Somalisa Camp

The camp has seven tented suites, each with a wood-burning fireplace, copper slipper bath, indoor and outdoor showers and a private deck. The shared area has a pool, bar, firepit and communal dining table. The camp runs fully on solar power and recycles about 80% of its water. It is about a 45-minute flight from Victoria Falls to Manga airstrip, then a 30-minute game drive.

Days are built around game drives and walking safaris, with birding and cultural visits on request. The Elephant Pool is the highlight: a small waterhole beside the main area where elephants come to drink at close range. You can also book a night at the Somalisa Sleep-Out, a treehouse overlooking a waterhole about 25 minutes away. Three nights is a good stay.

Somalisa suits couples and adults who want close elephant encounters and enjoy communal dining. Guests must be 12 or older, so families with younger children should look at Somalisa Acacia nearby. Hwange is drier and less varied in scenery than Mana Pools, so it works best combined with a river or lake stop. Mornings on open vehicles are cold in the dry season.