The Hide Safari Lodge (Hwange)

The Hide Safari Lodge is on the eastern boundary of the famous Hwange National Park. It is consistently voted as one of the “Best Tented Safari Camps in Zimbabwe”. You know your safari is going to be exceptional at this luxury camp.

Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe‘s largest park; both in size – just over 14 600 square kilometers; and in the variety of animals found here; with over 100 mammal and 400 x bird species. In particular, Hwange is known for its huge herds of elephants. And also one of the largest populations of African wild dogs in the world. Large prides of lions and herds of buffalo are frequently seen here. You have a good chance of spotting leopards; in addition to cheetahs and spotted hyenas. The wild and woolly brown hyena also occurs here and is something of a rarity. The park is between Bulawayo and Victoria Falls. About a 2-hour drive from Victoria Falls.

A significant feature of Hwange is the absence of permanent surface water. Animals rely heavily on a series of waterholes; many of which dry up completely during drought years. The Friends of Hwange now maintain a number of these waterholes; throughout the year; thereby ensuring the livelihoods of thousands of animals, and excellent game viewing as wildlife congregates at these points.

There is never a dull moment at The Hide Safari Lodge; whether on a drive to one of Hwange’s game-rich water pans, on foot within the private concession; or sleeping out under the stars in the ‘treehouse’ sleep-out in Dove’s Nest. In fact; the waterhole just meters from The Hide attracts such a variety of life; that you may not need to roam far from your verandah to be a part of the action.

The Hide Safari Lodge Accommodation

The Hide offers a variety of accommodations to suit all types of guests visiting Hwange, seamlessly blending nature and luxury. There is accommodation to suit everyone, from families or small groups to honeymooners; and even a private family home.

The Hide Main Lodge Info and Rates

The Main Lodge at The Hide sleeps up to 20 guests in ten comfortable and spacious luxury tents. The tents have a myriad of different configurations with indoor and/or outdoor bathtubs and showers. All the tents are mosquito-proofed and fan-cooled for your comfort in summer. For the cool winter months, there are extra warm blankets and hot water bottles. Each has a private veranda; where guests may watch the comings and goings of a large variety of wildlife at the waterhole.

The Hide accepts children from 10 years old.
Children between 10 – 12 yrs pay 50% of the adult rate; when sharing with parents and 75% of the adult rate when in their own room.

Single supplement: In High Season a 25% single supplement applies, Low & Mid Season allows for 1 x free single. Thereafter, a 25% single supplement will apply.

The Hide Exclusive-Use Accommodation Info and Rates ↓

Tom’s Little Hide

On the right of the above image, you will see Tom’s Little Hide. A beautifully authentic ‘safari house’. This is the ultimate family getaway and children of all ages are welcome here. It’s perfect for families gathering and sharing the life-changing experience of being on safari together.

Tom’s Little Hide is delightful. It reflects a contemporary African style with distinctive surprising little touches. There are 3 x large adjacent rooms. All with en suite bathrooms. Each room looks out over the waterhole; which is a constant scene of activity. Your veranda is as good as any safari vehicle. The bedrooms are each individually decorated and furnished with solid Zimbabwean teak.

Rooms 1 and 2, are both double en suite bedrooms that form the main part of Tom’s Little Hide. These 2 rooms can also accommodate one child in each. On a roomy day bed. Room 3 is more of a family tent with an outside bathroom and an inter-leading children’s room; which can accommodate two children.

Altogether up to 10 guests (6 x adults and 4 x children) can stay at Tom’s Little Hide. Should you wish to add Tent 10 to Tom’s Little Hide can sleep another two adults.

The bedrooms are linked by a dining room and outside veranda. A private sparkling splash pool completes this exclusive retreat.

As Tom’s is booked out exclusively with meals and activities enjoyed privately; it comes with its own private guide and vehicle. Therefore; the days stretch out before you. Yours to do as you wish in your own time. Choose to explore the park all day, right to the farthest reaches. Or enjoy a lazy morning by the private splash pool before the rigors of another afternoon in paradise.

