An elephant safari is special. These gentle giants – with their expansive spirits and lifelong memories – know how to revel in life, especially when they’re playing in the water. Time seems to slip away as you observe their complex social bonds and unique connections. And if you're looking for an elephant safari to remember, Machaba Safari's Verney's Camp is the ideal luxury safari lodge to marvel at these gentle giants.
Verney's Camp is unfenced, allowing the elephants to roam freely
Welcome to Hwange National Park
A safari gem in Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park is about half the size of Belgium, covering 14,651km². An estimated 40,000 elephants call this home, together with lions, hippos, zebra, leopards, and buffalo.
You'll also find smaller mammals like hyenas, jackals, African wild dogs, an assortment of antelopes, and many more. Over 470 bird species add to the kaleidoscope of life in Zimbabwe's largest national park.
Spacious Suites and Bush Serenity
Tucked away on a private concession in the south-eastern corner of Hwange National Park, Verney's Camp is built on a large floodplain. Many wild animals frequent the water source, and each of the ten eco-luxury tented suites offers unobstructed views of nature in action – think National Geographic Live (without David Attenborough's voiceover, unfortunately).
With two family suites and eight double-tented suites, Verney's Camp hosts a maximum of 24 guests, ensuring a stay that combines luxury and privacy. Each spacious suite features a large dressing room, comfortable shower, double vanities, and all the modern amenities you'd expect from a high-end safari lodge. There are plenty of power outlets to keep you connected and ample space for lounging.
Retreat to your spacious suite and recline on your private wooden deck with unobstructed views, Image Credit: Machaba Safaris
Memories at Verney’s Camp
From your private wooden deck, you’ll observe a breathtaking array of wildlife in the floodplains, including zebra, antelope, hyenas, lions, and hundreds of elephants! Hours slip by as you watch these marvellous creatures in their natural habitat. The vast floodplain attracts numerous herds of elephants to the water source at the same time, creating quite a spectacle.
Some elephant herds are 40-strong, so you can just imagine the overwhelming wonder that fills your soul when you see multiple herds at the same time. While more herds are rushing over the hill towards the water, others stroll past your tent and through the mopane forest on their way to the next waterhole. It's a beautiful symphony of growls, splashes, swooshes, and trumpets.
Hwange National Park is rich in fauna and flora that provide spectacular photo opportunities
It's an absolute delight to watch elephant calves! They wobble, stumble, splash, roll, and dunk in the mud. Because they're still so young, they're still learning to control their trunks, so you'll often see them spinning them around like propellers. Sometimes, they're small enough to hide under their mother, whilst other times, they have too much fun and frantically rush back to the herd that has moved on.
Baby elephants are such a treat to observe!
From Tents to Trails
You can get close and personal with these gentle giants from the swimming pool. Tree trunks barricade the pool, keeping you (and the water) safe from elephants that may try to trespass. While you splash and float in the pool or recline in the shade, you can safely observe how they apply their own kind of sun protection: water, mud, and (red) dust.
Verney's Camp also offers game drives that will take you to other water sources much loved by elephants. These water holes are smaller than the floodplain, so the concentration of elephants will be just as impressive. It's natural to see 30 or more elephants in and around their canteens.
If you're keen, you can also observe the elephants on foot. Some guides are qualified to shepherd you on a walking safari. They'll take you to one of the waterholes where you'll be guaranteed to find elephants and position you for spectacular views and photo opportunities.
Some elephant herds are 30-strong, roaming together and protecting each other (and their spot) from other herds
When to Visit and What to Pack
The best time to visit Hwange National Park for an elephant safari is during the dry season between July and October. It's easier to spot animals in the bush, and they congregate around water sources, increasing the concentration of wildlife. Also, note that because the air is drier, your skin will need more moisturiser.
Evenings and early mornings are quite chilly, so be sure to layer up for your morning and night game drives. The game-drive vehicles are supplied with wind-resistant ponchos lined with blankets on the inside, keeping you warm and snug. Throughout the day, temperatures can rise to 25 degrees Celcius (77 degrees Fahrenheit). Therefore, it's best to pack layers because of the fluctuations in temperatures.
What We Recommend You Pack
- Short- and long-sleeved shirts or blouses
- Shorts, trousers, and chinos
- Sturdy shoes for your walking safaris
- Closed shoes for when you are at the camp (the walkways are sandy)
- Warm sweaters and jackets
- Sunhat, sunglasses, and sunblock
- Binoculars, your camera, and extra memory cards
- Backpack to carry your essentials
Elephants use water, dust, and mud as sunblock
Get Close to Africa’s Giants
We cannot wait for you to experience an elephant safari in Zimbabwe! Our Travel Experts know Africa better than an elephant knows its trunk. Travelling with Rhino Africa is absolutely effortless. All you need to do is show up at the airport. We check you in online, and camp personnel will know exactly where you need to be and when. Let us help you plan your dream safari today.
“Our two-week safari holiday of South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana took us to some amazing locations with fantastic accommodations and incredible animals. We would definitely book with Rhino Africa again…”
– Susan G on TripAdvisor.