Rated one of the best lodges in Zimbabwe, The Elephant Camp is more than just a destination - it's an experience characterised by immersive encounters with nature and enlightening cultural and conservation excursions.
Resting lightly on 4500 acres of private wilderness, The Elephant Camp has always been synonymous with restorative retreats and exclusive experiences. The main deck overlooks the cavernous Batoka Gorge, with the cloud of mist from the Victoria Falls commanding the skyline. From the interior spaces' uncluttered beauty to the careful placement of each suite to capture the best views, the lodge is enveloped by stillness and serenity.
The Elephant Camp epitomises the future of luxury safaris under canvas, with private plunge pools, outdoor showers, a sunken firepit and a sophisticated interior design. With an exciting range of adventures included in the experience, guests can experience the best Victoria Falls has to offer, as well as a few hidden gems, when they book their stay. Victoria Falls is a short twenty-minute transfer from the lodge, giving guests the freedom to tailor-make their experience and find a balance between the exclusivity of the bush and the excitement of Africa's Adventure Capital.
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Activities and Services
The Elephant CampCredit: Lesanne DunlopMain Lodge area
Wild HorizonsCredit: Paul KarnstedtThe spacious deck, ideal for al-fresco dining
The Elephant CampCredit: Paul Karnstedt
The Elephant CampCredit: Paul Karnstedt
The Elephant CampCredit: Lesanne DunlopLunch with a view!
The Elephant CampCredit: Lesanne DunlopThe perfect spot for afternoon tea
The Elephant CampCredit: Paul Karnstedt
The Elephant CampCredit: WildHorizons
The Elephant CampCredit: Lesanne Dunlop
The Elephant CampCredit: Lesanne Dunlop
The Elephant CampCredit: Lesanne DunlopTea time
The Elephant CampCredit: Lesanne Dunlop
The Elephant CampCredit: Paul KarnstedtDining Area
The Elephant CampCredit: Lesanne DunlopSuite Exterior
The Elephant CampCredit: Paul Karnstedt
The Elephant CampCredit: Paul KarnstedtEvery Unit boasts a plunge pool with a view
The Elephant CampCredit: Lesanne DunlopBath with a view
The Elephant CampCredit: Lesanne Dunlop
The Elephant CampCredit: Lesanne Dunlop
The Elephant CampCredit: WildHorizonsThe Victoria Falls
View of the Spray of Victoria FallsView of the Spray of Victoria Falls
The Elephant CampCredit: ZHCFlight of Angels at The Victoria Falls
There is a seamless flow between the suites and the surrounding wilderness, with an open plan design that echoes the easy rhythm of nature. The imaginative use of canvas preserves the romance of yesteryear with a classic safari atmosphere, accentuated by thoughtful finishing touches. The outdoor showers and private plunge pools inspire meaningful connections with nature, and even the bathtub has a panoramic view of the landscape. Reimagined through a modern perspective, the essence of adventure inherent to a tented safari experience is more aligned with how travellers have evolved.
Standard Luxury Tented Suites All suites are gorge facing and have:- Private viewing deck and plunge pool Private lounge area Air-conditioning and fans Bath with a view Inside and outside shower Minibar and tea/coffee stations 220V main Electricity USB charging ports
The Standard Luxury Tented Suites accommodate up to 2 guests (Twin or Double)
The luxurious Family Suites will become your home away from hoe in Victoria Falls. All suites are gorge facing and have:- Private viewing deck and plunge pool Private lounge area Air-conditioning and fans Bath with a view Inside and outside shower Minibar and tea/coffee stations 220V main Electricity Fold Out Sleeper couch USB charging ports
The two Family Suites at The Elephant Camp are equipped with one king-sized bed and one fold-out sleeper bed (double).
The Elephant Camp West
The Elephant Camp West is part of The Elephant Camp Collection, but the intimate lodge caters exclusively to groups of friends and families with a secluded main area, dedicated guide, chef, host and private game vehicle.
The Elephant Camp West harnesses the simple elegance of The Elephant Camp Main. The flagship design has been thoughtfully adapted for exclusive use by family and friends who crave meaningful distancing from the world's demands and distractions.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Library, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Spa
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Detached Private Bathroom, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Fridge, Hair Dryer, Heater, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Outside Shower, Plunge Pool, Private Pool / Jacuzzi, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
The Victoria Falls waterfall, also known as Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders), is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
On your guided walking tour of the falls, you will have the opportunity to discover the many facets of the magnificent Victoria Falls. Explore the rainforest while learning about the history of the Falls, its geological significance and its flora and fauna. You'll have the opportunity to soak up the beautiful vistas, lush surroundings, magical waterfalls, and the spray of the Falls.
