The Hide is a multi-award-winning tented camp, perfectly positioned within the north-eastern zone of Hwange National Park. First established back in 1992 by the Preston family, it is still independent and owner-run, and stands surrounded by acacia woodland overlooking a permanent (pumped) waterhole which provides year-round surface water for the huge herds of elephant and buffalo living in the area. With such a superb location and the best expert guides, guests can experience the true wilderness and wildlife Zimbabwe has to offer. Whether on a drive to one of Hwange’s game-rich ‘pans’ (a term used locally for a shallow waterhole at the bottom of a grass depression), on foot on a walking safari within the private concession or sleeping out in the unique Dove’s Nest; there is never a dull moment at The Hide.
The Hide is privileged to have the best of both worlds. While located within the Hwange National Park, it is also surrounded by a private concession, allowing for other activities not permitted elsewhere in the National Park. A typical day usually starts with an early morning walking safari to experience the thrill of encountering wildlife on its own terms and exploring the little surprises of the bush. The rest of the day can be spent further afield on game drives in search of predators and prey alike. The number of activities guests can do at The Hide is unlimited, so for those that can’t sit still, it is possible to do an early morning walk followed by a morning drive after breakfast. Then head back out again in the afternoon, stopping off for a sundowner, and finishing with a night-drive back to camp. As the name would suggest, a number of well-positioned hides near camp (especially one in close proximity to the busy waterhole) make for an interesting addition to the already jam-packed activity schedule at The Hide. Daily visitors often include elephant, giraffe, zebra, impala, waterbuck and kudu. Lion come in from time to time and wild dog have even made kills in full view of the camp.
At the heart of The Hide is a large split-level main area known as the ‘A-Frame’. Tastefully decorated throughout with locally sourced materials; it houses the dining room, a downstairs sun lounge and a large comfortable lounge/viewing area upstairs. There is also plunge pool near the main lounge and dining room. Further back, a firepit provides welcome warmth while enjoying an early-morning coffee or evening sundowners. There are ten luxury safari tents; six deluxe, two family and two honeymoon. All tents are en-suite; with indoor and outdoor showers, while each of the honeymoon suites have the addition of an outdoor bath under a small thatched area with views over the waterhole. All of the rooms are spacious, comfortable, insect-proofed and individually decorated with traditional teak furniture. At the front of each tent is a large veranda with views stretching down towards the pan.
In addition to the tents is ‘Tom’s Little Hide’; an exclusive-use three bedroom cottage with astounding views of the waterhole and its own private guide and vehicle. The bedrooms are each individually decorated and furnished with solid Zimbabwean teak furniture. They are linked by a living/dining area and outside veranda, complete with sparkling splash pool.
For an exclusive experience guests can book the ‘Private Hide’, a spectacular outdoor living/dining room which boasts panoramic views, ancient elephant trails meandering alongside and in front, and the waterhole just below. At the Private Hide guests can dine exclusively, relax in comfy armchairs with a book and a sundowner, sit around the glowing fire pit listening to bush-tales or just use the space as needed. When using The Private Hide, guests will stay in The Hide’s family tents nearby.
For guests wanting to experience something special and romantic, a night spent sleeping out in the Dove’s Nest is not to be missed. There are few things more exciting than spending a night out in a tree-house!
per person per night
