Where to Stay in & Around Hwange National Park
Hwange offers accommodation ranging from classic national parks lodges to intimate private concession camps. The choice depends on your budget, preferred level of comfort, and which section of the park you want to explore.
Luxury & Premium Camps
The Hide Safari Camp — One of Hwange's most celebrated camps. Ten tented suites on a private concession, expert guides, a sunken photographic hide, and consistently outstanding game viewing. Elephant, lion, wild dog, and leopard are regular sightings.
Somalisa Camp — African Bush Camps' flagship Hwange property. Classic tented safari in the heart of the park, with a private concession and excellent guiding.
Nehimba Lodge — Remote and intimate. Nine tented rooms deep in Hwange's wilderness, with elephants visiting the waterhole daily. The Pump Run experience is unique to this camp.
Mid-Range Camps
Davison's Camp — Wilderness Safaris' Hwange offering. Nine tented rooms in the Linkwasha Concession with superb game viewing at a slightly more accessible price point.
Camelthorn Lodge — Imvelo Safari Lodges' elegant 8-room property set among ancient camelthorn trees. Waterhole viewing, walking safaris, and community partnerships.
Bomani Tented Lodge — Imvelo's southern Hwange camp, run in partnership with the Ngamo community. Excellent value and authentic safari experience.
Classic & Budget
Hwange Safari Lodge — The park's original lodge, built in the 1960s. 100 rooms, a floodlit waterhole, pool, and the infrastructure of a full-service hotel. Not luxurious, but reliable and well-located near Main Camp.
National Parks Camps — Self-catering chalets and campsites at Main Camp, Sinamatella, and Robins Camp. Basic but well-maintained, with braai facilities and communal kitchens. Ideal for self-drive safari travellers.
Choosing Your Area
- Linkwasha/Main Camp area — Best overall game viewing; most camps are here
- Sinamatella (north) — Dramatic escarpment scenery, roan and sable antelope, quieter
- Robins Camp (northwest) — Remote and wild; self-drive adventurers' territory
- Southern boundary — Bomani and camps near the Ngamo community
Booking Tips
- Dry season (June–October) is peak safari season — book premium camps 3–6 months ahead
- Green season (November–April) offers lower rates and excellent birding, but some roads become impassable
- Self-drive visitors can use National Parks camps; 4x4 recommended for many park roads
- Fly-in safaris are available to several camps via charter from Victoria Falls or Hwange airport
Inside the Park
Accommodation within Hwange National Park itself offers the most authentic safari experience:
- National Parks Lodges: Main Camp, Sinamatella, and Robins Camp offer affordable self-catering lodges and camping. Facilities are basic but functional — bring your own supplies and cooking equipment.
- Exclusive Concessions: Private concessions on the park boundaries offer luxury tented camps and lodges with guided activities. These include some of Africa's finest safari properties, with all-inclusive packages covering meals, drinks, and twice-daily game drives.
Practical Tips for Accommodation
- Booking Parks Accommodation: National Parks accommodation can be booked through the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZPWMA). Book well in advance for dry season dates.
- Self-catering essentials: If staying at Parks lodges, bring all your own food, drinking water, and cooking supplies. The nearest shops are in Hwange town (1–2 hours drive from most camps).
- Power supply: Parks lodges have limited or no electricity. Bring torches, battery packs, and manual can openers. Private lodges typically run on solar or generator power and can charge devices.
- Wildlife around camp: Elephants regularly walk through camps, especially at Sinamatella and Main Camp. Keep food secured, never leave your chalet door open, and maintain a respectful distance. Hippos may be encountered at waterholes near camps after dark.
Getting There
- From Bulawayo: 3.5–4 hours on a good tar road via Lupane or the Ngamo gate.
- From Victoria Falls: 3–4 hours depending on your entry gate (Main Camp gate via the Kazungula road).
- Charter flights are available to several airstrips within the park, offered by most luxury lodges.