DAVISON'S CAMP - LINKWASHA CONCESSION - HWANGE NATIONAL PARK
Davison’s Camp is situated in the private Linkwasha Concession within the remote, wildlife-rich south eastern corner of the Hwange National Park. The camp is named after the founder of Hwange National Park and its first warden, Ted Davison, and game drives and guided nature walks explore the private concession and the nearby Ngamo Pans – a haven for wildlife.
We think this small, tented camp is superb value given its location in a private concession and the quality and quantity of wildlife around the camp. Beneath the ancient false mopane trees 9 bright and airy tents double tents and a family tent span either side of the expansive main area with fire pit, raised viewing deck and separate pool area.
As the concessionaire of the private Linkwasha and Makalolo areas in south-eastern Hwange National Park, the camp has created solid partnerships with Zimbabwe's Parks, Wildlife Management Authority (ZPWMA) and other conservation entities as well as local communities in order to protect the wildlife and support the people that live in the surrounding villages.
LOCATION
Davison’s Camp is located in the private Linkwasha Concession within the Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. Access is either by a 3 – 4 hours road transfer or by light aircraft from Victoria Falls.
CAMP
Hidden within the shade of the treeline this classic African tented camp with eight light and airy Meru style tents and one family unit overlooks an open plain and a waterhole that is a favourite drinking hole for elephant and buffalo.
The family tent has one main bedroom with a king-size bed and a second bedroom with two beds, each with their bathroom and a shared entrance.
The main area has a spacious lounge and dining room which leads out onto an expansive pine deck, an open campfire area and the pool with sun loungers. A small upper deck is a fantastic location to watch wildlife at the waterhole.
WILDLIFE AND ACTIVITIES
As the concessionaire of the private Linkwasha and Makalolo areas in south-eastern Hwange National Park Wilderness have formed partnerships with the Zimbabwe Parks, Wildlife Management Authority (ZPWMA) and other conservation entities as well as the local community to help protect wildlife and support communities in surrounding villages.
During the dry season, Hwange’s water resources are tested to the limit. The 14 pumps within their 523km² concessions must therefore be maintained and refuelled daily to ensure a vital water supply for Hwange’s wildlife. From early April, the pumping season gets into full swing with the pumps running 24 hours a day right through until the end of November or sometimes December, when summer rains arrive. To keep up with the elephants alone is a major task – about 70 000 litres of water per pump per 24 hours!
Wilderness Safaris and the Wilderness Wildlife Trust are supporting a study that aims to gain a better understanding of elephant movements and habitat use in Hwange where elephant density is particularly high. Ten elephants have been collared and are being monitored
Wilderness also work with ZPWMA, the Scorpions Anti-Poaching Unit which protects 56 000 hectares (138 000 acres) in the south-eastern region of Hwange. Since inception in 2011 the unit has made great progress in reducing poaching levels within the Park and Wilderness support them through funding, assisting in patrols and removing snares. Depending on the unit's movements, guests are sometimes able to visit and interact with the team and learn more about their daily anti-poaching activities.
Some of the community work Wilderness are involved in are building classrooms, clinics and libraries, funding stationary and equipment, teacher training and establishing and supporting community initiatives. It provides one meal on every school day of the year to the children of five schools on the outskirts of Hwange.
DAVIDSON'S CAMP IS OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND
THE CAMP WELCOMES FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AGED 6 YEARS AND OLDER
