SD Africa's Eden Pre Trip

Boat cruising on the Chobe River

A full day Safari includes cruising on the Chobe River, driving within the Chobe National Park and a delicious picnic lunch and drinks

Game Drives - (there are over 75 species of mammals). Day drives are into Chobe National Park and night drives are on the concession.

Bird Viewing - there are over 450 species to be spotted in the region.

Guided 1 hour walks (or longer if required) are offered daily to the older magnificent centre of the island, home to century old Baobab trees . Rare gr=round lilies flower early in the year while a tranquil river runs through the island where a pair of breeding Pel’s Fishing owl”s reside in a Mangosteen tree. The bird life along the waters edge includes African Finfoot and Schalow’s Turaco.

Available year-round, *Children 16 years + older

Canoeing is done in two man inflatables and is offered from mid-morning to early afternoon, guests will

be accompanied by guides also in inflatables. This fun activity is a great way to spend an adventurous afternoon. Guest leave from the island in their boats and have lunch and drinks en-route on the banks of the river. The take out point is approximately 1.5 hrs downstream. Guest are be transported back to the island in an open 4x4 game viewing vehicle

*Children 16 years + older

Game walks are offered on the mainland which is considered a primewalking safari area. A light breakfast is offered before embarking at first light on the walk. Departure time is determined by sunrise.

Children 12 years + older

Game drives are offered through this scenically beautiful national older park in the early mornings. The game drives are approximately 3 to 4 hours and include a refreshment stop. The Zambezi National Park is home to large herds of elephant, buffalo, lion, hyena, giraffe and numerous antelope species. A light breakfast is offered before embarking at first light on the game drive. The departure time is determined by sunrise.

The river cruise is offered in the late afternoon to enjoy the older spectacular sunsets along the Zambezi River. Guest can enjoy drinks and snacks with our guides on our comfortable river

cruiser while keeping an eye out for game coming down to drink.

At Camp Chitubu, walking safaris offer an immersive and up-close experience with the diverse flora and fauna of Hwange National Park. Led by expert guides, these walking safaris provide guests with the opportunity to:

Explore the Wilderness:
Venture into the heart of Hwange National Park on foot, allowing for a more intimate connection with the surrounding wilderness.

Encounter Wildlife:
Experience close encounters with wildlife, from elephants to various bird species. Walking safaris provide a unique perspective on the natural behaviors of animals.

Expert Guidance:
Benefit from the expertise of knowledgeable guides who share insights into the park's ecosystem, wildlife habits, and the significance of the region.

Photographic Opportunities:
Capture stunning photographs of wildlife and the landscape, as walking safaris often present unique opportunities for unobstructed views.

Birdwatching:
Delight in birdwatching as Hwange National Park is home to a rich diversity of bird species. Walking allows for a more leisurely exploration of avian life.

Sense of Adventure:
Walking safaris at Camp Chitubu provide a sense of adventure, allowing guests to be fully immersed in the sights, sounds, and scents of the African bush.

Before embarking on a walking safari, guests typically receive safety briefings, and the pace and duration of the safari can be adjusted based on preferences and fitness levels. It's advisable to check with Camp Chitubu for specific details on their walking safari offerings and any additional considerations for guests.

A sundowner experience at Camp Chitubu is a magical and serene way to embrace the beauty of the African wilderness as the day transitions to evening. Here's what you might expect:

Scenic Setting:
Head to a specially chosen location within the camp or its surroundings with breathtaking views of the landscape.

Sunset Views:
Witness the stunning hues of the African sunset as the sky transforms into a canvas of warm colors, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere.

Relaxation and Socializing:
Unwind in a relaxed setting, whether it's around a campfire, on a deck, or another picturesque spot. Sundowners provide an opportunity for guests to socialize and share the day's adventures.

Beverages and Snacks:
Enjoy a selection of beverages, including refreshing cocktails, local wines, or non-alcoholic options. Light snacks or canapés are also provided, enhancing the overall experience.

Cultural Elements:
Sundowners may incorporate cultural elements, such as traditional music, dance, or storytelling, offering guests a deeper connection to the local environment.

Wildlife Observation:
As the sun sets, keep an eye out for wildlife activity. Some animals become more active during the cooler evening hours, providing a unique opportunity for observation.

Photography Opportunities:
Capture the beauty of the sunset and the surroundings. Sundowners often present excellent photographic opportunities, and many guests find themselves capturing these moments to cherish.

Game drives at Camp Chitubu provide an exciting and immersive safari experience in the heart of Hwange National Park. Here's what you can expect:

Expert Guides:
Knowledgeable guides lead the game drives, offering insights into the park's ecosystem, wildlife behavior, and the rich biodiversity of Hwange.

Customized Itineraries:
Game drives are often tailored to guests' preferences and interests. Whether you're interested in the Big Five or specific bird species, guides can customize the itinerary accordingly.

Morning and Afternoon Drives:
Game drives typically occur in the early morning and late afternoon when wildlife is most active. These times maximize the chances of spotting a variety of animals.

Open Safari Vehicles:
Enjoy the safari experience in open 4x4 vehicles, allowing unobstructed views and a closer connection to the natural surroundings.

Diverse Wildlife Viewing:
Hwange National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and numerous bird species. Game drives provide excellent opportunities for wildlife observation and photography.

Scenic Landscapes:
Explore the varied landscapes of Hwange, from open grasslands to dense woodlands, and witness the beauty of the African bush.

