Written by: Justin Mason
Africa Geographic Travel organised for us to start in Zimbabwe with a visit to Hwange National Park at the wonderful Camp Hwange. Located in a beautiful open area of the park, Camp Hwange overlooks a pan that constantly attracts elephants, zebras, impalas, sables, and warthogs. The hosts, the guides and the food were all exceptional, and we enjoyed both game drives and walking safaris.
There were many highlights of the trip – approaching a huge bull elephant on foot and tracking a lioness through the bush, only to be warned off by a growl, were just a couple of these. The game viewing was terrific every single day, and we enjoyed several amazing lion encounters and a very special encounter with African wild dogs.
After Hwange we travelled by road to Botswana where we met up with other AG guests and our brilliant guides Francois and Alex. Suffice it to say we had a week full of laughs and incredible game viewing. Based in an excellent campsite, we explored the stunning and harsh landscape of the Savuti.
The trip’s predator theme lived up to its name and we enjoyed exceptional sightings and photographic opportunities of the elusive leopard, as well as lions and hyenas on many occasions, and we also spotted Savuti’s wild dogs. Elephants drinking in a dust storm, the exceptional birdlife, baobabs at sunset, and the diversity of game were all very special highlights. Each evening we sat around the campfire and listened to the resident leopard roaring as she circled the camp, while we photographed the beautiful owls that visited the site.
We eventually had to bid a fond farewell to our group and headed back to Zimbabwe to finish our trip at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. AG was spot-on once more and we cannot more highly recommend this fun and friendly hotel, its gorgeous views, busy waterhole, terrific rooms, delicious food and extensive range of activities.
Witnessing firsthand the Victoria Falls was not only magnificent but a thoroughly enjoyed and awe-inspiring experience, as was canoeing and fishing on the wonderful Zambezi, while dodging hippos and crocodiles and watching a variety of game coming down to drink. Christian from AG recommended that we visit Siduli Hide on our final morning in Vic Falls, and indeed it was a fascinating and fun end to a trip not to be missed.
Thank you Africa Geographic Travel! Zimbabwe and Botswana – we will be back!
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