Exclusive Luxury – Page 6

Camelthorn Lodge

Bomani’s sister camp, Camelthorn Lodge, is located within a private reserve on the edge of Hwange National Park. Camelthorn Lodge backs onto a woodland area, the trees creating a natural shelter. The eight forest villas are designed to maintain a comfortable climate through both the summer and winter months, and their location in a remote section of the Ngamo Plain means that guests can enjoy a private and exclusive safari experience in a tranquil setting. The lodge is built around an ancient Camelthorn tree, incorporating the trunk in its design as a centrepiece. Less than a kilometre away, the local wildlife congregates at one of the waterholes maintained by the lodge. Here, guests can watch the elephants as they play and bathe in the water, hidden in an underground blind which offers incredible photographic opportunities for capturing the perfect candid shot.

Somalisa Acacia Camp

Nestled amongst Acacia trees in the vast Hwange National Park lies Somalisa Acacia Camp. Authentic and traditional, this safari camp is private and exclusive, when full, only accommodating 12 guests. The suites are luxurious and comfortable with unique wooden and brick features running throughout, and a wood burner fireplace which guests can snuggle around on a cold night. A large sparkling swimming pool sits in front of the main area of camp overlooking the watering hole, so guests can relax in the pool keeping an eye on wandering elephants and thirsty animals. A unique boma fire pit sits next to the pool, so after a long day exploring the national park and dining on fresh and local food, guests can gather here and sit under the wide starry sky and immerse themselves in the sights, smells and sounds of Hwange.

KaingU Safari Lodge

Located just on the edge of Kafue National Park, KaingU Safari Lodge sits near the bank of the Kafue River. In the heart of this unexplored wilderness lies the lodge, built with the desire to blend into their surroundings and with eco-friendly materials and methods. With only 7 chalets, this camp is private and exclusive and offers guests unique experiences of the untouched beauty of the surroundings. The chalets are all comfortable, with a traditional safari feel whilst also including all home comforts, and a unique outdoor shower. The main area of the lodge acts as the central hub of KaingU, it is here fresh, delicious meals, prepared with local ingredients are served and drinks around the fire pit, under the starry sky, can be enjoyed in the evening.

Nantwich Lodge

Nantwich Lodge is sat in the wilds of the Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. With only 9 suites this lodge feels private and exclusive, and rolling grasslands and dotted woodlands surrounding the lodge on all sides accentuates the feeling of this wonderful wild land being yours to explore. Guests can explore the area on a game drive or guided walk, both are excellent ways to find out more about the Hwange National Park and what inhabits the area, from herds of elephants, hippos, zebras, giraffes, buffalo, hyenas and lions. The lodge overlooks a large dam, which means guests have a perfect view of sly crocodiles and migratory birds who wallow in the shallows. The lodge is eco-friendly and uses local resources and ingredients wherever possible, so guests can be ensured that their stay is authentically and uniquely Zimbabwean.

Changa Safari Camp

Changa Safari Camp is situated on the shores of the beautiful Lake Kariba, offering guests stunning views of Kariba’s sapphire waters and the Matusadona mountains. The camp was founded by the Preston and Higgins families, who wanted other families to be able to visit the beautiful and rugged landscape of Matusadona National Park and appreciate the stunning and diverse natural surroundings, as well as the incredible creatures that live here. The 6 deluxe tents and 2 family rooms are set amongst the small trees that stand along the lake’s shore, offering views over the water and the sweeping landscape. The camp’s main area is a hub of entertainment and relaxation, with a refreshing lakeside swimming pool, lounge area and bar.

