Ivory Lodge Information
Our Location
An area long favoured by the big game hunters – including Selous and van Rooyen – and protected by Matabele royal decree – Hwange’s 14,651 square kilometers host a vast panoply of wildlife. Over 100 species of mammals and more than 400 birds (with a supporting cast of innumerable insects, spiders amphibians and reptiles) can be seen here – including the world famous Presidential elephants which often drink at Ivory Lodge’s exclusive watering hole. The park is a curious mixture of semi-desert, forest and open savannah, each area undergoing fantastic changes as the seasons march on. The game viewing is superb and the teeming herds of sable, elephant, giraffe, impala, zebra and wildebeest give a hint of the richness of southern Africa’s wildlife in bygone days.
Ivory Lodge is set on its own 6 000 acre conservancy bordering Hwange National Park which is the largest National Park in Zimbabwe – equivalent in size to Wales. Hwange has always been one of the best places to visit for a broad range of safari experiences and Ivory Lodge is “big game” country – lion, elephant leopard and buffalo are seen regularly from camp as well as in the park. Ivory is built in the tree tops of giant teak forests and offers personal attention to a maximum of 18 guests only.
Accommodation and Facilities
A typical Tree-house
The elevated en suite rooms are positioned with sweeping views of the waterhole that is floodlit by night. Let the night sounds of the wild lull you to sleep in our comfortable beds. Our electric blankets will keep you warm and snug during the cooler winter nights and in summer keep cool under the ceiling fans. All our tree-houses have mosquito nets, 24 hour electricity and hot water. Our two brand new Presidential Elephant Suites set on the left of the camp have excellent views of the pan as well.
The newly thatched central dining area, bar and library are set around the deep blue pool – a welcome haven from the scorching mid-day heat. Our safari chefs are experienced in bush cuisine and we also cater for a variety of dietary requirements. The best is having a fireside dinner under a massive blanket of stars or a private candle lit dinner within the hide itself.
The hide out next to the waterhole is a refuge where a heightened wildlife experience is within a stones throw away. You don’t require a large tele-photo lens to get some incredible close-ups of the big 5 that frequent the pan.
The lodge is encircled by an electric fence to protect you – you can almost see the strands of wire in the photo above (taken July 25th 2011) however, this is a wildlife area and one should always respect the wild. A safety talk will be given on arrival so that our guests are fully aware of camp procedures. Winter evenings are spent around the boma area – a log fire “star gazing pit” which has a direct view to the floodlit pan.
Game Viewing and Activities
This is the view from inside the hide.
Hwange National Park is famous for its “giant tuskers” – huge old elephant bulls with massive tusks. Herds of over 200 feed and water at one time around Ivory’s Concession and although we offer a variety of drives, sometimes it’s when you are just chilling in camp that you see more.
Foot safaris were perfected in Hwange – our professional guides are amongst the highest trained and qualified in Africa. They become your personal safari companion and one which great experiences are shared. Walking with them on our property and in the park is an opportunity unsurpassed by any other wilderness experience. It’s not all about the big game though, they show you much, much more…
The Climate in Hwange
Desert conditions are found in Hwange. Therefore in summer, which is our rainy season, temperatures reach 40 degrees Celsius and more. Temperatures then drop overnight making the evenings very comfortable. The rains come during the months of November through March. The bush is much thicker and water is scattered around various watering points so game viewing is not at its best.
Winter – our drier months, temperatures can go below freezing over night but days are sunny and warm approx 20 – 26 degrees C. This is considered our peak game viewing months as animals are concentrated around water holes and the bush is less thick. Vegetation is brown and dry but it’s now that you will see amazing sunsets as the dust in the atmosphere creates a reddish glow by night fall. We recommend heavier jackets and long trousers for winter morning and evening drives.
Getting to Ivory Lodge
4 x 4 vehicles are not necessary in order to self drive to Ivory although we don’t recommend low/sports type vehicles. Access by road with “Driving you Wild” – our own inter-lodge transfer company which consists of a 13 seater air-conditioned bus (see under Driving you Wild) and other Toyota vehicles is another option. Kindly download the PDF file on directions.
Hwange National Airport is 10kms from Ivory – air charters can be arranged ex VIC FALLS or BULAWAYO. Solenta Air flies ex VF every Monday/Wednesday/Friday and is an excellent service into Hwange Airport.
Health
Malaria prophylaxis should be taken before arrival in Hwange – these are easily obtained in Zimbabwe and are a much cheaper option. Alternatively we suggest seeing your doctor before departure to Zim. Water from our borehole is fresh, safe and healthy.
Children
Children are welcome – although children under 5 need to accompany their parents on a vehicle which cannot be utilised by any other guests. This would be according to availability and as per management discretion. We do not take children under 2 years on our game-drive vehicles. We have baby-sitters available in camp that are hired on an hourly basis for your requirements. Private Vehicle Hire for these occasions is possible at $150 per day.
Special Requests
Being a small owner operated company, there is usually one of the owners in camp at any one time. If this should not be the case, our manager will be available to you, whereby any special requests can be accommodated. Please alert us on check in of any dietary requirements, allergies or medical conditions.
Rates
All Inclusive Rates – includes accommodation, all meals, drinks (except imported brands), 2 game-viewing activities and laundry per day. Park Fees are not included.
Full Board Rates – includes accommodation and meals only.
Transfers can be arranged with “Driving you wild!” our inter-lodge connection.
