Silwane is a conservancy located on the South Eastern edge of Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest National Park at more than 14,000 square kilometres. This gives us the benefit of privacy, and the advantage of great game sightings.

We pride ourselves on offering excellent, affordable accommodation options for guests, that, in our humble opinion, are the best in the area!

A flight into the National Park takes 45 mins, followed by a game drive to Silwane of around 1hr 30 mins. A transfer by road takes approximately 4 hours. All of these times depend, of course, on how much game-watching you decide to do!

Those interested in self-driving should check out our “Getting Here” page, which includes a comprehensive range of maps and directions.

While there is no guarantee of anything in the wild, Silwane Conservancy borders Hwange National Park, which means that we act as a protective boundary for all its wildlife. Hwange National Park is home to the largest population of elephant in Zimbabwe, and the largest population of the endangered wild dog. Alongside four of the big five (elephant, lion, leopard and buffalo), you’ll get the chance to spot over 100 species of mammal and 400 species of bird.

While the dry months between June and August are dry and cold, making it easiest to spot game, each season has its own delights. September and October are hot and very dry but bring with them the best chance to spot game as the bush is no longer leafy. The rainy season generally runs from November until February, allowing guests the joy of African rainstorms, and the opportunity to see the bush transform from dry and barren to green and full of life. This “emerald season” is also the best time for birdwatching.

Binoculars and a camera! For those in Camp Silwane, towels, linen, shampoo and conditioner, insect repellent and extra blankets are all provided for. You will just need to ensure you have warm clothing if you are joining us in the winter months, and a rain jacket if you are joining us for emerald season.

For those staying in our self-catered camps, you’ll need to provide all your own drinks and food, along with your usual camping gear.

At Silwane Conservancy , we pride ourselves on our strong conservation story. All the land was formerly in hunting, and now provides a safe, protected border complimenting the National Park’s work. Just by staying you will help us fund rangers, boreholes to keep animals safely within our borders, and research so that we can better understand the incredible natural world at our doorstep.

If you are still wanting to do more, please check out our Legacy page, and get in touch with us.

Since Silwane is a conservancy bordering the National Park, you will not need to pay any park fees to stay. We’re proud to say that our lion (and other sightings) are some of the best in the Hwange area. However, for guests wanting to enter the National Park on a game drive, there is an additional cost of 20 USD per adult per day, or 10 USD per child (6-12 years old) while 5 and under are free. We would recommend that you bring US dollars with you for payment.

Though not very common, technically, Hwange is in a malarial zone. We recommend having medication with you, but would urge you to look into the latest World Health Organisation recommendations, as some countries in which malaria is not common still advise out-of-date treatments. At the pharmacy in Victoria Falls or Bulawayo, you will find a ready supply of Coartem, to be taken upon displaying symptoms, which usually show up within two weeks of being bitten.