5-Day Hwange Safari Itinerary 2027: Daily Route & Cost

5-day Hwange safari costs $2,299–$2,590 per person. Includes game drives, lodging, meals. Best June–October. Book verified operators on SafariFind.

5-day Hwange safari costs $2,299–$2,590 per person. Includes game drives, lodging, meals. Best June–October. Book verified operators on SafariFind.

Discover Chobe National Park Safari Cost 2027: First-Timer Guide - Expert guide to safari tourism and wildlife destinations.

Discover Best Beaches in Ethiopia 2027: Lake Escapes Under $1,500 - Expert guide to safari tourism and wildlife destinations.

Discover Akagera National Park Entry Fees 2027: Safari Costs - Expert guide to safari tourism and wildlife destinations.
Last updated: August 2026
A 5-day Hwange safari in 2027 costs from $2,299 to $2,590 per person, including accommodation, meals, and game drives. The best time to visit is June to October when wildlife gathers at waterholes. Book through verified operators on SafariFind to compare packages and read authentic reviews from past travelers.
A 5-day Hwange safari itinerary is a guided wildlife tour through Zimbabwe's largest national park. You'll spend your days on game drives, spot African wildlife, and stay in comfortable lodges. Most itineraries include meals, accommodation, and professional guides who know the park well.
Hwange National Park covers 14,650 square kilometers and is home to over 100 elephant herds. The park sits in northwestern Zimbabwe, near Kazuma Pan National Park. It's known for reliable wildlife viewing and affordable pricing compared to other African safari destinations.
Most 5-day packages combine morning and afternoon game drives with rest time at your lodge. You'll travel in open safari vehicles with expert guides who track animals and share wildlife knowledge. The experience works well for first-time safari visitors and seasoned wildlife enthusiasts.
Your 5-day Hwange safari includes four full days of game drives plus one travel day. Morning drives start early, around 6 a.m., to catch animals when they're most active. Afternoon drives run from 3 p.m. to sunset, when lions hunt and light is perfect for photography.
Lodges provide all meals: breakfast before drives, lunch at midday, and dinner in the evening. Most packages offer comfortable rooms with en-suite bathrooms, hot water, and electricity. Some lodges include extras like spa services or bush dinners under the stars.
Professional guides speak English and have years of park experience. They use radio communication to track animal locations and find the best viewing spots. This improves your chances of seeing rare species like African wild dogs or leopards.
Five days gives you enough time to see diverse wildlife without rushing. Day one is travel and settling in. Days two through four offer three full days of game drives. Day five is your departure day, with a final morning drive before heading home.
This length balances time on safari with time for rest and relaxation. You won't feel exhausted by constant driving, yet you'll see plenty of animals. It's ideal if you have limited vacation time but want a complete safari experience.
The 5-day format also works well for families with children. Kids can handle three full days of safari activities without getting bored. Lodges offer comfortable beds and good food to keep everyone happy.
Explore Hwange National Park's best attractions to understand what you'll experience during your safari adventure.
Your 5-day Hwange safari follows a proven route that maximizes wildlife viewing. Most packages start in northern Zimbabwe or include flights from South Africa. Here's what each day typically includes.
Day one involves getting to your lodge. If you're flying, you'll depart from Johannesburg or another major airport. Most visitors fly to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport and drive to Hwange (about 5 hours). Some packages include charter flights directly to the park.
You'll arrive at your lodge in the afternoon and settle into your room. The lodge staff will brief you on park rules, wildlife safety, and tomorrow's schedule. Dinner is at the lodge, giving you time to rest and prepare for early morning drives.
Most lodges have a viewing deck or bar where guests relax before dinner. You might see animals like impala or warthog right from the lodge grounds. This first evening builds excitement for the days ahead.
Day two is your first full safari day. You'll wake before dawn (around 5:30 a.m.) for breakfast. Your guide will drive you into the park by 6 a.m. to catch morning wildlife activity. Ngamo Plains is a popular morning drive area where elephants gather at waterholes.
Morning drives last three to four hours. You'll stop frequently to observe animals and take photos. Your guide will explain animal behavior, ecology, and survival strategies. You might see herds of buffalo, zebra, and wildebeest, plus predators like lions or hyenas.
Around 10 a.m., you'll return to the lodge for lunch and rest. This break protects you from midday heat and gives you time to review photos or relax by the pool. Many visitors nap before the afternoon drive.
