From the moment we stepped onto the tarmac at Victoria Falls Airport, we had an incredible time. On arrival we were met by Officer, the friendly driver from Elephants Eye, Hwange, who offered us refreshments and numerous stories en route to the lodge. At the lodge we were welcomed by the entire Elephant’s Eye team and we enjoyed a welcome drink before dinner – a special start after a long day of travelling.
Elephant’s Eye, Hwange, is located on a private concession a mere 13km away from the entrance to Hwange National Park. Hwange National Park is the largest park in Zimbabwe and, due to its close proximity to Victoria Falls, Hwange boasts an incredible biodiversity of flora and fauna, and a plethora of African wildlife. There are over 100 species of mammals and nearly 400 bird species recorded in Hwange National Park. The elephant population in Hwange is world famous, as it is one of the largest in the world.
From that first dinner and throughout the duration of our stay, our meals were impeccably laid out and delicious, and sitting under a blanket of African stars made it all the more special. Our early morning game drives allowed us to see some incredible game both in Hwange itself and on the concession in which the lodge is based. One of our highlights was witnessing a pride of lions enjoying a kill when a leopard snuck out from the bushes to have a look!
Our guide Shepherd was incredible – friendly and professional – and always went the extra mile for us. His knowledge and ability to read the bush made our game drives an ongoing adventure. My husband and I both love birds, and Shepherd went out of his way to point out many new species for us throughout the trip. The morning game drives always included a delicious coffee and muffin break, and we were treated to ice cold beers and biltong on the evening drives whilst watching hundreds of elephants hustle at the waterholes.
The private treehouse rooms at Elephant’s Eye are incredible. They have big, luxurious and comfortable beds with a hot outdoor shower and a large bath overlooking the pan. All the provided products are eco-friendly and smell incredible. The rooms are tastefully decorated and include a lovely tea and coffee station complete with daily fresh snacks. We were lucky to come across some hungry elephants munching on nearby bushes at night, and got to see a wide variety of birds, including owls, just outside our room.
On all three evenings, elephants made their way to the lodge to drink from both the waterhole and the pool. On one occasion, whilst enjoying a braai for dinner in the Boma, a herd of around one hundred elephants came down to the nearby waterhole for their evening drink. No wonder this luxury lodge is called Elephant’s Eye!
Other animals that we spotted that night included a wild cat, a hyena and some thirsty buffalo.
The staff were helpful and professional, the guides were humorous and knowledgeable, and the incredible setting and game drives make Elephant’s Eye a treat. I definitely recommend this lodge to anyone looking for a special escape into eco African luxury!
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Win a two night stay at African Luxury Hideaways’ Elephant’s Eye, Hwange, on an all-inclusive basis in the Africa Geographic Photographer of the Year competition – enter here!
