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Somalisa Acacia

Our rating

8/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Small, friendly camp
- Excellent wildlife viewing
- Game drives and guided walks

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Overview

Somalisa Acacia is an intimate, traditional tented camp situated in a private concession on the eastern side of Hwange National Park, in northwest Zimbabwe. Hwange is the largest national park in Zimbabwe, covering 14,600 km2 of contrasting topography including forest, semi-desert scrubland, and mopane woodland. This diverse terrain supports a variety of bird and wildlife, notably large numbers of elephant plus buffalo, lion, rhino, giraffe, zebra, and leopard.

Accessed via self-drive or by air into nearby Manga airstrip, the camp has recently undergone complete refurbishment. Built on raised decking, the main area is a wood and canvas construction, with views over a nearby watering hole popular with wildlife. There is a comfortable lounge furnished in a rustic style, and a dining area with communal tables. Outside is a pleasant plunge pool with loungers, and a boma with a fire pit. There is also a small drinking pool, often visited by elephants.

Activities include day and night game drives with the camp’s knowledgeable guides, plus guided walks, wildlife viewing from hides, bird watching, and cultural visits. Activities take place both within the private concession and further afield within the National Park. Guests use shared vehicles for activities, although private vehicles can be hired, subject to additional cost.

Guest accommodation comprises two tents, each sleeping two, plus two family units each sleeping four. Built on raised decking, each unit is comfortably equipped with double or twin beds with mosquito nets, bedside tables with reading lamps, and clothes storage. All tents have a ceiling fan, and a wood-burner for cold nights. An ensuite bathroom contains twin basins, flush toilet, a freestanding bathtub, and both indoor and outdoor showers. Outside is a private veranda with seating and tranquil views of the bushland.

Children are very welcome at Somalisa Acacia, and there are discounts for under 12s. Babysitting services are available upon request. Two self-contained family units each accommodate four guests in two ensuite bedrooms with double or twin beds, connected by an enclosed walkway. Note that there is a minimum age restriction of 16 years for walking safaris, with guided nature walks around camp offered as an alternative. As the camp is not fenced, parents are reminded that supervision of children is required at all times.

The camp is available for hire on an exclusive basis, subject to a minimum of ten guests, making it a good option for larger groups.

Somalisa Acacia provides a traditional and intimate safari camp experience in a peaceful, comfortable setting, in the heart of Zimbabwe’s bushland.

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What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 534 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.

    Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.

    El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.

    Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.

    So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last

    MissingJuhae C reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek on 01 March 2024

  • Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”

    MissingLars B reviewing Best of South Africa for Families on 01 March 2024

  • We had the most amazing time. It exceeded all my hopes of what the trip would be. The guides, the hotels - everything was of such a wonderful quality. Thank you for organizing everything. I will absolutely recommend Tourdust and use you again.

    MissingClaudia L reviewing Luxury Desert Holiday on 11 January 2024

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