Overview

Somalisa Camp is a luxury tented safari camp located in the heart of Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe's largest game reserve spanning 14,650 square kilometers. The camp operates as part of African Bush Camps and holds the distinction of being the first property in Zimbabwe to achieve GOLD Green Tourism Certification, demonstrating leadership in environmental stewardship and sustainable tourism practices.

Known for: Intimate luxury accommodations (7 suites only), exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities, and a strong commitment to conservation. The camp's location provides excellent access to some of Hwange's most productive wildlife viewing areas, with reliable sightings of the Big Five and diverse bird species.

Best for: Discerning travelers seeking an exclusive, eco-conscious safari experience; photographers pursuing wildlife imagery; couples on romantic getaways; and families with children aged 12 and above. The small size ensures personalized service and minimal guest overlap during activities.

Accommodation & Rooms

Somalisa Camp features seven luxury tented suites, each meticulously designed to provide comfort without compromising the safari experience. The suites represent the pinnacle of bush luxury, combining canvas construction with refined furnishings and modern amenities.

Luxury Tented Suites (7 total): Each suite accommodates up to 2 guests in a king-size bed configuration. The suites feature wood-burning fireplaces for cooler winter evenings, copper slipper-style bathtubs for traditional bathing experiences, and both indoor and outdoor shower options. Private viewing decks offer panoramic vistas of the surrounding savannah, enabling wildlife observation from the comfort of your suite. Canvas construction provides natural ventilation while maintaining privacy and security.

Room amenities include mosquito nets, personal safes, tea and coffee stations, and quality linens. The intimate scale of the camp—with only seven suites—ensures that each guest receives personalized attention from the service team.

Dining & Cuisine

Dining at Somalisa Camp centers on the main lodge area, which features a comfortable dining facility and lounge with a central firepit. The camp offers all-inclusive meal packages as standard, with cuisine prepared by experienced chefs using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients where possible.

The main area includes a swimming pool for relaxation between game drives, providing a gathering point for guests to share wildlife sightings and safari experiences. Bush dining experiences can be arranged, allowing guests to enjoy meals in remote locations within Hwange National Park, enhancing the immersive safari atmosphere.

Wildlife & Activities

Hwange National Park supports abundant wildlife populations, and Somalisa Camp's location provides excellent access to viewing opportunities. The park is home to all Big Five species (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros), along with extensive populations of plains game including zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, impala, and kudu.

Avian diversity is exceptional, with over 400 bird species recorded in Hwange, including raptors, eagles, and numerous water birds attracted to the park's waterholes and seasonal wetlands.

Activity offerings include:

Twice-daily game drives: Early morning and late afternoon/evening drives conducted in open-sided vehicles with experienced guides. Drives typically last 3-4 hours and focus on wildlife tracking and bird identification.
Guided bush walks: Led by trained guides, these walking safaris provide intimate encounters with smaller wildlife, plant ecology, and tracking techniques. Walks typically last 2-3 hours and depart in early morning hours.
Photography hide: A dedicated photography hide allows guests to photograph wildlife in natural behavior, particularly useful for bird photography and predator observation during quiet hours.
Night drives: Evening drives (where permitted by park regulations) offer opportunities to observe nocturnal species including hyenas, porcupines, and occasionally big cats during hunting hours.

All activities are conducted by knowledgeable guides with expertise in wildlife behavior, ecology, and conservation. Minimum age requirement of 12 years applies to game drive participation, though younger children may be accommodated with special arrangements.

Location & How to Get There

Somalisa Camp is located within Hwange National Park, approximately 100 kilometers south of the town of Hwange and 360 kilometers southwest of Harare, Zimbabwe's capital. The park's main entrance gate (Robins Camp) is approximately 65 kilometers from the lodge.

Access options:

Air charter: Most guests arrive via charter flight from Harare International Airport or Victoria Falls International Airport (approximately 250 kilometers northwest). Charter flights typically take 1.5-2 hours and land at private airstrips near the camp, followed by a short road transfer.
Road transfer: Self-drive access is possible but requires a robust 4x4 vehicle and experienced driver. The journey from Harare takes approximately 6-7 hours via the A8 and B10 highways. From Victoria Falls, the drive takes approximately 4-5 hours.
Ground transfers: The camp can arrange road transfers from major towns, though air transfer is strongly recommended for time efficiency and comfort.

Best Time to Visit

Wildlife viewing at Hwange National Park and Somalisa Camp varies seasonally based on rainfall patterns, vegetation density, and water availability.

Peak season (June-October): The dry winter months offer exceptional wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around remaining waterholes and vegetation is sparse. June-August brings cooler temperatures (daytime highs 22-25°C) and low rainfall. This period coincides with school holidays in Europe and North America, making it the busiest season.

Shoulder season (April-May, November): Pleasant temperatures (daytime highs 25-28°C) with moderate rainfall. Vegetation is green, birds are active during breeding season, and wildlife is more dispersed but still readily visible. Fewer tourists than peak season.

Green season (December-March): Heavy rainfall creates lush vegetation and attracts migratory bird species. Wildlife viewing becomes more challenging due to dense vegetation, though birdwatching opportunities peak. Temperatures are warm (daytime highs 28-32°C) with high humidity. This is the least popular tourist season, offering lower rates and greater solitude.

The optimal time for most visitors is June-October, with July-August representing the absolute peak for wildlife concentration and viewing reliability.

Conservation & Community

Somalisa Camp's commitment to sustainability is formalized through its achievement of Zimbabwe's first GOLD Green Tourism Certification, the country's highest environmental standard for hospitality operations. This certification reflects measurable commitments across energy use, water conservation, waste management, and community engagement.

Sustainability initiatives include:

Solar power: The camp operates on solar energy systems, reducing dependence on diesel generators and minimizing carbon emissions. This technology is particularly important in remote park locations without grid electricity access.
Water conservation: Rainwater harvesting and efficient plumbing reduce freshwater consumption in this semi-arid environment.
Waste management: Comprehensive recycling and composting programs minimize landfill contributions. Non-recyclable waste is transported to appropriate facilities outside the park.
Community partnerships: African Bush Camps, the camp's parent company, operates education and healthcare initiatives benefiting local communities adjacent to Hwange National Park.
Wildlife conservation: Park fees and conservation contributions support Hwange National Park management and anti-poaching operations.

The camp's positioning within the conservation sector reflects broader industry trends toward responsible tourism that generates economic benefits for local communities while protecting wildlife and ecosystems.

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