The afternoon drive departs at 3 p.m. and runs until sunset (around 6 p.m.). Late afternoon is prime time for spotting predators as they hunt. You'll visit different areas than the morning drive, increasing your chances of new sightings. Dinner follows at the lodge, where you'll share stories with other guests.
Day three takes you to the park's southern sections. These areas have numerous waterholes where animals concentrate, especially during dry season. You'll start with an early morning drive to maximize animal sightings.
Southern Hwange is known for large elephant herds. You might see 20 to 50 elephants at a single waterhole, including calves and bulls. Lions often hunt near waterholes, so sightings are common. African wild dogs also patrol these areas, though they're harder to spot.
Your guide will use binoculars to scan for distant animals and help position the vehicle for the best views. Photography guides can advise on camera settings and composition. Birdwatchers will love the variety—over 400 bird species live in Hwange.
The afternoon drive follows the same schedule. You'll return to the lodge refreshed and filled with wildlife memories. Many travelers say day three is their favorite, as animal activity peaks during dry season.
Day four offers flexibility. Some packages include a specialized route focused on your interests—photography, birdwatching, or predator tracking. Other packages add an optional night drive to spot nocturnal animals like aardvark, porcupine, and hyena.
Morning and afternoon drives follow the standard schedule. Your guide might take you to less-visited areas where wildlife is less pressured. These quieter spots often reward you with close animal encounters and unique photo opportunities.
If you choose the night drive, it runs for 2 to 3 hours after dinner. Guides use powerful spotlights to illuminate animals' eyes, making them visible in darkness. Night drives offer a completely different safari experience and increase your odds of seeing shy or nocturnal species.
Learn more about Hwange night drive packages to decide if this option fits your interests.
Day five is your final morning in the park. Most packages include an early morning drive before breakfast. This gives you one last chance to spot favorite animals or capture final photos. You'll return to the lodge by 9 a.m. for a full breakfast.
After breakfast, you'll pack and check out. If you're flying out, you'll depart the lodge by 10 or 11 a.m. Drive time to the airport is about 5 hours. You'll arrive in Johannesburg by late afternoon, or you can stay another night if you prefer.
Some travelers extend their trip by visiting other Zimbabwe attractions like Chinhoyi Caves or Mutarazi Falls before flying home.
A 5-day Hwange safari in 2027 costs between $2,299 and $2,590 per person for mid-range packages [4][6]. Premium lodges run $3,900 or higher. Budget packages start around $1,200 per person but offer basic amenities. Costs include accommodation, meals, game drives, and park entry fees [1].
Most 5-day packages include all accommodation and meals. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided at your lodge. Beverages during game drives (water, juice) are included. Professional guides and vehicle use are covered. Park entry fees ($20 per day) are usually included in the quoted price.
Some packages add extras like spa treatments, bush dinners, or wine tastings. These premium options cost $300 to $500 more. Check the fine print to see what's covered before booking.
Budget lodges ($1,200–$1,500) offer basic rooms with shared or private bathrooms. Meals are simple but filling. Guides are experienced, and game drives follow standard routes. This option works for travelers who prioritize wildlife over comfort.
Mid-range lodges ($2,299–$2,590) provide comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and good amenities. Meals are quality and varied. Lodges have pools, viewing decks, and good service. This is the most popular choice for first-time safari visitors [4][6].
Luxury lodges ($3,900+) feature spacious suites with premium furnishings and views. Meals include fine dining and wine pairings. Lodges offer spa services, private guides, and exclusive experiences. This option suits travelers seeking ultimate comfort and personalized service.
Book 3 to 6 months ahead to save 15–20% on peak season rates. June to August are peak months with higher prices. September and October are slightly cheaper but still offer excellent wildlife viewing. Traveling in May or November can save up to 30% on package costs.
Group bookings often receive discounts. If you travel with friends or family, ask about group rates when requesting quotes. Some operators offer 10–15% discounts for groups of four or more people.
Package deals that combine multiple destinations cost less per day than single-park safaris. For example, adding Matusadona National Park to your itinerary might lower the daily rate.
Compare verified safari packages on SafariFind to find the best value. You can filter by price, destination, and lodge type. Read authentic reviews from past travelers to ensure quality before booking.
The best time to visit Hwange National Park is June to October. During these months, animals concentrate at waterholes due to dry conditions, making wildlife viewing more reliable [3]. Temperatures are cool and pleasant. Rainfall is minimal, so roads are easy to navigate.
