Extraordinary Africa>Zimbabwe>Hwange>The Hide
The Hide is a much beloved safari camp in a private concession on the Eastern side of Hwange National Park.
What’s The Hide really like?
The heart of the Hide is really the waterhole, and the whole camp has been designed to sure you never miss a moment of game viewing. The main area of camp is a double-height A-frame under a thatched roof, facing towards the waterhole. There’s a bar, lounge and communal dining table here- upstairs has the best views. On the deck outside there’s a small pool- big enough for at least a handful of hippos, but probably not something you’ll be swimming lengths in any time soon. In front, there’s always some animals or birdlife to entertain guests (keeping your binos handy is pretty key here) and in the distance you may hear trains passing along the Cape to Cairo railway.
The ten tents are set either side of the main area, looking out over the floodplain. Deluxe tents are closest to the main area- they’re all pretty similar with thatched roofs providing shade, a verandah to the front and an ensuite bathroom. There’s a mix of indoor and outdoor baths and showers- if you have a strong preference let us know so we can pass it along. Honeymoon tents are further from the main area, have outside tubs and both inside and outside showers, while family rooms are a little larger with a second bedroom. If you’re travelling with a larger group, up to 4 tents can be separated off to form “the Private Hide” which has its own mess area, and is an exclusive camp within a camp.
What can I do at The Hide?
One of the best things about the Hide is its location. Game viewing here is amongst the best in the park, and being in a private concession means there’s a much wider range of activities available than in many camps. With the really high standard of guiding in Zimbabwe, walking safaris are always a treat. There are day and night game drives, and as you may have guessed from the name, there are two wonderful underground hides pretty much at eye level with the waterhole, making for some spectacular photographs. Lastly, there is the chance to sleep out at the Dove’s Nest, a simple, but magical treehouse platform overlooking the plain- just let us know if you want us to request this for you as it’s very popular!
Giving back at The Hide:
The Hide Community Trust was set up to empower those living in the local area. There’s an indigenous tree nursery for reforestation projects, they’ve helped distribute sanitary pads to make it easier for girls to stay in school, and set up bomas at night to protect livestock from predation by wildlife. The camp’s trying hard to eliminate plastic usage and they’re working towards becoming 100% solar. If you have spare room in your luggage, they are also part of the Pack for a Purpose programme.
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