The Camp

Location: Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Number of Rooms: 7

Somalisa Camp offers all the ambience of an authentic African bush camp with modern, elegant touches. Just seven large canvas tents are appointed with understated, modern furnishings, boldly patterned fabrics, varnished wood floors and crisp white linens, all warmed by a wood-burning fireplace. Each spacious en suite bathroom has a free-standing tub wrapped in copper, brass fixtures, a separate shower surrounded by beautiful wood planking, an outdoor al fresco shower, and a flushing toilet. The décor blends beautiful natural finishes, rustic modern design and the romance of a traditional sail tent, allowing the outside sounds to filter through the canvas. The lounge, library and dining area are located beneath a soaring drape of canvas with expansive decking on which the swimming pool is perched overlooking a water hole. Innovative meals blend international influences and incorporate organic produce. The veranda offers complete relaxation, whether with a cup of tea or a refreshing cocktail. The camp’s location allows breathtaking views of the savanna along the famous “Kennedy Vlei line” (a wildlife- and vegetation-rich area of the park), where game congregates in large herds. Wide and well-traversed elephant paths surround the camp, and guests are escorted to their tents after dark.

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Facilities & Amenities

• En suite bathroom with tub and indoor/outdoor showers
• Shampoo, soap and lotion
• Room fan
• Fireplace
• Tea/coffee in room
• 220v charging outlets in room
• Central swimming pool
• Laundry included
• Local drinks included (house alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks)
• Credit cards not accepted
• No air conditioning, hair dryer, telephone, Internet or cellular coverage

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Wildlife Viewing & Activities

Hwange National Park, the largest reserve in Zimbabwe, is home to one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa: the park boasts more than 100 different animal species and over 400 species of birds. Known as land of the giants, Hwange is world-famous for its 30,000 elephants and is one of the few great elephant sanctuaries left in Africa. Walking safaris and wildlife drives provide ample opportunity to observe elephant, kudu and sable antelope, zebra, wildebeest, gemsbok, the rare and endangered roan antelope, buffalo, giraffe, white rhino, lion, leopard, hyena, and many other mammal species. Hides permit wildlife viewing at close range, without being noticed by the animals. The plains burst into color as a profusion of seasonal wild flowers emerges with the first rains, and as the grass dries out, large herds of buffalo, zebra and elephant appear in abundance. Elephant love to frequent the waterhole in camp, and giraffe regularly dine on the acacia pods.

Hwange National Park experiences large herds of elephant and buffalo, especially in the dry season from May to November. The below chart helps to illustrate major wildlife sightings often experienced in the area. Other typical sightings may include jackals, caracal and a number of other mammals, birds and reptiles. Exact sightings will depend on seasonality and wildlife movements.

Climate

Conservation

The owners of Somalisa Camp have established partnerships with local communities to encourage sustainable development: their vision is to empower local people through the practice of responsible tourism and to ensure that the “tourism dollar” has a meaningful impact. They wish to create long-lasting programs with regard to conservation, education, resource management and more. Their mission is to effect real and lasting change to rural communities that are in close proximity to the camp, and to conserve the environment through partnership with these communities. Somalisa Camp hires local staff, supports local orphans, provides funding for education and funds “microfinance” projects. Locally sourced organic produce is used in camp meals, and solar lighting is also utilized as a means to lower the camp’s environmental impact.

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