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MAKALOLO PLAINS

Makalolo Plains enjoys a privileged position as one of the few private camps situated within Hwange National Park. It is made up of two small camps which enjoy exclusive use of an enormous concession area in the heart of Zimbabwe's premier game reserve.

The terrain in the Makalolo area is an interesting combination of Kalahari sandveld, miombo woodland, and teak forests, and the scenery varies from sweeping, palm-fringed plains to grasslands and acacia bushveld. This diverse and rich habitat in turn supports great volumes and diversity of animals, most spectacularly large herds of elephant and buffalo. This is also one of the best areas in Hwange for predators, with good numbers of lion, leopard, cheetah, and wild dog. One of the highlights of the area is the high concentrations of majestic sable and roan antelope, both rare and beautiful species.

The waterholes in the Makalolo area are some of the most productive in Zimbabwe from a game-viewing perspective, especially in the winter months. Guests do not have to venture far to find animals in great numbers - simply sitting at a waterhole can produce hours of entertainment as large herds of animal process down to take their turn at these life-giving sources of water. Watching the interaction between individuals and species as they take their turn - and more often than not compete - to slake their thirst, is an incredibly rewarding experience, and one can not help but feel like a voyeur in a great African drama.

Activities at the Makalolo center on the rich source of wildlife surrounding the camp, and guests are invited to partake in game-drives as well as bush walks with their highly trained professional guides. Zimbabwe boasts some of the finest guides in Africa, and stalking Africa's big game on foot is a rare and exhilarating privilege. Being inside Hwange is a great advantage, as guests' game-viewing starts right at their doorstep, while privacy and exclusivity are guaranteed because Makalolo is on a private concession, away from the public sections of the park.

Further contributing to its atmosphere of intimacy and exclusivity, Makalolo Plains has only eight large tastefully decorated tents, each with en suite facilities. The rooms are raised off the ground on polished teak decking and are simply but well decorated with natural materials. Each has its own very private balcony and outdoor shower. The tastefully appointed main lodge is also set on a lovely teak platform. Its expansive deck overlooks a wonderfully active water hole, surround with large old trees. Countless hours could be spent imbibing the wildness of this idyllic scene.

Little Makalolo, independent sister camp to Makalolo Plains, is an intimate 8-bed camp located several miles away. Little Makalolo is located at ground level in among teak trees, looking towards a waterhole and pan. It offers the same spacious and very comfortable tents, as well as identical activities.

On return from evening game drive, Makalolo looks like a fantastical city in the distance, all flickering golden light from the countless lanterns and candles which illuminate it. After a satisfying dinner, sitting with a cognac around the fire under the stars, listening to animals move to and from the water hole, is an experience etched in our memories forever. Makalolo is easily our favorite camp in Hwange and we highly recommend it.

Ecotourism angle

Makalolo and Little Makalolo are run as a partnership between a local community bordering Hwange National Park and Wilderness Safaris. As such, funds from tourism flow directly to those people living closest to the park, through dividends and salaries, significantly improving their general disposition towards wildlife and the National Park. As a private concession within the Park, Makalolo is responsible for all conservation-related maintenance on the concession. This includes game monitoring, building fire-breaks and putting out fires, and upkeep of the crucial bore-holes that are the lifeline of the Park's wildlife during the dry winter months. Wilderness Safaris enjoys a reputation as one of southern Africa's leading proponents of ecotourism, and is involved in a number of projects across the region. A portion of each guest's fare is also allocated to the "Wilderness Safaris Wildlife Trust"; 100% of these funds are allocated to approved conservation projects.

To find out more about Makololo Plains, or to make a reservation, call on

27-11-463-7889 or email us.

LIYATSHWA SAFARIS PORTFOLIO - Hwange National Park