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Little Makalolo Camp Review 2026 | Heart of Hwange

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Narrated by George — audio edition
Key Takeaways
  • An intimate six-tent camp set deep inside Hwange, in some of the park's finest game-viewing country.
  • Overlooks a productive pan with a log-pile hide at eye level — superb for elephant and predator photography.
  • Classic canvas style, a star-bed sleep-out and a private Wilderness concession feel.
  • One of the most sought-after small camps in Hwange for big game and few vehicles.

Why Little Makalolo

Little Makalolo sits in the heart of Hwange, deep inside the park in a private, low-traffic area where the game-viewing is as good as anywhere in Zimbabwe. It is small — just six classic canvas tents — with a productive pan out front and a sunken log-pile hide that puts you at eye level with drinking elephants. Run by Wilderness, it blends old-school safari romance with the polish of one of Africa's finest operators.

For travellers who want a genuine small-camp feel, few vehicles and consistently excellent game, Little Makalolo is a standout. It sits firmly among the best Zimbabwe safari lodges and anchors the interior on any full Hwange National Park safari.

The Suites & Setting

Six canvas tents are raised under shade trees along the pan, each with en-suite facilities, a private veranda and uninterrupted views of the water. The design is classic and understated — timber, canvas and a distinctly bush-luxe feel. A relaxed lounge, dining area and pool overlook the pan, and a raised platform allows a star-bed sleep-out under Hwange's famous night skies. The log-pile hide, a short walk or drive from camp, is the photographer's favourite.

Hwange National Park — Zimbabwe's great elephant country.

Wildlife & Experiences

This central part of Hwange is a stronghold for elephant, lion, buffalo and sable, with regular sightings of cheetah, leopard and the park's celebrated wild dog packs. Game drives explore the pans and open plains, guided walks bring the detail of the bush to life, and the log-pile hide delivers ground-level photography of elephants at close range. Night drives on the concession add nocturnal species, while the camp's own pan often means the wildlife comes to you.

Best Time to Visit

May to October is prime. As the bush dries, the pan in front of camp becomes a magnet for elephant herds and the predators that follow them — September and October are spectacular. The green season (November to April) is quieter and lush, with excellent birding and newborn game, though wildlife is more dispersed.

Rates & How to Book

LocationHeart of Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Rooms6 classic canvas tents
OpenYear-round
StyleClassic Wilderness safari camp
Best forPhotographers, big-game safaris, couples

Little Makalolo is offered fully inclusive of meals, drinks, game activities and park fees. We tailor the length of your Hwange stay and pair it with Victoria Falls, Mana Pools or Kariba. Read more in our luxury Zimbabwe safari guide, then contact us for live rates.

Ready to plan your own Hwange safari? Talk to a Beyond Africa Safaris specialist, browse our tailor-made safari packages, or message us on WhatsApp for private, custom pricing.

Hwange National Park — Zimbabwe

In the Heart of the Park

Six tents on a private concession — a log-pile hide & star beds

Frequently Asked Questions

Deep in the heart of Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, in a private, low-traffic area run by Wilderness.

Just six classic canvas tents, giving it an intimate small-camp feel with few vehicles.

A sunken hide at the pan that puts you at eye level with drinking elephants — a favourite for close, ground-level photography.

Elephant, lion, buffalo and sable are common, with cheetah, leopard and Hwange's famous wild dog packs seen regularly.

May to October is prime, when the pan draws big herds and predators; September and October are spectacular. The green season is quieter and lush.

Meals, drinks, game activities and park fees are included. Contact us for current rates and tailor-made itineraries.

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