Ultimate Hwange Safari
A 9-Day Adventure into Hwange’s Untamed Wilderness. Embark on a truly immersive safari experience that takes you deep into the heart of Hwange National Park, exploring both its remote southern and northern regions. Over nine unforgettable days, you’ll journey far from the crowds into an untouched wilderness teeming with wildlife, guided by expert trackers who will lead you on exhilarating game drives and walking safaris.
Enhance your adventure with a unique ride on the Elephant Express, a one-of-a-kind rail safari offering breathtaking game viewing from a vintage open-sided train car. Gain deeper insight into Zimbabwe’s rich culture with a visit to a rural village, where you’ll meet local schoolchildren and experience daily life in an authentic community.
A highlight of your journey is a visit to the Ngamo Rhino Sanctuary, where you’ll witness vital conservation efforts firsthand and meet the dedicated Cobra Rangers, who work tirelessly to protect these magnificent creatures.
Designed for those who seek adventure and authenticity, this safari offers an intimate, off-the-grid experience in small, characterful camps, where the focus is on exceptional wildlife encounters in one of Africa’s last great wildernesses.
Itinerary in Detail
DAY BY DAY
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Tour Experiences
Day 1 – VICTORIA FALS – SOUTHERN HWANGE NATIONAL PARK
This morning you will depart your accommodation and transfer for a 3hr vehicle transfer to Dete Railway Station on the edge of Hwange National Park. Here you’ll board Imvelo’s one-of-a-kind game viewing railcar, the Elephant Express. Drinks and a tasty light lunch will be served on the Elephant Express before departing Dete at approx. 14:00, for 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!
After arriving at Ngamo Siding in the early evening, disembark the Elephant Express and board 4 x 4 game drive vehicles for the short ride to your accommodation. You’ll be escorted to your room where you can settle in, unpack and freshen up before returning to the main lodge for a pre-dinner cocktail or cool drink at the bar or around the campfire. A delectable 3-course dinner will be served under the Milky Way and the Southern Cross followed by coffee or a nightcap around the campfire.
Overnight at Bomani Tented Lodge or Camelthorn Lodge.
Day 2 - SOUTHERN 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 your accomodation to freshen up before dinner.
Overnight at Bomani Tented Lodge or Camelthorn Lodge.
Day 3 - SOUTHERN 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 Tented Lodge & 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 Bomani Tented Lodge or Camelthorn Lodge.
Day 4 - SOUTHERN HWANGE NATIONAL PARK
Enjoy an early morning tea or coffee on your veranda before a hot breakfast in the main lodge. Then grab your day pack for a full day safari or “pump run” deep into the southern part of Hwange.
Hwange National Park has no major rivers and for the past 70 years during Hwange’s dry seasons, wildlife has subsisted here on water originally pumped by windmills, later replaced by diesel engines and now solar power. In the southern sector of the Park, Imvelo Safari Lodges shoulders the responsibility for 16+ pumped waterholes. This means Imvelo is looking after approximately 20- 25% of the waterholes that sustain Hwange’s wildlife – a huge commitment of which we are truly proud!
Imvelo’s trademark “pump runs” combine game viewing in remote areas of the park with practical hands-on conservation helping to maintain the waterholes and pumps which the wildlife rely on for water during the dry season. Many of these pumps have been converted to solar-hybrid pumps in recent years. We’ll meet some of the “pump attendants”, the unsung heros of conservation who live at the waterholes and help to maintain the waterpumps.
We’ll stop for a picnic lunch near one of the waterholes and thereafter continue on a leisurely game drive to camp in the afternoon, typically ending with sundowners at one of the waterholes close to camp.
Please note this activity only happens in the dry season when the water is pumped (usually between June – October). In the green season an all-day game drive can be enjoyed roaming across a huge section of the park stopping for a picnic lunch and siesta under a cool tree near a lily-covered pan.
Overnight at Jozibanini Camp
Day 5 - SOUTHERN HWANGE NATIONAL PARK
Enjoy an early morning game drive or a guided game walk through the area around camp once more experiencing Hwange’s magnificent elephant on ground level and go tracking for the different species to be found in this part of the park such as lion, wild dog and buffalo.
After returning to camp, relax and experience a fabulous brunch out in the open at the Jozi pan, enjoying the solitude of being in a completely untouched and isolated spot within the pristine African bush.
In the early afternoon, head off again on by foot, bike or game drive vehicle to explore another part of the far remote southwestern corner of Hwange National Park. You may also opt to visit the nearby Makona park ranger station and meet some of the park rangers who help protect and patrol the deep south of Hwange.
Enjoy an alfresco dinner under the Milky Way and the Southern Cross before retiring to your tent for the night.
Sundowners at the Jozibanini Look-up blind
In the late afternoon, we’ll head into the underground “Look-up” blind for spectacular photographic opportunities of the wildlife, just feet away, at the Jozi waterhole. We’ll enjoy sundowners inside or atop the Look-up blind and once the sun has set, take a quick drive back to camp for a tasty dinner out under the glorious night sky.
Overnight at Jozibanini Camp
Day 6 - NORTHERN HWANGE NATIONAL PARK
Following breakfast this morning (and possibly a shortened morning activity depending on flight schedule), you’ll head to Libuti Airstrip for your quick 30 minute scenic flight over Hwange National Park. This will give you the opportunity to view the super herds from the air; a unique and breathtaking experience. The flight will land at Giraffe Springs where you will be transported to Nehimba Lodge by road in a 4 x 4 vehicle (approx. 20 minutes). Depending on time of the year, your arrival will likely be met with 50 to 200 elephant in camp drinking from the lodge waterhole (usually between July and October).
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.
Days 7-8 - NORTHERN HWANGE NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast, we’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 (these include kudu, buffalo and roan antelope) throughout the year but particularly during the dry season. We’ll return to the lodge for a leisurely lunch and then afternoon siesta or perhaps relax by the lodge swimming pool, frequented by Hwange’s thirsty herds during the dry season.
Overnight at Nehimba Lodge.
Day 9 - HWANGE NATIONAL PARK – VICTORIA FALLS
Approximate flight time 1 hour
After a final breakfast and morning game drive (time permitting), climb aboard your scenic air charter from the Giraffe springs 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. 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.
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 Bomani Tented Lodge to freshen up before dinner.
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.
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.
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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
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North America & Canada
North America
UK & Europe
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Australia
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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.
Unwind by the Ocean After Your Safari
An idyllic Indian Ocean coastal hideaway is the perfect complement to your wildlife safari.
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