Safari Lodge
Zimbabwe

Camelthorn Lodge
Hwange National Park

Camelthorn Camp, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Camelthorn Camp, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Camelthorn Camp, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Camelthorn Camp, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Highlights

  • Luxury Forest Villas: Spacious and elegantly designed villas nestled in the forest, providing comfort and stunning views of the natural surroundings.
  • Prime Wildlife Viewing: Located in Hwange National Park, guests can enjoy exceptional game drives and close encounters with elephants, lions, and other wildlife.
  • Unique Treehouse Dining: Experience dining in a treehouse platform overlooking a waterhole, offering a unique and intimate wildlife viewing experience while enjoying gourmet meals.
  • Cultural Experiences: Engage with local communities through village tours and cultural interactions, gaining insight into the traditions and daily lives of the local people.
  • Walking Safaris: Participate in guided walking safaris, allowing for a closer connection with nature and an opportunity to learn about the flora and fauna up close.
  • Eco-Friendly Practices: The lodge employs sustainable practices, including solar power, water conservation, and community support initiatives, ensuring a minimal environmental footprint.
  • Elephant Express Rail Car: Travel to the lodge aboard the Elephant Express, a scenic rail car journey through Hwange National Park, offering spectacular views and unique wildlife sightings.

Good to know

How to get there

By road from Victoria Falls, Camelthorn Lodge is a 200km  (124m) drive which takes up to 4 hours, however, you can choose to fly in around 45 minutes.

Are children welcome?

Yes, children are welcome at Camelthorn Lodge. The lodge offers a family-friendly environment with various amenities and activities designed to ensure an enjoyable and memorable stay for families with children. Highlights include:

  • Family Accommodation: Spacious villas that can accommodate families, ensuring comfort for both parents and children.
  • Child-Friendly Activities: Special activities tailored for children, such as guided nature walks, wildlife tracking, and educational experiences about the local flora and fauna.
  • Babysitting Services: Professional babysitting services available to allow parents some time to relax and enjoy the lodge’s amenities.
  • Flexible Dining Options: Kid-friendly menus and flexible meal times to cater to the needs and preferences of younger guests.
  • Safety Measures: Thorough safety briefings and protocols to ensure the well-being of children during their stay, particularly during safari activities.

Giving back

Camelthorn Lodge is dedicated to sustainable tourism and conservation, implementing a comprehensive program to minimise its environmental impact and support local communities. Key components of their sustainability program include:

  • Solar Power: The lodge utilises solar panels to generate electricity, reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources and lowering carbon emissions.
  • Water Conservation: Water-saving technologies and practices are employed, including efficient water fixtures, greywater recycling, and careful management of water resources.
  • Waste Management: A rigorous waste management system is in place, focusing on reducing, reusing, and recycling waste to minimise environmental impact.
  • Wildlife Conservation: Camelthorn Lodge actively participates in wildlife conservation initiatives, including anti-poaching efforts and supporting research projects to protect endangered species within Hwange National Park.
  • Community Engagement: The lodge supports local communities through employment opportunities, educational programs, healthcare initiatives, and purchasing goods from local suppliers to boost the local economy.
  • Environmental Education: Guests are educated on the importance of conservation and sustainable practices, fostering awareness and encouraging responsible tourism.
  • Sustainable Building Practices: The lodge is constructed using locally sourced and sustainable materials, designed to blend with the natural environment and minimise disruption to the ecosystem.

Wildlife are you likely to see

  • Elephants: Hwange National Park is famous for its large elephant population. Elephants frequently visit the camp’s waterholes, providing close-up viewing opportunities.
  • Lions: These majestic predators are commonly seen, with several prides inhabiting the area around Somalisa.
  • Leopards: Although elusive, leopards are occasionally spotted, often seen resting in trees or stealthily moving through the bush.
  • Buffalo: Large herds of buffalo roam the park, often seen grazing in open grasslands or near water sources.
  • Wild Dogs: Hwange is one of the best places to see African wild dogs, also known as painted wolves, which are critically endangered.
  • Giraffes: Tall and graceful, giraffes are frequently observed feeding on acacia trees throughout the park.
  • Zebras: Plains zebras are commonly seen in large groups, often in the company of other herbivores.
  • Various Antelope Species: Including impala, kudu, waterbuck, sable, and eland, providing a diverse array of sightings.
  • Hyenas: Spotted hyenas are often heard at night and can sometimes be seen during the day, especially near lion kills.
  • Birds: Hwange boasts over 400 bird species, making it a paradise for bird watchers. Notable species include the martial eagle, southern ground hornbill, and carmine bee-eater.
  • Hippos and Crocodiles: Found in the park’s water bodies, these aquatic animals can be seen during game drives and walking safaris.

Why we love Camelthorn

If you’re looking for a safari lodge that is just a little different this may well be it. You can arrive by train, have dinner in a treehouse and stay among ancient accacia trees, all with some incredible wildlife on your doorstep.

Aisha Gross

Specialises in

Africa and the Indian Ocean
Camelthorn, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

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