Ivory Lodge

North West Zimbabwe

Rating: Mid-range

highlights

Game drives plus night drives and guided walks
Choice of treehouses or suites
Watch wildlife at the lodge's waterhole
Family-friendly lodge
Chances to see the Presidential Elephant Herd

Ivory Lodge overview

Ivory Lodge enjoys a wonderful setting on a private reserve adjacent to the game rich Hwange National Park. Adding to its credentials this area forms part of the range of the Presidential Elephant Herd made famous by Alan Elliot in the 1980s, and there is a good chance you may see them.

This lodge has seven elevated thatched rooms built in a tree house style, as well as two grand tented presidential suites, they are dotted in the grounds under the shade of the tall trees. The cosy rooms have rustic wooden furniture and en-suite bathrooms. All have mosquito nets as each unit is fairly open, allowing breezes to flow through and offering an intimate and unique bush experience. The suites, also built on stilts, are larger with beautifully carved wooden double beds and have a bath as well as a shower. In fact the bath has a window next to it so you can carry on watching the wildlife as you bathe. All the rooms and suites have fabulous views of a private and well-visited waterhole. This means that guests have the opportunity to view some of Hwange’s most prolific wildlife species from the comfort of their room or the main dining area. The animals seen most often from camp range from the big cats to plains game and big herds of buffalo and elephant for which Hwange is known.

The main area is also thatched and has a homely lounge area with comfy couches, a dining room where delicious meals are served at a large table. The bar is always a lively spot where guests gather before dinner, while post dinner coffees and liqueurs are usually enjoyed by the sunken firepit to the front of camp. During the day, there's a small pool where you can cool off or you may prefer to make the most of your time here and visit the hide which looks out onto the pan, it's a great spot for some elephant watching.

Game drives take place on the reserve and in Hwange National Park. Night drives are on offer in the reserve, which is something that you cannot do within the park itself. Walking safaris are also offered here, and there's something quite special about exploring on foot, always with a professional and experienced guide to share their knowledge and explain the ways of the wilderness.

details

Open: Ivory Lodge is open all year.

Location: In a private reserve bordering Hwange National Park.

Rooms: There are 7 tree houses and 2 presidential suites. The treehouses are open to the front with mozzie nets, simply furnished. The presidential suites are larger and also have a bath and ceiling fan. All are en-suite and set on elevated decks and overlook the busy waterhole.

Facilities: There is a swimming pool, comfy lounge and main dining area and bar. The camp also has views of the waterhole from the dining area.

Activities: Game drives are offered in the private concession and also in the main areas of the park. Night drives and guided walks are offered in the private reserve. It is also possible to visit the hide which overlooks a pan.

Dining: Meals are served communally on the main deck.

Children: Ivory lodge takes children of all ages.

Health: This is a malarial area.

Communication: There no WiFi at the lodge and the mobile signal is patchy at best.