Zimbabwe is a remarkable destination known for its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. While it is famously home to the iconic Victoria Falls, the country also offers lesser-known gems like Hwange and Mana Pools, both of which are equally deserving of a place on any traveler’s itinerary.
Victoria Falls, also known as Mosi-oa-Tunya (“The Smoke That Thunders”), is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. You can view the falls from the rainforest, take a helicopter ride for a unique perspective, or visit the Devil’s Pool at the edge for an adrenaline rush. The area is also known for adventure activities like white-water rafting on the Zambezi River and bungee jumping from the Victoria Falls Bridge.
Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest park and home to over 40,000 elephants, along with the Big Five: lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalo, and elephants. Game drives offer opportunities to see these iconic animals up close in their natural habitat.
Mana Pools National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers unique safari experiences through canoeing and walking safaris. Explore the Zambezi River’s banks and encounter hippos, elephants, and wild dogs in a more intimate setting.
Zimbabwe offers excellent wildlife viewing throughout the year. The dry season (May–October) is ideal for game viewing, while the green season (November–April) is perfect for birdwatching and seeing lush landscapes.
Zimbabwe provides a more exclusive safari experience, with fewer tourists compared to other African destinations. Enjoy wildlife encounters, bush walks, and quiet moments in nature without the crowds.
Nantwich Lodge/Bumbusi Wilderness Camp/Mhara River Camp
Massive Elephant and Buffalo Herds
Hwange boasts over 40,000 elephants and, in the North, epic buffalo mega
herds. At Nantwich Dam, sightings of 2,000+ buffalo are not uncommon.
Big Cats
Lion, leopard, and cheetah sightings are common – sometimes from the comfort of your lodge. (Tip: Nantwich sits in one of Hwange’s most lion dense population areas)
Over 400 Bird Species
With over 400 species, Hwange is a birder’s dream
Walking Safaris
Track wildlife on foot and discover the smaller details of the bush. (Tip: Bumbusi’s remote setting makes it ideal for guided walks)
View Hwange National Park Camps & Lodges here
For Big Game and Bold Landscapes
If you want to be in the thick of it, Nantwich is where their safari should start. Located in Hwange’s wild northern reaches, this small and eco-conscious lodge sits above a dam that draws elephants, buffalo, lions – and if they’re lucky, cheetah and wild dogs too.
Game drives here are rewarding, but sometimes your clients won’t even need to leave the lodge to see the action. There’s also a hide for close-up wildlife viewing and the rare opportunity to head out on a night drive – something not many Hwange lodges can offer.
At a Glance
Top Five Reasons to Choose Nantwich
Big Cat Sightings
The area around Nantwich has the highest concentration of lions in the park – and regular sightings of leopard and cheetah too.
Private Corner of Hwange
Situated on its own private concession within the park, offering exclusivity and low vehicle density.
Relaxed and Welcoming
With just nine rooms and a down-to-earth atmosphere, Nantwich feels more like a bush home than a hotel.
Buffalo Megaherds
This region is known for huge herds of buffalo – often seen moving through the open plains near camp.
Close to Victoria Falls & Chobe
Located just a few hours from both Victoria Falls and the Chobe River, it’s the perfect starting point or stopover on a cross-border safari.
T&Cs apply.
Offer valid at international rates only. Minimum 3-night stay required. Only valid for select Hideaways Africa camps and lodges.
We often recommend pairing Nantwich and Bumbusi for travellers who want a richer, more varied experience of Hwange. Together, they offer the best of both worlds – the thrill of big game viewing and the tranquillity of remote wilderness exploration.
Let us know if you’d like help planning the route between the two or building a longer itinerary that includes Victoria Falls or Mana Pools.
We’d love to help your clients see a different side of Zimbabwe.
For Solitude, History, and Hidden Valleys
If you are ready to slow the pace and dig deeper, we’d suggest heading to Bumbusi Wilderness Camp. It’s tucked into a remote part of the park, surrounded by springs, sandstone ridges, and lush vegetation – a completely different setting to Nantwich.
What makes Bumbusi special is the combination of wildlife and history. Your clients can go on guided walks to see ancient rock etchings and ruins, all while keeping an eye out for elephant, kudu, and the many birds that love this green corner of the park.
At a Glance
Top Five Reasons to Choose Bumbusi
Big 5 Territory
Bumbusi offers excellent game viewing opportunities, including all of the Big 5 in the surrounding areas.
Walk the Wilderness
Go beyond the vehicle with expert-led walking safaris that explore valleys, springs, and sandstone ridges.
Immersive and Quiet
Located on a private concession, with no through-traffic and only one camp in the area, Bumbusi offers a quiet and immersive experience of Hwange.
