For those seeking a safari lodge near Victoria Falls, Nantwich Lodge stands out as the ideal option. It is ideally situated in the Northern parts of Hwange National Park, just a two-hour drive from Victoria Falls.
Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, is stunning and attracts travelers worldwide. Whether you are a new traveler or experienced, you will know that the best way to get into Zimbabwe will always be through Victoria Falls. But here’s the secret: choosing to stay near this wonder, at a lodge near Victoria Falls, rather than in the bustling town of Victoria Falls, holds the key to making your trip truly exceptional. Just under two hours away from this wonder of the world lies Hwange National Park, home to our exquisite Eco-Lodge, Nantwich Lodge. This hidden gem not only positions you conveniently close to the falls but also promises an authentic African safari experience that’s second to none.
Now, let’s pause for a moment – we’re not suggesting you skip Victoria Falls entirely…
Your first night
Our recommendation? Spend your initial night at Victoria Falls for two reasons:
1. You’re already there
Given that Victoria Falls serves as the primary gateway to Zimbabwe, it’s a logical starting point. We highly recommend a night’s stay at the renowned Ilala Lodge, just a brief 10-minute stroll from the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls. Before heading to Hwange National Park, make your stop at Victoria Falls unforgettable! Take a relaxing sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, spotting wildlife and enjoying snacks as the sun paints the sky. Feel the thrill by swimming at Devil’s Pool, right on the edge of the falls! Choose from exciting game drives, swing over the Batoka Gorge, and Helicopter flights to experience the fall’s beauty. Your stopover can be packed with incredible moments and exciting experiences!
2. Gate Closure times at Hwange National Park
While Nantwich Lodge lies a mere 2-hour drive from Victoria Falls within Hwange National Park, flight delays or late arrivals might lead to gate closures before our guests arrive. For safety, we recommend an overnight stay in Victoria Falls to ensure ample time for our guests to settle in comfortably.
Why chose Nantwich Lodge?
Tucked away in Northern Hwange National Park, Nantwich Lodge isn’t your typical safari spot. It’s a hidden gem with a rich history, reclaimed and refurbished to blend the old with the new. This intimate eco-lodge offers a unique experience for safari lovers seeking a genuine connection with Zimbabwe’s wilderness – and only 2 hours away from Victoria Falls.
Picture this: perched on a hill, overlooking a tranquil dam where hippos and crocs make their home. This is your view at Nantwich Lodge, promising some of the best wildlife sightings in the area. Top guide, Courage, leads thrilling bush walks and game drives, introducing you to Hwange’s diverse wildlife and rich plant life, hailed as a “plant heaven” by experts.
Game Drives
Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe is vast, housing lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and more. Game drives come in various forms, from guided tours with local experts to self-drives and private options offered by lodges, camps, and independent operators around the park. Nantwich Lodge offers game drives led by knowledgeable guides exploring the Northern Hwange area. These drives range from half-day to full-day or evening options for spotting nocturnal wildlife.
The park offers various routes chosen based on season, weather, and desired wildlife sightings:
- Ngweshla Pan Loop: Encircles Ngweshla Pan, famed for elephant herds, buffaloes, zebras, and antelopes.
- Main Camp Loop: Central area with a high lion population, giraffes, kudus, and other antelope.
- Sinamatella Loop: Explores the less-visited north with stunning scenery and wildlife like elephants, lions, and hyenas.
- Robins Camp Loop: Showcases diverse landscapes in the west, where leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes reside.
Night Drives
Our exclusive night drives in Hwange National Park offer a special chance to see animals that come out at night, like lions, leopards, civets, and other nocturnal creatures. Our guides help you see animals and share interesting facts about their behaviors. Because Nantwich Lodge sits in the Nantwich Concession, we are one of the only Lodges in Northern Hwange National Park able to offer night drives.
The Hidden Eye
The Hidden Eye at Nantwich Lodge is a special hideaway designed for an amazing wildlife experience. It’s nestled in nature, letting you watch animals without disturbing them. Situated by a waterhole, this spot offers fantastic views of wildlife right from the lodge. Whether you love birds or animals like elephants and zebras, you’ll see them up close without leaving your hideout. It’s a peaceful place away from vehicles, giving you a more intimate nature connection. Spend a few hours or a whole day here, merging with the environment.
Victoria Falls is just the start of an epic adventure waiting to unfold. Beyond its beauty lies Hwange National Park and Nantwich Lodge, stitching together a true African safari experience. From the roar of the falls to the tranquility of safari, your journey evolves into a vibrant story of Zimbabwe’s wilderness. As you leave the Falls behind, Nantwich Lodge awaits, poised to craft the next thrilling chapter in the heart of Hwange National Park.
