Main Camp

Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

The park's primary hub, near Camelthorn Lodge and the Hwange airstrip, 190km from Victoria Falls.

Places in Main Camp

Camelthorn Lodge dining Dining at a family-friendly lodge near Main Camp.
Veranda waterhole viewing decks Lodge verandas overlooking waterholes, popular for casual daytime refreshments while watching elephants arrive.
Camelthorn Lodge bar A family-friendly lodge bar near Main Camp.

Best time to visit: July to October (prime dry season) for waterhole game viewing, with September and October best for elephant encounters; November to April (green season) brings lush scenery, newborn animals, and excellent birding.
Getting around: From Victoria Falls, Main Camp is 190km (2.5 hours) via the A8 highway; charter flights land at Hwange airstrip near Main Camp, with scheduled flights from Harare to nearby Hwange town airport.
Currency: US Dollar ($) and Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG)
Language: English (official); Shona and Ndebele are widely spoken.
Timezone: CAT (UTC+2)
Current trends: Hwange's waterhole-centric ecosystem, driven by its lack of major natural rivers, continues to define its safari appeal, with lodges increasingly built directly overlooking pumped waterholes for veranda-level game viewing, while properties range from family-friendly options like Camelthorn Lodge near Main Camp to exclusive private-concession luxury at The Hide Safari Camp.

Private concessions — Home to The Hide Safari Camp, a pinnacle of luxury lodging nestled deep in the park for exclusive access.
Sinamatella — One of the park's key areas, recommended for exploration on longer stays of five nights or more.