Zimbabwe
Rugged authenticity at its best
Hwangwe National Park (HNP)
HNP (Hwange National Park) is renowned as the largest national park in Zimbabwe, just a 30-minute flight from Victoria Falls. It features a mix of public and private areas, each offering unique safari experiences. The public sections of the park provide a glimpse into the region’s natural wonders, while the private concessions elevate the adventure with exclusive camps, private traversing, night drives, and bush walks.
In the southeastern corner of the park lies the Linkwasha Concession, a vast 124,000-acre expanse of teak woodlands, golden savannah, and Kalahari sands. This concession is home to only a few camps, ensuring an intimate experience and a deep connection with nature. The wildlife here is extraordinary, including the Big Five, wild dogs, and a variety of nocturnal species and herbivores.
The Ngamo Plains within the concession offer the wide-open spaces visitors often associate with the Serengeti, creating a striking contrast with the surrounding woodlands. The plains are rarely empty, constantly teeming with wildlife, and providing prime opportunities to witness predators in action.
Travel Seasons
June – Sept
This is the optimal travel season. The weather is generally cooler, with crisp mornings and evenings, and pleasantly warm afternoons. The dry season results in lighter foliage, offering improved visibility into the woodlands. However, rates are typically higher during this period.
Nov – May
The rainy and hot season spans part of these months. To make the most of both lower rates and excellent wildlife viewing, it's best to travel at the start of the peak season (May) or towards the end (October). This timing allows you to enjoy the benefits of the season without the higher costs.
Lodging
Wilderness Safaris manages the Linkwasha Concession, with their flagship Linkwasha Camp standing out as a top choice. The camp features a treehouse for guests who want to sleep under the stars, accompanied by the sounds of lions roaring or hyenas calling in the distance. In addition to Linkwasha Camp, Wilderness also operates Makololo and Davison’s Camps within the concession.
Beyond the concession, there are a variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets, from more affordable choices to luxury stays, including the renowned Somalisa Camp.
Mana Pools National Park
Mana Pools is often hailed as one of Africa’s last true wilderness areas, offering visitors an authentic and unspoiled safari experience. Its remote location and low visitor numbers lend the park a sense of exclusivity and tranquility, creating a more intimate connection with nature. Situated along the banks of the Zambezi River, Mana Pools features dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife, with stunning sunsets that filter the golden light through the tree canopy adding a magical touch to any safari.
The park is renowned for its large elephant herds, often seen feeding in the forests, sometimes even standing on their hind legs to reach higher branches. It’s also one of the best places to witness wild dogs in action and observe their intricate social behaviors.
Within the park, two premier concessions—Rukomechi and Chikwenya—offer an exclusive safari experience. These smaller concessions, located on the borders of the national park, are home to their namesake camps and provide an intimate and private atmosphere, with elephants often wandering right into camp.
Mana Pools offers a unique adventure where simplicity and ruggedness combine, creating one of Africa’s most unforgettable and wild experiences. It is a destination that feels untouched, where nature and wildlife take center stage.
Travel Seasons
Apr – Nov
Camps at both the Rukomechi and Chikwenya concessions are open during this period, offering the perfect opportunity to combine a visit to Mana Pools with the Linkwasha Concession, among several other great options.
Dec – Mar
Camps at both the Rukomechi and Chikwenya concessions, along with most other camps and lodges within the national park, close during the rainiy season. Visiting Mana Pools during this time is not recommended.
Lodging
The Rukomechi Concession is home to both Rukomechi Camp and Little Rukomechi Camp, while the Chikwenya Concession features Chikwenya Camp. Both concessions are expertly managed by the renowned safari operator, Wilderness Safaris.
More Destinations
- Sapi Private Reserve – A stunning reserve located on the eastern border of Mana Pools, home to Tembo Plains Camp, operated by Great Plains Conservation.
- Matusadona National Park – A lesser-known gem, offering excellent game viewing and a more secluded safari experience.
- Gonarezhou National Park – Known for its rugged beauty, with a focus on the Malilangwe Concession, home to the luxurious Singita Pamushana Lodge.
- Victoria Falls – The Falls are best viewed from the Zimbabwe side, offering breathtaking views and the iconic mist that rises from the waterfall.
- Matetsi Private Game Reserve – A premium reserve offering excellent game viewing, with a strong emphasis on conservation and luxury safari experiences.
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