You can tell Verney’s Camp was built by and for safari-lovers who value simplicity. Situated in a remote part of Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park, it captures that classic safari feel, with a minimal, yet modern sensibility. It’s the type of camp that has everything you could need to unwind and reconnect to nature.
Awarded: Bronze
Location
With access to a private 10,000-hectare concession, guests of Verney’s Camp can expect a blissfully uncrowded safari in Hwange National Park. The area surrounding the camp is famed for its huge herds of elephant and buffalo – who often come to drink from Verney’s Pan. The concession (where it’s possible to do night drives and walks) was something of an abandoned area, but with the opening of Verney’s, the waterholes have been maintained and more wildlife has moved in, including elephants and lions. Game drives also head to the nearby, popular Ngweshla area of Hwange, where wildlife is abundant.
Rooms
Scattered among teak and mopane trees, the camp’s 10 designer, eco-friendly tents are beautifully positioned around a waterhole. While drawing inspiration from the safaris of old, they come equipped with modern luxuries such as hot and cold running water, flush toilets and electric lamps. Each tent has its own patio deck, providing the ideal spot from which to contemplate the wild landscape before you.
Communal Areas
The main area includes a pool deck and a dining and lounge tent, which are joined by wooden walkways and positioned around a central firepit. The style is laid-back, classic safari with a dash of luxury: brass candelabras hang from high canvas ceilings; there are large, plush pale-pink or grey couches both inside and out on the lounge deck where afternoon tea is served; wooden coffee tables are piled with birding and photography books. The dining tables are laid with white tablecloths, gas lamps and hefty wine glasses.
Activities
You are offered both game drives and guided walks, allowing you to enjoy different aspects of nature and gain an insight into the flora and fauna of the area. Being located in a concession has the twin benefit of fewer people and the chance to take night drives to experience life in the bush after nightfall. There are opportunities to tour the nearby Wild Dog Reseach Station to learn about this endangered species from staff who devote their time to its conservation. Visits to a local village and school can also be organised, to give you a glimpse into life in Hwange.
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.
