Tum Tum has now been open for three months, and while it is still early days, there are already a few beautiful surprises emerging that have captivated our guides, our team and, most importantly, our guests, that I wanted to share.
When the Imvelo team designed the treehouses, five metres up in the trees, we imagined that one day elephants might feel comfortable enough to walk beneath them. We knew it would be a phenomenal safari experience for guests to sit on their deck with a coffee or a G&T while elephants wandered below.
That “one day” arrived almost immediately.
Guests are now finding themselves in awe, looking down at elephants instead of across at them, watching ears flap, trunks curl and feet move silently through the dust below. It is a completely different perspective and one that is providing hours of entertainment. There is something extraordinary about sharing the same space as Hwange’s giants as they wander underneath the treehouses.
The next discovery has been a particularly beautiful one. The soil around Tum Tum is rich with deep red earth, and the elephants are making full use of it.
As they dust and coat themselves, many are taking on beautiful red tones, creating photographs that feel distinctly different from elsewhere in Hwange. The effect can be remarkable, particularly in the soft afternoon light, with elephants appearing almost copper-coloured against the landscape.
It’s interesting when viewed as part of a wider Hwange journey. In the south eastern corner of Hwange around Bomani and Camelthorn, guests often photograph the classic grey elephants most people associate with safari. Up at Nehimba, elephants frequently emerge dusted white from the mineral-rich seeps. And now, at Tum Tum, a new cast of characters are emerging — elephants dusted in rich shades of red. For guests who love elephant photography, it is becoming another fascinating layer to the Hwange story.
Finally, and probably my favourite, the guides keep telling us the same thing: guests are arriving absolutely giddy.
There is something about sleeping in a treehouse that seems to awaken a sense of childlike excitement. Guests are so excited for this treetop adventure, and it is wonderful to see that Tum Tum is creating so much joy. The lodge has the superb location, the exclusivity and the wildlife, but it is also awakening something wonderfully playful in our travellers. And to me, that is something truly special. Three months in, Tum Tum is already giving us so much more than we expected. Press play below to discover the story unfolding amongst the treetops and download the fact sheet here for all the details – Tum Tum Fact Sheet and to see what a sample 3 night safari experience could be like, click here: The one of a kind Tum Tum Treehouse Lodge
Image credits: Imvelo Safari Lodges
