Wilderness Chikwenya

Set within the pristine Matetsi Private Game Reserve along an exclusive 15km (9 mile) stretch of the Zambezi River a little upstream from Mosi-oa-Tunya, Matetsi River Lodge perfectly combines fine safari with easy access to the thrills and adventure of Victoria Falls. The River Lodge comprises of two intimate camps of just nine suites each, including two family suites. All the suites are modern yet of the vernacular, with clean lines softened by local craft pieces and repurposed materials. En suite bathrooms boast indoor and outdoor showers as well as a deep bath which looks out over the Zambezi. A private veranda offers a refreshing plunge pool and a peaceful sitting area that overlooks the river. At the heart of each camp is a communal area with a variety of dining spaces, an interactive kitchen, convivial bar area and an al fresco area that encircles a blazing fire bowl, all with unifying theme of a wood and copper, the ‘red gold’ of the country’s historical mining industry. There’s also a large central pool, massage sala, fitness centre and wine cellar. For the utmost privacy, Matetsi River House is an exclusive use villa with four bedrooms, its own kitchen, dining areas, pool and a complement of staff, including a dedicated guide, private vehicle, chef and butler, ensuring a tailor-made safari unlike any other. The 50,000ha (124,000 acre) private reserve is home to large herds of elephant and buffalo as well as an assortment of plains game and predators including kudu, sable and roan antelope, hippo, lion, leopard, African wild dog, spotted hyena, and 366 bird species. Explore the concession on expertly guided game drives, horseback safaris and bush walks, or head out onto the water on canoeing excursions, fishing trips and sunset river cruises. You can also discover Victoria Falls and the famous adventure activities that surround it such as white water rafting, bungee jumping, scenic flights and zip lining.

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.

Singita Pamushana Lodge sits perched overlooking the Chiredzi River in the wild, Mopane forested hills of the private Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve and is every inch the luxurious and authentic Zimbabwean safari stay. From protecting and managing a large section of wilderness, to supporting and nurturing local youngsters who may be interested in becoming rangers and conservationists, the lodge is playing an important role in a variety of ways in the area. Thatch palapa-style buildings reach up through the trees and descend to heavily overhang its open-sided sitting rooms and dining areas for far-reaching views and the African essence of blending the outside with indoors. Loud ethnic patterns weaving themselves between soft earthy hues, inviting traditional furniture, local art and antiques decorate the lounges, spilling into the luxury suites of this lodge. Also, in true Singita-style, there is an astounding level of amenities that pay no regard to the remote location of the lodge: three lounges, spa, WiFi, satellite TV, wine cellar and two heated swimming pools. In addition to the six suites that have their own plunge pools and panoramic terraces, there is a private villa with five bedrooms: perfect for a family or group of good friends.