CSC-Zimbabwe - ZIMBABWE SNAPSHOT - Comfort

Nestled under a grove of ancient false mopane trees, Davison’s Camp is situated in a remote, private corner of Hwange National Park. Named after the founder of Hwange National Park and its first warden, Ted Davison, the camp overlooks an extremely productive waterhole that attracts a variety of plains game and predators.

A well-worn path links the eight comfortable en-suite tents and one family unit to Davison's main area, a V-shaped structure with a fan-cooled lounge and small bar in one wing and a long communal dining table in the other. It's very open and airy with solid concrete floors largely covered by substantial rugs. The wood-and-canvas walls on one side conceal the entrance road to camp, while the opposite side is completely open to the waterhole in front.

For an elevated view of the waterhole, there’s a new tree-shaded viewing deck, which is also a perfect spot to relax with a book or sundowner. And on hotter days the pool is a welcome way to cool off.

Activities at Davison’s focus on 4WD game drives in open-sided vehicles into both the park and the concession, while evening drives, when spotlights are permitted as dusk falls on the return to camp, offer the chance to see the nocturnal side of Hwange's wildlife. In the morning walking safaris, escorted by an armed guide with a professional Zimbabwean guides' licence. Typically you’ll be offered two activities per day: one in the early morning and another in the afternoon/early evening.

By staying at Davison's you are contributing to the lodge's conservation efforts: a major waterhole pumping program and the Scorpions Antipoaching Unit. Over the years the lodge has provided everything from classrooms, clinics and libraries to stationary and equipment. Teacher training, school nutrition and establishing and supporting community initiatives are also part of this uplifting programme. We highly encourage guests to visit Ngamo Village which often includes a guided tour of the school, meeting the headman or participating in community projects.

Conservation Safari Company recommends Davisons for its excellent game viewing in the dry season and for its down-to-earth, yet high quality lodge experience. It captures the best of Hwange National Park. Wilderness Safaris are actively involved in conservation and protection of the park, by staying here you are contributing to their efforts.

Rates include meals, drinks and all safari and community activities.

The Victoria Falls Hotel, popularly known as “the grand old lady of the Falls”, is situated in the Victoria Falls National Park, a world heritage site, and is a member of the exclusive Leading Hotels of the World group.

The Edwardian-style five-star hotel, built in 1904, combines the charm of the old with the convenience of the new. Set in lush tropical gardens with lily ponds, palm trees and semi-tropical shrubs, it provides the tranquillity and seclusion that many guests seek. The famous Victoria Falls are just a ten-minute walk away using the hotel’s private pathway, and “the smoke that thunders” or “Mosi-O-Tunya” in the local dialect, is clearly audible and visible from this luxurious landmark.

The opulent Livingstone Room offers fine dining and dancing, while the Jungle Junction with its famous breakfast and dinner buffets has ethnic entertainment in the evenings. Stanley’s Terrace, with its clear view of the Victoria Falls Bridge, connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia, is renowned for its cocktails and afternoon teas. The Terrace has been a rendezvous for adventurers in Africa for over a century.

Although this hotel claims to be a 5-star hotel, we feel it is not quite there and food/drinks are expensive. What the hotel may lack in sophisticated service, is made up for with charm and history - a destination in itself and one of the most colonial experiences in Africa today. We recommend it for its location and views, and as a classic Victoria Falls experience.

Rates include breakfast