June through August is peak season for Hwange safaris. The dry season is in full effect, and animals gather in large numbers at remaining waterholes. You'll see massive elephant herds, buffalo congregations, and active predators. Temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), making early morning and evening drives comfortable.
Peak season means higher prices and more crowded lodges. Book 4 to 6 months ahead to secure your preferred dates and lodge. Wildlife viewing is almost guaranteed, so many travelers consider peak season worth the extra cost.
September and October offer excellent wildlife viewing at slightly lower prices. Animals still gather at waterholes, but crowds thin out. Temperatures rise (22°C to 28°C / 72°F to 82°F), but early morning and late afternoon drives remain pleasant.
Vegetation starts to green up in October as rains approach. This fresh growth attracts animals and creates beautiful photographic backdrops. Birdwatching is exceptional as migratory species arrive. September and October are ideal for budget-conscious travelers who don't mind warmer days.
November through May is the wet season. Rainfall is frequent, and animals spread across the park instead of concentrating at waterholes. Wildlife viewing becomes less predictable. However, vegetation is lush, birdwatching is incredible, and prices drop 30–50%.
Roads can become muddy and difficult to navigate. Some lodges close during January and February due to heavy rains. Temperatures are hot (25°C to 35°C / 77°F to 95°F). Only experienced safari travelers typically visit during wet season.
Learn more about Hwange's best time to visit and 2027 safari costs for detailed seasonal information.
Booking a 5-day Hwange safari is straightforward. You can book directly with tour operators or use SafariFind to compare packages from verified companies. Most bookings happen 3 to 6 months before your travel dates.
Decide when you want to travel and how much you can spend. Peak season (June–August) costs $2,299–$2,590 per person for mid-range packages. Shoulder season (September–October) costs 10–15% less. Off-season packages can save 30–50%, but wildlife viewing is less reliable.
Check your calendar for available vacation time. Most packages run Wednesday to Sunday or Saturday to Wednesday, though custom dates are available. Factor in flight time from your home country.
SafariFind lists verified tour operators with authentic reviews. Search for "5-day Hwange safari" to see available packages. Filter by price, lodge type, and departure date. Read reviews from past travelers to learn about real experiences.
Look for operators with high ratings (4.5 stars or higher) and multiple reviews. This shows they deliver consistent quality. Check what's included in each package—meals, park fees, guides, activities.
Most operators offer quote requests through SafariFind. Provide your preferred dates, lodge category, and group size. Operators will respond within 24–48 hours with detailed pricing and itineraries.
Compare quotes side by side. Look at what's included, accommodation quality, guide experience, and cancellation policies. Don't just choose the cheapest option—balance price with value.
Once you select an operator, they'll send a booking confirmation and payment details. Typically, you'll pay a 25–50% deposit to secure your dates. The remaining balance is due 30 to 60 days before travel.
Ask about cancellation policies. Most operators offer free cancellation up to 30 days before departure. After that, you may lose your deposit or face penalties.
Check visa requirements for Zimbabwe. Most visitors need a valid passport and visa. Your operator can advise on visa applications and processing times.
Book flights separately unless your package includes them. Arrange travel insurance to cover trip cancellations and medical emergencies. Pack safari gear: binoculars, sun protection, neutral-colored clothing, and a good camera.
You'll see elephants, lions, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, impala, and warthog on most days. Hwange is known for large elephant herds—over 100 herds live in the park. African wild dogs, leopards, and hyenas are less common but possible. Over 400 bird species live there, so birdwatchers see kingfishers, eagles, and many others. Your guide's experience and luck with animal movements affect specific sightings.
Yes, malaria is present in Hwange, especially during wet season (November–May). Talk to your doctor about antimalarial medication before your trip. Most travelers take prophylaxis tablets starting one week before arrival and continuing for four weeks after. Bring mosquito repellent, wear long sleeves at dusk, and sleep under nets. Your lodge provides mosquito nets and screens to reduce risk.
Most packages welcome children ages 8 and older. Young kids can handle three full days of game drives without getting too restless. Lodges provide family rooms and kid-friendly meals. Some operators offer discounts for children or special activities like junior guide programs. Contact operators directly to discuss your child's age and interests before booking.
Pack neutral-colored clothing (khaki, brown, green) that blends with the landscape. Bring layers for cool mornings and warm afternoons. Include a sun hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Pack a good camera with extra batteries and memory cards. Bring binoculars for wildlife spotting. Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Don't forget medications, toiletries, and a light rain jacket for unexpected showers.
