Wilderness Safaris’ Little Makalolo Camp, situated in a private concession in the heart of one of the best game-viewing areas in Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park, has closed for an extensive rebuild, with the new camp set to reopen in early June 2018.
“Our decision to rebuild Little Makalolo showcases our continued commitment to investing in Hwange and our tremendous belief in Zimbabwe as a major player in Africa’s tourism industry”, said Dean Morton, Wilderness Safaris Zambezi Operations Manager. “We are truly proud to have remained dedicated to our Hwange operations since 1997, and are looking forward to rejuvenating Little Makalolo in such a way that still celebrates its authentic bush camp offering”.
The camp’s rebuild will include a new main area, deck, bar and circular infinity pool overlooking a vibrant waterhole. The six traditional-style safari tents will receive an extensive upgrade with new floors, roofs and completely new interiors, which will be managed by lead interior designer, Caline Williams-Wynn from Artichoke.
Retaining its intimate bush feel, the total rebuild of the main area and new décor throughout will enhance the camp’s remarkable wildlife experience. This has always been the focus of Little Makalolo, with guests able to experience a range of incredible wildlife encounters on a variety of activities – from the log-pile hide to twice-daily game-drives, bush walks and the option to sleep out in the bush on a unique Star Bed. A highlight will be the raised pool deck and bar/breakfast area which will allow for uninterrupted views of the busy waterhole.
“We will also ensure that the new camp remains committed to our 4Cs sustainability ethos of Commerce, Community, Culture and Conservation, operating with as light an eco-footprint as possible. Our life-changing journeys offer our guests the opportunity to travel with purpose, not only making a difference to the ongoing biodiversity of the Park but contributing to the empowerment of local people at the same time”, Dean added.
Since February 2002, Wilderness Safaris has supplied engines that pump some 15 boreholes in Hwange to ensure that the movement of wildlife in the Park is not restricted, as would be the case if their water supply dried up.
As the concessionaire of the private Linkwasha and Makalolo areas in south-eastern Hwange, Wilderness Safaris has taken responsibility for many aspects of the conservation of this magnificent wild location, including supporting water supply (as mentioned above), the Scorpions Anti-Poaching Unit, and an elephant movement study, as well as supporting ongoing community empowerment projects at the villages on the periphery of the Park in partnership with Children in the Wilderness (CITW).
“We hope that the new camp will remain a firm favourite of our repeat guests, as well as encourage more travellers to visit Hwange. By investing in Zimbabwe and enhancing our life-changing journeys in the region, we hope to play an even bigger difference in driving conservation and community empowerment in the Park”, Dean concluded.
Click here to read more about our unwavering commitment to authentic and sustainable ecotourism in Hwange; here to watch a short video clip showcasing the inspiring partnership between CITW Zimbabwe, Wilderness Safaris and the Hwange communities; here to watch a video about our water conservation efforts and ‘The Beating Heart of Hwange’; and here to watch a video about the incredible work being done by the Scorpions Anti-Poaching Unit.
