Robins Camp

Family friendly camp in the remote western section of Hwange National Park

Introduction

There aren't many safari camps in the north western section of Hwange National Park. Robins Camp is one of those few, situated in the rugged Basalt area, which is rich in natural water with seeps and springs dotting the area. This area is home to some of the last great buffalo herds in Africa, with herds of over 1000 still seen.

Given the abundance of prey animals, it is no wonder that it also has the highest concentration of lion in the Park. Robins is also known for big populations of reedbuck, roan and sable as well as the usual herds of elephants and other species encountered in the Park. Particularly encouraging are the regular sightings of both cheetah and African wild dog.

The scenery of Robins is varied with hills, kopjes (small bouldered hills) and vlei (grassed plains that flood seasonally) areas and has a lot to offer the wildlife enthusiast.

Getting to Robins Camp is a quick 20-minute flight, or a 2-hour drive from Victoria Falls. From Bulawayo, it is a 430km drive or about an hour's flight.

The chalets at Robins Camp have been decorated inside and out by local designers with hand painted Matabele designs, and using recycled products and fabrics. Each of them has an en-suite bathroom with hot and cold water and high pressure showers, an overhead fan for hot Hwange days, and a mosquito net. The chalets can be configured to suite your needs as king or twin units.

The Acacia chalets are in the western section of Robins camp, and consist of 18 thatched units. Eight of the Acacia rooms form a laager around a central lapa area that is a wonderful spot to relax and chat with friends. These Acacia chalets are great for private groups of up to 40 guests, and three of them are actually triple units - suitable for family stays.

The other 18 chalets are the Mopane units which are in the eastern portion of Robins Camp. These are more contemporary in design and only two units are under thatch - the rest have cromadek roofing. Each of the Mopane units have a covered veranda where you may sit and enjoy watching the birds, squirrels and mongooses.

The facilities at Robins camp situated in the central guest area include a semi-open restaurant, which offers a full continental and cooked breakfast service as well an a la carte and buffet lunch. The dinner service at the restaurant is a set 3 course buffet. Also outside the covered restaurant is a spacious garden with seating for those who want to enjoy their meals al fresco. All dietary requirements can be catered for. There is a coffee, tea and juice station at your disposal throughout the day with something sweet served every late afternoon. The view point above the restaurant is a nice spot for drinks while you take in the vista or just want a quiet beverage.

In the area in front of the restaurant is the swimming pool, also a great place to cool down with your drinks under the shade. The swimming pool is crisp and crystal clear, no better way to beat the African heat.

The Hyena Bar is great for those evening catch-ups after a day of game viewing. The bar is not open to guests under the age of 18.

Robins campsite offers shared ablution facilities, with hot and cold water showers. It is secured with electric fencing, and so makes for comfortable camping for the whole  family. Campers also enjoy full access to all the facilities that Robins camp has to offer, including the pool, bar, restaurant and a scenic viewing point to relax and take in the flora and fauna. Most campsites have their own dedicated 220V power supply.

Robins Camp offers full board rates which include accommodation and meals only, as well as full board plus activities. The prices are lower than any of the other high end safari lodges in the area. The activities offered are game drives, guided walking safaris and birding.

Our Opinion - Robins camp

In our opinion Robins camp is more like a resort than a safari lodge. It is bigger than any of the lodges, has a lovely swimming pool and restaurant, which is ideal for guests wanting to relax between game drives. Especially good for families with children who can frolic around without being concerned about making a noise.

The accommodation is good, clean and modern and perfectly adequate for people who don’t want to pay the high prices for over-the-top fancy safari lodges. From this comfortable location inside the park, it is easy to partake in game drives, either as self-drive visitors or on one of the Robins game drives vehicles.

So, it is ideal for those on a smaller budget who want to enjoy Hwange National Park and the game viewing it offers, without having to pay the high prices of the private safari lodges.

For self-drive campers this is your only option in this area, apart from the exclusive picnic sites available from National Parks. The campsite ablutions are very clean and spacious. The campsite itself is a bit short of shady trees, especially in the dry season. So, it can be a bit hot and dusty, unless you are lucky enough to get one of the sites under the few shady trees. They have planted more trees (2021) so this will improve over time.

Just be aware, that outside the months of August, September and October, the game viewing can be sparse in the Robins area. As soon as the rains arrive in November the game disperses, literally overnight. So, it is best to visit in those months if animals are your main priority. Bird watching is great all year round, especially prominent in the rainy season.

For more information and bookings Contact Us

Summary

• Located in northwest Hwange 2 hours from Victoria Falls
• Very good game viewing in the dry months of August, September and October
• Simple accommodation but of a good, clean and modern standard
• Well priced compared to other safari lodges in the area
• Facilities including restaurant, bar, swimming pool in central area
• Family friendly camp
• Secure campsite makes for self-drive visitors

Accommodation at Robins Camp

• 36 en-suite twin bed chalets
• 18 "Acacia" chalets under thatch. 2 Acacia units are 3-sleepers and one family lodge has 3 bedrooms, sleeping 6 comfortably.
• 18 "Mopane" chalets are bungalows under chromadek roofing
• Rooms may be configured with king-size bed
• Camping with shared ablution - 25 sites

All rooms have:
• En-suite bathrooms with shower and washbasin
• Mosquito net
• Veranda
• Overhead fan
Hair dryers are available at reception.

Advantages

• Family friendly lodge
• Good rates for Hwange accommodation
• Both chalet and campsite options
• Located in an area with large wildlife herds
• Nearby waterhole with good game viewing

Dining

• There is a restaurant and bar in the main communal area
• Full continental and cooked breakfast
• A la carte and buffet lunches
• 3-course buffet dinners
• Meals are included on a full board basis
• Self-catering in campsite, although campers are welcome to order meals at the restaurant

Facilities and Services

• Swimming pool
• Main area with restaurant, Hyena Bar and lounge
• Wi-Fi in designated areas (at a surcharge)
• 220V power supply
• Laundry (at a surcharge)
• Private airstrip nearby
• Observation tower
• Camping facilities
• Transfers available on request (at a surcharge)
• Private Safaris are available on request
• Robins Tower: great for sunrise and sunset
• Activities: game drives; guided walking safaris (not included)

Children

• Children of all ages are welcome
• Family room, 3-sleeper rooms and inter-leading rooms available
• Families with children under 6 years will need to use private game viewer

How to Get to Robins Camp

• The easiest way is to fly in via private charter. The nearest airstrip is Robins Airstrip at Robins Camp.
• Road transfers are possible. Contact us to arrange these for you.
• Robins is 110km/2hours drive from Victoria Falls, in the north western section of Hwange National Park. Self drive is also possible from Bulawayo.

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