Sunset and Night Drives:
Some game drives extend into the evening, offering the chance to witness stunning sunsets and engage in nocturnal wildlife viewing with the assistance of spotlights.

Educational Experience:
Guides often share educational information about the flora and fauna encountered during the drive, creating a deeper understanding of the ecosystem.

Before embarking on a game drive, guests usually receive safety briefings, and the drives are conducted with utmost respect for the animals and their natural habitat. If you have specific preferences or requirements, it's advisable to communicate them with Camp Chitubu to enhance your game drive experience.

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 African fish eagle and saddle-billed stork. Listen for the distinctive call of the racket-tailed roller or try to capture a photo of the majestic Martial eagle. 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.

EXPERIENCE

• Visit the sanctuary headquarters and home of the Cobras – hear a short talk on the CRCI project, rhino security, and future plans.
• Walking tour to join the rhino and the Cobras guarding them; lots of photo opportunities and time to appreciate Thuza and Kusasa in their new home (how close visitors will be able to get to the rhino is subject to conditions on the ground).

Please note:
Subject to availability and terms and conditions apply.

Experience our one-of-a-kind unique Elephant express rail car which is an
exceptional activity and a definite highlight of a stay at Camelthorn Lodge!

The Elephant Express was introduced in 2015; it is a unique railcar, ingeniously designed and built to offer an unforgettable activity to and between our camps in Southern Hwange National Park.The Elephant Express makes daily return trips as necessary between Ngamo Siding, near Camelthorn to Dete Railway station. It is a 2.5hr ride and a great game viewing opportunity. It is at an additional cost, please contact reservations on prices and how to use it to transfer guest in and out of camp.

• Accommodating up to 22 passengers, the railcar has a safari design with open sides, an engine at the front and back and specially trained drivers. It offers individual coach seating at teak tables and a chemical loo on-board.
• Soft drinks, beers, wine and snacks are provided and lunch is served whilst the railcar is stationary before the return trip.
• The railcar is spacious with large aisles to allow your guests to walk around within and spot wildlife.
• There is a highly experienced knowledgeable guide is on board to answer all your questions and help make the trip as enjoyable as possible.

•Traditional open safari vehicles driven by licensed experienced guides

•Morning game drives with tea, coffee and biscuits and afternoon drives with drinks and cooked

snacks

•Land cruisers seat up to 9 guests and Land Rovers seat up to 7 guests

•Conducted by a fully licensed and highly experienced professional guide

•Usually undertaken in the mornings

•Ideal for photography of big game on foot

•A feature of Camelthorn is the 6m long underground blind with en-suite flush toilet

•Strategically positioned in the shade of a Leadwood tree, disguised as an antheap and aligned to

take advantage of both the sunsets and the evening light at elephant toe level - this blind will have

novices taking National Geographic pictures!

•Night drives within the lodge estate to view the array of wildlife particularly nocturnal creatures is

very popular

•Usually undertaken upon return from the afternoon activity or alternatively after supper, particularly

when lion are heard calling nearby

•Imvelo Safari Lodges operates 18 pumping stations for the wildlife within this area of the park, the furthest of which is 55 km into the Park

•A popular activity is to take an all day trip into the park to visit the waterholes and drop fuel and oil

for the motors, and rations and supplies for the pump attendants.

• A picnic lunch is then enjoyed near one of the waterholes before taking an afternoon game drive

back to the lodge

•Within the neighboring villages of Tsholothso 15 minutes drive from the lodge, our guests have the

opportunity to enjoy a real life look at village life in rural Matabeleland

•A fascinating experience of a variety of typical daily village activities is followed by a tour of one of

the nearby schools conducted by the Headmaster where guests are given the opportunity to hear

traditional songs sung by the children and enjoy a ‘class interaction’.

Imvelo’s ethos is to enrich the lives of those who live around us as well as our guests. As such, we have a strong link with communities around the lodges and our spa treatments fall in line with our proud tradition of empowering the community through providing jobs in tourism as our beauty therapists have been hand-picked from the surrounding community area.

Our therapists were then trained locally to provide you authentic Zimbabwean treatments in the most spectacular settings! We encourage you to enjoy one of these treatments during your stay with us, as you will not only experience some true pampering in the African bush, but you will also be further giving back to our local community.

Spa treatments are available at your private villa on the maisonette level, overlooking the unspoilt acacia woodlands or a destination treatment can be arranged in the Camelthorn concession, close to the lodge, enjoying the sights and sounds of nature.

(Destinations available will vary, depending on seasonality, amount of guests in camp and time of day the treatment is requested.
Please discuss this with management the day before the treatment is requested and they will do their best to ensure something special is arranged.)

Spa Menu
"Imvelo's Ikhanda Massage"
Head Massage
A rejuvenating head massage in the tranquil surroundings of the African bush relieving your mind of stress in Natures Company.
20 minutes - RACK $20

"Imvelo's Unyawo Massage"
Foot massage
Put your feet up and relax with a picturesque view as you get treated to a foot massage with the sights and sounds of nature at your feet.
30 minutes - RACK $30

"Imvelo's Ihlombe & Intamo Massage"
Shoulder & neck massage
Focused on your areas of stress, unwind and close your eyes as nature treats you to a relaxing shoulder and neck massage.
30 minutes - RACK $30

"Imvelo's Ubuhle Manicure or Pedicure"
Basic manicure or pedicure
With beauty in mind pamper and treat yourself with the sounds of nature in the backgrounds as you unwind on your holiday in Zimbabwe.
40 minutes - RACK $30.