Wilderness Ruckomechi Camp

In the eastern sector of the Mosi Oa Tunya National Park and about 12 kilometres from Victoria Falls, Toka Leya gets immediate and fantastic views over the Zambezi River, and taking advantage of these are its twelve tented rooms. Each comes with a large decking area at the front leading out from large glass sliding doors, behind which is your large stylish open plan lounge area and bedroom. The camp’s main area is situated on a large decking area, and underneath a canopy of trees right beside the main channel of the Zambezi River. Perfect for atmospheric campfires on the bank and spotting the resident wildlife. Here there is also a very spacious open-plan lounge and dining room, set beneath an enormous canvas roof and with open sides to maximise the views. The wall at the back of the living area is a really great feature; it’s made of “log tiles”, which gives the room a very natural feel. Each tent has its very own solar panel, water geyser and batteries in keeping with the camp’s aim to lessen its environmental footprint.

Wilderness Linkwasha Camp lies in the south-eastern corner of the legendary Hwange National Park, on a private concession close to the famed Ngamo Plains, offering excellent year-round game viewing that peaks during the summer months. Though Hwange is Zimbabwe’s most popular national park, Linkwasha’s private concessions means that guests will never see another game vehicle except those from the camp. A completely new camp, built from the ground up on the footprint of the old Linkwasha, the fresh, open and airy design is complemented by an eclectic mix of contemporary interiors with the original spirit and essence of safari. Eight en-suite luxury tents and one family tent overlook the waterhole, with the communal areas, including a pool area and a winter lounge complete with library, enjoying the same view. If you want to get even closer to nature, spend a night on Wilderness Linkwasha’s Star Bed, located on a raised platform a short drive from the main camp with nothing but a mosquito net between you and the wild. Overlooking Scott’s Pan, a favourite drinking spot for game, you can be assured of incredible sightings and a guide will be set up a short distance away should you need any assistance during the night. Wildlife frequently encountered in this area includes lion, large herds of elephant, buffalo, leopard, spotted hyena, giraffe, sable, blue wildebeest, impala, waterbuck and reedbuck. In summer, wildebeest, zebra and eland are found in abundance on the open plains, while in winter elephant congregate in enormous numbers around the waterholes. Typically for Zimbabwe, birdlife in the area is prolific with over 400 species recorded. Aside from day and evening game drives, the bush can be explored on foot and respectful visits to a local village can also be organised.

Somalisa Camp is located within a private concession in the heart of Hwange National Park. Nestled on an acacia island on the edge of an ancient seasonal flood plain, the camp is the perfect place from which to witness the huge elephant herds for which this area is famous. The camp consists of seven luxury tents with gauze sliding doors and plush furnishings. There is a glass wood burning stove for chilly evenings and floor fans for hot summer days. There is a freestanding copper bath tub in each tent, as well as indoor and outdoor showers and a flush toilet. The main camp decking area is home to a lounge and dining area and a small splash pool that overlooks a natural watering home, known as elephant pool. The camp is powered by solar and has a sewage purifying system which means it can recyle 80% of its water.

Suspended on the red sandstone cliffs of Chilo Gorge carved out by the Save River and just outside Gonarezhou’s north-eastern boundaries, this safari lodge is the best in the region and run by the award-winning conservationist pioneer, Clive Stockil. The main lodge commands phenomenal views over the gorge and river, as do many of the private chalets, and is an authentic structure made from timber, stone and a thick thatch roof for keeping the place cool during the day. The lodge underwent a refurbishment in 2012, and all the chalets are comfortable, decorated in the local Shangaan style, and with en-suite bathrooms. The activities here at Chilo are superb. After all Clive did win the 2013 Tusk Lifetime Achievement Award for Conservationism, and his team of guides and trackers are world-class with an unparalleled knowledge of the area. Apart from the daily game drives and animal tracking, guided walks, trips to the Chilojo Cliffs, waterfalls and local towns, Chilo can also arrange nights in a special mobile tented camp in the park for you.