African Bush Camps Somalisa Expeditions | Southern Hwange National Park
Somalisa Expeditions is a year-round off-the-beaten-track Experience situated within Hwange National Park - Zimbabwe's largest and most renowned wildlife reserve, famed for its high populations of African elephant. This expansive park boasts a diverse range of landscapes and ecosystems, from the arid fringes of the Kalahari Desert to the dense woodlands of mopane and teak. Become one with the wild as only canvas and gauze separate you from the African bush.
At Somalisa Expeditions, embark on incredible morning and afternoon game drives and witness the authentic beauty of Zimbabwe on immersive walking safaris. Experience the remarkable in-camp Elephant Pool, where you can have personal encounters with elephants as they drink – all in a safe setting that forms a natural extension of the property. Additionally, experience an enthralling night under the starry night sky at Somalisa Sleep-Out – a romantic treehouse retreat overlooking a watering hole just fifteen minutes from camp.
This Experience is seamlessly enveloped within its surroundings, featuring earthy hues of ochre and green in its Zimbabwean influenced decor and textures add a touch of local art and craftsmanship. The cozy lounge invites relaxation – perfect for reading, drawing and journaling - while the spacious dining table offers an ideal setting for shared meals among friends and family.
Your Stay
3 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Drinks (excl Premium Brands) Included
Fast Facts
Tented Camp
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 6
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Nature, Star Gazing, Wildlife
With five luxury tents and one luxury family tent, Somalisa Expeditions offers an intimate safari experience by combining luxury and comfort with the beauty of the African bush. Each luxury tent is set atop a wooden deck, raised above the ground to provide breathtaking views of the natural surroundings. Each is equipped with a lavish king size bed draped in mosquito netting (the smaller room of the luxury family tent has two single beds with mosquito netting), and indoor shower, in-room charging facilities, and a wooden writing desk.
With five luxury tents and one luxury family tent, Somalisa Expeditions offers an intimate safari experience by combining luxury and comfort with the beauty of the African bush. Each luxury tent is set atop a wooden deck, raised above the ground to provide breathtaking views of the natural surroundings. Each is equipped with a lavish king size bed draped in mosquito netting (the smaller room of the luxury family tent has two single beds with mosquito netting), and indoor shower, in-room charging facilities, and a wooden writing desk.
Property Facilities
Battery Charging Facilities, Eco Friendly, Laundry Service (Complimentary)
Room Facilities
Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Shower
Activities on Site
Big 5, Bird Watching, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, High Tea, Night Drives, Walks (Guided)
Explore Hwange National Park in an open 4x4 vehicle, driven by your safari guide. Encounter the region's wildlife during early morning and late afternoon drives – the times of day when animals are most active. Learn about the wildlife, their tracks, and the surrounding plants from your expert guide as you experience close-up encounters. On your game drives, enjoy morning coffee, snacks, and evening sundowners set against the beautiful backdrop of a savanna sunset.
Walking safaris in Zimbabwe present a rare opportunity to explore the African wild on foot. By stepping away from the safari vehicle, you can fully immerse in the environment, awakening your senses to the sights and sounds of nature. Our expert walking guides will accompany you through the African bush, offering fascinating insights into wildlife, animal tracks, insects, native plants, and the region’s geology.
Bird lovers will find plenty to enjoy in the area’s rich diversity of avian life, with chances to spot incredible species like the Martial eagle and saddle-billed stork. Listen for the distinctive call of the racket-tailed roller or try to capture a photo of the elusive Pel’s fishing owl. Whether you're admiring their beauty or simply soaking in their songs, African birdlife is a marvel to behold.
The African Bush Camps Foundation is committed to empowering rural communities. We partner with communities on the outskirts of wildlife areas to become economically sustainable whilst ensuring that natural resources are protected and cared for. We also support local schools and run education programs for children in communities. We invite guests who stay with us at our camps in Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. This helps travelers gain a deeper understanding of the country they are visiting and its people. As extraordinary as a safari is, these tours allows you to engage with Africa and its rich cultural heritage. If you are interested in adding perspective and value to your safari, speak to our reservations team to pre-arrange a village visit whilst on safari.
Batonka Guest Lodge | Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
Set in lush gardens, a tranquil haven away from the bustle of town but within easy walking distance of the main attractions. The lodge offers 27 well-appointed rooms with elegant, contemporary style decor encompassing Victoria Falls’ colonial past and African flavour. All rooms are air-conditioned and have en-suite bathrooms as well as a private balcony/patio looking out onto the gardens.
