Hwange to Kafue

Morning and afternoon guided walks are offered at The Hide Safari Camp.

The Hide Safari Camp is fortunate to have the best of both worlds. While located within the Hwange National Park, it is also surrounded by a private concession which allows us to offer activities not otherwise permitted. Hwange is a vast playground worth exploring so you don’t have to worry about being bored. Early morning walks are there for the thrill of encountering wildlife on its own terms and exploring the little surprises of the bush.

Morning and afternoon game drives as well as night drives with a spotlight are offered at The Hide Safari Camp.

Days can be spent further afield on game drives in search of predators and prey alike. We like to do things properly so sundowners are an important part of the experience. Enjoy the natural beauty with a cold drink in hand. The guides at The Hide are very much part of the family and have been with us for many years. They have undergone some of the most rigorous training in Africa and their passion for and knowledge of the bush is often what makes a safaris so special.

You’re sitting on the deck at The Hide ‘A’ frame. The sun has just set, its residual warmth a soft tinge of pink in the sky. Just then, a family of elephants strolls into the scene and up to the waterhole. You watch, fascinated by their interactions. Now, here’s where you jump into action. Without the need for a guide or host, you can go directly from the deck into the underground hide and observe the elephant family from up-close. Just step off the deck and slip down the steps into a whole new world. Along a tunnel, you’ll walk for about 10 metres under the surface of the earth – and then emerge into a “window on the waterhole”, where you can sit quietly, the unobserved observing. It’s a special addition and makes the experience of “game viewing” more intense and personal.

Along the same tunnel, guests are delighted to find, hidden away in the wall, a real wine cellar. Perfectly cooled at a steady 17 degrees Celsius, ambient-lit and stocked with a small selection of fine wines from around the world, this is a welcome addition to an already all-sensory experience at The Hide.

Credit: CRISP & KHAKI

Credit: The Hide

Credit: The Hide

Credit: The Hide

Credit: The Hide

Our little secret, the Dove’s Nest, is just about the best way to get away from it all. There are few things more exciting than spending a night out in a tree house.

Overlooking the open tree-lined vlei and pan, this rustic gem is a perfect vantage point from which to view wildlife safely, quietly. Just the two of you. Kept simple, as a tree house should be, the bedroom of the Dove’s Nest is reached by a wooden stairway and with a closeable door. You won’t have to forego your hot shower and warm bed and the location is second to none.

Going on safari is an exciting prospect and, for many, when the dust has been wiped off your boots and the hat hung up till next time, there is no greater pleasure than poring over the special moments you’ve captured on camera.

A native Zimbabwean, Neil Fairlie is a professional wildlife documentary filmmaker with a profound knowledge and deep respect for Africa and its wildlife. His formal experience spans more than a decade, including the recent Netflix series Our Planet, but he is also qualified as a learner guide, and his intimate knowledge of the bush, natural instincts and skill in capturing unique moments of animal behaviour on film make him a brilliant photographic safari guide. Please enquire about Neil's availability!

This is a rare opportunity for groups or individuals to benefit from Neil’s skills, both behind the lens and in the bush…

Credit: Neil Fairlie

Credit: Neil Fairlie

Credit: Neil Fairlie

Credit: Neil Fairlie

Credit: Neil Fairlie

Credit: Neil Fairlie

Credit: Neil Fairlie

Credit: Neil Fairlie

Life in Busanga Plains Camp begins quite early, where guests begin their day with a light breakfast before heading out into the wilderness to explore.

Guests are often spoilt for choice between game drives and walking safaris and both present unique opportunities for great animal encounters. Our game drives take place in the morning and in the afternoon/evening. Morning drives allow guests to head out and catch game still on the move during the cooler hours of the day. Midway through the drive there will be a brief stop to allow guests to stretch their legs and have some tea/coffee before continuing with he drive and heading back to camp.

Afternoon drives begin late afternoon once it is a bit cooler. This is usually when game begins to be more active providing a better chance of spotting some of the more elusive animals. The drive is also a combination of a night drive which offer an opportunity to spot some of the nocturnal animals found on the Plains. The guide will fire up his spotlight after sundowners and try and find the animals with it before heading back to camp.

Walking in the Busanga Plains is an experience like no other. The vastness and openness of the Plains makes for some great game viewing on foot. Game is alot easier to spot on the Plains and observe from a safe enough distance.

Walks are only done in the morning to avoid the heat of the day and generally last about 3hrs. Along the walks guides will educate their guests on the smaller aspects of the bush that they tend to miss whilst in a vehicle. As they walk they will also encounter a variety of game and the guide will keep guests safe and informed at all times.