At Imvelo, there are always new ideas being tested, guest feedback being considered and conservation projects evolving. So as always, we’ve been making a few thoughtful improvements across the circuit while staying true to the character and soul of each lodge or camp. However two pieces of happy and important news to share first. Imvelo was recently awarded Silver for Regenerative Tourism at the Responsible Tourism Awards Africa, held at the World Travel Market in South Africa.
It was a well-deserved recognition of decades of pioneering work. From conservation and community partnerships to habitat restoration and purpose-driven tourism, the award celebrates a belief that tourism can be a force for positive change when approached thoughtfully and with long-term commitment. For more useful context to their safaris with purpose and passion, click here: Imvelo’s positive impact projects
Having worked alongside Imvelo for many years, and witnessed first-hand the depth of their commitment to communities, conservation and the land, it was a particularly special award to accept on their behalf. Linze Kahle Imvelo!
Secondly, Tandeka, one of the pride’s matriarch females, has been seen with new cubs — two tiny faces recently spotted and causing a great deal of joy around camp. The Bomani area has long been prime lion country, with the open Ngamo Plains attracting a lot of plains game, and in turn, predators. This 21-strong pride feels like a powerful reminder of just how good this southern Hwange ecosystem is. For guests travelling to Bomani or Camelthorn in the coming months, there is a very real chance of seeing these little cubs as they begin to grow into their paws. At the end of the day, this is what it’s all about: thriving wildlife and new generations finding their place in the wild. It makes me incredibly happy to share news like this with our travel partners as this epic pride continues to flourish.
At Camelthorn Lodge, the final four plunge pools have now been completed, meaning all eight villas offer guests their own private space to cool off between safari activities. Some sit elevated amongst the trees, while others are tucked at ground level, offering a front-row seat to one of Camelthorn’s greatest attractions: the rhino.
With the lodge sitting within the first Imvelo Rhino Sanctuary, sightings have been nothing short of exceptional, with rhino regularly wandering past the lodge. There can be few better places to sit, with a cold drink in hand, spending time appreciating one of Africa’s most remarkable species.
The rhino story itself continues to evolve too.
Protected by community wildlife scouts recruited and trained from neighbouring communities, the sanctuaries have become one of Hwange’s most inspiring conservation success stories. Now, they have also pioneered the launch of the Cheetahs, Imvelo’s first female anti-poaching unit. These remarkable women are helping protect the sanctuary’s rhino while also becoming role models for the next generation of young girls growing up in the surrounding communities. It’s an exciting and important new chapter.
At Nehimba and Jozibanini, guides are reporting a noticeable increase in elephant activity as the dry season settles in. At Nehimba, where elephants are famously drawn to the mineral-rich seeps and waterholes around camp, some of the best sightings are often enjoyed without even leaving the lodge. Nehimba has long earned a reputation for delivering one of the greatest elephant shows on the planet, so expect many wild and wonderful ellie moments in the months ahead. Jozi, our most remote camp has also enjoyed a little seasonal TLC. A new chill-out tent now provides a comfortable space to relax between activities, while the guest tents have been refreshed with new linen, fans and charging points. This remains a camp for stargazers, adventurers and travellers seeking one of the wildest corners of Hwange. The campfires still burn brightly, the mountain biking trails still wind through the wilderness, and the sense of remoteness remains every bit as powerful as it has always been.
For all the Imvelo camp’s fact sheets and other useful resources on the portfolio, click here: Imvelo Safari Lodges Partner’s Page
As always, the camps continue to evolve, but the essence of each one remains beautifully unchanged. Classic and each with their own distinct personality. Together, they create a safari circuit unlike any other in Hwange. As Butch always says, happy days!
Image credits: Imvelo Safari Lodges
