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This award-winning camp is situated on a private concession within Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest and most diverse wildlife reserve. Here, you can enjoy stunning views of a natural waterhole that attracts a variety of animals, from elephants and buffaloes to lions and leopards. You can also explore the park’s rich habitats and ecosystems on guided game drives, walks and night drives, or even sleep out in a secluded treehouse for a truly immersive experience. With spacious and comfortable tents, delicious food and drink, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and a range of activities to suit your preferences, Hide Safari Camp is the perfect place to discover the wonders of Hwange.
Unique or special aspects
What sets Hide Safari Camp apart from other safari lodges is its passion for nature and conservation. The camp was founded in 1992 by the late Tom Preston, who had a vision of creating a family-operated camp that would showcase the beauty and diversity of Hwange National Park. The Preston family remains actively involved in the running of the camp to this day, as well as supporting various community and environmental initiatives through The Hide Community Trust and The Long Run. The camp is also a founding member of the Conservation and Wildlife Fund and Friends of Hwange, which work to protect the park’s wildlife and habitats from poaching and other threats. By staying at Hide Safari Camp, you are not only enjoying a memorable safari, but also contributing to the preservation of this precious ecosystem.
Setting
Hide Safari Camp is located on the eastern boundary of Hwange National Park, about an hour’s drive from Hwange Main Camp. The park covers an area of over 14,000 square kilometers and boasts a variety of landscapes, from open plains and woodlands to hills and valleys. The park is home to over 100 mammal species and 400 bird species, making it one of the most biodiverse places in Africa. The camp itself overlooks a permanent waterhole that attracts a constant parade of wildlife throughout the day and night. You can watch the action from your tent’s veranda, the main lodge’s deck, or one of the underground hides that offer a unique perspective of the animals.
Style
Hide Safari Camp has a rustic yet elegant style that blends in with its natural surroundings. The camp consists of 10 deluxe tents, two family tents, a honeymoon tent, a private hide tent, and Tom’s Little Hide – an exclusive villa that can accommodate up to eight guests. All tents are spacious and comfortable, with en-suite bathrooms, outdoor showers or bathtubs, ceiling fans, mosquito nets, safes, tea and coffee facilities, and solar-powered lighting. The tents are decorated with local fabrics and artworks, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The main lodge features a dining area, a lounge area with a fireplace and library, a bar with an extensive wine cellar, a swimming pool with sun loungers, and a spa where you can enjoy relaxing massages and treatments.
Sustainability
Hide Safari Camp is committed to sustainability and responsible tourism. The camp is a proud member of The Long Run, one of the world’s largest business-led sustainable development initiatives. The camp follows the 4Cs framework of conservation, community, culture and commerce, aiming to balance its environmental impact with its social and economic benefits. Some of the sustainability initiatives at the camp include:
Using solar power for electricity and hot water
Recycling water through a wetland system
Composting organic waste
Reducing plastic consumption by providing reusable water bottles
Supporting local suppliers and producers for food and other items
Employing local staff and providing them with training and development opportunities
Educating guests about conservation issues and best practices
Hide Safari Camp supports the local community surrounding Hwange through its very own trust - The Hide Community Trust. It is a non-profit organization that is committed to conservation and sustainable community development in Hwange National Park. Some of the projects that the trust supports include:
Providing clean water sources for rural communities
Building classrooms and libraries for schools
Supplying books, stationery and uniforms for students
Offering scholarships for tertiary education
Sponsoring sports teams and events
Funding health clinics and outreach programs
Empowering women through microfinance schemes
Promoting cultural heritage through arts and crafts
The camp is also a proud member of Pack for a Purpose, an initiative that allows travelers to make a lasting impact in the community by bringing supplies for schools or medical clinics.
Rooms
Hide Safari Camp offers a range of accommodation options to suit different travelers’ needs. All rooms are spacious and comfortable, with en-suite bathrooms, outdoor showers or bathtubs, ceiling fans, mosquito nets, safes, tea/coffee facilities, and solar-powered lighting. The rooms are decorated with local fabrics and artworks, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The rooms are:
Deluxe Tents: These are the standard tents that overlook the waterhole. They have twin or double beds, a writing desk, a veranda with chairs, and an outdoor shower.
Family Deluxe Tents: These are larger tents that can accommodate up to four people. They have twin or double beds, a lounge area with sofa beds, a veranda with chairs, and an outdoor bathtub.
