LINKWASHA & LITTLE LINKWASHA
Hwange, Zimbabwe

Introduction

Linkwasha is situated in a private area in south~east Hwange National Park. The area includes many diverse habitats including teak forests, palm islands, Kalahari savannah and acacia woodlands. The animal populations are equally diverse and the area attracts over 400 species of birds. The nearby waterholes provide a refreshing oasis for much of the wildlife. The camp is set in a most beautiful location in the middle of a broad plain overlooking the camp's waterhole. Each guest has wonderful, unrestricted views from their rooms across the plains.

Camp Description

Linkwasha is a 14~bedded camp and Little Linkwasha is a 6~bedded camp. The rooms at both camps are large, comfortable and have tented walls under thatch with en suite facilities, including a shower, basin and flush toilet, and an outside shower "under the stars". The dining room, pub and lounge area is under thatch and there is a plunge pool. A viewing platform affords great views across the plains. Raised board walks connect the main dining area with the rooms.

Game Viewing

The area is known during our winter months for its big game, in particular large concentrations of Elephant and Buffalo. Lion, Leopard, Cheetah and Hyena are regulars, and their prey includes all the plains game. Roan and Sable are seen in the woodlands. Birdlife is abundant and diverse. During the summer, after the first rains, we see a large influx of the plains game ~ Eland, Zebra, Giraffe and Wildebeest arrive in large concentrations to feed off the new grasses and shrubs on the plains, closely followed by their predators. Game drives in 4x4 Land Rovers and walks with an armed guide form part of the experience at Linkwasha. Viewing game close up at a waterhole from one of the area's many hides is an experience not to be forgotten.

The Owner

Larry was born in Zvishavane in southern Zimbabwe and educated in Harare. He went to university in the USA where he obtained a B.Sc. and an MBA the following year. Larry worked in the USA and returned full time to Zimbabwe in 1991 to build up his businesses here. In 1995 he and his wife launched a travel agency in Harare which is run by Larry's wife Rose. In 1996 they successfully tendered for the Linkwasha concession in the southeastern part of the Hwange National Park and ran a small camp there. In 1999, they formed a strategic alliance with Wilderness Safaris Zimbabwe. Linkwasha and Little Linkwasha camps were rebuilt and reopened in May 1999.

Pricing

Please contact us for current rates:

Location

o The camps are situated within the South Eastern section of Hwange National park on a private concession bordering onto Makalolo Plain's concession in Zimbabwe.

Accommodation

There are two camps right next to each other, a 3 roomed camp and a 7 roomed camp so we can accommodate 6,14 or 20 guests.

Number of tents at Linkwasha:
7 tents in total consisting of:
6 twin bedded tents
1 honeymoon tent with outside bath
This camp can accommodate 14 guests

Number of tents at Little Linkwasha:
3 tents in total consisting of:
2 twin bedded tents
1 honeymoon tent with outside bath
This camp can accommodate 6 guests
Tent details for Linkwasha & Little Linkwasha:
o En-suite bathrooms in tent
o Outdoor showers
o Fans
o Mosquito proof
o Wooden doors
o Luxury tents under thatch
o Gas radiator heaters in the winter months
o Soaps, shampoos and insect repellents are supplied in each room

Game viewing

Lion, large herds of elephant, buffalo, hyena, giraffe, sable, wildebeest, impala, waterbuck, reed buck. The highlight here is the large open plains where one can see large quantities of animals. Summer game viewing is excellent with wildebeest, zebra and eland found in abundance on the plains. In winter the water holes are magnets for elephant etc and on some days each water hole can get up to 1000 elephants coming down to drink.

Activities

o Game drives in 3 x 7 and 1 x 9 seater seater 4x4 landrovers o Walking Safaris with an armed professional guide
o Hides
o Wind and water resistant ponchos provided for game drives

Camp description

o Slightly raised decks under thatch
o Plunge pool in each camp
o Fantastic views across the floodplains and waterhole
o Curio shop
o Library
o Outdoor boma for dinner under the stars as well as regular dining room under thatch

Suggested Daily Activity Schedule

All times are a guide only. Times can and do change depending on local conditions.
summer/winter
05h00/06h00 - Wake Up
05h30/06h30 - Light Breakfast
06h00/07h00 - Game drive, canoeing, boating, walk with drinks and snacks
10h30/11h00 - Brunch/lunch
- Option to rest or sit at hides
15h30/15h30 - Afternoon tea
16h00/16h00 - Game drive / walk with drinks and snacks
20h00/20h00 - Dinner under the stars or under thatch

Laundry policy

Daily service, weather permitting, included in the nightly tariff.