*Excludes rainforest entry fees
Walking at a comfortable pace allows you to experience nature more consciously, and guides will reveal the hidden gems you may have never noticed. There is no vehicle, no noise and no distractions.
Every detail dotted around the landscape forms part of a story, read with an expert eye by your professional guide. Broken branches and bird calls weave together a narrative and draw a map of animal movements across the rugged landscape. The birdlife at The Elephant Camp offers visitors an entirely new frontier in wilderness engagement, with over 420 bird species on the concession. Zebra, impala, sable, wildebeest, kudu and warthogs have also made the Wild Horizons Wildlife Sanctuary their home and curiously survey you as a guest exploring their world.
The Lookout Café has become a bucket-list experience in a bucket-list destination and a Victoria Falls landmark restaurant. Perched on the edge of the Batoka Gorge above the raging Zambezi Rapids, the Lookout has panoramic views of the Victoria Falls Bridge that hangs in the chasm of the Gorge, connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Though called the Lookout Cafe, the meals are more refined than everyday eats. Enjoying dishes like the grilled lemon and garlic Zambezi bream, with the gentle rumble of the river drifting over the rim of the Gorge, makes the 'place on a plate' sentiment a reality. Every dish gains both place and style when paired with imported wine from South African vineyards. Casual dining has never been more decadent.
Indulge in a selection of cocktails and canapes on the rim of the Batoka Gorge, where the Zambezi Rapids rage 120 meters below. This hidden gem is the perfect place to enjoy a sundowner and is exclusively for guests staying at The Elephant Camp.
Travelling is one of the ways we write the story of our lives. It is also one of the best ways to hear stories of other cultures, beliefs and people. The Village Tour digs beneath the surface of Victoria Falls' and celebrates cultural diversity. The Village Chief will take guests around a nearby rural village, explaining the local customs, traditions and lifestyles. The Village Tour empowers the local community to share their heritage with visitors, and the experience gives guests an insightful understanding of the local culture.
The Canopy Tour is a fantastic family-friendly adventure that consists of a network of slides, trails and rope bridge walkways within the Batoka Gorge. The activity and offers incredible views of Zambezi rapids, Victoria Falls Bridge & the spray of the Falls. Located next to the Wild Horizons Lookout Café, the guided two-hour tour reveals a unique birds-eye view of one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
The Elephant Camp is surrounded by natural beauty, and we focus on creating a space where guests can form a relationship with and learn about the environment they are in. We do this through our partnership with The Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, located in the Wild Horizons Wildlife Sanctuary adjacent to the lodge. The Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, a non-profit entity and dedicated vehicle for promoting conservation awareness, education, and community empowerment. A tour of the Trust is part of our guest experience. Guests will visit the High-Care Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre and Laboratory facilities to learn about innovative conservation initiatives from a team of passionate research and wildlife experts. Included Activity- this activity is included in our rates but must be scheduled with management on arrival and is subject to availability.
Included Activity- this activity is included in our rates but must be scheduled with management on arrival and is subject to availability.
The Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary and Orphanage was established as a safe haven for orphaned and injured elephants after culling operations in the 1980s. The resident herds roam freely through the wilderness concession, and when guests visit the Sanctuary, they are taken to the elephant, not the other way around. The Elephant Encounter is best described as an experience and not an activity. Our goal is to have visitors spend time connecting with resident herds in the most positive and natural way possible while learning about this keystone species and gaining a deeper understanding of conservation initiatives.
In an open thatch boma on the edge of the Masuwe River in the Sanctuary, guests will listen to a presentation by one of our experienced elephant caretakers. They will learn about the history of the Sanctuary, the elephants, and the rescue-rehabilitate-reintegrate program. Then, guests venture out to where the herd has chosen to spend the afternoon. They are invited to take photographs, observe and immersive themselves in the experience.
The Zambezi River Sunset Cruise is one of the most popular activities in Victoria Falls. Typically lasting around two hours, the luxury Zambezi Royal cruise explores sections of the upper Zambezi close to the Victoria Falls and further upstream where the Zambezi and Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Parks flank the river. Guests can look forward to 5-star service, hot & cold canapés, creative cocktails and a selection of beverages. The cruise captain will give a brief presentation on the journey of the Zambezi while guests enjoy the stunning scenery on the upper Zambezi River.
