IVORY LODGE – HWANGE NATIONAL PARK

Ivory Lodge is a comfortable and rustic lodge located on a private concession in the forestry area just outside Hwange National Park and offers a good value and family-friendly safari experience. One of the highlights is the opportunity to experience up-close sightings of the Presidential Elephant Herd.

The lodge has a stunning thatched main area which houses the dining and lounge and overlooking a large grassy area with a swimming pool. Much further there is a water hole which is frequented by elephants, predators and a number of plains game species. The rooms are built on stilted wooden platforms offering elevated views of the open floodplain and watering hole in front of camp.

The famous Presidential Herd drinks at the waterhole in front of Ivory Lodge – these elephants’ home-range is amongst the dense feeding areas of the Sikumi Vlei. Hwange is one of the very best African destinations to enjoy elephants in large numbers.

LOCATION

Ivory Lodge is located in a private concession just outside Hwange National Park. Access is either by road transfer which takes approximately 2.5 hours or a light aircraft flight and a short transfer to the lodge.

LODGE

The lodge has 7 thatched and elevated treehouse style standard rooms, all with great views of a private and active waterhole. The rooms have been designed with comfort in mind offering open-aired views of the floodlit waterhole. All treehouses have ensuite bathrooms with showers, mosquito nets, electric blankets, fans, tea and coffee stations, hair dryers a wardrobe.

There are 2 elevated and tented presidential suites offering fantastic views over the waterhole. The suites are elegant and contemporary, yet still designed with comfort in mind and offer open-aired views of the floodlit waterhole. The suites have ensuite bathrooms with bathtub and shower, private balconies and outside seating area, mosquito nets, electric blankets, fans, tea and coffee stations, hair dryers and a wardrobe.

Ivory Lodge also offers 3 Family room options made up of 1 standard room and 2 suites. Each family unit can be fitted with suitable beds catering for children under 12 sharing a room with their parents. It is recommended to request the suites for family occupancy as they are more spacious.

Plug points in all the rooms are South African 3 pinned round plugs, grounded, 15A, 220-240V. International adaptors are available in the rooms. Hot water is heated by either electrical boiler or by wood fire.

The main area has a beautifully sloping thatched roof and houses the lounge, bar and inside dining area. There is an expansive lawned area and gardens in front of the lodge with a firepit and a swimming pool is located within the grounds.

ACTIVITIES AND WILDLIFE

Game Drives – morning, afternoon and full day game drives can be arranged on the concession and into the National Park. An abundance of game species can be spotted including elephant, lion, giraffe, cheetah, zebra, sable, wild dog, leopard and much more!

Within the concession, evening game drives can be arranged with sundowners and your choice of beverage. Returning to the lodge by spotlight to find those elusive night animals and arriving back in camp in time to freshen up for dinner.

Walking Safari – after a fireside coffee and delicious muffins journey into the bush on foot with your guide on a walking safari. Enjoy the early crisp mornings as you discover the wonders of the African bush and experience its wildlife come to life. Starting time is first light. Walking Safaris are carried out on our private concession of 6000 acres, are weather dependent and available upon request during reservation.

Painted Dog Conservation Centre – Zimbabwe has one of the largest populations of wild dog and a visit to the Hwange Research Centre to learn more about these beautiful painted dogs and the rehabilitation, research and conservation efforts surrounding the centre is highly recommended. There is no entry fee charged but the programme kindly asks visitors to either buy something from the curio shop with proceeds going to the programme or leave a small donation.

Culture and Community – Zimbabwe offers a rich, dynamic culture and through the support of the lodge’s non-profit project The Mother Africa Trust, you can visit local clinics, rural schools and the Dete Old Age Home. A fantastic way to get to know the friendly people and culture of Zimbabwe.

Pan Sits – spend some time relaxing near the pan with full waiter service and watch the animals as they get up close and personal.

GIVING BACK

The Mother Africa Trust was born out of the belief that through effective volunteer eco-tourism and legitimate community collaborations a better future can be built for the rural communities in Zimbabwe. The Mother Africa Trust has facilitated the socio-economic development and empowerment of rural communities in Matopos and Hwange District. The Community and conservation Levy (CCL) that was recently introduced at Amalinda Lodge is used entirely in the funding of community development projects, Anti Poaching Unit and other conservation efforts to protect the endangered species.

IVORY LODGE IS OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND

THE LODGE WELCOME FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AGED 2 YEARS AND OLDER. FAMILIES WITH CHILDEN UNDER 5 YEARS WOULD HAVE TO HIRE A PRIVATE VEHICLE. THE CAMP IS FENCED BUT DOES NOT KEEP OUT ALL DANGEROUS ANIMALS