Honeymoon Deluxe Tent: This is a romantic tent that offers more privacy and seclusion. It has a king-size bed, a lounge area with sofa, a veranda with chairs, and an outdoor bathtub.
Private Hide Tent: This is an exclusive tent that is part of the Private Hide facility. It has twin or double beds, a writing desk, a veranda with chairs, and an outdoor shower.
Tom’s Little Hide: This is an exclusive villa that can accommodate up to eight guests. It has three bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, a lounge area with fireplace, a dining area, a kitchenette, a private pool with sun loungers, and a deck overlooking the waterhole.
Food and drink
Hide Safari Camp offers delicious food & drink that cater to different tastes & preferences. The food is freshly prepared using local ingredients & seasonal produce. The menu changes daily & offers a variety of dishes, from traditional Zimbabwean cuisine to international favorites. The food is served in different settings, from buffet-style breakfasts & lunches in the main dining area, to candlelit dinners under the stars or in the underground wine cellar. The drink selection includes soft drinks, juices, water, tea & coffee, as well as alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine & spirits. The bar has an extensive wine cellar that features wines from South Africa & other regions. You can enjoy your drink in the lounge area, on the deck overlooking the waterhole, or in one of the underground hides.
Things to do
Game drives: You can explore different areas of Hwange National Park on open safari vehicles guided by professional guides who will share their knowledge and stories about the wildlife and the park. You can choose between morning and afternoon game drives or full-day game drives with picnic lunches.
Walking safaris: You can experience Hwange National Park on foot accompanied by armed guides who will show you the smaller details and the hidden secrets of nature. You can choose between short walks around camp or longer walks into deeper wilderness areas.
Night drives: You can discover the nocturnal life of Hwange National Park on a night drive with a spotlight. You might encounter elusive animals such as leopards, hyenas, civets and owls.
Underground hides: You can observe the wildlife from a unique vantage point at one of the underground hides that are connected to the camp by tunnels. You can watch the animals drink, bathe and interact at close range without disturbing them.
Dove’s Nest: You can spend a night at the exclusive Dove’s Nest, a rustic treehouse that overlooks a open vlei and pan. You can enjoy a romantic and adventurous night under the stars, with a comfortable bed, a hot shower and a radio for communication.
Bush breakfasts and dinners: You can enjoy a delicious meal in the bush, surrounded by nature and wildlife. You can savor a hearty breakfast after your morning activity or a candlelit dinner after your evening activity.
Spa treatments: You can relax and rejuvenate at the spa, where you can enjoy massages and treatments using natural products. You can choose from a range of therapies such as aromatherapy, reflexology, Swedish massage and more.
Wider region
Hide Safari Camp is located in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest & most diverse wildlife reserve. The park covers an area of over 14 000 square kilometers & boasts a variety of landscapes, from open plains & woodlands to hills & valleys. The park is home to over 100 mammal species & 400 bird species, making it one of the most biodiverse places in Africa. Some of the iconic animals you can see in the park include elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs, giraffes, zebras, antelopes & rhinos. The park also has several historical & cultural sites such as Bumbusi National Monument & the Painted Dog Conservation Centre.
Kids
Hide Safari Camp welcomes families with children of all ages. The camp offers family-friendly accommodation, such as the Family Deluxe Tents and Tom’s Little Hide, which can accommodate up to four and eight people respectively. The camp also provides cots, high chairs, baby baths and babysitting services on request. Children can enjoy various activities at the camp, such as playing board games, reading books, making crafts, baking cookies and learning about wildlife. The camp also offers special children’s menus, with dishes such as spaghetti bolognese, chicken nuggets and ice cream. Children under 12 years old pay 50% of the adult rate.
Getting there
Hide Safari Camp is easily accessible by road or air. The camp is about an hour’s drive from Hwange Main Camp, which is about four hours’ drive from Victoria Falls or Bulawayo. Alternatively, you can fly to Hwange National Park Airport, which is about an hour’s drive from the camp. The camp offers transfers from both Hwange Main Camp and Hwange National Park Airport.
- Limits plastic use
- Ecosystem preservation
- Wildlife protection or rescue
- Recycling
- Solar powered or renewable energy
- Funds projects
- Local or organic food
- Luxury
- Wildlife
- Rural
- Pool
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Wifi
- Up to 2
- Up to 4
- Up to 8
- Family
- Tented camp
- Hiking
- Safari
- Birdwatching