Absolutely. Many travelers combine Hwange with Matusadona National Park, Chinhoyi Caves, or Victoria Falls. Adding another destination typically costs $300–$500 per day but gives you a more complete Zimbabwe experience. Ask your operator about multi-destination packages when requesting quotes.
Visit SafariFind and search for "5-day Hwange safari" or browse the Hwange National Park section. Filter packages by price, lodge type, and dates. Click on packages to read details and reviews from past travelers. Use the "Request Quote" button to contact operators directly. Compare multiple quotes before booking. SafariFind's verified operators have authentic reviews, making it easy to choose a trusted company for your 2027 safari adventure.
A 5-day Hwange safari is an incredible way to experience African wildlife in 2027. You'll see massive elephant herds, hunt with lions, and watch buffalo congregations at waterholes. The park offers world-class wildlife viewing at affordable prices compared to other African destinations. Mid-range packages cost $2,299–$2,590 per person and include accommodation, meals, and expert guides.
Timing matters for your experience. Visit June to October when animals concentrate at waterholes and wildlife viewing is most reliable. Book 3 to 6 months ahead to secure your preferred lodge and save money on peak season rates. The 5-day format balances safari time with rest, making it perfect for first-time visitors and families.
SafariFind makes booking easy. Browse verified operators, read authentic reviews from past travelers, and compare packages side by side. Request quotes from multiple companies to find the best value. Whether you choose a budget lodge or a luxury retreat, you'll have an unforgettable safari experience.
Start planning your 2027 Hwange safari today. Compare verified safari packages on SafariFind to find the perfect itinerary and lodge for your adventure. Request quotes from trusted operators, read reviews from real travelers, and book with confidence. Your African wildlife adventure awaits.
These recommendations use real data from SafariFind, where you can compare operators, browse packages, and read verified traveler reviews before you book.
Victoria Falls Serious Fun Travel - Zimbabwe • Verified operator
CUSTOMISE TRAVEL & TOURS - Zimbabwe • Verified operator
5-Day The Luxury + Victoria Falls Hotel and The Top Class Ivory Lodge Hwange National Park Experience • $6,500 • 5 days • by Africa Beast Safaris

by Africa Beast Safaris • 5 Days
5★ - "Booking the safari at Miombo Safari Camp with Cultural Vibes Travel & Tours was easy and they answer all our questions thoroughly and in a timely fashion. We communicated through email, payment was easy too through email" - Joann Fuentes • Verified review
"Booking the safari at Miombo Safari Camp with Cultural Vibes Travel & Tours was easy and they answer all our questions thoroughly and in a timely fashion. We communicated through email, payment was easy too through email. There was no availability for the Hwange safari camp on the dates we requested but Mr. Tongesai managed to find us another safari camp, Miombo, which was a delightful place whilst honoring the rates offered at their website. Mr. Tongesai made sure we were picked up and driven to the camp, accompanying us on the 2-hour trip and later receiving us back at our hotel. Miombo's accommodations, the tent, was like camping with glamour. It was spacious with 2 comfortable single beds and charming decoration. The ensuite bathroom felt like we were in the woods but protected and with the comforts of a good hotel. The hot water in the shower was not working but Mr. Bernard, Miombo's host, made sure it was fixed by the time we came back from the afternoon game drive. The tent was right in front of a water hole, which depending on the season, would have received the visit of elephants. We didn't see any animals there but one night a leopard came to our camp. Unfortunately, we didn't see it as we slept safely under the watch of night guards. They also made sure we were escorted back and forth during the night between our tent and the common area. Mr. Bernard served delicious meals in the beautiful open common area viewing the forest and sometimes with a visit of monkeys. The dessert was always delicious! At night we had a bonfire to huddle to, and one of the nights we were treated with local barbecue and a dance. Everything was a delight. The game drivers are also a delight with their stories, knowledge and funny jokes, Nigel and Mr. B are amazing hosts, making sure everyone is comfortable and going out there to find the great animals and birds for us. The game drives in Hwange were amazing! We saw elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeasts, buffalos, impalas, koudos, warthogs, crocodiles, hippos, amazing birds! We missed the lions and leopards by minutes but it was okay. Makes us want to come back again. The sunset drive was also a delight with Nigel, including a stop for a snack. Our driver back to the hotel was also a great delight with his incredible stories and knowledge. I learned so much about the animals in these 3 days. The tour has lived up to our expectations and more! Mr. Tongesai also took care of our requests for a Sunset Cruise and an Elephant Ride as soon as we reached the hotel. Less than half an hour, Mr. Tongesai arranged us to be picked up to go to a Sunset Cruise on the evening we arrived from the safari. The cruise was a delight, the sunset on the Zambezi river was amazing and the service on board was great, great food and beverages, Zambezi beer of course! The Elephant Ride arranged by Mr. Tongesai was also an amazing adventure I will never ever forget. Riding my elephant Detema with the driver Tunzi was amazing, against the sunrise backdrop, amazing colours in the sky. The lady that