Families are well catered to with inter-leading room options as well as one family suite.
Our gardens are an oasis of calm boasting a guest swimming pool in both the main lodge area and Flame Lily wing.
Your Stay
2 Nights
Bed and Breakfast
Fast Facts
4 Star
Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 27
A room with a private patio looking out over manicured lawns to our secluded pool area. Each large, well-appointed room boasts a spacious en-suite bathroom with double basins, bath and shower for our weary travellers.
A room with spacious a patio looking out over a private garden with manicured lawns and indigenous trees that offer a welcome perch to a variety of birdlife. Eight of these rooms inter-lead and are ideal for families or groups travelling together.
A unique Garden View style room with children's bedroom and bathroom connected through a side door as well as the option to inter-lead into neighbouring room. This room also has its own private balcony looking out onto manicured private lawns.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Activity Desk, Bar, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Fridge, Hair Dryer, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Facilities, Laundry Service (Available), Mosquito Nets, Safe, Satellite / Cable Television, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Television, Verandah, Wheelchair Friendly
Available Services
Airport Shuttle (Available), Credit Card Facilities, Room Service
Activities Nearby
Adrenaline Activities, Animal Encounters, Art Galleries, Big 5, Bird Watching, Boat Cruises, Boating, Canoeing, Catch-and-release Fishing, Child Friendly Activities, Cultural Tours, Cycling, Fine Dining, Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, General Sightseeing, Golf, Helicopter Rides, Helicopter Scenic Flights, Historical Tours, Horse Riding, Horse-back Safaris, Massages, Natural History Tours, River Cruises, Safaris, Scenic Flights, Tennis Court, Tree-top Canopy Tours, Walks (Guided), Wildlife Tours
Batonka Guest Lodge Restaurant
We serve breakfast, lunch and dinners for our guests at Batonka.
All meals are served on our restaurant terrace with views of the garden.
Breakfast is included and offers both a continental buffet as well as a hot a la carte menu to choose from daily.
Lunch has a variety of light a la carte options which we keep fresh and seasonal.
Our a la carte dinner menu changes daily with a focus on a more fine dining experience for guests. Menu choices are always available for guests with specific dietary requirements.
Chobe Elephant Camp | Chobe River Front
Located high on the edge of a rocky ridge overlooking the famous Chobe River is the newly developed Chobe Elephant Camp. This uniquely designed lodge has been built to take advantage of the incredible views overlooking the sweeping floodplains while offering a comfortable refuge from the harsh African conditions.
Entirely built out of sandbags from the red Kalahari sands that dominate the northern part of Botswana, this eco-friendly lodge presents an original design reminiscent of traditional African farmsteads and can accommodate up to 36 guests in eleven chalets. All rooms are en-suite with both indoor and outdoor showers and have private verandas to fully enjoy the views and surroundings. The lodge also boasts a large open-plan main area featuring a cosy arrangement of couches, bar, dining area and reading corner, along with a swimming pool with viewing deck onto a private water hole.
Your Stay
3 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Drinks (excl Premium Brands) Included
Fast Facts
Tented Camp
Spoken Languages: English
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Flora, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife
Chalet
Our Chalets offer high comfort with the feel and look of the traditional Farmstead located in the African wilderness. Polished floors, exposed wooden beams and weathered furniture capture this rustic charm. Located high on the edge of a rocky ridge the chalets provide an amazing view over the floodplains of the famous Chobe River.
All Chalets have been built from the same Red Kalahari Sand that dominates the northern part of Botswana. The walls are made out of sandbags which serve as a great natural insulation barrier and keep the rooms cool during hot days and warm during cold nights. All the construction timber and furniture is manufactured from renewable wood sources or from reclaimed wood. To heat water we are using the sun’s energy. Our goal is to keep the carbon footprint as small as possible, while at the same time never compromising guest comfort.
With 14 twin rooms and 2 family suites, Chobe Elephant Camp can comfortably accommodate 36 guests. All rooms are en-suite with both indoor and outdoor showers. The whole lodge has been designed to take advantage of the spectacular views over the Chobe River, so whether you choose to relax on your private veranda, read a book in the lounge, have a drink at the bar or cool off in the pool, the vista will always be there to enjoy.
