All across Zimbabwe there are pristine wilderness areas, botanical gardens, forest sanctuaries, lakes, savannah plains, forested hills, and vibrant modern cities which all come together to make Zimbabwe a land of stunning contrast and endless delights. Zimbabwe’s most important treasures lie in its great wilderness areas and we can’t wait to share Hwange National Park with you!
Wildlife + Ecology
Southern Hwange
Northern Hwange
When to Visit
Getting Around
With the ease of flying in and out of the Victoria Falls International Airport, and the myriad experiences to be enjoyed around the Falls, it tends to be the chosen hub for pre and post Hwange activities. To get from Victoria Falls to Hwange National Park, we can arrange a four-hour road transfer in a comfortable vehicle, a one-hour charter flight, or a helicopter ride. Once inside the park, it is surprisingly easy to connect our camps around Hwange National Park.
Northern and southern Hwange can be linked by a game drive across the park that can easily turn into an all-day adventure.
Try our unique rail car—The Elephant Express. Along the northeastern boundary of Hwange is the railway line built just after the turn of the last century that crosses the bridge at Victoria Falls. Hwange’s first warden arrived by train, and today it is still a feature.
Small charter flights are available to connect our camps and are often featured as a one-way experience.
Zimbabwe is central within southern Africa; it has no coastline, with neighbours Zambia in the north, Mozambique in the east, South Africa to the south, and Botswana to the west.
Our population is estimated to be between 14-16 million.
The capital is Harare, with Bulawayo the second largest city and Victoria Falls the hub of tourism in the northwest.
If you have never been to Zimbabwe before, you’re in for a treat: it is one of the most beautiful, enigmatic, and diverse countries in Africa and its most important treasures lie in its great wilderness areas. Almost 50,000 square kilometres—around 30% of Zimbabwe’s total land area—is protected as wildlife estate without equal. These spectacular and varied landscapes teem with a rich array of African flora and fauna.
Then there are the people! Zimbabweans are known for their warmth and hospitality and wherever you decide to go you will be met with friendly faces and welcoming attitudes. Zimbabwe’s main languages are English, Shona and Ndebele.
Forming the northern border of the country is the Zambezi River, boasting Victoria Falls, a World Heritage Site and one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Above the Falls the river winds sleepily past the Zambezi National Park where elephant and lion roam today as they have for thousands of years. Below the Falls, the river is trapped in the chasm of the Batoka Gorge and thrashes wildly between rocky cliffs before it escapes into the inland sea which forms Lake Kariba.
FAQ
VISA’S, TAXES AND LUGGAGE
Do I need a visa to enter Zimbabwe?
Is there a Departure Tax for leaving Zimbabwe?
Who will meet us at the airport?
What is the weight limit on small aircraft charter flights?
Each passenger is limited to one soft-sided bag, weighing no more than 26 pounds (12 kgs) plus a typical size camera bag. If necessary, extra luggage can be stored by prior arrangement in Victoria Falls until the end of your safari.
What should I pack?
Clothes:
- Light-weight cotton garments in neutral colours are recommended for day wear (khaki, beige, olive green – avoid white or red on game drives)
- Long sleeves are advisable to help protect the skin from the harsh African sun and insects, but sunscreen with SPF 30+ will suffice if short sleeves are preferred.
- A bathing costume and light fast-drying clothing for water activities.
- A light jacket or sweater may be necessary for the summer evenings, and a heavy jacket and sweater are recommended during the winter months of May – August.
- A hat to help protect you from the hot sun.
- Strong sturdy shoes for walking are essential.
- A light raincoat for the wetter months (usually November through to April).
- ‘Smart casual’ is generally the required dress code at most hotels and casinos in Victoria Falls. However, at all our camps casual is just fine.
Essentials:
- A camera is a must for capturing your African memories.
- A good pair of binoculars, ideally in the 10×40 range.
- A high factor sunscreen is always recommended.
- A small flashlight or head torch is a good idea when you’re in the African bush (don’t forget extra batteries).
