The hype
The renovation has saved this place—guests love the new rooms and the incredible wildlife viewing from the deck.
Hwange Safari Lodge
$150-250/ nacht
Boek dit als You want a reliable, hotel-style base with a legendary waterhole right on the doorstep, without the $800/night price tag of the intimate bush camps.
Waarom mensen ervan houden
- The 'Grand Old Lady' location: the waterhole action is often better than the game drives
- Recently renovated Deluxe rooms feel modern and crisp
- Accessible tarmac road access (no 4x4 needed to get to the front door)
Snel Overzicht: It’s a big, bustling hotel that happens to be in the bush, not a romantic tented camp—but the elephants drinking at the pool don't seem to mind the difference.
Beoordeeld door @bleetary_travels: I honestly didn't think the photos were real until I got here. Watching a herd of elephants walk by while I was just chilling in the pool was the most surreal moment of my life. If you want luxury in the wild, this is it.
Gast die hier verbleef zei
Reality check
Food is hit-or-miss (often described as 'average buffet fare') and vegetarian options are limited.
- You are a self-driver looking for an easy, paved route to Hwange
- You want 24/7 AC and solid WiFi rather than a canvas tent experience
- You are traveling with kids or seniors who need standard hotel comforts
Schoonmaak & Onderhoud
8.5
- Housekeeping: Daily service is reliable; staff are frequently praised for being 'spoiling' and attentive.
- Bathroom hygiene: Renovated bathrooms are sparkling; older rooms have had complaints of leaks and worn grout.
- Maintenance: Phase 1 renovation has fixed most issues, but the 'Standard' wing still suffers from aging plumbing.
- Linens & towels: Fresh and crisp in Deluxe rooms; older stock in Standard rooms.
- Odors & scents: Generally fresh, though the lobby has a distinct 'thatched roof' earthy smell (pleasant).
Sleepability™
7GEMATIGD
0-4LUID
4-7.5GEMATIGD
7.5-10STIL
- Weaver birds in the reception trees (chatter starts at dawn)
- Pool area noise during the day
- Thin walls in connecting rooms
Voordat je boekt
Goed om te weten
- Park fees (~$20/day) are payable separately if you enter the National Park
- There is a conservation levy (~$15/pp) often added to the bill
- Malaria prophylaxis is highly recommended for this region
Wat je mee moet nemen
- Binoculars (the waterhole action is constant)
- US Dollars in small denominations (tipping and small purchases)
- Universal travel adapter (Type G/UK style is standard)
Kamer Genie
Beste keuzes
- Renovated Deluxe Rooms (ask for upper floor for better waterhole sightlines)
- Rooms in the 'East Wing' tend to be slightly quieter away from the main bar
Kamers om te vermijden
- Standard Rooms (unrenovated, tired carpet)
- Ground floor rooms near the pool (privacy issues and noise)
Kamer Aanvraag Genie – kopiëren en plakken
“I am requesting a recently RENOVATED Deluxe Room, preferably on an upper floor in the East Wing for a direct waterhole view and distance from the pool noise.”
Veelgestelde vragen & Verborgen tips
Alles wat je eigenlijk wilt weten voordat je boekt.
Is the WiFi actually usable?
Yes, recent upgrades (likely Starlink) have made it surprisingly fast (250Mbps reported), though it can be spotty in the furthest rooms.
Can I see animals without leaving the hotel?
Absolutely. The on-site waterhole is famous for attracting elephant herds, buffalo, and even lions, viewable from the bar deck.
Is there a pool?
Yes, a large outdoor pool that overlooks the waterhole—you can swim while watching elephants drink.
How far is it from Victoria Falls?
About a 2.5-hour drive on a good tar road. Transfers are easy to arrange.
Are there mosquitos?
Yes, especially in the rainy season. Rooms have nets and AC, but bring repellent.
Is the food safe?
Generally yes, but stick to cooked foods at the buffet and avoid fresh salads if you have a sensitive stomach. Do not drink tap water.
Tips van Insiders
- ✨
The 'Waterhole Bar' is the best spot for sundowners—get there by 4:30 PM to snag a front-row seat.
- ✨
You can do a 'bush dinner' request if you are a group—it's far superior to the standard buffet hall.
- ✨
The weaver bird colony in the reception tree is noisy but fascinating—spend 10 minutes just watching them build nests.
5 dingen die je moet weten voordat je gaat
💡The 'Standard' rooms really are a time capsule to 1973—avoid them.
💡You are technically *outside* the National Park, so you have to pass a gate (and pay) to do a 'real' game drive.
💡The monkeys on the grounds are bold—do not leave your balcony door open for even a second.
💡Vegetarians will find the buffet repetitive after two days.
💡The hotel is a favorite stop for overland tour buses, so the lobby can get chaotic for 30 minutes at check-in times.
Lokaal Playbook
Kaart
Bekijk waar Hwange Safari Lodge zich bevindt en wat er in de buurt is.