Property Facilities
Bar, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Library, Meal on Request, Pool, Secure Parking
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Outside Shower, Safe, Shower, Verandah
Available Services
Airport Shuttle (Available), Airport Shuttle (Complimentary)
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Boating, Canoeing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, High Tea, Safaris
Activities Nearby
Bird Watching, Boat Cruises, Cultural Tours, Game Drives, Game Viewing, General Sightseeing, River Cruises, Safaris
Little Sable | Khwai Private Reserve
The intimate, tented retreat is located amid the shimmering grasslands of the Khwai Private Reserve, one of the best-managed concessions in the greater Okavango Delta. Up here, there’s something to see around every corner and a different activity to enjoy every day, from classic game drives to mokoro trips and boat safaris. And the best bit of all is that this iconic safari experience is all yours for an extremely affordable price.
This unfussy camp has 8 rooms all simply furnished with a touch of quirkiness that you would come to expect from a Natural Selection lodge. For many years the lodge has been a site for hosting photographic trips, a result of the abounding wildlife populating the grasslands and wetlands including road, sable, crocodile, hippo and elephant. This is the perfect place for enjoying classic safari components at affordable rates.
Your Stay
2 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Drinks (excl Premium Brands) Included
Fast Facts
Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 8
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Wildlife
Twin/Double Tents
Little Sable has 8 twin/double rooms, all of which are tented and raised on wooden platforms to maximise the views across the grasslands. Each also has a ceiling fan and ensuite bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers, and a private veranda.
Property Facilities
Battery Charging Facilities, Eco Friendly, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Pool, Private Vehicle (Available)
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, En-Suite, Fan, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower
Available Services
Credit Card Facilities
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Catch-and-release Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Massages, Mokoro Excursion, Night Drives, Safaris, Walks (Guided)
Activities Nearby
Cultural Tours, Helicopter Scenic Flights
This is one activity that screams safari. Hop on our comfortable game viewing vehicles for a morning and afternoon/evening game drive. Your safari guide has all the expertise and knowledge to find you some of the best kept secrets and most loved wildlife in the Okavango Delta.
This is one of the most iconic Okavango Delta experiences. Wind your way around the crystal clear waterways on mokoro. Your experienced guide, will pole you amongst the lily pads and weaving sandbanks, to show you the ebbs and flows of this incredible eco-system.
Jump on board our delta boats to cruise the Okavango waterways. Your experienced driver and guide will show you some of the best river sightings and sunsets. Keep a look out for birds, crocodiles, hippo and exciting game coming to quench their thirst, while you moor up along the river bank sipping a sundowner. This is what safari boat cruising is all about.
A fabulous activity for families with kids. We’re all about catch and release so ask your safari guide to hook you up with a couple of rods. Your experienced guide will pole you amongst the lily pads and weaving sandbanks, showing you the ebb and flow of this incredible eco-system.
Calling all bird lovers! Bring your binos, your bird book and your Natural Selection birding checklist to enjoy a birding safari in the Okavango Delta. Your safari guide will show you spectacular birds, and is at the ready to answer all your birding questions.
Head out with the Khwai Private Reserve Rangers at dawn to see the last nocturnal animals going to bed, before the diurnal’s wake-up for the day. Being the first vehicle out you’ll be the first to find fresh tracks, helping the rangers with the predator identification (all sightings are logged and recorded). You’ll spend your morning tracking, patrolling and visiting conservation projects. Enjoy a packed breakfast out in the bush with the rangers, they will get you back to camp just before lunchtime.
Go on a cultural visit to Khwai Village, located next to Khwai Private Reserve. You’ll learn about the Kgotla (meeting place in the village) its history and traditions. Visit Khwai Pre-Primary School to enjoy interactions with the teachers & children. Meet the ladies doing traditional basket weaving, as well as visit the Kachokachoka, a traditional healer who’ll teach you about traditional medicine & local beliefs. Tour can only be booked once guests are in camp (no pre-bookings). There are strict dress guidelines when entering the Kgotla to show respect. Book a consultation with the traditional healer (additional cost).
Enjoy a scenic helicopter flight over the Okavango Delta. This is an incredible opportunity to appreciate the vastness of the Delta when seeing it from above. From your seat, door off (or on), you’ll be able to spot game, take exceptional photos and follow the waterways and animal pathways that shape this ancient wilderness.
If you are needing a little me time, then this is the perfect activity. Book a back massage or enjoy a relaxing spa treatment while in between game drives and wildlife adventures. This is safari self-indulgence without any guilt allowed.