Toms Little Hide Rates (per person per night in USD)*	First 4 adults	Adults (thereafter)	Children
Green Season (1st November 2023 to 31st March 2024)	490	435	220
Mid Season (1st April until 30th June 2024)	580	525	260
High Season (1st July to 31st October 2024)	795	745	370

*A minimum of 4 people per booking

All ages are welcome. Children under 5 are free of charge.
Single supplements are not applicable.

The Private Hide

As open as the vast expanse in which it is set; the Private Hide is where time stands still and ‘safari’ happens. Everywhere you look! With 360-degree views and the waterhole nearby; The Private Hide provides a spectacular space away from it all. Here you can quietly watch the animals and birds, dine exclusively, celebrate a special occasion, relax with cocktails. Or sit around the glowing fire pit bonding with family or friends; the possibilities are as endless as the vista.

When using The Private Hide, guests stay in The Hide’s tents 7, 6, and / or 5; depending on the numbers. See camp layout above on the left. Tents 7 and 6 are large deluxe or family tents. Which can accommodate two adults and two children in full-size beds. Each room has its own en suite bathroom. With an indoor bath, inside and outdoor shower, and hot water all day. All rooms have fans for comfort during the warmer months and are mosquito-proofed. The Private Hide is booked on an exclusive-use basis so also comes with a private guide and vehicle plus has a private plunge pool.

Private Hide Rates (per person per night in USD)*	First 2 adults	Adults (thereafter)	Children
Green Season (1st November 2023 to 31st March 2024)	570	435	220
Mid Season (1st April until 30th June 2024)	660	525	260
High Season (1st July to 31st October 2024)	880	745	370

*A minimum of 2 people per booking

All ages are welcome. Children under 5 are free of charge (see special below).
Single supplements are not applicable.

The Dove’s Nest – Incredible Complimentary Sleep Out

The Doves Nest provides you with a romantic African fairy tale setting; where you can sleep out in the vast openness of the wild. While immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of the bush that surrounds you. There is something quite special about the wide expanse of the African sky. With just the stars, moon, and occasional call from the wild to keep you company; you are in for a treat for your sleep out at The Hide. This is ideal for honeymooners who want privacy and seclusion; away from any other guests.

The Hide’s secret getaway, The Dove’s Nest. Just 10 minutes away from the main lodge; it provides the perfect elevated space from which to survey your very own private kingdom. Overlooking the open tree-lined vlei and pan this platform offers the perfect vantage point to view the wildlife. Where you can observe giraffes and elephants come down to drink.

After enjoying dinner at The Hide, a guide will take you on a night drive to The Dove’s Nest. On arrival, you will be given a safety briefing, and supplied with a radio; for your peace of mind. Thereafter; you are free to enjoy your beautiful private retreat for the night.

The Dove’s Nest accommodates two people in a spacious and comfortable bedroom. It is reached by a wooden stairway and has a closable door. All are protected by large canvas gauze windows. Your guide will arrive in the early morning and drive you back to camp for breakfast; where you can share stories about your adventurous night in the bush.

Skip to The Hide Safari Lodge Specials and Packages

Activities at The Hide

A typical day at The Hide Safari Camp

Early morning

Your day begins with the delivery of your choice of tea, coffee, or fruit juice to your door. Once you are ready; you can join the rest of the guests from 5.30 am in the dining room. For an early morning continental breakfast before setting out on your chosen activity. Activity options are game drives and game walks offered together or separately. Either on the private concession or in the National Park. Refreshments are always served at each activity.

Game walks with Professional Guides are either on the Concession or in the Park. They are an excellent opportunity to learn about the bush and its flora and fauna in general. A large variety of animals can be encountered on these walks. The Professional Guides are trained to an extremely high standard. Regardless of the amount of wildlife seen, these walks are made into a memorable and informative occasions. Walks here are always exciting!

Late Morning to Early Afternoon

Once you return from your morning activity, enjoy a delightful lunch. After lunch, enjoy a well-deserved afternoon siesta in the comfort of your tent. Or simply spend some time relaxing in the lounge, or upstairs on the viewing deck. This overlooks the waterhole so you can observe the wildlife coming down to drink.

