Elephants. Lots of them. That’s one of the things Nehimba Lodge is best known for, thanks to its enviable position overlooking a waterhole in the northern reaches of Hwange National Park.
Set within a vast private concession inside the park, Nehimba feels wonderfully removed from the outside world. The landscape here is a mix of mopane woodland, teak forest and open plains, with wildlife moving freely through it all. And because the lodge sits right beside an important source of water, sometimes the best game viewing requires little more effort than finding a comfortable chair and looking out in front of you.
During the dry season in particular, elephants arrive at the pan in impressive numbers. They’ve also been known to wander surprisingly close to the lodge, turning an ordinary lunch, afternoon swim or pre-dinner drink into something considerably more memorable.
Nehimba has just 9 spacious canvas-under-thatch tents, all raised on teak decks and positioned to make the most of the views towards the waterhole. Accommodation includes two family tents as well as a honeymoon option, making this a good choice for couples and families alike.
Inside, things are comfortable without becoming overly polished or formal. Expect plenty of wood and natural colours, large beds, en-suite bathrooms and private decks. The tents also have outdoor showers, so you can cool off beneath the open sky while keeping an ear out for whatever might be moving around beyond your room.
It’s a traditional safari camp at heart, but with enough creature comforts to make returning after a dusty game drive something to look forward to.
The main lodge follows the same relaxed, traditional style as the tents. There’s an open lounge and dining area, bar and plenty of deck space overlooking the pan, so the wildlife remains part of the experience even when you’re between activities.
There’s also a swimming pool – and this being Nehimba, don’t be too surprised if an elephant happens to appear while you’re using it.
Meals are generally relaxed and sociable, with dinners often becoming part of the evening’s entertainment as elephants gather at the waterhole just metres away. After dinner, settle around the fire with a drink, listen to the sounds of Hwange after dark and find out what tomorrow’s safari might have in store.
Nehimba isn’t about gleaming marble bathrooms or cutting-edge design. Its appeal lies somewhere else entirely: a remote setting, excellent guiding, an authentic safari atmosphere and some of the closest elephant viewing you could hope for without even leaving camp.
And sometimes that’s exactly what you came to Hwange for.
Of course, you’re unlikely to spend all day sitting at the lodge – tempting though that may be.Morning and afternoon game drives head out across Nehimba’s private concession and deeper into Hwange National Park with experienced guides. Hwange is Zimbabwe’s largest national park and famous for its elephants, but there’s plenty more to look for, including lion, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, sable, wildebeest and, if you’re lucky, leopard and cheetah.You can also head out on guided walks, slowing things down and discovering all the smaller details you miss from a vehicle – tracks, plants, insects and the signs that tell your guide what has passed through before you.One particularly interesting excursion is to the nearby Nehimba Seeps, a specially protected area where elephants dig into the ground in search of naturally occurring water and minerals. It’s a favourite spot for sundowners and another reminder that out here, elephants really do run the show.
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It was a fantastic experience, everything was very well organised, went smooth and according to expectations. It was our first self drive in Africa and it was a great, unforgettable time.
