Jonathan and Lynn host guests
at the Safari Lodge. The camp is built around a natural water pan
frequented by elephant, buffalo and the many other species found in
Hwange. The main complex includes a lounge, dining room and well stocked
bar under a high ceiling thatch roof - this is complimented by a patio
with a plunge pool, fireplace and separate bar area. Menus range from
game roasts, southern fried, vegetarian to traditional Zimbabwean braais
(barbecues) - special tastes and diets are catered for with advance
notice.
Comfortable accommodation is in
individual stone and thatch chalets with en-suite facilities,
unobtrusively decorated with ethnic designs, indigenous wood and crafts.
All activities are run under
the expert control of Jonathan and his Professional Guides and include
walking trails, game drives, night drives and game spotting from viewing
platforms. Jonathan alone has 15 years of experience as a Hunter and
Professional Guide - together with his team, the focus goes beyond the
big game in the area and includes attention to all aspects of the
environment including local flora, birdlife, insects and bushcraft.
Personalised attention to
guests needs and interests in a relaxed setting differentiates Elephant
Sands Safari Lodge from the large safari establishments - Jonathan and
Lynn have taken safaris beyond "sausage machine tourism".
In a corner of one of the
world's greatest Game Reserves lies a grove of magnificent hardwood
"Umtshibi" trees, their verdant shade concealing one of the
most exclusive lodges in Africa - known as the Elephant Sands
Experience.
Mike Fynn, one of Zimbabwe's
longest standing Professional Guides with over thirty years of
experience in wildlife is the host "par excellence" at this
exclusive camp on the Elephant Sands concession. Mike retired as a
senior warden in the department of National Parks in 1981 to pursue a
career in the safari industry. Zimbabwe's Guides have built up an
enviable reputation as the safest, most knowledgeable professionals on
the continent - Mike is one of these elite.
The main feature of this safari
is that it is conducted on an exclusive basis with a maximum of 4 guests
in camp - every question can be answered, every situation in the field
investigated and every care taken to ensure that the safari is truly
memorable.
The camp itself has a central
thatched boma housing the dining area and lounge which is furnished
entirely with teak. The boma's outside patio provides a magical setting
for sundowners which include smoked oysters and ice cold champagne.
The cuisine is superb, a
passion of Lynn's for many years - gourmet meals created from the
freshest ingredients are served with fine wines from the Cape. The staff
are efficient, friendly and unobtrusive. Warm Zimbabwean hospitality
flourishes at the Elephant Sands Experience.
Two spacious "Mara"
tents-under-thatch nestled in a lush garden accommodate a couple of
guests each in unprecedented comfort. Each tent includes an en-suite spa
bathroom and forms an elegant backdrop to this exciting safari
destination.
All activities are conducted
under Mike's professional guidance and are arranged to match guest
interests and needs with game movements on the day.
Access to
Elephant Sands
The concession is a simple
30-minute drive from Hwange Main Airport (game viewing speed).
Connections between Hwange, Victoria Falls, Kariba and Harare can be
arranged with ease by our safari consultants.
Seasons at
Elephant Sands
Safaris are conducted year
round. The dry months from April to October are ideal for observing the
larger game concentrations at water sources - winter days from May to
July are warm but the nights can be extremely cold. The wet season from
November to March is an ideal time for observing the many migrant bird
species which move into Hwange.
