Camp Silwane

Budget Hwange accommodation with self drive and self catering options

Introduction

Camp Silwane is one of the newer safari camps in a remote conservation area just near the border of Hwange National Park. Silwane Conservation Area used to be hunting country, but is now a protected and photographic safari area.

The name of the camp is derived from the Ndebele name for "lion", isilwane, which is fitting as guest will regularly hear the roaring of the male lion as he patrols the area. The Silwane area boats three prolific permanent waterholes, as well as seasonal pans.

Camp Silwane is an attractive option for the budget traveller, and offers different accommodation options, from self catering camping to ful board in tented suites. It is privately owned and run by a Zimbabwean family, who are passionate about sharing the beauty of Hwange with their guests. The camp is located in a remote area, away from the crowds, offering a truly authentic wilderness experience.

Silwane Tented Camp is the main camp site, with seven spacious en-suite tents, four of which are canvas on concrete foundations and three on raised teak decking (canvas under thatch). The tents are all well-appointed and comfortable, with private bathrooms, solar-powered electricity, and mosquito nets. Guests can opt for fully catered or self catering. Self catered guests may use the shared kitchen facilities and dining area.

The newer Somadada Platform is an exclusive sleeping under the stars experience by a private waterhole. Guests sleep on a comfortable bed under a mosquito net on top of the teak platform. Somadada is catered for by Silwane Tented Camp, and guests can enjoy meals and sundowners on the raised teak dining platform overlooking the watering hole. Guest can opt to self cater at Somadada on their own bedding, and making use of the braai stand at the platform. A camp hand will be available to assist.

For the avid and intrepid adventurer, the Acacia Grove Campsite offers a seven campsites for you to choose from, each with view of the open wilderness and the local waterhole. There are three shared ablutions, each with flush toilets, running water, and pully shower. The thatched gazebo offers shelter for those rainy days or hot months.

Game drives on the Silwane concession are included if you are staying at Silwane Tented Camp on a fully catered basis. Other activities offered are night drives, walking safaris and birding on the concession. you can also arrange for game drives into Hwange National Park.

Camp Silwane is not fenced, and neither is Hwange National Park. Wildlife is free to roam between the conservation areas, and that means through the safari camp as well. You are advised to not stray a distance from safety, and children must always be accompanied by adults.

Our Opinion

We love that Camp Silwane is a budget-friendly option, and also that they offer something for everyone, from camping to comfortable tented rooms. You also get that Hwange wildlife experience, without necessarily having to go into the national park, or pay to stay within the park. However, Camp Silwane do offer half day and full day game drives into Hwange National Park, if you choose.

Summary

• New safari camp near Hwange National Park border
• Silwane area has three waterholes and a few seasonal pans
• Budget accommodation
• Various accommodation options
• Silwane Tented Camp has canvas suites
• Exclusive Somadada Platform is open raised platform with own waterhole
• Acacia Grove campsite with shared facilities
• Game viewing activities on the concession and in the park
• Unfenced wildlife area

Accommodation at Camp Silwane

• Silwane Tented Camp: 4 tents on concrete, 3 elevated tents - twin with option of adding up to 2 stretcher beds for kids, en-suite with shower, sink and flush toilet
• Somadada Platform: exclusive double/twin bed, out door shower, flush toilet and basin.
• Acacia Grove Campsite: 7 campsites for up to 4 adults each. Self drive and self catering with three ablutions - flush toilets, running water and pully shower

All rooms at Silwane Tented Camp have:
• En-suite bathrooms
• Private veranda
• Fire pit in front of veranda

Advantages

• Privately owned safari camp for more personalised service
• Remote wilderness area - unfenced and free roaming wildlife
• Variety of budget accommodation options
• Choose between catered and self catered stays

Dining

• Full board and self catering options at main camp and the platform
• Shared kitchen and dining areas at Silwane Tented Camp
• Braai stand at Somadada Platform and Acacia Grove campsite
• Self catering at campsite

Facilities and Services

• Solar powered lighting
• Main tents have power supplies to charge camera batteries, laptops, etc.
• Camp hand at Somadada Platform and Acacia Grove
• Kitchens and dining areas in main camp
• Fire pits
• Braai stands at campsite and platform
• View of waterholes
• Optional guided activities: Full and half day game drives, walking safaris, birding, Hwange National Park game drives

Children

• Children are welcome at Simwane Tented Camp and Acacia Grove campsite. Child rates are available for children 4 to 1 years old.
• Children under 12 years are not permitted at Somadada Platform
• Stretcher beds are provided for up to two children at tented camp

How to Get to Camp Silwane

• Camp Silwane can be accessed through Hwange National Park and crossing the railway towards the camp or by the Gwayi access road. A 4x4 with good clearance is required.
• Road transfers can be arranged from Victoria Falls. Contact us for assistance.

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