Game drives are a quintessential safari experience, and with over 4500 acres of traversing wilderness, no two game drives are ever the same. The Elephant Camp is the only lodge nestled within the expansive Wild Horizons Wildlife Sanctuary, so guests can exclusively explore the pristine wilderness during a morning or evening game drive. Professional, passionate and knowledgeable safari guides lead the game drives. The freedom of structure creates a continuous adventure, and the journey follows the calls and contours of the landscape.
Selected Spa Treatments are available in the privacy of your suite (subject to availability, on request at an additional charge).
Your Stay
2 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
Fast Facts
5 Star
Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 12
Special Interests: Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Hiking, History & Culture, Indigenous Culture / Art, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife
Machaba Camp | Khwai Conservancy
Situated in the game rich Khwai area on the eastern tongue of the Okavango Delta, lies the sophisticated Machaba Camp. The setting is exquisite and guests will fall in love with the understated elegant colonial architeture of Machaba. Wake up to the sounds of hippo wallowing in the Delta and enjoy outdoor dining on the banks of the Khwai.
Ten luxury tents with en-suite bathrooms and outdoor showers are located between tall riverine trees. Each of the tents have views of the Delta and the Moremi Game Reserve. From these tented verandas one can watch the daily parade of animals coming down to drink at the river in front of camp. Machaba, despite its obvious luxury is still an affordable camp.
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Machaba CampCredit: Andrew HowardMain Area - guest interaction
Machaba CampCredit: Andrew HowardDining
Machaba CampCredit: Andrew HowardCamp fire overlooking the Okavango Delta
Machaba CampCredit: Andrew HowardLuxury tented suite
Machaba CampCredit: Andrew HowardLuxury tented suite
Machaba CampCredit: Andrew HowardLuxury Tented suite room view
Mokoro Activity at Machaba CampCredit: Martin HarveyMokoro Activity at Machaba Camp
Sundowners on Safari at Machaba CampCredit: Martin HarveySundowners on Safari at Machaba Camp
Machaba CampCredit: Andrew HowardSundowners on Safari at Machaba Camp
Machaba CampCredit: Andrew HowardMachaba Camp Pool
Machaba Camp PoolCredit: Martin HarveyMachaba Camp Pool
Machaba CampCredit: Andrew HowardWildlife - Elephants
Machaba CampCredit: Andrew HowardWildlife - Elephant
Machaba CampCredit: Andrew HowardGame viewing - elephants under the Milky Way
Machaba CampCredit: Andrew HowardGame viewing - leopard in the spot light
Machaba CampCredit: Andrew HowardGame viewing - lion in front of the camp
Machaba Camp
Machaba Camp
Machaba Camp
Machaba Camp
Machaba Camp
Machaba Camp
Machaba Camp
Machaba Camp
Machaba Camp
Machaba Camp
Machaba Camp
There are 8 Luxury Tents that each sleep 2 guests.
The camp is built in the classic 1950’s style, with luxury safari tents, en-suite bathrooms and living areas, not forgetting the romantic outdoor showers. All the tents are situated on ground level and the pathways to the tents meander between the large riverine trees.
There are 2 Luxury Family Tents that each sleep 4 guests.
The camp is built in the classic 1950’s style, with luxury safari tents, en-suite bathrooms and living areas, not forgetting the romantic outdoor showers. All the tents are situated on ground level and the pathways to the tents meander between the large riverine trees.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Disability Services, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Library, Pool, Private Vehicle Available
Room Facilities
Disabled Rooms, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Outside Shower, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Verandah
Services
Airport Shuttle (Complimentary), Credit Card, Room Service
This is a dug out canoe poled by an experienced poler in the shallower waters of the Okavango. It is a great way to see the waterways and is tranquil and quiet. These excursions take place in the mornings or longer day trips can be arranged. Explore the islands around camp and come back rested and rejuvenated.
Game drives are conducted in the mornings and afternoon/evenings at camp. They usually last about three hours each and are conducted along the river systems and flood plains around the camp. The wildlife in the area is prolific and chances are good to see some of the larger predators, herds of elephant and buffalo and all the plains animals that occur here. Night drives are conducted in the early evening offering one a chance to see the smaller more nocturnal animals with spotlights.
Walking safaris are also conducted generally in the morning with armed guides. The walks are leisurely and time is taken to observe the smaller things in the bush that one normally misses when driving. Walking is weather dependent, or dependent on the condition of the terrain.
Your Stay
3 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
Fast Facts
Luxury Tented Camp
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 10
Special Interests: Big 5, Birding, Flora, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife
Young Explorers | Okavango Delta
Family Adventure Safari (KDB initiative)
The Young Explorers safari is a specially designed safari which offers families the opportunity to discover the wonders of the African wilderness - together. One of the special attractions of this safari is its exclusivity. Each family has the use of the Footsteps Camp a private six-bedded camp, a professional guide, personal chef, waiter, housekeeper and dedicated Mokoro guides. It literally allows guests to explore the bush at their leisure, while never losing sight of the fact that being in the wilderness is also about having fun!