For the more active and enthusiastic; the comfortable underground game-viewing hides are a great way to pass the time. These are located at the edge of the camp’s waterhole. This ensures a photographer’s paradise. The newest underground hide extends from camp to the edge of the waterhole. It is accessed through an underground tunnel. It seats up to 8 guests and is safe to use at any time of the day or night. Making it extremely popular; as the wildlife can be viewed at a very close range.

Late Afternoon

Guests re-group again at about 3.30 pm for afternoon tea. Thereafter; you can enjoy the afternoon game drive or safari walks can also be arranged. Else just relax on your veranda and watch the wildlife come down to the waterhole for their evening drink. Most afternoon activities will end with sundowners on the concession. These activities all end at approximately 7 pm. Thereafter; it’s time for hot showers before evening drinks and snacks around a campfire in winter. Or, in the open under a canopy of stars in summer. At this time wildlife can frequently be seen at the waterhole, which is illuminated by powerful arc lights.

Dinner is at about 8 pm. After dinner, guests have the opportunity of going on a night drive lasting 30 minutes to an hour. Where spotlights are used to show up the nocturnal animals. This includes bat-eared foxes as well as lions, leopards, and hyenas. This can be a most interesting and exciting drive. On occasions, up to 15 species have been spotted.

Although the luxuries of your tent may keep you there; if you are up for an exhilarating and unforgettable experience we recommend spending the night in The Dove’s Nest. Where you can truly experience real Africa under the stars in a safe tree house; just the two of you.

By 10 pm, after a very full day; most people are more than ready for a restful night’s sleep.

Getting to The Hide Safari Lodge

By Road

Most guests fly into Victoria Falls Airport and then it is a two-hour road transfer to Hwange Main Camp. From there The Hide is a little over an hour’s drive through the National Park. This is in a Hide open safari vehicle and offers game viewing opportunities.

By Air

A 35-minute light aircraft flight between Victoria Falls Airport and Umsthibi Airfield or Hwange National Park. The Hide is just 40 minutes from Umtshibi Airfield. Or a 1½ hour drive from Hwange Main Airport through the National Park. This transfer is in a Hide open safari vehicle and offers game viewing opportunities.

Self-Drive

Guests can also opt to self-drive into Camp in their own 4WD vehicles. Directions are available on request.

Co-ordinates: 18°52’ 21.62” S | 27°09’ 34.74” E

Rates Include:

Accommodation, all meals, snacks, and all beverages including local drinks and house wine; plus teas & coffees, laundry, Wi-Fi, up to 4 x activities a day, 14.5 % VAT, and 2% Government Tourism Levy are also included.

Rates Exclude:

National parks fees, Conservation fees, and transfers to camp. Most transfers from Victoria Falls will take guests to Hwange Main Camp, Umtshibi Airstrip, or Hwange Main Airport; however, if you stay 3 nights or more; we will give these to you complimentary.

The Hide Safari Lodge Accommodation Special Offers

Kids under 10 stay for free!

For all families staying at Toms Little Hide & The Private Hide; children under the age of 10 will stay for free.
Valid until 31st October 2024.
Please do keep in mind; that Tom’s is booked with a minimum of 4 x adults. While The Private Hide is booked with a minimum of 2 x adults. The kid’s special will only apply after these requirements.

Stay 6 Pay 5 combo with Changa Safari Lodge

Spend 6 nights on safari with 3 nights at both of these beautiful camps (Changa Safari Camp at Lake Kariba & The Hide in Hwange National Park) and you will receive one for free. More information on this Hwange and Kariba package.
Valid until 31st October 2024.

Hwange National Park Accommodation ↓

Watch this space – More Hwange Accommodation to follow soon!

The Hide Safari Lodge (Hwange)

Posted: June 5, 2022

The Hide Safari Lodge in Hwange National Park is consistently voted as one of the Best Tented Safari Camps in Zimbabwe. Great variety of accommodation