Rich in History
Visit ancient rock art sites and the remains of early stone settlements – a rare archaeological feature inside a national park.
Remote and Untouched
Located on a private concession, far from busy routes, for a truly off-the-grid safari.
Perfect for Exclusive Use
With just seven stone chalets, Bumbusi is ideal for exclusive use by families, small groups, or private guides. Its secluded setting on a private concession means no outside vehicles or camps — just your client’s group, their guide, and the wilderness.
Booking the entire camp offers total privacy, flexible safari schedules, and a deeply personalised experience in one of Hwange’s most untouched corners.
Plus, booking exclusively can save up to 20% per person.
T&Cs apply.
Offer valid at international rates only. Minimum 3-night stay required. Only valid for select Hideaways Africa camps and lodges.
We often recommend pairing Nantwich and Bumbusi for travellers who want a richer, more varied experience of Hwange. Together, they offer the best of both worlds – the thrill of big game viewing and the tranquillity of remote wilderness exploration.
Let us know if you’d like help planning the route between the two or building a longer itinerary that includes Victoria Falls or Mana Pools.
We’d love to help you see a different side of Zimbabwe.
View Camp details here
Perched in the remote northern region of Hwange National Park, Nantwich Lodge offers a front-row seat to spectacular wildlife encounters. With a focus on an intimate and eco-conscious safari experience, this lodge overlooks a busy waterhole frequented by elephants, lions, and, at times, cheetah and wild dogs. Guests can enjoy walking safaris, game drives, and sundowners with breathtaking views over the wilderness.
Location
Hwange National Park
Season
Open Year-Round
Child Policy
Children aged 7 years and older are welcome | Family
Rooms Available
Units: 6 Standard Rooms, 3 Superior Rooms
Other Facilities
Pool, Mobile Spa, Hide
Highlights of the Lodge
√ Overlooks Nantwich Dam, which attracts a variety of wildlife
√ Private hide overlooking the dam for up-close game viewing
√ Exclusive ability to do Night Drives
√ Big Cat Country – with the largest populations of lions in the park near the lodge
Bumbusi Wilderness Camp blends comfort with history. Surrounded by lush vegetation and ancient sandstone formations, the camp is perfect for those looking to escape the crowds. The area is rich in wildlife and archaeological wonders, making it ideal for history and nature lovers alike. Unique experiences include historical walks, rock etching visits, and game viewing in an exclusive section of the park.
Location
Hwange National Park
Season
Open Year-Round
Child Policy
Children aged 7 years and older are welcome | Family Chalet
Units
7 Stone Chalets
Other Facilities
Pool
Highlights of the Lodge
√ Surrounded by permanent water sources, attracting diverse wildlife
√ Exclusive location with minimal vehicle traffic
√ Visits to ancient rock art and historic ruins
√ Exceptional birding opportunities
√ Walking safaris through the breathtaking landscape
Situated in Mana Pools National Park, Mhara River Camp offers an unparalleled wilderness experience. Set along the Chitake River Escarpment, the camp provides breathtaking scenery and a variety of activities, including game drives, night drives, birdwatching, and guided walking safaris. With elephants often strolling through camp and incredible leopard sightings, this is the African safari experience you have been searching for.
Location
Mana Pools National Park
Season
Open Year-Round
Child Policy
Children aged 7 years and older are welcome
Units
6 Tented Suites
Other Facilities
Intimate Lounge Spaces, Firepit, Hide
Highlights of the Lodge
√ Prime location along the Chitake Escarpment
√ Exclusive night drives and walking safaris
√ Regular leopard, lion, and buffalo sightings
√ Rare birding with annual sightings of the African Pitta
√ Birding paradise with over 400 species recorded
1 Night Ilala Lodge, Victoria Falls
3 Nights at Bumbusi Wilderness Camp, Hwange National Park
3 Nights at Nantwich Lodge, Hwange National Park
2 Nights Camp Hwange, Hwange National Park
Highlights of the tour
√ Walking safaris and game drives in remote Hwange
√ Exploration of ancient ruins and rock art
√ Unparalleled predator and elephant sightings
1 Night Ilala Lodge Hotel, Victoria Falls
3 Nights Hideaways Nantwich Lodge, Hwange National Park
2 Nights Camp Mana, Mana Pools National Park, Zambezi River
3 Nights Hideaways Mhara River Camp, Mana Pools National Park, Zambezi Escarpment
Highlights of the tour
√ Walking safaris and game drives in remote Hwange
√ Safari hides to experience unique, up-close wildlife viewing
√ Canoeing on the Zambezi River
√ Guided walking safaris in Mana Pools
√ Game drives through private concessions at all of our properties
√ Game Drives on Dry Riverbeds at Mhara River Camp
Google Map for Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
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