With wonderful riverside chalets big enough for a truck, Antelope Park is a remarkable conservation and awareness programme thriving in the central Midlands Province of Zimbabwe.

Sensitive to the needs of both, Antelope Park caters for both group tours and private travellers. Groups are usually on overland camping tours and are accommodated in a well-tended site far from the private suites. Private travellers get to stay in the impressive island suites, reached by a long wooden bridge and situated on the edge of a gentle river.

The rooms have en suite bathrooms with a delightful slipper tub and separate shower, twin vanities, plenty of space and a private deck looking out over the water and the bush.

The main living area is a lively mix of tables beneath a deep thatched roof looking out over the lawn and river. Dining is buffet-style with hearty options and hearty portions. The atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable while the focus here is on the extraordinary array of activities.

Antelope Park is a 3,000-acre game reserve and lion-breeding programme. The conservation activities are entirely funded by the safari lodge and the activities on offer. Your personal host will talk you through the options and facilitate the smooth running of your stay.

Lions are at an all time low in Africa, their numbers dwindling from 250,000 to 20,000 due to loss of habitat and competition with humans. Antelope Park breeds lions on a not-for-profit programme that teaches them to hunt and ultimately survive in the wild where they are released. And they are released all over Africa so this is a really important wildlife conservation programme to support.