Kanga Camp

Kanga Camp is situated in a private concession within the World Heritage Site, Mana Pools National Park. Guests can experience the rich flora and fauna of Mana Pools, as well as frequent sightings of predators such as lions and the endangered wild dog. The camp rests beside the calm waters of the Kanga Pan, an essential water supply for the many different wildlife and bird species who make Mana Pools National Park their home throughout the dry season. Kanga pan is the only permanent water source within a 20 km radius, resulting in a high volume of wildlife visiting the pan to enjoy a drink. Kanga camp consists of six traditional canvas tents, each positioned on raised wooden decking with incredible views overlooking the pan. All of the tents are elegantly designed with subtle wooden furnishings and floor-to-ceiling mesh netting. Kanga Camp is only open from April until December when the rainy season returns, causing the pan to flood and overflow. Because of its location within a private concession, guests will be able to enjoy exclusive safari drives and walks without encountering other safari vehicles.

Zambezi Expeditions

Zambezi Expeditions is a semi-mobile camp that offers guests stunning views over the floodplains of the Zambezi River and the diverse landscape of Mana Pools National Park. The camp consists of six Meru style tents that lie along the riverside. The open plains present incredible wildlife viewing opportunities as herds of elephants and impala wander across the sweeping grasslands to drink from the riverbank. Zambezi Expeditions gives guests the opportunity to explore the World Heritage site, Mana Pools National Park, and enjoy activities such as fishing, canoeing and bird watching against the backdrop of the park’s verdant floodplains and the distant escarpment across the river’s flowing waters. The semi-mobile camp is small and intimate, meaning that guests can enjoy a private and authentic safari experience in peaceful surroundings. While the camp usually tailors for up to 12 guests at any one time, a 6-bedded camp of three tents can be set up for a single group on special request. Due to its riverside location, Zambezi Expeditions closes over the rainy season and is open from April 1st until November 30th.

Nyamatusi Mahogany

Nyamatusi Mahogany is a small and intimate camp, perfect for families who are looking for a personal and authentic safari experience in a comfortable, child-friendly setting. The Ngwana Club provides a range of fun and educational activities for children, and the family suites are positioned closest to the main area so that younger guests can easily reach it without having to walk through the wilderness. The camp is made up of just four suites, two of which are family suites, which all overlook the tranquil waters of the Zambezi River from the pleasant shade of towering and ancient mahogany trees, from which the camp takes its name. Nyamatusi Mahogany has a natural design and is powered by solar energy, causing minimal disruption to the environment. Mana Pools is known as one of the last pioneer parks, and is a haven for explorers and nature-lovers due to its diverse landscape and rich wildlife population. Take a canoe along the river and view wildlife from a whole new perspective, or embark on a game drive to find the best spots for viewing wildlife alongside the camp’s knowledgable guides.

Three Rivers Camp

Three Rivers Camp is solar powered camp that gracefully resides under a canopy of mature sausage trees. The luxury tents face open plains around either the impressive Luangwa River or spectacular game-rich lagoons. The area is teeming with wildlife including big herds of elephant and buffalo, giraffe, antelope, wild dog and much more. Three Rivers guarantees a truly, private safari in a pristine area of the Luangwa Valley. The camp includes five spacious, elegant tents, each built on elevated platforms to provide exceptional views of the surrounding area’s busy wildlife, with exclusive sleep-out decks for the option of a night under the African sky. This seasonal camp offers both game drives and guided bush walk experiences. Guests can expect fresh, scrumptious brunch buffets, afternoon cakes and biscuits, and candlelit dinners. All visitors of Three Rivers Camp will be met with outstanding hospitality and will leave with exciting and unforgettable safari memories.

Kafunta River Lodge

Kafunta River Lodge is a classic Zambian safari lodge, combining all the essentials for a great safari, located on the floodplains of the Luangwa River, away from the busier area near the park’s Mfuwe gate. During the peak season the lodge accesses the national park via its own pontoon. The lodge was fully renovated in 2019 and offers a relaxed atmosphere with great attention to detail. Made up of just ten charming chalets, the lodge also boasts a spacious bar and dining area at the heart of the retreat – where delicious cuisine is utterly enjoyed. Built around a semi-evergreen wild mango tree, the chalets and main lodge are thatched in the traditional style, all offering superb panoramic views over the Luangwa River and the South Luangwa National Park. Adjacent to the bar is a refreshing infinity pool and the only natural hot spring tub in the Luangwa Valley.