- Toiletries should be purchased before you travel as most of our lodges are in remote areas and any ‘local’ village shop will carry very few western products.
- Mosquito repellent is an essential as parts of Zimbabwe are high risk areas for malaria during certain times of year.
- A small personal medical kit containing any prescribed drugs as well as plasters, headache pills and antihistamine is always useful. Your guide and camp will also carry First Aid supplies.
- Lip balm is a good idea; the sun can leave lips feeling dry.
- Sunglasses are crucial for protecting your eyes and enabling you to see everything without squinting.
CURRENCY AND MONIES:
What currency should I bring?
Cash tends to be the easiest way to pay and is welcomed at all hotels and shops as well as with vendors and at marketplaces. Hotels, transportation, activities, and curio shops will charge sales tax, regardless of what currency is used.
Can I use traveller’s checks?
Currency regulations can change from time to time, so it’s worth double-checking that this information is still current prior to your arrival. We will do our best to notify you of any changes.
Are credit cards accepted in Zimbabwe?
Credit cards are still not widely accepted in Zimbabwe. Cash can be drawn from ATMs in Victoria Falls and we do accept Mastercard and Visa at Bomani, Camelthorn, and Nehimba (not at Jozibanini) though we also recommend you travel with some extra cash as connectivity is sometimes limited.
HEALTH
Do I need to worry about malaria or other health concerns?
At present, Zimbabwe requires no injections or vaccinations before entering the country. However, you should consult your local health authorities prior to your holiday for any updates.
Do I need medical insurance?
We suggest you take out medical insurance that will cover medical evacuations, hospitalization, and doctor’s fees.
Is water safe to drink?
PERSONAL BELONGINGS AND TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Do I need insurance?
All our rooms have small safes in which to store valuables. We recommend you do not travel with expensive jewelry or unnecessary valuables.
What are your terms and conditions for booking?
Cancellation Policy:
- 30 days + before travel = 75% refund
- 16 – 29 days before travel = 50% refund
- 8 – 15 days before travel = 25% refund
- 0 – 7 days before travel or non-arrivals = no refund
What do you assume responsibility for?
POWER AND INTERNET:
Is there electricity?
The voltage in Zimbabwe is 220 volts so you need to bring all converters and adaptors with you to charge any electronic equipment. Bomani, Camelthorn and Nehimba run off solar with backup generators. At Jozibanini there is limited solar power only for lights in the rooms.
What plugs do you use in Zimbabwe? (universal?)
8M Square
16A RSA
Standard – Multi use
16A US/EUR
Bomani, Camelthorn, Nehimba all have 8M Square, 16A RSA, Standard – Multi Use and 16A US/EUR plug points. Jozibanini has no plug facilities in the rooms; gadgets can be charged on request. Whilst we try to cater for everyone, it’s best to bring an extra adaptor just in case. At Bomani, Camelthorn and Nehimba we have a multi socket adaptor with 4 options being, USB port, two-pin universal socket, three-pin square plug (multi use) and a standard round socket.
Is there internet at the lodges?
There is free Wi-Fi in the main lodge areas at Bomani, Nehimba, Camelthorn. Jozibanini does not have internet access.
IMPORTANT OTHER QUESTIONS:
Can you accommodate guests with disabilities?
Do you accept children?
Due to the location of our lodges, we do not generally accept children under the age of seven years, however exceptions are sometimes made by special arrangement. Please enquire with our reservations office for more details.
Are you able to offer special dietary requirements?
Is there a laundry service at Imvelo’s lodges?
Are my guides licensed professionals?
What vehicles will we be using?
What game can I expect to see in Hwange?
Remember – we’re dealing with wild animals. Every day is a new and exciting adventure where you can never be sure what you’ll see next.
Will we see any snakes?
Do you have a dress code?
How much should I tip?
Tips are not included in the cost of the safari. Tipping is purely discretionary, however if you would like to show your appreciation to our lodge staff, we recommend the following as a guide. Note that all tipping is in USD.
