Preparing to travel to Zimbabwe. There is a lot out there on the internet and even over media as well – a lot being negative, but if you sift through the negativity, there is a small amount of positivity. Yes, planning to travel abroad is a little more complicated than it used to be two years, you need to go through a few more tests and complete a few ‘tick box’ forms pre departure, but this is part of the world we live in now. We are overjoyed that we can now actually travel! So, so what if we must sign a few more forms and undergo a PCR test, the thought, and the freedom to be able to hop on board a plane is something like a breath of fresh air.

In less than two weeks, our Associate Director Sophie Milligan will be jetting off to Zimbabwe to check out what is happening in Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park. First port of call will be the wonderful Deteema Springs. Located in northern Hwange National Park, this wonderfully small, tented camp opened its doors in May 2019 and is the ultimate safari enthusiast’s dream. Eight luxury tents, with private decks and en-suite bathrooms, all overlooking the Deteema Steeps and the stunning beauty of Zimbabwe. Elephant make a regular appearance in the semi-dried-up river bed below your tented rooms, the wildlife viewing starts from the moment you wake up and we cannot wait to experience this magic for ourselves!

Second stop is Nehimba. This remarkable and intimate camp, located within its own private concession in the northern region of Hwange. With a large watering hole and its own personal elephant drinking bar to boot, again, we cannot wait to experience this for ourselves. Each of the nine tented suites, including a honeymoon suite and two-family suites are spacious, private and all have wonderful views of the Nehimba Pan.

Next stop on the list is Somalisa Camp. Somalisa is in the heart of the Hwange National Park. It’s located on a seasonal floodplain ensures there is game all year round. The camp is run by guides whose infectious enthusiasm for the area and bush cannot fail to get guests enthused too, and who’s knowledge is second to none. The décor throughout the camp is elegant and old fashioned but exceptionally comfortable.

Following Somalisa we will be staying at Little Makalolo. Little Makalolo lies in the heart of Hwange National Park, in one of its best game viewing areas, overlooking a vibrant waterhole. The camps six rooms have en-suite facilities, with both indoor and outdoor showers. Solar power is used for electricity ensuring a lighter environmental footprint. The living areas include a dining room, lounge, plunge pool and an open fire area for those convivial evening fireside tales. There is a log pile hide overlooking the waterhole in front of camp where guests can enjoy wildlife viewing during the siesta hours. We are very much looking forward to seeing the wonderful wildlife opportunities here as this is one of the best areas for seeing impressive herds of buffalo and elephant as well as apex predators such as lion, leopard, wild dog and cheetah.

After Little Makalolo, we will head back to where we landed into, Victoria Falls. For one night we will be staying and experiencing Victoria Falls Hotel. This hotel oozes the old charm of safari explorers from the past. Steeped in history and possibly located in one of the best viewing spots of the falls, we cannot wait to dive in and experience its hospitality to show you what you could experience when staying here.

Finally, our last stop for two nights will be Matetsi. Set in a private game reserve, just 40kms from Victoria Falls and it is in their own private part of the Zambezi River. Matetsi has two camps located on the banks of the river each including nine fabulous and very luxurious suites. We’re looking forward to private experience this camp has showing the real wilderness of Zimbabwe.

We cannot wait to show you all the wonderful properties we will be visiting, updating you on any new information, showing you the wonderful vistas, flora and fauna that surrounds these camps. We will also be speaking to many of the wonderful characters you are likely to find at these camps, the people whose heart and soul emanate the love of this stunning country. Keep a look out on our Instagram page for all up to date information whilst we are away!