We can highly recommend Machaba Camps & Safaris in Botswana & Zimbabwe. Machaba is 100% owner-run and offers small, personal eco-luxury camps & lodges that capture the spirit of an authentic African experience. Positioned in untouched locations with abundant wildlife, they are also engaged in community development initiatives and numerous conservation projects.
WHERE TO STAY IN HWANGE NATIONAL PARK, ZIMBABWE
WILD
VERNEY’S CAMP – While being totally family-friendly and with wonderful food, Verney’s Camp is fantastic. Situated in a remote southeastern part of the Hwange National Park, the camp is on a private concession that is not open to regular Park visitors. Verney’s Camp is on a large open floodplain surrounded by mopane and teak forests in which Machaba Safaris’ tents are tucked. It is a stunning drive here from Deteema Springs and definitely a combination we’d recommend.
WILDER
DETEEMA SPRINGS – One of the best things about Deteema Springs is its location in a small concession area in a well-known northern region of the Hwange National Park. It’s an intimate camp strategically built across a rocky outcrop above permanent water springs, offering magnificent views of large concentrations of animals, including elephants.
WILDEST
DEKA CAMP – Resting in the far northwest of Hwange National Park, Deka Camp is probably the most remote camp in the park. Given that the camp is on a private concession, guests can enjoy night drives, walking safaris and game drives in one of the wildest areas in Southern Africa. Combine 3 nights each at Deka Camp (in a remote area of Hwange close to the Botswana border) and Ingwe Pan (coming soon in Mana Pools) in high season 2020 and only pay shoulder season rates at both.
CELEBRATING THE RAINS
A welcome relief from the recent drought, Zimbabwe is very happy for the rains. The highlight of the wet season is no doubt the brilliant birding. The insects are going mad and this brings the birds in their flocks while the vegetation recovers from all the elephant activity (ready to resume as soon as the rains clear). Top tip: come between November and May – tourist numbers are down while bird numbers are way up.
SCENERY
This changes drastically from the northwestern Robins area down to the southeastern Main area of the park. Deka and Deteema are in Mopani woodlands with cotton soil clay (which is why Deka is a seasonal camp – Deteema is rockier and therefore accessible year-round) – to the Miombo woodlands and sandy soil of Verney’s. Birdlife changes dramatically as you travel through these vastly different areas.
SUGGESTED JOURNEY
Machaba offers good value safari experiences across Botswana and Zimbabwe, along with family-friendly camps and incredible hospitality in strategic locations using experienced guides. Ideal for a drive-in from Victoria Falls, spend 3 nights at Deteema Springs, drive through to Verney’s for another 3 nights and fly out from Manga airstrip. There is also a Stay 3 Pay 2 Offer for both BOTSWANA (until 31 March 2020) and ZIMBABWE (until 31 May 2020) which makes it even more enticing!
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