Hwange seems to offer great wildlife viewing, with relatively few other people around. But I get the feeling that you either have to stay in self-catering camps or at luxury camps. Does anyone have any recommendations for something in between? Comfortable, not luxury, but in a good area for game viewing.

There's really nothing in between in Hwange. There's Somalisa, the Hide, Makalolo/Little Makalolo, Linkwasha and Little Linkwasha or the self-catering camp at the entrance to the park. The Hide is probably the least expensive option, though it's right near the train tracks and their safari vehicles were quite large and full. I'd highly recommend Somalisa- beautiful camp setting, large tents, great food, small safari vehicles, very nice owners and a great staff. It's my favorite camp. I think atravelynn has stayed at makalolo, so you might search for her comments.

I stayed at Makalolo, the people there are great, warm and friendly. It was a great experience.

Michael Moss

Dennis, have the prices in Hwange been downward adusted to take into account the declining appeal of Zimbabwe -- I wound not guess that all of the luxury lodges are operating at 100% capacity, and maybe they have reduced their rates to attract guests. From what I've read, though, the game viewing is superb.

Michael~as far as I know, the prices for Somalisa/Makalolo are around $360 pppn and the Hide is around $300. Compared to the prices in other prime game areas, that is dirt cheap! The variety of game is outstanding, though we didn't see many cats other than the 7 lions that walked through camp one night an hung around the next morning.

Thanks, Dennis. So even the best places, which would be twice the price in Botswana, may be "something in between", as requested in the OP.

you're right Michael. An incredible location for half the price.

Do the 2nd part of Leon Varley's walking safari. The tents are comfortable and camp staff do all the chores.

Initally you will be in the south of Hwange (no walking allowed) so a good chance for pics as you do game drives.

Once in the north you can track rhino in the IPZ and still a good chance for pics.

Go to the Hide and Somallisa, they are both great.! Avoid Wilderness at all costs!

sniktawk,

Why do you say avoid Wilderness?!

Because I prefer to support independants, who are not trying to take over the world of safari!

I completely disagree about avoiding Wilderness...they offer great camps, small numbers and always have great guides in great locations. I have been a regular visitor to Africa since 1984, and I take Wilderness camps whenever I can...Mombo, Makalolo, Chitabe, Savute..to name a few....I think Makalolo is great. I was traveling alone in Hwange last August, and the wildlife is great and very few visitors. I would stay with a good camp, as gas and supplies are sometimes hard to come by. Try and visit the Painted Dog Project on the main road into the main gate..Peter and Greg have been there for many years working hard to save the wild dogs, and the numbers are rising in this area....

Speaking of WS - who are the main share holders of this company? Last year founder & CEO Colin Bell "retired" from WS when the company decided to pull out of South Africa - looks like there are some very influential people in the background. Anybody who knows more about this?

Kata-agree with visiting the Painted Dog Project in Hwange. Very interesting and worthwhile project and if you don't see wild dogs in the wild (we saw some about 1/2 mile from the PDP) you can see some here.

I would thoroughly recommend Somalisa, we had a fabulous time there in April. I would also avoid Wilderness because the independents are more personal and look after their local employees. The whole atmosphere in camp is different and in need of being supported and preserved.

Nice to have some support for my views on Wilderness.

What about Bumi Hills Safari Lodge and Tiger Bay near Matusadona. They had a package at about $200pp for 8 days including flights from Joburg. Not many people there and should still be good game viewing.Game viewing, bush walks, house boat, fishing, even rhino to track.

Bumi Hills, Fothergill, Katete and Kiplings have all disappeared from the Zimsun website (www.zimsun.co.zw), so I doubt that they are still open.

Nope. Bumi Hills was renovated and open for business, along with Tiger Bay.

This is a package they have. Note the dates.

Experience Zimbabwe's Lake Kariba
Rates : R10450
Valid from : 2 January 2007 to 30 June 2007
3 nights at Bumi Hills, the once renowned Kariba Hotel has been reopened and refurbished, after 6 years of being closed and it is looking better than ever!
2 nights on a houseboat follow Bumi and this gives you a chance to experience life on the water
3 nights at Tiger Bay - these famous thatch chalets on the waters' edge have also been reopened!
A unique Zimbabwean experience awaits you!

Inclusions :

- Return Fligths on British Airways from Johannesburg to Harare
- Return Flights on your very own chartered aeroplane from Harare International to Bumi Hills
- Drinks on arrival at the airstrip with welcome
- 8 nights on full board
- Drinks (Imported spirits and wines)
- Beer and mineral water
- Game viewing by pontoon or boat
- Game walks with a guide
- Bird walks with a guide
- Use of binoculars and fishing tackle and bait.
- Laundry
- Cellphone and email

That is a smokin' deal compared to what else is on the market.