Hwange National Park has among the highest diversity of animals of any national park in the world. There are more than 100 species of mammals here, including all of the Big Five, as well as over 400 species of birds. The park boasts huge herds of buffalos, and large numbers of the unusual and distinctive black sable antelope. Other animals commonly seen here include lions, zebras, giraffes, hippos, and hyenas. But Hwange is perhaps most famous for its elephants. In fact, more than 30,000 elephants live here, making Hwange one of Africa’s most important elephant sanctuaries. The park is also home to one of the last and largest remaining populations of African painted dogs. Because there are so few packs left, and their ranges are so extensive, a sighting of these remarkable hunters is a rare and memorable occasion.
From the awesome grandeur of the Victoria Falls, it’s an easy two-hour drive, or a quick 30-minute charter flight, to the seclusion of Iganyana Tented Camp. This Luxury Tented Camp is situated on a private concession just minutes from Hwange airport and Hwange National Park. We’re also right around the corner from the African Painted Dog Conservation Centre. Iganyana Tented camp is easy to get to. But, once you arrive, the rest of the world feels far away.
Tucked into a teak forest, our African Luxury Tented Camp looks out over the wide, open grass plain of a long-dry riverbed. This is, in fact, a highway of sorts. However, the only traffic on it is wildlife on their daily commute between waterholes – one of which is directly in front of Iganyana Tented Camp. Natural walkways of compacted red river sand lead to the center of the camp. Here, tall rain trees shade the large Bedouin tented dining and living area. This opens onto a large, raised wooden deck with a swimming pool, overlooking the waterhole just a stone’s throw away. Below the deck is the boma with a fire pit: the hearth and heart of the luxury camp. A low, sculptural wall of twisted acacia boughs is all that separates you from the wilderness beyond.
Our 15 large luxury safari tented accommodation have been specially designed and purpose built just for Iganyana Tented Camp. Offering 640 square feet of pure peace and privacy, all rooms have king or twin beds and en-suite bathrooms, as well as a separate dressing area, an indoor sitting area, tea and coffee making facilities, and double doors leading onto a shaded outdoor veranda. The sturdy steel-framed tents feature a double layer of canvas for additional insulation, and cool, polished cement floors topped with natural fiber rugs. The luxurious large tented rooms are elegantly furnished with lovingly restored antiques and locally crafted wooden furniture. Bathrooms are equipped with flush toilets, double vanities, and indoor showers with solar-powered hot water. Air-conditioning and electricity ensure your room is always bright, cool and comfortable. Top-quality bedding and linen guarantee a heavenly night’s sleep.
On safari at Iganyana Tented Camp, you’re free to do as much or as little as you choose. Because our game activities are optional, you don’t have to feel obliged to be busy in the bush all the time. If you like, you can spend your day simply detoxing from the stress of civilisation and sit peacefully on the deck with a book and a pair of binoculars. But it would be a shame not to experience all our game activities at least once. Each of them offers a special way to discover the beauty and wildness of Hwange up close.
Enjoy a bush lunch under the trees beside a waterhole. Here, you can watch crocodiles bask in the sun, while zebras and giraffes come cautiously to drink. Return to Iganyana Tented Camp in time for sundowner drinks and dinner. Then enjoy an evening around the fireside, reliving the special sightings of the day.
