QUEST

Photos: Above:
Cheetahs in
Hwange National
Park; Right: A
stunning suite at
Somalisa Camp
HWANGE NATIONAL PARK
Situated on the western border of Botswana,
Hwange National Park spreads
across 5,650 square miles and is the
country’s largest wildlife sanctuary
and its most famous safari destination.
It is well-known for its thriving
elephant population, and is one
of the best places in Southern Africa
to spot lions, zebra, giraffe and white
rhino. Notably, brown hyena and large
packs of wild dog are also prolific in
the authentic wilderness of Hwange.
Variety is the spice of life here, not
only in its assembly of wildlife, but
also in its landscape. Within the park,
you’ll find diverse topography, from
the desert sands of the Kalahari near
the border, to the mopane woodlands
and grasslands, to the ancient seasonal
floodplains which form wetlands in the
rainy season.
WHERE TO STAY: With just seven
canvas tents outfitted with copper bath
tubs and outdoor showers, Somalisa
Camp offers luxury and adventure in
the heart of Hwange National Park. You
don’t even have to leave camp in search
of wildlife. Zebras have been known
to snack within view of the bathtubs,
and the swimming pool and main areas
boast amazing views of the pan where
large herds of elephant have attempted
to claim the territory.
Photos courtesy of Victoria Falls River Lodge | Somalisa Camp | Greater Mana Expedition | Singita Pamushana
MANA POOLS NATIONAL PARK
In the remote reaches of the north, Mana Pools National Park
is a wildly untamed conservation area and UNESCO World
Heritage Site. Here, the Zambezi River is the life force, flooding
the plains and filling four large pools that were once part
of channels that have long since ceased flowing. These pools,
brimming with water year-round, attract big game to the
area. Still, the park is more well-known for its large concentration
of hippos and crocodiles. Get out of the safari vehicle
here to stretch your legs and explore the area on foot, as
Mana Pools is renowned for walking safaris.
WHERE TO STAY: Explore Mana Pools National Park and
the neighboring private Sapi Reserve (which forms part of the
UNESCO World Heritage Site) with Greater Mana Expedition,
an intimate six-day adventure focusing on exploration and
discovery through walking and canoe safaris.
34 KER & DOWNEY
A mother elephant
with her young
at Greater Mana
Expedition