accompanied us taking pictures, she did such a great jobs, I love my pictures on the elephant! The feeding and petting the elephants after the ride was another amazing experience! These elephants are such a delight, sucking fiercely the food in our hands! I simply loved it! Then they served us a delicious breakfast while watching our beautiful pictures on the elephant. I learned so much about elephants with my driver. Everything in this place, this tour, the people and the animals, is amazing, unbelievable, unforgettable! I love Vic Falls, Hwange, Zimbabwe! I hope to come back and I will definitely tell all my friends that they have to have this experience in their bucket list. And it is easy, just reach out to Mr. Tongesai and Cultural Vibes, they will take great good care of you! You will love them! We thank Mr. Tongesai and everyone at Cultural Vibes, Miombo Safari Camp, Sunset Cruise, Elephant Ride, who made us have the time of our life!"
5★ - "Cultural Vibes Travel and Tours has proved to be excellent yet again as this is now the third time, we have used them and a much-needed break after almost 3 years with the Covid pandemic. Tongesai is extremely reliable, " - Charles Kinnaird • Verified review
"Cultural Vibes Travel and Tours has proved to be excellent yet again as this is now the third time, we have used them and a much-needed break after almost 3 years with the Covid pandemic. Tongesai is extremely reliable, professional, knowledgeable and does everything to make your trip a memorable experience. Compared to local larger companies, Tongesai’s individual package rates are more reasonable and come with a customized touch. We felt that our holiday with Tongesai was much better and suited us more so than if we had booked through a larger company. His individual tailoring, personal involvement and attention to detail pays off in the smooth running of your trip. Our visits to the Victoria Falls, both sides from Zimbabwe and Zambia were magnificent and never cease to amaze us. On this trip Tongesai arranged for a private sunset cruise on the Zambezi just for our family of four instead of on the larger vessels, which was a very pleasant alternative. The boat trip in Chobe is magical and a must if you venture into Botswana. Wildlife was in abundance, including lion, elephant, wildebeest, buffalo, puku, kudu, bushbuck, waterbuck, impala, gemsbok, steenbok, sable and roan antelope, etc. We even saw a relative of Cecil, the famous black-maned lion, ‘once a true king of Hwange National Park’. I have no hesitation in recommending the company for arranging tours in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana - we will definitely be seeing him again. He is currently setting up arrangements with colleagues in Kruger National Park to venture into South Africa and I wish him every success with that."
4★ - "On 10.9. until 1.10. In 2023, I went on a trip to Botswana, Zimbabwe and a short visit to Zambia with my clients - friends. I carefully prepared the trip in cooperation with the manager of Cultural Vibes Travel & Tours, " - Viktor Chrást • Verified review
"On 10.9. until 1.10. In 2023, I went on a trip to Botswana, Zimbabwe and a short visit to Zambia with my clients - friends. I carefully prepared the trip in cooperation with the manager of Cultural Vibes Travel & Tours, Mr. Tongesai Mutematsaka. After arriving in Gaborone we organized a short tour of the city ourselves and met Tongesai in Maun. Tongesai was our driver and guide practically the whole way. We visited the Okavango River Delta and its surroundings (Moremi Reserve, Mokoro boat cruise, flight over the Okavango Delta. This was followed by a visit to the Makgadikgadi Salt Flats, then the Elephant Sands area and in Botswana Chobe National Park with a cruise on the Chobe River. Then we crossed to Zimbabwe, which was the main part of our journey. In the Victoria Falls area, we visited the Monde settlement, took a helicopter flight over Victoria Falls, followed by a cruise on the Zambezi River as part of a visit to the national park of the same name. We also walked past Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwean side and had a Boma dinner in the evening (too much of a "tourist thing"). On the Zambian side of the falls we saw white rhinos in Mosi - oa - Tunya National Park, then visited the museum in Livingstone and walked the Zambian side of the falls. From Victoria Falls, we headed to Hwange National Park, where we had a beautiful program - a safari, and after Hwange, there was also a very interesting program in Matobo National Park (there, among other things, white rhinos (a mother with her little daughter), beautiful rock formations and prehistoric cave drawings. The next place visited was Khami with very interesting buildings, and then we visited the ruins of Great Zimbabwe, which are among the most important world monuments. This was followed by a visit to the Chinhoya Karst and finally the gallery in Harare. I would also like to comment on the provision of services: Accommodation in the hotels was at the standard, expected level, only the service at the Great Zimbabwe Hotel was rather lazy. Accommodation in lodges - very good and the best accommodation was in Iganyana tented camp in Hwange National Park, mainly due to the extraordinary professionalism and very friendly attitude of the staff there towards us, the visitors. I must also highly praise all the local guides we met everywhere, e.g. in Chobe, Hwange and Matobo National Parks. I want to emphasize that this journey is one of the most interesting that I have made around the world. I believe that my clients - friends were also satisfied with the set. Thanks to the travel agency Cultural Vibes Travel & Tours and Mr. Tongesai Mutematsaka. I recommend Cultural Vibes Travel & Tours to anyone considering a trip to Zimbabwe."
