by the San huntsmen. Today the area is frequented by elephants, which dig for minerals and water; this sacred spot will leave you with special memories and photographs.
Back at Nehimba Lodge, enjoy drinks and then dinner while watching the elephants slurp from the waterhole just steps away.
Day 4 - HWANGE NATIONAL PARK
Early risers will depart for a sunrise morning game drive and walk, exploring the area around Nehimba Lodge.
After breakfast back at the lodge, embark on a 2-3hr game drive exploring the northeastern part of Hwange National Park before reaching Dete Railway Station just outside Hwange’s Main Gate. Drinks and a tasty light lunch will be served on the Elephant Express, Imvelo Safari Lodge’s unique railcar, before departing Dete on the 3hr trip down the eastern border of Hwange National Park to Bomani Tented Lodge or Camelthorn Lodge. This historic railway line demarcates the border of the park so there will be plenty of game viewing along the way!
Arrive at Ngamo siding in the late afternoon, disembark the Elephant Express and board 4 x 4 game drive vehicles for an evening game drive and sundowners. Following a beautiful Zimbabwe sunset, you’ll night drive back to the lodge looking for nocturnal wildlife just starting their “day.” Enjoy a delectable 3-course dinner out under the stars followed by coffee or a night cap around the campfire.
Overnight at Bomani Tented Lodge or Camelthorn Lodge.
Day 5 - HWANGE NATIONAL PARK
After an early wake-up call, join your guide at dawn for a cup of coffee and slice of toast before heading out to explore and interpret what happened in the wilderness last night. You head out early because that is when the big cats are still active – we make no promises, but we can ensure a fascinating time will be spent with your guide. Walks will be conducted by an experienced professional guide, looking at tracks and signs, or perhaps approaching an animal on foot to snatch a memorable photograph. Your guide will keep you updated on the ground with recent sightings and put forward his recommendations.
This afternoon, head back into Hwange in search of game before making a stop for a bush lunch next to a specially built underground game-viewing blind at Stoffie’s Pan aka the “Look-up” blind, named such because its located at the water level so you’ll be looking up at the elephants! Here you can enjoy some time in the blind with snout-level viewing of thirsty elephants just feet way! The blind is furnished with comfortable seating and has running water for flush loos and hand basins.
In the late afternoon, you’ll continue to explore the Ngamo Plains by vehicle before you make your way back to freshen up before dinner.
Overnight at Bomani Tented Lodge or Camelthorn Lodge.
Day 6 - HWANGE NATIONAL PARK
This morning sees an early start with breakfast in the dining room before heading to nearby Ngunyana Village where guests can join the children on their morning walk to school or join the younger kids for a ride in our safari vehicles! Once at the school, guests meet the Headmaster and are welcomed with traditional songs sung by the students, followed by a short classroom interaction. This activity gives the school children a wonderful opportunity to meet and interact with people from all over the world who have come to see the wildlife amongst which they live.
After the school visit, head to a nearby village for an un-choreographed visit of a local homestead, including a meeting with the headman of the village. Guests will be able to see some of the community initiatives firsthand and gain insight into the day to day life of a rural Zimbabwean including learning about thatching roofs, tilling fields, milling maize and weaving baskets.
During the afternoon, you’ll visit the Imvelo Ngamo Rhino Sanctuary where you’ll meet the resident white rhino, Thuza and Kusasa, as well as the Cobra Rangers guarding them 24/7. Start with a behind-the-scenes look at the Cobras basecamp, where you’ll learn more about their work along with Imvelo’s many other community and conservation programs. Hear a short talk on the origins and ideas behind the formation of the Cobras unit and how they protect the rhino, as well as the future plans for our ground-breaking Community Rhino Conservation Initiative.
Head off on foot or by vehicle with the Cobras to meet Thuza and Kusasa! There will be lots of photo opportunities and quality time to watch and enjoy the rhinos in their natural environment on the Ngamo plains; how close you will be able to get to the rhino will be subject to conditions on the ground.
Each guest at Bomani Lodge pays a rhino conservation and community levy; these funds all go into the rhino sanctuary along with community projects in the nearby villages.
Overnight at Bomani Tented Lodge or Camelthorn Lodge.
Day 7 - HWANGE NATIONAL PARK – VICTORIA FALLS
Approximate flight time 1 hour
After a final breakfast and morning game drive (time permitting), climb aboard your 1hr hour scenic air charter from the Bomani airstrip to Victoria Falls International Airport for your onward travel.
Send An Enquiry
Short Contact Form (NEW)
Talk to a Specialist
Our experienced Safari Consultants—based in Nairobi and around the world—are here to guide you every step of the way. From expert advice to seamless planning, we’ll take care of every detail to create a safari that’s perfectly tailored to you.
Get in touch today, and a dedicated Safari Specialist in your time zone will start crafting your personalised safari to Africa.
Kenya
North America & Canada
North America & Canada
North America
UK & Europe
South America
Australia
India
Kenya
Head Office in Nairobi
We have an experienced team of Safari Consultants based in Kenya.