The Young Explorers family safari is based at the Footsteps Camp within the Shinde private concession This comfortable, private camp accommodates six guests in three specially-designed twin-bedded Meru tents complete with sewn-in floors. One of the three tents can be converted into a family tent that sleeps three. Each tent has its own en-suit bathroom including wash basin and porcelain flush toilet, the private bush shower is adjacent to the tent and there is even a daily laundry service. The ‘bush kitchen’ is run by our chef and prepares menus to whet all appetites.
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ActivitiesCredit: Ker&Downey BotswanaShooting bows and arrows
ActivitiesCredit: Ker & Downey BotswanaFamily game drives
ActivitiesCredit: Ker&Downey BotswanaPlaying with the freesbie
ActivitiesCredit: Ker & Downey BotswanaEducational walks with the specialist guide
WalkingCredit: Ker&Downey BotswanaWalking with the whole family
Sundowners and smoresCredit: Ker & Downey Botswana
Camp FireCredit: Ker & Downey Botswana
Dining AreaCredit: Ker & Downey Botswana
ServerCredit: Ker & Downey Botswana
WashbasinCredit: Ker & Downey Botswana
Family TentCredit: Ker & Downey Botswana
The Young Explorers family safari is based at the Footsteps Camp within the Shinde private concession. This comfortable, private camp accommodates six guests in three specially-designed Meru tents. One of the three tents has an additional bedroom converting it into a family tent that sleeps five. Each tent has its own newly refurbished en-suite bathroom including wash basin, porcelain flush toilet and bush shower, there is even a daily laundry service.
The specially designed family tent comprises of two bedrooms with a shared en-suite bathroom, additional shower and verandah area. The spacious tent set-up can accommodate up to five family members, affording the privacy of a separate bedroom whilst offering the reassurance of eevryoen under one roof.
Property Facilities
Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary)
Room Facilities
Fireplace, Lounge Area, Mosquito Nets, Pure Cotton Linen, Shower
The Young Explorers’ emphasis is on learning how to track game - both on foot and in 4x4 safari vehicles
The children learn how to shoot an air rifle at tin cans.
The children learn how to make their own bow and arrows with the specialist guides. Once finished, they can practice shooting there arrows at targets!
Learn how to create fire with nothing more than two sticks, among various other fun bush craft activities
Activities include morning and/or afternoon game drives conducted by a professional guide in specially-designed open safari vehicles allowing unhindered game viewing and photography.
Night drives conducted by a professional guide in specially-designed open safari vehicles allowing unhindered game viewing.
Your Stay
3 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
Fast Facts
Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 3
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Fishing, Flora, Hiking, Leisure, Nature, Star Gazing, Wildlife
Wilderness Kalahari Plains | Central Kalahari Game Reserve
In marked contrast to the camps in the Okavango, Wilderness Kalahari Plains sits on the edge of an immense pan. Large herds of gemsbok (oryx) and springbok arrive in the wake of the summer rains, attracting the attention of cheetahs and black-maned Kalahari lions. The annual transformations belie a sense of timelessness, and authentic San cultural experiences give insights into an ancient yet sustainable way of life.
Eight cool canvas guest tents (including one family unit) each feature a rooftop sleep-out platform, with unequalled views of the night sky. A refreshing pool and unique architecture make the desert temperatures much more comfortable.
INSIDER'S TIP: Journey back in time on a guided walk to learn about the fascinating and ancient lifestyle of the San people.
