Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Somalisa Camp
Elephant waterhole camp
Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Renovated
2016
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Local Luxe DesignOutside the door
The house
African Bush CampsElephant waterhole camp
Life revolves around the waterhole out front, where wild elephant herds drink directly beside the raised wooden deck.
What it’s good at
Exceptional
Native Zimbabwean guides lead walking safaris and wildlife tracking across the Hwange bushveld.
What they say
UK Gold List
Condé Nast Traveler
2026
Also in AFAR.
The seven tented guest rooms… feature the kind of modern, tasteful safari aesthetic for which African Bush Camps has become known.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
The Kennedy Vlei floodplain surrounds the camp, drawing large herds of elephants and buffalo across Hwange National Park.
The rooms
Canvas suites are furnished with four-poster beds and vintage trunks, and outdoor showers look straight onto the bush.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
A plunge pool sits on the raised timber deck, directly above the watering hole where elephants drink.
At the table
Guests gather at a long communal table under canvas, or share lantern-lit dinners beside the open boma fire.
A stay at Somalisa Camp, situated in Zimbabwe’s massive 5,650-square-mile Hwange National Park—the country’s largest national park—is synonymous with up-close sightings of elephants.
How it began
Founder Beks Ndlovu opened the camp in 2006, outfitting the original tents with furniture from his own family home.
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.