On the edge of Hwange National Park sits a relatively new camp called Camelthorn, named after the magnificent tree that it is built around. Besides being very nice, it has a bit of an unusual setup. The entire camp is within an electrified perimeter. There are two male white rhino bulls in the enclosure, which is almost 500 acres in size. They can roam almost anywhere inside the enclosure, though there is a trench to keep them from wandering into the cabins. Armed guards escort the rhinos wherever they go, 24 hours a day. Camelthorn Lodge chalet (Jason Maynard)
So besides staying in an upscale lodge, you have the opportunity to both learn about the project (which is fascinating) and then walk with the rhinos. It is entirely possible to have the pair of bulls walk by your cabin while you are on the upper deck in the plunge pool. Community outreach is a huge part of many of the lodges we work with (Jason Maynard)
When you get to your scheduled time to officially meet the rhinos, you start out at their education center. Here, you learn how the rhinos came to live at Camelthorn, the plans to bring up more friends, how the project is in conjunction with the local community, and the ways it is giving back to the local people. It is fascinating and heartwarming!
And then you go meet the rhinos. rhinos (Jason Maynard)
They were sleeping when we meet up with them. Lounging around late in the afternoon. Rhinos! (Jason Maynard)
They soon woke up and decided to see who the visitors were. Please note that we were escorted not only by our regular safari guide, but also the head of the program, Daniel. He is an ex-British military officer who trains the guards. He also has developed a bit of a relationship with the two bulls. He was always between us (the guests) and the rhinos. Rhino up close! (Jason Maynard)
This is about 4,000 pounds of curiosity. Their poor eyesight means the like to come close to check out new friends. Curious rhino (Jason Maynard)
And if he gets too close, Daniel is able to turn him away.
It was exhilarating!
And as if that wasn't enough excitement at Camelthorn, the next morning we ate breakfast away from the lodge. The pair of rhino were close by having their own as well. Rhino joining us for breakfast at Camelthorn Lodge (Jason Maynard)
If you visit Hwange National Park, you really must consider a visit to Camelthorn. It is worth it for the beautiful setting and lodge, but the outreach project with the community has made it possible for you to have these amazing close encounters with magnificent and massive animals who are hopefully going to thrive here.
The holiday of a lifetime. The company is Alaksa-owned and thhat makes a big difference to the experineces you get i.e. meet genuine First Nations tribes people. The amount of wildlife was beyond my expectation, and seeing everything on sucha small, intimate boat made it even more spoecial and unique.
Liz O
1 day ago
Adventure Life covered all the details in planning our trip to Ireland. Any questions we had were answered immediately. Any trip glitches, which always happen when traveling, were resolved immediately. There were no worries, just fun!
Kathleen Weller
1 day ago
It was an outstanding, up-close, educational vacation of nature, culture, history, animals and geology! It was everything they promised! Binoculars were plentiful on the boat, but I'm glad I brought my own. Food was excellent. Rooms had black-out shades. Pack/wear multiple layers of clothing (I carried a small backpack when off the ship). Crew were delightful and very accommodating! Remember to jump FEET FIRST first when taking the optional polar plunge! Spend as much time outdoors as you are able and ENJOY!!!
Janet Dutton
6 days ago
Excellent travel advice and service
This is my second experience working with Adventure Life. I’m sold. Jess Heuermann is an experienced traveler and provides a lot of useful information when planning a trip. These are the questions I like to ask at the outset - What’s it like to go here, there, what would you suggest, what do people report, can we add any additional side trips? Jess took the time to answer my questions and seek additional information to share with me. Petchie Colina is outstanding in helping with travel logistics and final preparations. Adventure Life has excellent guides and offers private guides and small group adventures. We enjoyed the opportunity to talk with the guides and drivers to learn more about their countries, cultures and histories. A highlight was having the guides pick local restaurants where we could share meals together. Highly recommend.
Claire Cordon
1 week ago
Our six-day tour in Iceland went smoothly with one exception. We had asked for two rooms each night. Somehow we were booked with one room with three beds. It could not be fixed at the first hotel in Reykjavik because the hotel was fully booked. Once informed of the problem, however, Adventure Life rebooked for two rooms for the remainder of the trip. As an 85-year-old traveler, I appreciated that one could participate at different physical levels at many of the stops. Iceland is a great place to visit but on the expensive side.