The Camp

Location: Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Number of Tents: 9

Davison’s classic tents as well as the main lounge, dining room and open campfire area overlook a busy waterhole where wildlife frequently come to drink, including large numbers of elephant. Tent configuration options include double or twin beds and a new family chalet. While tents are fairly basic, they are tasteful and comfortable, privately placed under the shady cover of trees. Each features ceiling fans, en suite bathrooms with shower, hot and cold running water and a deep soapstone sink. Each tent’s veranda with chairs and table allows relaxation in clear view of the waterhole and plains. A canvas roof provides protection from the elements while extremely wide mesh windows allow unobstructed vistas of the pan. The well-worn and lit elephant path leads from each tent to the main areas of the camp. Leather and wood furniture provide comfortable seating in the lounge, while dining takes place either beneath canvas or around the big outdoor campfire area.

Back to top

Facilities & Amenities

• En suite bathroom with shower
• Shampoo, soap, lotion and insect repellent
• Room fan
• 220v charging outlets in room
• Wi-Fi available
• Central safe box for valuables
• Central plunge pool
• Laundry included
• Local drinks included (house alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks)
• Credit cards not accepted
• No air conditioning, hair dryer, telephone or cellular coverage

Back to top

Wildlife Viewing & Activities

Davison’s Camp is located in the Linkwasha Concession of Hwange National Park. With extensive open plains for grazing, wildlife is prolific year-round. Wildlife frequently encountered here includes large herds of elephant, buffalo, white rhino, southern giraffe, zebra, blue wildebeest, impala, common waterbuck, sable and reedbuck. Their predators are always nearby, mainly lion, leopard and spotted hyena. Typically wildlife is viewed on wildlife drives in open 4x4 vehicles, however, guided safari walks in the early mornings are sometimes the most exciting way to encounter wildlife in their natural surroundings. During the afternoon siesta hours, guests can relax on their tent veranda or in the main lounge as they watch animals coming down to the watering hole to quench their thirst. In the winter the waterholes are magnets around which enormous numbers of elephant congregate to drink. The area surrounding Davison’s Camp is also a draw for avid birders with more than 400 species of birds having been identified.

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

Davison's Camp is involved with conservation efforts in Hwange National Park area in a number of ways. During the dry season, Hwange pumps underground water to sustain the wildlife in the area from 57 boreholes. Davison’s Camp has contributed to the cost of drilling, engines and piping for many wells. The camp has also joined the national park to provide funding and logistical support for combating poaching along the park's southern boundary. Along the reserve boundary itself and also in the community areas beyond it, a large variety of mammal species fall victim to snaring, with larger species such as elephant and buffalo breaking free of their wire nooses and heading back to the refuge of the park. Research on threatened species such as white rhino, lion and wild dog is supported by their staff in the area, both in terms of logistical support of the researchers themselves and in observations and monitoring conducted while on wildlife drives.

Back to top