Zimbabwe’s Hidden Gem: Discover Hwange with Imvelo, from Rhinos to the Elephant Express

“Unbeatable. That’s how I would describe Zimbabwe safaris at Imvelo and the experience in Hwange National Park as a whole,” says Hayley Plaskitt, the Gem Finder at Africa Hidden Gems, a portfolio of Africa’s best-kept secrets. I recently sat down with her to uncover the magic of Hwange – from its thriving elephant populations and remarkable rhino conservation success to the truly unique Elephant Express. Get ready to discover why Zimbabwe, and Imvelo, should be at the top of your safari bucket list.

Hwange: More Elephants Than Tourists

Hwange National Park is a shining star in the safari world, renowned for its staggering population of elephants. “Hwange has about 43,000 visitors per year and about 46,000 elephants, so there are more elephants than people,” Hayley reveals. “It’s totally possible to spend most of your safari without seeing other vehicles except those from the lodge you are staying at, making it a very exclusive experience!”

While Botswana and South Africa usually come to mind when the topic of southern Africa safaris comes up, Zimbabwe can certainly compete with the best parks in Africa thanks to investments in the country’s safari industry, wildlife density, and expert guides.

Besides elephants, Hwange is also renowned for its high populations of sable antelopes, cheetahs, lions, and wild dogs.

The national park takes guiding extremely seriously, knowing that having an exceptional guide makes a safari experience all the more special. Hwange’s professional guides serve apprenticeships lasting between five and 10 years, and their skills are recognised as among the best in Africa.

As Hayley explains, “Your professional guide will take you on a walk inside the park, showing you how to approach game on foot, read animal tracks, and learn the intimacies of the ecosystem around you, all adding to a wonderful safari experience.”

Imvelo’s Hwange National Park Lodges

Beyond the incredible wildlife and expert guiding, the choice of accommodation significantly shapes your safari. And when it comes to Imvelo Hwange lodges, excellence and unique adventures are guaranteed.

“Let’s just say Hwange holds a very special place in my heart; it’s so diverse, there is somewhere for every season and the Imvelo camps have ramped up the adventure just that much more with such authentic camps that all have signature bucket list safari experiences to enjoy!”

At Nehimba, the elephant experience is second to none, described by Hayley as “the greatest elephant show on the planet in the dry season”.

Located in the open plains of the southwest, Bomani and Camelthorn lodges are prime for spectacular cheetah and wild dog action, ensuring incredible game viewing year-round. At Camelthorn, guests are treated to an incredibly unique experience: rhinos often wander right up to the lodge! “Camelthorn is built on community land and sits within one of the rhino sanctuaries so it is also a delight to have the rhinos come right up to the lodge for a visit.”

The rhinos are guarded 24/7, Hayley explains, so they’ve become more relaxed around the lodge and people. “They are curious; they are always on the hunt for food and Camelthorn sits in the sanctuary – their home – so we are just passers-by for them. It is remarkable to see, happening quite frequently and a real delight for guests staying at Camelthorn.”

Looking to the future, Imvelo is getting ready to launch its latest camp this year: Tum Tum, which will be treehouses in one of the best game viewing areas of the park.

All Aboard the Elephant Express

Imvelo offers its guests a unique way to travel Hwange: the Elephant Express!

This exclusive, one-of-a-kind railcar experience is available for guests transferring between Bomani and Camelthorn lodges (and Tum Tum later in the year), adding an extra layer of adventure the moment you step aboard.

Sip on your favourite safari cocktail, like a refreshing G&T, as you view game from the comfort of your seat at a teak table, or even walk around the spacious aisle to capture that perfect photograph.

With seating for up to 22 passengers, an on-board flush loo, and refreshments served throughout the three-hour journey (including a light lunch on southbound trips), the Elephant Express isn’t just a transfer; it’s a novel, fun, and unforgettable part of your Hwange safari.

The Elephant Express is just one way that Imvelo makes a Zimbabwe safari in Hwange so seamless. “I think one of the standout features of Imvelo camps and lodges is what an excellent circuit they make – seamless, easy to navigate now with Mack Air, and just offering off-the-charts safari adventures where every day there is something new to experience.”

The Community Rhino Conservation Initiative

Imvelo’s commitment to the wild extends far beyond luxurious safaris. At the heart of their philosophy lies profound conservation success and community empowerment, exemplified by the incredible Community Rhino Conservation Initiative.

This groundbreaking project saw Imvelo reintroduce rhinos back to Hwange after poaching had tragically eradicated the species in the region by the early 2000s – proudly restoring Hwange as a Big Five safari destination.

The two rhinos, Thuza and Kusasa, were placed in the Imvelo Ngamo Wildlife Sanctuary bordering the park, and since then, the initiative has expanded.

Not only has this initiative reintroduced rhinos into this part of Zimbabwe, but it’s also being actioned in a highly secure and sustainable way to eventually accommodate a viable population of free-roaming rhinos.

An example of this is the buffer zone between the park and the communal lands to stop wild animals from being a burden to communities (such as destroying their crops and impacting their domestic livestock). This places local communities at the heart of conservation efforts and engages them as rhino custodians. In fact, 40 scouts have been trained from the local community as part of Imvelo’s rhino conservation project.

“These communities have allocated and entrusted some of their communal grazing land specifically for rhino conservation and the rhino viewing fees from guests visiting Imvelo Safari Lodges generate social and economic returns for our local people,” Hayley shares.

Imvelo is community-focused, so safari-goers not only get to have an epic African adventure, but they also support a company that is truly embedded within the communities.

Walking With Rhinos

Due to the Community Rhino Conservation Initiative, safari-goers can now walk with rhinos when staying at either Bomani or Camelthorn.

“This [Walking with Rhinos activity] is the chance to be a part of a much bigger positive impact project that is doing so much for these animals that remain so endangered. It’s a wonderful privilege to have exclusive time with them.”

Walking with Rhinos transcends mere photography (though the opportunities are incredible!). This is about gaining a profound appreciation for the intricate conservation efforts underway. You’ll pick up invaluable insights into what it truly takes to ensure these magnificent animals thrive, leaving you with a deeper connection to the wild and a sense of having contributed to their future.

Explore Hwange With Discover Africa

“I would encourage everyone to put Zimbabwe on their safari bucket list. And, be sure to travel a little further than Victoria Falls – there is an incredible national park nearby that is pure safari gold,” advises Hayley.

Working with Discover Africa is the key to planning a safari that exceeds your expectations. Africa safari specialists provide an authentic voice, as they’ve travelled to the parks, experienced the activities, drunk the coffee, and met the people on the ground. This knowledge and expertise can curate better-quality safaris that also contribute to impactful sustainability and community projects.