Extras payment

Curios and/or tips/gratuities will be billed to the tent number and settled on check out. Payment can be effected by cash (US$), travellers' cheques or the following credit cards: Visa or MasterCard
If guests feel that they want to tip, our recommended tipping schedule is as follows:
Guides - US$5.00 per person per day
General Camp Staff - US$3.00 per person per day
Specialist Guides (if applicable) - US$10.00 per person per day.
(This is the suggested gratuity schedule only and is subject to service standards)

Flying times

to/from Victoria Falls 50-60 minutes
to/from Hwange airport 20 minutes
Makalolo to Giraffe Springs 30 minutes

Air strip details

Linkwasha airstrip located 45 minutes' drive from camp.
Linkwasha airstrip co-ordinates: S 19.07.93, E 027.11.79
1000m long, grass strip, can take King Airs 90's provided that they have high flotation landing gear

Electricity

o Camp has 220v generator powered electricity, power is stored in 12v batteries which power the lights and fans in the rooms
o Videos can be charged whilst out on a game drive
o Water for showers etc is heated by solar power

Guest Comments

"This was our 2nd visit to Linkwasha (1st in 1998). Even better than before. This is our favourite camp! We had an incredibly great time - fantastic game viewing - leopard, lion, cheetah and rhino! Thanks to all. This was truly memorable. I hope we get back for a 3rd stay! Great to be back again!! The lion kill on our last day was the perfect ending to a great stay. Thanks to Courteney, Coulette, Kim and all the rest of the Linkwasha 2001 staff ".

H.E and C.E - USA

"Our 1st visit to Zimbabwe and Linkwasha Camp - you are marvellous ambassadors for your country - I wish you the best in your future. We had a marvellous visit. Kim, Coulette and Courteney were gracious, fun and informative. Thank you all so much for a our great experiences!! ".

D.W and A.W - USA

"We have here in Linkwasha pure nature, and what we had dreamed in Holland. The breakfast and dinners were very good. We had a beautiful time here. Thank you all ".

A.B & M.B - Holland

Have tried hard to find something bad to say, but can't think of anything. We came with high expectations and everyone and everything has surpassed.

C.B, R.B, L.B and T.B., U.K.

A memorable experience, don't change the formula you have a wonderful team.

D.S., South Africa

We were both pleased by our time at Linkwasha. We felt at all times like we were in the lap of luxury and all our safety and comfort needs met while still providing an exciting and educational, wild experience.

D.P. and C.B.

You have a beautiful location and lodge. The plains are gorgeous, the viewing and spotting from the terrace is great.

L.J. and B.J., USA

We feel your camp is superb - outstanding service and staff and guides are great. The entire experience was wonderful.

S.H. and B.H., USA

The walks were the highlights as we were shown how to live in the bush - how to make rope - get nuts - cure of poisonous snakes - realistic and factual.

V.S., USA

Had a wonderful time, too bad we had to go to sleep, the African night sounds were primitive and soothing.

S.P. and S.P., USA

The most enjoyable part of our stay was the atmosphere, the staff made it most enjoyable. The staff and management had the kind of personalities in which one was immediately relaxed and made you feel welcome. I loved the stories and jokes - to me that made the visit fantastic. This is a place I would definitely want to come visit again.

W.

Everything was excellent. Every minute was enjoyable. Game walks safety was thorough and informative - on guard all the time, very good. What a superb team! Big thanks to everyone for making our stay so memorable, we will never forget our honeymoon - thank you. Will miss the food, the animals and the silence, but most of all the family atmosphere - thanks for everything.

D.

Guides were exceptional. Wonderful experience, thank you for everything and for your care and attention. The stay here had been excellent and a holiday we will always remember. You have all been very kind.

E.

Fantastic - A great atmosphere, everyone most friendly and helpful. Scenery and game spectacular. The setting and food were fabulous.

S.

Lovely people, caring people, knowledgable people. Thank you. Would like to return. Fantastic.

R.

We have visited many camps in Africa - Linkwasha has successfully combined all the good qualities of a bush holiday and presents it as a magical experience.

T.

Fantastic - the staff and home environment created was most enjoyable. Linkwasha is absolutely wonderful - staff, camp and grounds can't beat! I would not hesitate to return here or refer others to this location.

W.

Very enjoyable. I liked all the pretty little additions like the stories and decorated towels. The guides were wonderful and easygoing but also attentive to our needs. They were full of great information and warm hearted. I loved my out door shower. I think it is great to have the chefs come out so that we can thank them. I loved the letters and stories on our beds at night. The activity I enjoyed the least was overeating, but that's not your fault.

A.

Room was above and beyond, meals were fantastic, service was exceptional. Guides were professional, class act, calm and confident. Enjoyed all activities. Most enjoyable part was the privilege of being in a Wilderness Camp is priceless.

F.

Enjoyed most was the gamedrives, the friendliness and comfort. A wonderful stay couldn't be better - fantastic!

S.

All personell were very kind and polite. Reception at the platform for our 25th wedding anniversary most enjoyable part of our stay. The hospitality, the camp fire, the kindness, it was fantastic and then also the beautiful nature and the animals made our anniversary an exceptional party - thank you all.

D.N.

The meals were more than fantastic as well as the waiters and bar service. Enjoyed the game drives and the staff in camp were again more than fantastic and we enjoyed every part of our stay.

G.

We were made very welcome, food was lovely and presented and served beautifully. Our room was clean, lovely decorations and special notes made us feel very special. We would love to come back again soon. Everything was fantastic.

W.

All activities were excellent. This was part of our honeymoon and first time in Africa. All the staff were all so welcoming, helpful, informative and friendly. We did not want for anything and the attention to detail was superb!

C.

Great Giraffes. Great Food. Fantastic experience - lots of fun. Wonderful in every respect! Thank you - a spendid stay, wonderful hospitality. The staff provided us with a wonderful stay. I would like to record my special appreciation for the help given in looking after my mother, 74. Careful, helpful and thoughtful.

P

Please contact us for the latest rates: