Russ & Carol Weinman - Africa Adventure 2025 - FINAL

Based at Africas busiest airport, City Lodge Hotel at OR Tambo Airport will provide business and leisure travellers with home away from home accommodation that is ideal for those commuting to and from Johannesburg and perfect for those who require immediate access to the airport.

OR Tambo Airport offers a number of services from banking to a wide range of retailers, so whether its a good book or a scrumptious meal, the airports facilities have everything you need. The hotel boasts boardroom and conference facilities, a fitness room as well as a deck with a pool and a large commercial area with a coffee shop.

Independent and owner run, The Hide sits in a 5km2 private concession within a north-eastern annexe of Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park. Set in the shade of an acacia woodland, the mid-size camp overlooks a permanent (pumped) waterhole that supports a variety of animals such as elephant, buffalo and giraffe. An ancient vlei (dried-up riverbed) “flows” across the front of camp, creating a linear clearing where animals can be viewed from anywhere in the camp. Interestingly, the soft sands around The Hide make it very difficult for hyena to den here, and in their absence the lion density is slightly higher in this area than in some other parts of Hwange National Park.

The Hide feels as though it has evolved in a somewhat unstructured fashion. Its accommodation is largely focused on ten tented chalets: six “deluxe” chalets, two family chalets (which can also be converted into extra-spacious double chalets), and two honeymoon chalets. The camp also offers a couple of options for families or groups of friends travelling together, as well as its very own treehouse.

Each of the chalets is formed from a smart new canvas tent hung within a thatched A-frame structure supported by substantial timber frames, effectively acting as an outer shell. The tents have been specially tailored to let in light and for optimum airflow. We particularly liked the large mesh window that makes up the front of the room, with a door inset – thus making the most of the views and admitting light and air. Additionally, each bedroom has a cooling fan for warm nights.

Inside, double or twin beds are backed by a solid partition, separating the bedroom from an area containing storage racks for luggage and clothes, and leading off into the bathroom. Family rooms are larger, with a second bedroom area, taking up to four guests with one shared bathroom.

In the en-suite bathroom you’ll find a washbasin with hot and cold running water, a flush toilet (in a separate cubicle with a door), an indoor bath or shower, and an outdoor shower, with complimentary toiletries provided. The honeymoon chalets have a partially covered outdoor bathroom with a bath.

At the front of each chalet is a covered veranda where you can sit and enjoy views stretching across the vlei towards the waterhole.

For something really special, we recommend a night sleeping out in the Dove's Nest, a tree house that enjoys an exclusive view of a natural pan and allows guests the chance to spend a night even closer to mature.

At the heart of The Hide itself is a large split-level main area known as The A-Frame. The lower level features comfortable chairs, a large dining table, reference material and communal binoculars from which to enjoy the sweeping views of the pan and vlei. Meals are laid-back occasions, with everyone, including the hosts and guides, generally dining together around the huge teak table within The A-Frame – or on its front deck. When the camp is busy, however, guests may dine at smaller, separate tables – and during quiet periods, lunch is sometimes taken in the bush.

Activities from The Hide are flexible, depending on guests’ interests and wildlife action, with a high standard of guiding. Walks and night drives are operated on the 5km2 private concession, with choices including morning game drives, morning drive and walk combinations, afternoon game drives or walks, and after-dinner night drives.

Conservation Safari Company says; Zimbabwe has been through some tough times in recent years, but The Hide is now in fantastic shape, with substantial upgrades completed and continuous small improvements. Caring owners, friendly staff and knowledgeable guides add to an overall experience that's usually excellent – helped by the camp's outstanding location and surrounding private concession. The Hide has fairly consistently been one of Zimbabwe's best safari camps since we started using it; far from resting on its laurels, it's clearly working hard to remain on top; we're impressed.

Rates include all meals, all drinks (except premium wines and liqueurs), teas & coffees, laundry, activities

Changa Safari Camp is located on the eastern side of Matusadona National Park, in its own private concession, with exclusive access to nearly 5 kilometers of Lake Kariba’s shoreline. As the waters lap the shoreline, guests could be forgiven for thinking they had arrived on a remote and rugged stretch of Indian Ocean coastline. The vast body of water that is Lake Kariba stretches out in front of the lodge, dotted with dead trees sticking out through its surface, there’s even a private beach – although you won’t be doing much swimming due to some rather large reptilian residents lurking offshore. Never fear though, there’s a small but adequate plunge pool, elevated above and adjacent to the beach, with views out across the water. Further adding to the beach feel at Changa is a very laidback ambience, we were struck by how efficient and yet relaxed all of the staff here were.

