Little Makalolo

Hwange National Park

Rating: Mid-range

highlights

Experience wildlife at a busy waterhole
Initmate 6 tent camp
Dine al fresco under the stars
Visit Ngamo Village near Hwange
Spend a night in the star bed
Guided nature walks

Little Makalolo overview

Set in a private concession in the heart of Hwange's prime game viewing area, you'll find Little Makalolo, an exclusive camp set beside a popular waterhole. The camp is owned and operated by Wilderness Safaris who are renowned for their quality of guiding, service and accommodation. With only 6 tents, guests are assured of exceptional service and warm Zimbabwean hospitality.

The style of this camp is very much that of a traditional safari camp. The tents are constructed from timber frames with canvas sides and roof, large mesh windows allow the breezes to circulate while keeping the mozzies away. The tents are spacious, beautifully decorated and have en-suite facilities with both an indoor and outdoor shower. Electricity is solar powered, in keeping with the conservation message that Wilderness Safaris adheres to.

The main area has a dining room, lounge and bar. The kitchen serves up delicious meals from breakfast through to dinner. When possible, dinner is served on the deck outside, under the stars, before guests retire to the fire for convivial chat about the day's events.

To the front of camp is a log hide, overlooking the busy waterhole. It's the perfect spot to spend a little time watching the comings and goings of wildlife, you should be able to get some good photographs from this magical vantage point. Activities centre around game drives and also nature walks, there is a strong leaning towards the walks where you can get up-close with nature, it's puts a whole different perspective on wildlife viewing, and definitely recommended.

details

Open: Little Makalolo is open year round

Location: The camp is located in the private Linkwasha concession in Hwange National Park.

Rooms: There are 6 spacious tents furnished with comfortable beds, bedside tables, desk, hanging space, rugs and curtains. The decor has a contemporary feel. All have en-suite bathrooms with inside and outside showers and flush toilets. A range of toiletries is supplied. Each tent has a shaded veranda with seating. Tents have solar-generated electricity. One tent is a family tent comprising of an extra en-suite bedroom. There is also a honeymoon tent with an outdoor bath and kingsize bed.

Activities: The camp offers morning and late afternoon game drives. The afternoon drives usually stop for sundowners and then return to camp using the spotlight to seek out nocturnal animals. Walking safaris are a highlight here, you can learn about the smaller things. Visits to the small town of Ngamo give the opportunity to see some of the projects that the camp are heavily involved in which include healthcare and education. The hide in front of the waterhole can be an interesting way to spend some time.

Facilities: The central mess tent is a traditional with a contemporary edge. Meals are served here and dinner is often eaten in the open air by the camp fire. There is a separate sitting area with a collection of reading materials and a well-stocked bar. The camp has solar power which supplements lanterns to provide lighting at night. A laundry service is available.

Dining: Meals are taken together at a communal table.

Children: Children of 6 years and older are welcome, however a private vehicle needs to be booked for those under 12. The camp is unfenced and children must be kept under supervision at all times.

Health: This is a malarial area.

Communication: There is no Wi-Fi. A satellite phone is available in an emergency.