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Wilderness Kalahari Plains CampCredit: Dana AllenA springbok on the open plain
Wilderness Kalahari Plains CampThe thatch-covered lounge and open campfire
Wilderness Kalahari Plains CampCredit: Dana AllenThe interior of a guest tent
Wilderness Kalahari Plains CampCredit: Lance Van De VyverThe Central Kalahari is known for its black-maned lion population
Wilderness Kalahari Plains CampCredit: Lance Van de VyverYoung lion cub
Wilderness Kalahari Plains CamppThe Central Kalahari offers some of the world's best cheetah viewing
Wilderness Kalahari Plains CampCredit: Dana AllenA herd of wildebeest on the pan
Wilderness Kalahari Plains CampThe grasslands attract herds of antelope such as springbok
Wilderness Kalahari Plains CampCredit: Dana AllenCheetah seen on the pan
Wilderness Kalahari Plains CampA guided walk reveals the area's fauna and flora
Wilderness Kalahari Plains CampCredit: Dana AllenTraditional San hunting demonstration
Wilderness Kalahari Plains CampCultural experiences with a San family
Wilderness Kalahari Plains CampSan interactions include fire-making demonstrations
Wilderness Kalahari Plains CampA guided San walk reveals the area's fauna and flora
Wilderness Kalahari Plains CampCredit: Dana AllenAn oryx in front of camp
Wilderness Kalahari Plains CampCredit: Dana AllenThe spacious main area and deck
Wilderness Kalahari Plains CampCredit: Dana AllenThe comfortable main lounge area
Wilderness Kalahari Plains CampCredit: Dana AllenGuest tents feature a rooftop deck
Wilderness Kalahari Plains CampCredit: Dana AllenThe interior of a guest tent
Wilderness Kalahari Plains CampCredit: Dana AllenDining with a view
Wilderness Kalahari Plains CampCredit: Dana AllenThe refreshing swimming pool surrounded by sun loungers
Wilderness Kalahari Plains CamppCredit: Dana AllenA guest tent's en-suite bathroom
Wilderness Kalahari Plains CampCredit: Dana AllenThe main lounge area
Wilderness Kalahari Plains CampCredit: Dana AllenThe dining area overlooks the plain
Wilderness Kalahari Plains CampCredit: Dana AllenEach tent has a rooftop star bed
Wilderness Kalahari Plains CampCredit: Dana AllenThe dark skies allow for excellent star-gazing opportunities
Wilderness Kalahari Plains CampCredit: Dana AllenA wildebeest grazes in front of the Kalahari sunset
Wilderness Kalahari Plains CampA guided, interpretative San walk
Wilderness Kalahari Plains CampCredit: Dana AllenA black-maned male lion
Wilderness Kalahari Plains CampCredit: Dana AllenA Kalahari lion at dusk
Wilderness Kalahari Plains CampCredit: Dana AllenMoonrise and Kalahari lion
Wilderness Kalahari Plains CampCredit: Dana AllenHoney badgers - the prize-fighters of the Kalahari
Wilderness Kalahari Plains overlooks an immense pan with endless horizons and beautiful skies. Its eight en-suite canvas tents – airy and insulated to keep temperatures comfortable – are each topped with a sleep-out platform where you can spend moonlit or star-studded nights. Solar power provides all the electricity and hot water in the camp. Healthy wildlife populations are present year round, many seen from vantage points in camp.
The one family canvas tented unit with two three quarter beds in each bedroom consists of two bedrooms, each with own bathroom and entrance – sharing a deck.
Twice daily game drives or full-day excursions take place in open 4x4 vehicles, and are directed towards the seasonal movements of the wildlife. The Central Kalahari is a vast expanse of scrub-covered fossil dunes between ancient river valleys. During the rains (November to April), the desert comes to life, with huge herds of plains game followed by predators large and small, resulting in some of the best summer wildlife viewing in Botswana. Sightings are good around Kalahari Plains itself, especially springbok, giraffes, gemsbok, red hartebeest and steenbok, as well as predators such as lions, cheetahs, leopards, brown hyaenas and caracal for the lucky. Small predators range from blackbacked jackals, meerkat (suricates), Cape foxes, honey badger and a dozen mongoose species.
* With the camp being in a National Park, we adhere to the regulations of the Department of Wildlife and National Parks restricting off-road driving and night driving.
An interpretive, guided walk led by camp staff members who are descendants of the San, provides insights into their traditional lifestyles through dress, activities and a short walk (800 metres) in the immediate camp area.
In addition to the San Cultural Walk, guided nature walks are on offer. This activity is an approximate duration of one and a half hours, departing camp just before sunrise and moving toward one of the pans in the area for a more up close and personal focus on the fauna and flora. The Kalahari is typically a dry desert-type system, when game viewing moves into the vegetated dune belt and pan systems surrounding the fossilised valleys: most antelope move into the thickets to feed on small shrubs and tubers.
* Seasonal and subject to the availability of a qualified walking guide
Sleep out under the starry skies of the Kalahari and be lulled to a contented slumber by the sounds of Africa on the private rooftop of your tent.
The Kalahari is famous for its clear night skies, and with no light pollution it is the ideal spot from which to view the incredible formations of the stars and planets. Our guides are known to dabble with astronomy and will take you on a tour through the constellations.
Your Stay
2 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
Fast Facts
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 8
Special Interests: Birding, Nature, Relaxation, Wildlife