The Hwange National Park is the largest Park in Zimbabwe. In other words, it occupying roughly 14 650 square kilometers. Moreover, it is located in the northwest corner of the country about one hour south of the Mighty Victoria Falls. In addition, Hwange boasts a tremendous selection of wildlife with over 100 species of mammals and nearly 400 bird species. The elephants of Hwange are world famous. Also the Park’s elephant population is one of the largest in the world.
The best time for wildlife viewing is July to October. That is to say in this period animals congregate around the 60 water holes or ‘pans’ (most of which are artificially filled). Moreover, the forest is stripped of its greenery.
Hwange National Park has a good mix of lodges offering everything from luxury to rustic bush camps. Some are within the park, but many are in private concessions at the park’s fringes. There are no fences! So animals come and go as they please, ensuring sightings are possible wherever you stay.
Sable Sands Safari Lodge, Hwange National Park
I was hosted by this ‘off the grid’ eco-friendly, rustic safari lodge, which is owner and family managed by a passionate team. Lodge providing guests with with enchanting charm and a complete appreciation of the natural world in which it is nestled in.
Sable Sands Lodge overlooks the ancient riverbed of the famous “Dete Vlei”. It is located within a private Forestry Concession on the outskirts of the unfenced Hwange National Park.
Comprising of sixteen spacious open-plan thatched ‘rondavels’, simply yet elegantly furnished welcomes guests to an exquisite safari setting in unspoilt surroundings. The main area holds the restaurant, lounge, library and bar with full views of the ‘Dete Vlei’ and the water hole. In addition, a quaint tree house and solar powered pool allow for guest to cool off during the heat of the day.
Sable Sands harvests dead wood for cooking and heating up the traditional wood boilers. The lodge operates on generator power in the evenings. So guests can charge their gadgets. Moreover, each room has solar lamps for later in the night once the generator is switched off to allow guests to enjoy the natural sounds of the African wilderness of Hwange National Park.
