Once the royal hunting grounds of Ndebele warrior-king Mzilikazi, Hwange National Park boasts abundant wildlife befitting its heritage – its 14 650km2 are brimming with more than 100 species of mammals and nearly 400 species of bird. But its majestic elephants are Hwange's drawcard; the reserve is home to one of the world's largest populations.

A couple of hours' drive south of the mighty Victoria Falls brings you to Hwange, Zimbabwe's biggest reserve. An open vehicle gets you to Tom's Little Hide, the private tented camp in The Hide concession. Your safari has begun; and when you meet the warm, friendly staff, you know you have arrived.

Set in acacia woodland with views from your verandah over the waterhole, at Tom's Little Hide you wake with Africa's dawn chorus and slip into sleep to its night sounds. The concession is open to the vast Hwange park, allowing you unfettered access to the reserve, and the game to wander at will – and wander they will to the waterhole. Sit quietly in the hide near camp and watch: a few metres away they come down to drink, almost close enough for you to feel their body heat. This will be a memory to cherish.

For spectacular game viewing, the dry months, between June and October, are the best. The vegetation thins out and only a few waterholes remain, making the wildlife easy to spot. But the lushness of the hot summer has its special allure.

Highlights

• Secluded hide at the waterhole
• Wi-Fi available
• Large populations of elephant, buffalo & African wild dog
• Guided walks for over 16s
• Private guide & vehicle
• Diverse landscape: teak forests, Kalahari sandveld & mopane woodland

Activities

• BIRD WATCHING
• GAME DRIVES
• GUIDED WALKS
• NIGHT DRIVES

Situated on the eastern boundary of the famous Hwange National Park, Tom’s Little Hide is at The Hide Safari Camp, which is one of the few private camps in the National Park. Tom’s Little Hide overlooks the main waterhole, and with its private dining areas, plunge pool, private guide and private vehicle this an ideal option for families or a group of friends travelling together. It will offer an exclusive safari experience in an amazing safari destination.

Rooms

Deluxe Room

With just three large rooms, Tom's Little Hide is a private paradise. In keeping with classic safaris, it boasts a tented suite, with an inter-leading room for two children. Although best suited for small parties of six adults and four children, the Deluxe Honeymoon Tent at The Hide can be used for bigger groups of eight adults. The rooms have verandahs overlooking the main waterhole, where you can watch the passing parade in splendid solitude. They are cooled by fans, adding to the romance, and are furnished with solid Zimbabwean teak furniture.

Each room has its own en suite bathroom, with a bathtub, outside and inside showers, double hand basins, and a flush toilet – and plenty of hot water all day. The Hide is a low-risk malaria area but all the rooms have been mosquito-proofed.

Facilities

A good safari is more than an activity-filled adventure. You need time to relax and soak up the atmosphere, sit and read, or have a well-deserved nap. For these quieter moments, Tom's Little Hide has bird and animal books for your reference, and you can swap your novel for another soft cover at The Hide's library. Spend a lazy afternoon by the plunge pool or in the shade on your verandah, watching the comings and goings at the waterhole, just metres in front of you.

Dining

Superb food is a hallmark of Tom's Little Hide, where meals are generally served at the large communal table at Tom's House. But the feast can be moved: try an alfresco breakfast overlooking the waterhole, sundowners in a lovely spot or the age-old safari tradition of sitting around the campfire.

Early morning tea and coffee are delivered to your tent, before an invigorating walk or slow awakening. Breakfast is a special affair – fresh fruit, pastries and a farmhouse breakfast, washed down with freshly brewed coffee and plans made for the day ahead.

Game drives are punctuated by stops for tea and biscuits. In the late afternoons, it is time for a long, cool drink as the sun goes down, before heading back to camp for dinner.