Things to do in Zimbabwe

Meet the ‘gentle giants’ of Hwange Park at Somalisa Camp

I like to take guests on nature walks and show them what I learnt from my grandfather – how to identify tracks, or calling insects…

By Calvet Nkomo

Professional safari guide

Hwange National Park is the largest in Zimbabwe. It is named after a local Nhanzwa chief and was once the royal hunting ground for the Ndebele warrior-king Mzilikazi. The wildlife is astounding. Over 100 species of mammals live here and there are more than 400 species of birds. One of the biggest draws for guests is the park’s wonderful elephant herds – the tusker elephant population numbers more than 40,000.

Activities at Somalisa Camp include walking safaris, game drives and birding trips. Walking is my favourite – you get to bond with nature without the sound of an engine. I like to take guests on nature walks around the waterholes and show them what I learnt from my grandfather – how to identify tracks or calling insects, birds and mammals. This morning I heard the call of a lion – we have a big pride at the moment, of around 28.

The dry season (July to October) is the best time to visit as large concentrations of wildlife descend to drink from the waterholes. But I like both seasons. When I’m asked which season I prefer, I struggle to answer. The rains turn everything green and migrating birds arrive from the Northern Hemisphere. I miss their calls in the dry season. But in the dry you can get between seven and 10 species – sable, elephant, buffalo, lion and others – around a waterhole at one time, giving each other time to drink, which is really special. And our national flower, the flame lily, is in bloom. Hwange National Park truly is a year-round spectacle.

Available in these itineraries…

Itinerary

Unsurpassed Zimbabwe
by Daniel Heatly

Length13 Days

Price range£9,495 - £14,895pp

Alfred & Calvet Nkomo

Calvet started guiding in 1995 and brings a wealth of knowledge to African Bush Camps, having worked for national parks, and a number of other safari operators. Calvet was recently recognised by the Zimbabwe Professional Guides Association for his dedication and ethics within the industry. He is great with younger guests and enjoys teaching and introducing children to the wonderful world of safari.

Plan your holiday withAlfred&

Your journey will start with one of our UK team – someone like Adele, who's travelled extensively in Zimbabwe. They’ll shape your ideas into the trip of a lifetime. But they won't do it alone. They'll draw on the expertise of our contacts on the ground, connecting you to the people who'll make your holiday one you'll always remember – the ranger who can show you the best game viewing and fishing spots on the Zambezi, the guide who’ll introduce you to ‘moonbows’ at Victoria Falls and the locals who’ll share their dinner with you.

Adele Jones

Africa Travel Expert for Alfred&

Adele has been travelling for 21 years, with plenty of time in Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana. As a keen wildlife enthusiast she is fascinated by seeing wild animals in their natural environment, as well as understanding how landscape and topography drive their behavioural patterns. Her experience in Africa got off to a memorable start, with a sighting of a wild dog pack within 10-minutes of landing on her first ever safari trip!
Cloud Magondo

Professional Guide at Nyamatusi Camp

Cloud joined African Bush Camps after five years of experience working as a professional river guide. He has also recently achieved his Professional Guide licence, a highly regarded achievement within the safari industry. His passions are canoeing, star gazing, animal behaviour and birds while also recognising the importance of the smaller things like insects and flora. As a guide who canoes the Zambezi, he has plenty of respect for the resident hippo and crocodiles.
Mark Butcher

Managing Director of Imvelo Safari Lodges

Mark Butcher is an eco-tourism professional with a passion for linking local communities directly to wildlife conservation. In the 80s, he was a ranger for the Zimbabwe Department of National Parks and Wildlife and later, the Provincial Wildlife Officer in the Matabeleland North Province adjacent to Hwange National Park. Mark is now the Managing Director of Imvelo Safari Lodges, a selection of properties that directly benefit disenfranchised communities around Hwange.
Tich Tandi

Sales and marketing manager at Wild Horizons, Alfred&’s partner in Zimbabwe

During more than three decades in the hospitality industry, Tich Tandi has been everything from a waiter to a tours coordinator in a five-star hotel. Originally from Rusape in the eastern highlands of Zimbabwe, he now works for Wild Horizons in Victoria Falls as part of the sales and marketing team, a role he thoroughly enjoys.
Jane Msamba

Deputy General Manager, Ilala Lodge Hotel

Born in Zimbabwe, Jane began working with Ilala Lodge Hotel as a senior cashier in 1995. She has worked her way through the ranks from Junior Tours Consultant to Tours Manager and this year took up the role of Deputy General Manager of the hotel. Happily married with three children, Jane has recently become a proud grandmother. She lives in Victoria Falls with her husband and the couple is passionate about wildlife.
Francis Nyabadza

Guide at Wild Horizons, Alfred&’s partner in Zimbabwe

Francis Nyabadza grew up hearing the roar of the Victoria Falls, and familiarity has done nothing to diminish his sense of awe every time he takes guests to experience this natural wonder for themselves – something he’s been doing for Wild Horizons since 1997. When not at the Falls, his favourite place to take visitors is the village that hosts the company’s Meet the People cultural activity.