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.
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.
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.
They were sleeping when we meet up with them. Lounging around late in the afternoon.
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.
This is about 4,000 pounds of curiosity. Their poor eyesight means the like to come close to check out new friends.
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.
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 response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
3 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