You can contact our Nairobi team at info@gamewatchers.com or call at +254-722-509-200.
North America & Canada
Rick Mcintyre
Hello, I’m Rick, based in Ontario, Canada, with over 15 years in the travel industry and a passport filled with stamps from over 70 countries. My heart was captured by Africa during my first visit to Kenya, and since then, I’ve journeyed back repeatedly, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Whether you’re dreaming of a “once in a lifetime” vacation or you’re a seasoned safari traveler, I’m here to assist in planning your perfect African adventure.
You can contact me at rick@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +1-877-710-3014, and together, we’ll make your African dreams a reality.
North America & Canada
Rachel Chambers
Hi, I’m Rae, based on the West Coast of Canada, on beautiful Vancouver Island. I’m a passionate traveler who has explored nearly 30 countries, but it was a solo journey to Africa that truly transformed my perspective. From the moment I arrived in Botswana, I felt an undeniable connection to the continent and was inspired to spend more time experiencing its extraordinary wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultures. My solo travels have since taken me through Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mauritius, South Africa, Uganda, Namibia, and Kenya, where I experienced Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps firsthand. It was during these immersive and unforgettable journeys that my passion for Africa evolved into a clear vision: to join the Gamewatchers team and help others discover the magic of safari. I’d love to connect and plan your wildest dreams!.
You can reach me by email at rae@gamewatchers.com
North America
Julie Roggow
Greetings, I’m Julie Roggow, and I come to you with over two decades of immersion in the world of travel. My journey into the heart of safari adventures began as I traversed Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, capturing the essence of these mesmerizing landscapes through my lens. Among these remarkable destinations, Kenya and the Porini safari camps hold a special place in my heart. Their unique blend of wilderness and conservation resonates deeply with me.
My passion for travel is matched only by my dedication to sharing that passion with others. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your very first safari, I’m here to ensure that planning your safari vacation is an enjoyable and seamless experience.
Feel free to reach out to me by email at julie@gamewatchers.com or through our toll-free telephone line at +1-877-710-3014. Let’s embark on an unforgettable safari journey together, where the wild beauty of Africa awaits to enchant and inspire you.
UK & Europe
Tom Mees
Jambo, I’m Tommy Mees, most people call me Tom.
My connection with Africa began through years of travelling across the continent.
I later spent more than twelve years managing safari camps and lodges while supporting conservation initiatives including beekeeping and tree-planting projects.
Having travelled extensively throughout Eastern and Southern Africa, I developed a deep appreciation for authentic wilderness experiences and the conservation-focused approach of the Porini Camps.
I am originally from Belgium and now based in Spain, though my heart has always remained in Africa.
Alongside my safari background, I am also a professional photographer and enjoy helping travellers experience and capture the extraordinary wildlife, landscapes and cultures that make Africa so special.
If you are considering an African safari, feel free to contact me at tom@gamewatchers.com
South America
Andrea Landaeta
Hola, I’m Andrea and my love affair with the captivating world of safaris began during my teenage years when I embarked on my very first safari in Kenya. There, amidst the awe-inspiring wildlife and expansive plains, I found my true passion. Over the years, Kenya has called me back time and time again, leading me to explore its myriad camps, conservancies, and renowned parks. More recently, I’ve had the privilege of staying at all the Porini Camps, where the spotlight shines on wildlife conservation—a cause close to my heart as I traverse the globe. While Kenya holds a special place in my wanderlust-filled heart, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda have also woven their magic into my soul.
If you’re eager to embark on your own safari adventure or share your passion for conservation, please feel free to contact me at andrea@saririterra.com
Australia
Kristy Thomson
Hello, I’m Kristy, your Australian-based Safari Advisor with Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps. My background in ecology and conservation management, combined with a deep passion for nature and the great outdoors, led me to Kenya where I instantly fell in love with its spectacular wildlife and warm-hearted people. Having spent significant time at our Porini Camps and explored other camps we offer, I bring intricate knowledge to help craft your ultimate wildlife safari adventure. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of the savannah or the serenity of the wilderness, I’m here to make your safari dreams a reality.
Feel free to reach out to me on the Gold Coast, Australia, at kristy@gamewatchers.com or call on +61 419 175 672.
India
Pranay Chandra
Hello, I’m Pranay Chandra, a veteran of the Indian Armed Forces whose profound passion for nature and wildlife led me to the world of wildlife photography. My lens has captured the essence of the wild, earning recognition in esteemed competitions like the Sanctuary Asia annual wildlife awards and the Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards. Beyond photography, I’ve dedicated myself to conservation efforts, collaborating with Ecological Task Forces and supporting WWF India’s training initiatives in tiger reserves. In the realm of education, I’ve partnered with CEC, New Delhi, to create informative video programs on Human-Wildlife Conflicts. I’ve ventured to Kenya, embracing the splendours of Africa while staying at Porini camps and other renowned lodges.
You can connect with me via email at pranay@gamewatchers.com or call on +91 801 788 5256.
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An idyllic Indian Ocean coastal hideaway is the perfect complement to your wildlife safari.
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