At Terraficionados, we believe in experiencing the amazing destinations we plan for our clients. Recently, our Founder Chris Clark attended a family wedding in Livingstone, Zambia, and decided to pack up the family and head to Southern Africa, combining business and pleasure.
After 3 nights at Victoria Falls and 6 nights in Hwange National Park, the family created unforgettable memories. For those seeking an authentic and world-class safari experience, that’s a bit off the beaten track, a Hwange circuit may be the perfect fit! For a snapshot of the adventure, check out our Instagram. For more details, read on!
From Vic Falls, the Clark family headed south via charter flight to Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe for a 6-night safari circuit. Below are some highlights.
The remote Jozibanini Tented Camp – No other tourists seen for the two days spent there! Only the hundreds of elephants and an incredibly diverse population of game to keep the family company. Here you can explore by foot and mountain bike, which the Clark family enjoyed to the fullest. In early August, you can see literally thousands of thirsty elephants visiting the water hole daily.
Click to see the Elephants up close
Next up was Nehimba Lodge, located on a private concession in the Northern part of Hwange. Nehimba features a fresh water pool set next to a large water hole which the elephants absolutely LOVE! The family enjoyed the company of these majestic creatures each night while dining at Nehimba – an experience truly like no other! Game drives and exploration in the region surrounding Nehimba were rife with wildlife and excitement! The family tracked a pack of wild dogs which were in the area, and happened upon a large den of lions dining on an unfortunate elephant!
Click to see Elephants at dinner
The family then rode the Elephant Express to get to their next lodge – A unique experience where the family enjoyed a dedicated, repurposed rail car as mode of transportation en route between the lodges, as well as game viewing along the way!
Finally, the family arrived at Camelthorn Lodge, set in a forest next to the famous Ngamo plains. While at Camelthorn, the Clark family enjoyed more world-class game viewing, but the more palpable and meaningful experience was learning first-hand about the partnerships Imvelo Safari Lodges has formed with local communities to work together to foster conservation, align in anti-poaching efforts, and build schools, clinics, wells and deliver other resources to help improve the lives of the local people.
Imvelo is spearheading a Rhino project to reintroduce white rhinos to the area, which used to number over 120 in the 1980s, but which were completely poached and gone by the early 2000s. Check out this video of the recent relocation of Rhino pair. Guests who stay at Camelthorn are residing inside one of the Rhino sanctuaries, and the pair of rhinos who inhabit the Sanctuary will sometimes visit the lodge itself – They paid the Clark family a surprise visit one evening while they enjoyed a game of cards after dinner!
Click to see the visit from a Rhino
As always, please feel free to contact us. We can help you plan your next trip – no matter how big or small.