5★ - "My travel companions and I chose the 4 day experience. Technically it is really a 3 day experience, because the last day they provide airport transportation. I feel they go above and beyond in making sure they are provid" - Karan thomas • Verified review
"My travel companions and I chose the 4 day experience. Technically it is really a 3 day experience, because the last day they provide airport transportation. I feel they go above and beyond in making sure they are providing their customers with a safe, exciting and exceptional experience. Gari was our driver/guide in Zimbabwe, and was friendly, helpful, and courteous. Gari either made sure we were where we needed to be or provided his own guide trip to the Victoria Falls. He even provided the rain gear, which is most necessary. Gari and his "boss" Mr T. went above and beyond when Delta postponed our flight by a day, by helping to make sure that the connecting airline would change our reservation. They then made sure we got to the airport on time, a day later. They are always willing to provide any additional things that you would like to see and do. If you looking for a guided tour company, this is the one to use, and one that I would have no hesitation in using again."
5★ - "First, Tongesai Mtematsaka was excellent with communications and service. We couldn’t have asked for better. My questions via email were promptly answered. His English was excellent, and better. He was always on time in " - George Wagner • Verified review
"First, Tongesai Mtematsaka was excellent with communications and service. We couldn’t have asked for better. My questions via email were promptly answered. His English was excellent, and better. He was always on time in meeting us, coming and going. Our two hour trips from VIc Falls to the sable sands lodge, and then from the lodge to the Vic Falls airport were a highlight to our entire Africa trip. My wife and I will be discussing various aspects from the discussions with Tongesai for some time to come. By patiently answering my many questions he educated my wife and I about Zimbabwe and the region - culture, practices and assets of the people, typical family life, economy, weather, etc., and possibilities and trends into the future - all believable and detailed. The staff and facilities at the sable sands lodge were all excellent, beginning with Michelle’s clear instructions and cautions. She was a delight. We were asked if we wanted to take a charming hut as close as we could get to the marvelous watering hole there and got it. Incredibly we were greeted by a dust-cloud from a herd of maybe 100 Cape buffalo running to the water - unbelievable! The meals prepared by So and Derik were really good, throughout. MC, our drive guide was excellent and very accommodating to all the guests in the comfortable and safe-feeling, open 4x4. We met some nice co-guests. We saw so many animals on our safari that I will not attempt to recall here. I would just say that the many watering holes in the Hwange park were impressive, As an environmentalist myself I was very impressed with the solar powered system for exploiting the aquifers, and the foresight of the authorities in developing and maintains these. I know the history going back to the 1920’s, but if there wasn’t maintainence and upgrade the animals could not continue, especially with drought effects of climate change. Finally, I must comment on the fact that our first night in our hut was spent listening to the rumblings of the elephant just outside out hut. In the morning the tracks outside our hut showed how close our visitor was. We knew then that Michelle’s cautions were serious. But then more, the second night we had a lioness spend the night outside our hut, perhaps roaring a mating call. At first light MC came by with the truck and asked if we wanted to see the lion. I shot out with my camera. What an experience!! We hope our parting tip to the group of 16 people providing excellent service was meaningful. I will certainly recommend this trip to anyone who will hear me. What a privilege!!!"