Hwange Safari Lodge
Large 100-room lodge just 5 minutes from the Hwange National Park main gate with waterhole views.
The Original Hwange Safari Experience
Hwange Safari Lodge is the oldest and most established lodge in Hwange National Park — Zimbabwe's largest and most famous wildlife reserve. Built on a bluff overlooking a floodlit waterhole, the lodge has been welcoming safari guests since the 1960s, offering a classic Big Five experience with the comfort and infrastructure of a full-service hotel.
Accommodation
Standard Rooms — 100 rooms and suites spread through the lodge grounds, all with en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, and views of either the bush or the gardens. The rooms are comfortable and functional rather than luxurious — this is a working safari lodge, not a spa resort.
Suites — Upgraded rooms with larger floor plans and premium touches.
The Waterhole
The lodge's floodlit waterhole is its crown jewel. From the viewing platform, the bar, or the pool deck, guests watch:
- Elephant herds gathering at dusk
- Buffalo and zebra drinking at dawn
- Predators stalking the waterhole at night
- A constant parade of plains game throughout the day
Safari Activities
- Game drives — Morning and afternoon drives with experienced guides into Hwange's diverse habitats
- Night drives — After-dark excursions to spot nocturnal species
- Guided walks — Bush walks around the lodge area
- Bird walks — Over 400 species recorded in the Hwange ecosystem
Dining & Facilities
- Main restaurant — Buffet meals with a mix of local and international cuisine
- Bar — Overlooking the waterhole; the sundowner spot
- Swimming pool — Welcome relief in the dry season heat
- Curio shop — Local crafts and souvenirs
- Conference facilities — For corporate safari retreats
Location & Access
Located 5 km inside Hwange National Park's Main Camp entrance. Access by road from Victoria Falls (3 hours) or Bulawayo (4 hours), or by charter flight to the lodge's airstrip.
"The waterhole at night was mesmerising. A herd of elephants arrived, then buffalo, then we heard lions calling. Classic African safari at its best." — Lodge guest