Elephants Eye - CLOSED

High quality, stylish camp and accommodation just outside Hwange National Park

Introduction

Elephants Eye is a beautiful, intimate lodge situated in its own 6000 acre private concession just outside the Hwange National Park, only 13km from the park entrance. It is one of the easiest lodges to access being located only 175km from the Victoria Falls on good tar road.

The tented chalets overlook a water hole where animals, especially elephants are often seen, and a short distance from the water hole is the main lodge of the camp with a swimming pool and deck. Here, guests get together to socialise by the fire pit or in the lounge or bar.

There are 8 luxury tented chalets at Elephants Eye which are on raised platforms, and have king size or twin beds. These stylish chalets have en-suite washbasin and bath tub, and an outside shower. The sliding glass doors open up to a patio which faces the water hole for beautiful views of the gorgeous sunsets and animals by the water hole. Due to wild animals guides escort guests to and from their chalets for safety.

Activities at Elephants Eye include game viewing (full and half day), guided walk (pre-booking only), bird watching, night drive, village visit, or a trip to the Painted Dog Centre. Alternatively, you can relax in the lounge which has a library and wireless internet or enjoy sundowners at the pool deck.

Like all game parks the experience you have is very much dependant on the time of year. Please have a look at details on Hwange’s climate and the best game viewing months on this page Hwange National Park or contact us for more details.

Elephants Eye Lodge is great for a relaxing safari getaway as they offer massage therapy as well as a lounge with comfortable seating and numerous books in their library. The fully inclusive rate is reasonable for the quality of the facilities and services at the camp and lower than that of camps inside the Park.

Our Opinion

Elephants Eye, from the central complex to the rooms, has been built to a very high standard and is luxurious to say the least. The attention to detail from the fireplace and fancy snacks in your room to the delicious fine dining is as good as it gets in any of the camps I have seen in Hwange. The general staff are helpful and friendly and the guides are very knowledgeable.

Being located outside the National Park is the only negative I can say about this camp. It is located in its own private concession and there are no fences but generally the animals are less plentiful and the terrain not as attractive as in the Park. However access to the Park is easy enough and only takes about 20 to 25 minutes but you do have to be out of the Park at 6pm. On the plus side it is cheaper to stay here than one of the camps located inside the Park but then the price does not include things like a walking safari.

Game drives conducted by Elephants Eye guides and vehicles on their own concession and in the National Park are very good and they go out of their way to ensure you have the best safari experience possible.

If you are on your first or second safari experience I think this is an ideal camp. It is luxurious at an affordable price and you will get to see good game. If you are a seasoned safari goer you might prefer getting a little deeper into the bush.

Summary

• Situated 13km from Hwange National Park entrance in a private concession
• Located 175km from Victoria Falls on tar road
• Luxury tents on raised platforms finished to a high standard all facing the water hole
• Various activities inclusive as well as food and beverages
• Eco-friendly camp using a combination of solar and electric power, eco soaps and shampoos and natural ozone eco swimming pool

Accommodation at Elephants Eye

• 8 Luxury tents with king or twin options, all facing the water hole

All rooms have:

• View of the water hole
• En-suite bathroom with washbasin, flushing toilets and outside shower
• Fireplace
• Patio
• Shelves for storage
• Safe
• Mosquito netting
• Insect repellent spray
• Freestanding fan

Advantages

• One of the easiest camps to access from Victoria Falls
• Cheaper than staying at camps inside the National Park
• Fully inclusive rates which include meals, drinks and activities (see below)
• Free transfers from Hwange airport
• Private, spacious and luxurious accommodation in close proximity to- and facing the water hole
• Quiet, relaxing, stylish accommodation
• Eco friendly

Disadvantages

• Located outside the National Park
• Game walks by prior arrangement only (not included in fully inclusive rate)

Dining

• Fine dining - 3 meals, snacks and local beverages are inclusive. Imported beverages available but not inclusive
• Boma area with a fire pit in front of the pool

Facilities and Services

• Electricity and solar power
• Lounge, restaurant, bar and library in main lodge
• Outside fire pit
• Laundry and dry cleaning service
• Expert guides and staff
• Swimming pool and deck
• Water hole
• Wireless internet
• Designated smoking areas
• Massage spa
• Activities at Elephants Eye: Game drives – full and half day; Walking safari (pre booking only and additional cost); Bird watching; Night game drives; Village visits; Trips to Painted Dog Centre

Fully Inclusive Rates Include

• Accommodation
• All meals, water, soft drinks, beers, ciders, mixers and house wine
• 2 game drives per day on private concession or 1 full day game drive in Hwange National Park
• Village visits
• Laundry
• Transfers between Elephants Eye and Hwange Airport

Rates Exclude

• Park fees – (Paid locally on entry to Hwange, Adults $20, Children under 12 $10 per day)
• Conservation fees
• Premium brand drinks
• Game Walks

Children

• 2 Children aged from 7 to 17 stay free of charge when sharing a room with 2 adults. However, they still pay park entrance fee.
• Children staying in their own tent: 7 to 12 years pay 50% of the adult rate; 13 to 17 years pay 75% of the adult rate
• Children younger than 7 will be on a request basis

How to Get to Elephants Eye

• Self drive: From A8, turn at Cross Dete turnoff. Drive about 11.5kms, then turn left. Drive for 2.2kms and Elephants Eye Camp will be on your left.
• Fly or transfer to Hwange Airport, and the lodge will pick you up from there. Road transfers from Victoria Falls Airport or town can also be arranged.

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