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Lodge staff: $10 – $20 per guest/per day, paid in the communal tip box at reception
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Guides: $10 – $20 per guest/per day, paid directly to the guide (more for a private guide)
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Cobras: $10 – $15 per guest/per activity with the Cobras, paid in the communal tip box at Cobras HQ
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Elephant Express driver: $5 per guest/per ride on the Elephant Express, paid directly to the driver
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Transfer drivers: $2 – $5 per guest/per vehicle transfer, paid directly to the transfer driver
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Spa ladies: $5 per spa treatment
What about single travellers?
Yes we welcome single travellers—please contact our reservations office for pricing and availability.
JANUARY – Warm and green
Green lands and pans strengthen and deepen and if grass is thick enough waterfowl, ducks and cranes may begin to nest. Wildebeest and Zebra numbers increase steadily on the plains as grass lengthens and grazing improves.
FEBRUARY – Warm and green
Ducklings hatching—young waterfowl are in every pond, sable and waterbuck are calving and lions splash across flooded plains. Magnificent storm clouds, rainbows and lightning are the backdrop for your photographs.
MARCH – Warm and green
Rainy season starts to wind down and small groups of elephant bulls are around. The plains are at their most pleasant—lots of grass, water lilies on every pan, and butterflies fluttering about. Wildlife is fat and every herd has gambolling young.
APRIL – Dry or green and warm
Migratory birds gather up and move off. Buffalo herds are scattered through the woodland areas where the lion harass them nightly.
MAY – Dry and cool
Pans in the interior of the park begin drying up and Hwange’s pumping program begins. Nights begin to cool, bugs and mosquitoes disappear. Grasslands start to turn brown and leaves too begin to change colour.
JUNE – Dry and cool
Cold nights and early mornings = hot water bottles in the beds. Misty mornings on the plains make for awesome photo opportunities for those who brave the early and sometimes frosty starts. Pumping at the pans in the park picks up as the surface water on the Ngamo Plains starts to dry. Camel thorn pods ripen, and elephant bulls arrive in good numbers, shaking the trees for pods.
JULY – Dry and cool
Big numbers of elephant return from the west and start building up at our pans. Bomani Pan starts to get busy every night with drinking elephant. Grazing on the plains has deteriorated enough for some zebra to move off.
AUGUST – Dry and warm
Days start lengthening and getting warm again and the first of the bird migrants arrive. Grazing on the Plain gets poorer and many of the wildebeest move off. Wildfire season is at its height—haze from both fires and dust makes for magnificent sunsets.
SEPTEMBER – Dry and warm
The dry season intensifies, and daytime temperatures start to climb. Pressure on the waterholes increases and all pans are visited by a procession of elephants well into the night. Grazing on the plains deteriorates—only small numbers of wildebeest and zebra remain. Migratory bird arrivals increase.
OCTOBER – Dry and hot
The dry season reaches its height and elephant numbers around the waterholes peak to the detriment of other animals. In the Spurwing Tents at Bomani, fall asleep to the sound of elephant commotions and splashing in the pan. Migrants continue to arrive—broad billed rollers from Central Africa and Steppe eagles from Eastern Europe to name a few. The first ammocharis lilies start appearing on the plains.
NOVEMBER – Dry or green and hot
Usually the main rains break during this month bringing relief to the wildlife. At the first good fall of rain elephants disperse westwards to undepleted feeding grounds. The rains produce the first alate swarms and a massive influx of migrant birds follows, including both palearctic and intra-African species. There is also a big influx of waterfowl. As the grass gets lush and green again, eland, wildebeest and impala begin to calve.
DECEMBER – Warm and green
As the rains increase there is a massive surge in spawning of the amphibians coming out of hibernation—another bonanza for the birds such as storks, and of course reptiles such as the big, banded cobras. As grass develops the wildebeest and zebra return in large numbers and predators stalk the calving herds continuously. Haemanthus fireball lilies are dotted on the landscape.
