Somalisa Acacia is a warm, inviting camp on an island in Hwange National Park. This award-winning accommodation promises excellent cuisine, charming décor and plenty of wildlife viewing at the camp’s waterhole and surrounding plains. Perfect for those seeking an intimate and luxurious stay close to Zimbabwe’s largest park but with plenty of tranquility.
Awarded: Bronze
Location
The camp sits on an acacia island in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest natural reserve. The camp is set within a private concession and the waterhole in front of camp attracts large herds of elephants as well as other big game such as buffalo, zebra, giraffe and lion. The park itself is dotted with acacia trees, pans and seasonal floodplains with the continents largest group of Cape wild dog calling the park home. The camp is also built on the Kennedy Vlei which means game drives are full of action.
Rooms
There are just four tents at the camp, two twins and two family units elevated above ground level. Interiors are contemporary with rustic touches to create a blend of authentic and luxury. Teak wood floors lie underfoot and furnishings include a dark wooden writing desk, chairs and sofas, a wood burner for cold evenings and gauze sliding doors. The en-suites have copper-encased bathtubs and outdoor showers.
Communal Areas
Built on slightly raised decks, the main tent houses a comfortable lounge and dining area offering wonderful views of Kennedy Vlei. The space is charming with a tall canvas ceiling, comfortable sofas, hanging chairs and vibrant African patterns and décor. A split-level outside deck is the perfect space to relax with drinks and a swimming pool sits just metres away from the waterhole.
Activities
Somalisa is owned by top-notch safari guide Beks Ndlovu and his wife so guests can guarantee an authentic and rewarding safari experience. The camp provides exceptional game drives and walking safaris on the private concession and beyond, home to all Big Five as well as hyena, antelope, sable and kudu. The camp also has special family guides who fit activities around both adults and youngsters. If you arrive to camp after the first rains of the year, see the vlei blossom into a carpet of vibrant wildflowers.
Fully inclusive
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
WET SEASON
This is the wettest period of the year with, again rainfall normally comes in the form of an afternoon thunderstorm. Temperatures are hot during the day, averaging a maximum of 29°C/84°F, mornings are much more pleasant averaging 18°C/64°F.
The landscape by this stage is rapidly becoming lush, green and beautiful. Not perfect for game viewing, but there are many new born animals as well as migratory birdlife to enjoy.
Like the rest of Zimbabwe, Hwange has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting Hwange during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up, wildlife becomes more concentrated around the watering holes while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
WET SEASON
This is the wettest period of the year with, again rainfall normally comes in the form of an afternoon thunderstorm. Temperatures are hot during the day, averaging a maximum of 29°C/84°F, mornings are much more pleasant averaging 18°C/64°F.
The landscape by this stage is rapidly becoming lush, green and beautiful. Not perfect for game viewing, but there are many new born animals as well as migratory birdlife to enjoy.
Like the rest of Zimbabwe, Hwange has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting Hwange during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up, wildlife becomes more concentrated around the watering holes while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
WET SEASON
This is the wettest period of the year with, again rainfall normally comes in the form of an afternoon thunderstorm. Temperatures are hot during the day, averaging a maximum of 29°C/84°F, mornings are much more pleasant averaging 18°C/64°F.
The landscape by this stage is rapidly becoming lush, green and beautiful. Not perfect for game viewing, but there are many new born animals as well as migratory birdlife to enjoy.
Like the rest of Zimbabwe, Hwange has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting Hwange during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up, wildlife becomes more concentrated around the watering holes while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
WET SEASON
Whilst technically still the wet season April sees the end of the rains with clear skies dominating towards the end of the month. Temperatures begin to also drop, making for more pleasant afternoon conditions, though morning can be surprisingly cold, so be sure to pack a warm fleece
Like the rest of Zimbabwe, Hwange has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting Hwange during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up, wildlife becomes more concentrated around the watering holes while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
May is the beginning of the dry season, although the landscape will still be many shades of green following the rains. Midday temperatures are pleasant, but the mornings are cold average temperatures of around 7°C/40°F, so be sure to bring several warm layers for those morning game drives.
Like the rest of Zimbabwe, Hwange has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting Hwange during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up, wildlife becomes more concentrated around the watering holes while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
The landscape continues to dry up, with game sightings becoming more likely, especially around Hwange’s many watering holes. Midday temperatures are pleasant, 26°C/79°F, but the mornings are cold average temperatures of around 7°C/40°F, so be sure to bring several warm layers for those morning game drives!
Like the rest of Zimbabwe, Hwange has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting Hwange during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up, wildlife becomes more concentrated around the watering holes while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
The landscape continues to dry up, with game sightings becoming more likely, especially around Hwange’s many watering holes. Midday temperatures are pleasant, 26°C/79°F, but the mornings are cold average temperatures of around 7°C/40°F, so be sure to bring several warm layers for those morning game drives!
Like the rest of Zimbabwe, Hwange has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting Hwange during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up, wildlife becomes more concentrated around the watering holes while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
The landscape continues to dry up, with game sightings becoming more likely, especially around Hwange’s many watering holes. Midday temperatures are pleasant, 26°C/79°F, but the mornings are cold average temperatures of around 7°C/40°F, so be sure to bring several warm layers for those morning game drives!
Like the rest of Zimbabwe, Hwange has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting Hwange during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up, wildlife becomes more concentrated around the watering holes while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
Clear skies still dominate, the landscape has now become quite parched; ultimately making this the perfect time for game viewing. Midday temperatures are hot, with temperatures of over 40°C/104°F common, especially in October. This is a time to get up early to make the most of the more pleasant temperatures, average temperatures of around 17°C/61°F
Like the rest of Zimbabwe, Hwange has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting Hwange during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up, wildlife becomes more concentrated around the watering holes while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
Clear skies still dominate, the landscape has now become quite parched; ultimately making this the perfect time for game viewing. Midday temperatures are hot, with temperatures of over 40°C/104°F common, especially in October. This is a time to get up early to make the most of the more pleasant temperatures, average temperatures of around 17°C/61°F
Like the rest of Zimbabwe, Hwange has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting Hwange during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up, wildlife becomes more concentrated around the watering holes while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
WET SEASON
Technically the start of the wet season, although rain is infrequent, usually in the form of afternoon showers. The arrival of the first rains rapidly transforms the parched landscape. Midday temperatures remain hot, average around 32°C/90°F and the humidity can also be high.
Like the rest of Zimbabwe, Hwange has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting Hwange during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up, wildlife becomes more concentrated around the watering holes while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
WET SEASON
This is the wettest period of the year with, again rainfall normally comes in the form of an afternoon thunderstorm. Temperatures are hot during the day, averaging a maximum of 29°C/84°F, mornings are much more pleasant averaging 18°C/64°F.
The landscape by this stage is rapidly becoming lush, green and beautiful. Not perfect for game viewing, but there are many new born animals as well as migratory birdlife to enjoy.
Like the rest of Zimbabwe, Hwange has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting Hwange during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up, wildlife becomes more concentrated around the watering holes while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
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What People Say
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
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Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
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Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
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Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
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Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
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Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
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We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
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Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
