Explore Hwange Safari
Venture deep into Zimbabwe’s largest and most iconic wildlife reserve — Hwange National Park — on a 7-day journey designed for true safari enthusiasts. This unique itinerary takes you to two exclusive private concession areas in the remote northern and southeastern corners of the park, offering intimate wildlife experiences far from the crowds.
Begin your safari with three nights in northern Hwange, renowned for its diverse wildlife and striking landscapes. Accompanied by expert guides, explore the area on thrilling 4×4 game drives and guided walking safaris, uncovering the secrets of this wild terrain.
Next, board the one-of-a-kind Elephant Express Railcar — a scenic and memorable journey to southeastern Hwange, where open grasslands meet woodlands in a contrasting ecosystem rich in herbivores and predators. Spend three more nights immersed in nature, with daily game-viewing activities and a special visit to the Imvelo Ngamo Wildlife Sanctuary. Here, you’ll encounter protected white rhino and meet the courageous Cobras — the dedicated anti-poaching unit safeguarding them 24/7. You’ll also gain insight into impactful community and conservation efforts transforming the region.
Throughout your journey, enjoy authentic, small-scale safari camps, exceptional guiding, and a variety of activities that connect you with both the wildlife and the people who call this wilderness 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!
Day 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
Elephant Express Railcar North to South East Hwange, approximate transfer time 2.5hrs
Time for one final early morning game drive or walk, returning to the lodge for breakfast. 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 before departing Dete, for the 2.5hr trip down the eastern border of Hwange National Park to 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, depart the Elephant Express and board 4 x 4 game drive vehicles for an afternoon game drive and sundowners. Following a beautiful Zimbabwe sunset, take a night drive back to the lodge looking for nocturnal wildlife just starting their “day.” Return to lodge for dinner and overnight.
*Note The Elephant Express does not operate January-April 2024, an alternative transfer by road will be available during these months.
Overnight at Camelthorn Lodge (Fully Inclusive)
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 Camelthorn Lodge (Fully Inclusive)
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 Camelthorn 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 Camelthorn Lodge (Fully Inclusive)
Day 7 - HWANGE NATIONAL PARK
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 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!
Day 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
Elephant Express Railcar North to South East Hwange, approximate transfer time 2.5hrs
Time for one final early morning game drive or walk, returning to the lodge for breakfast. 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 before departing Dete, for the 2.5hr trip down the eastern border of Hwange National Park to 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, depart the Elephant Express and board 4 x 4 game drive vehicles for an afternoon game drive and sundowners. Following a beautiful Zimbabwe sunset, take a night drive back to the lodge looking for nocturnal wildlife just starting their “day.” Return to lodge for dinner and overnight.
*Note The Elephant Express does not operate January-April 2024, an alternative transfer by road will be available during these months.
Overnight at Camelthorn Lodge (Fully Inclusive)
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 Camelthorn Lodge (Fully Inclusive)
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 Camelthorn 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 Camelthorn Lodge (Fully Inclusive)
Day 7 - HWANGE NATIONAL PARK
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 airstrip to Victoria Falls International Airport for your onward travel.
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Short Contact Form (NEW)
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ENQUIRY FORM
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.
Rick Mcintyre 
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.
Julie Roggow 
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 contact me at rae@gamewatchers.com
Rachel Chambers 
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Talk to a Specialist
Choose a Safari Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made safari to Zimbabwe.
NORTH AMERICA
UNITED KINGDOM
SOUTH AMERICA
INDIA
AUSTRALIA
ENQUIRY FORM
Rick McIntyre
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.
Rachel Chambers
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 contact me at rae@gamewatchers.com
Julie Roggow
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. 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.
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