Bomani Tented Lodge

A great value safari camp near Hwange

Bomani Tented Lodge is strategically located on the south-eastern border of the herculean Hwange National Park. On one side lies a 5,000-acre private concession, on the other, rural Matabeleland. This peripheral spot is crucial to the lodge’s community-based ethos and most, if not all, staff hail from the front-line villages closest to the park.

The 11 rustic tents including one thatched family bungalow, feel intrepid yet comfortable. Each one is decorated with African style and feature private verandas to view the wildlife.

Enjoy daily game drives and even night drives. The guides here are among the best on the continent, specialising in walking safaris. The open-air lounge in the communal area opens up to views of the Bomani Pan and there’s a plunge pool to cool off after days out on safari.

On the south-eastern border of Hwange National Park, this intimate safari lodge sits secluded in a private concession of the dramatic Ngamo Plains. This is great wildlife spotting territory; it’s completely unfenced so game viewing is almost guaranteed here year-round. Both authentic and full of character, Bomani Tented Lodge offers you the classic safari setting. Complete with a natural waterhole in front of the camp, it’s unpretentious yet comfortable, with rustic tents and a spacious main lodge that’s simple in style; elevated on a spectacular viewing platform, the main area includes an open-plan dining room, bar area and cosy lounge which all overlook the Bomani Pan.

After breakfast around the campfire, every morning and afternoon you can join a game drive to explore the reserve or national park. In Hwange, visit a sunken viewing hide to see the park's gentle giants up close, or spend some time interacting with the local community on pre-arranged visits to nearby schools and villages. For something different, we recommend taking the Elephant Express rail transfer to the lodge. Departing from Dete, this classic transfer provides the ultimate safari adventure in just a single open-sided carriage. It’s a two-and-a-half-hour-long train ride, en route passing through Hwange so you’ll have the chance to spot wildlife like giraffes and baboons straight from the carriage.

Bomani Tented Lodge is a synergy of community, environment and awesome wildlife.