The main area at Changa is set back from the water, shaded by the tree line. An extensive, split-level decked area plays host to the dining area (where brunch is usually taken), a couple of lounge areas and a split-level deck. The lounge areas are situated under a thatched ceiling with open sides leading out onto the decking which drops down a short distance to the beach. There’s a fire-pit on the beach and on our visit we ate dinner here too – all set up under candle light. There are a few very comfortable sofas here and to the side is a tea and coffee station, which stays stocked throughout the day. Walking through and on towards the swimming pool one comes across the bar, set aside and quite separate to the rest of the main area this doesn’t really share the views that the rest of the camp benefits from but it’s cool, open and breezy.

Accommodation at Changa consists of eight large canvas chalets. Each has polished concrete floors and there are floor to ceiling gauze-mesh windows, making the rooms very light and airy and allowing a breeze to pass through. When the temperature drops canvas flaps can be rolled down to keep rain and cold winds out. There are also long curtains which can be pulled across when it’s too hot to roll the canvas down. The chalets are long and run roughly linearly along the shoreline, linked to one another and the main area by long, winding concrete paths which lead on to wooden walkways closer to the main area. On entry into each, through a door at the side, there is a large double bed immediately in front of you. To the right is a shelf with some filtered drinking water, a few glasses and some pamphlets containing information on the camp and national park. There are also some matches and a porcelain mosquito coil container found here.

Passing through the bedroom, again with views out onto the lake in front, one arrives at the en-suite bathroom. This is separated from the bedroom by a canvas wall. Here there are his and hers wash basins and a shower at the rear. There are some complimentary toiletries and a plenty of towels, flannels and floor mats, as you’d expect in a lodge of this quality. To the side of each the basins, in the corner of the room is a laundry basket where guests can leave their clothes in the morning and expect them back that evening (weather permitting).

Activities at Changa focus on 4WD game drives and boat trips on Lake Kariba. On our last visit here we spent a great afternoon on the camp’s pontoon. We spent a couple of hours fishing and photographing the dead trees along the lake, as the Sun began to set. We then upped anchor and began to head home, stopping off for sundowners along the way. These had been setup by the camp on a remote stretch of the lakeshore. We enjoyed a drink and some nibbles as the Sun set across the Lake before an evening game drive back to camp and a spot game viewing along the way.

The following morning we spent a really enjoyable three-hours or so tracking lion from the vehicle and then on foot. We felt very confident in our young yet experienced guide who combined just the right amount of adventurous exuberance with caution and care while walking through some quite thick bush.

Conservation Safari Company recommends Changa as one of our favourite camps, stylish yet simple and authentic - great food and interesting areas to explore. Sunsets and sunrises over Lake Kariba are quite special. 

Rates are fully inclusive of safari activities, meals and drinks (locally supplied)

Pamarah is a family owned and operated 14 room luxury boutique lodge. Conveniently located in the peaceful residential suburb of Victoria Falls, and just 18km from the Victoria Falls International Airport, Pamarah offers easy access to the town’s main attractions, many of which are within a 5km radius, ensuring an unforgettable stay. The Scott-Riddell family members are on site daily to offer guests a unique and personalised experience in a peaceful and private setting.

Pamarah is the perfect place to relax and unwind. It offers a shady, tranquil sanctuary to return to after a day of adventures, where tropical landscaping throughout the property creates a beautiful oasis of calm. Guests can make the most of the refreshing plunge pool, indulge in top-class amenities, including thoughtfully decorated rooms with modern comforts and features, and delightful dining experiences where home cooked food is freshly prepared and served in the Prop & Rotor outdoor restaurant. The family's personal interests in history, photography and aviation are reflected in the nostalgic yet elegant decor visible throughout the lodge. Guests who stay at Pamarah will receive the warmest Zimbabwean hospitality.

Bush Ways Safaris operates three types of mobile safaris experience: Adventure Camping, Premium Camping and Accommodated (lodge to lodge).

For the Adventure Camping safaris, guests are only required to pitch and fold their own tent. All cooking, cleaning and any other camp chores are taken care of by the Bush Ways Safari team, made up of an experienced local safari guide and a camp assistant. We provide 2.1m x 2.1m x 1.75m dome tents and a comfortable 5cm high density foam mattress. We mostly camp in areas with no formal ablutions, and therefore build our own bush toilet and shower when camping in these areas.

Guests travel in a Bush Ways custom-built safari vehicle. All Bush Ways safari vehicles are specially designed to offer optimum comfort and maximize game viewing and photographic opportunities for the guests. Each vehicle has been designed to seat 16 guests but takes a maximum of 12 during Adventure Camping Safaris, which ensures excellent game viewing and mobility.

Based at Africas busiest airport, City Lodge Hotel at OR Tambo Airport will provide business and leisure travellers with home away from home accommodation that is ideal for those commuting to and from Johannesburg and perfect for those who require immediate access to the airport.

OR Tambo Airport offers a number of services from banking to a wide range of retailers, so whether its a good book or a scrumptious meal, the airports facilities have everything you need. The hotel boasts boardroom and conference facilities, a fitness room as well as a deck with a pool and a large commercial area with a coffee shop.