Africa Hidden Gems

09/07/2024

3 reasons why I love Malachite, the newest addition to the stunning portfolio on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River in Zimbabwe!

💫 Not only does each luxury suite have a plunge pool but there is the most gorgeous large swimming pool tucked into the natural environment with perfect river views! It is dreamy and the best place to spend an afternoon ( or a day!) we all need a pool day on holiday!

💫 The expansive ceiling to floor windows at each luxury suite providing the most impressive views while lying in bed. They really make you feel more at one with the nature surrounding you!

💫 The modern and unique lounging areas up in the main lodge area - I love the ‘pods’ where you can stretch out with a cocktail and the awesome ‘pebble pit’ - filled with luxurious large cushions to relax in and game view right from the banks of the river!

Malachite is contemporary, playful and a uniquely gorgeous lodge and the perfect option for a Victoria Falls stay 💫

📸 Footage by me, the Gem Finder 💚

06/06/2024

And I am addicted to going on safaris and telling everyone why a safari has to be their next adventure! 🐾🐾

It’s the best form of travel experience out there in my opinion - it’s being in nature, slowing down, having pinch me moments with the most incredible wildlife, it’s expanding your mind culturally, it’s giving back, it’s so much fun, it takes you out of your comfort zones, it’s a feast for the senses, it fills your cup!

I could go on but to sum it up - It’s a life upgrade and I highly recommend you get off that beaten track and visit one of my hand picked hidden gems for your next holiday!

📸 Image by me, the Gem Finder 💚

22/04/2024

Celebrating World Earth Day! 🌍

I often think to myself how grateful I am, to get to be part of the journey of some of the most magnificent hidden gems who are doing so much good in this wonderful world and today we collectively get to celebrate our remarkable planet and reflect on how important it is for us to support operators on the ground who make it a priority in their business to protect our planet, our wildlife and our people and constantly have the core issues Earth day looks to address at the heart of their business every day. 

From investing in renewable energy sources, to no single use plastic, to offsetting carbon footprints and sustainable materials being used, to supporting local and low eco footprint camps - the camps in the Africa Hidden Gems portfolio fundamentally support future proofing the earth for generations to come and they do it in the most remote areas, in some of the toughest environments and third world countries. But they are doing it, on scale, with tangible positive results which guests will feel and see when supporting purposeful travel by staying at any of the camps in the hand picked portfolio. They are all showcasing truly transformative conservation work and are leaders in evolving the safari landscape for the better.  

Thankyou for all you do 💫

📸 The Gem Finder 💚

28/03/2024

Nature and good company - the perfect combo for happiness! This was such a beautiful evening in the Makgadikgadi salt pans, nothing for miles - just laughter, an epic backdrop and excitement to be in one of the most magical places on the planet! 💚 (and forever one of my happy places!)

Hope you all have a fun long weekend doing the things that bring you happiness! 💫

📸 Footage by me, the Gem Finder 💚

01/03/2024

It has been a busy and beautiful month spreading the love of my gems, connecting with the vibrant travel community, celebrating some wonderful milestones and supporting very important causes!

Here is to Go2Africa turning 25, welcoming the fabulous to Capetown, spreading love with the tribe and showcasing in the Best of Botswana Day to 200 strong travel specialists!

Excited for March! 💫

📸 Footage by me, the Gem Finder 💚

01/02/2024

And I think to myself how grateful I am, I get to be part of the journey of some of the most magnificent hidden gems in this wonderful world!

There is a new adventure brewing which I cannot wait to share more of! Hint is in the image! 💫

Want to see more wonder.. spend more time on safari! 🐾

📸 image by me, the Gem Finder 💚

12/11/2023

Best advice I can give - seek out those hidden gems and go explore! 💚

17/08/2023

What an honour to have been guided by Super! Winner of best safari guide in Africa, by Tatler Travel Awards 2023.

He is an absolute gem! Not only was he super knowledgeable, super gracious but he is also a super big guy ( as you can see!) His presence fills a room and he just knows how to make your safari extra special, always sporting that super smile of his!

When you travel with whether roving in their luxury camp or staying with their partner properties such as - their ethos is about ensuring their guests have top experienced guides that elevate the safari to a whole new level!

📸 Footage by me, the Gem finder

15/08/2023

Guests at Nehimba Lodge in northern Hwange, part of recently experienced an action packed afternoon!

A pack of wild dogs chased a yearling male kudu into Grannies pan, close to the lodge right in front of the game viewers. Everyone watched the kudu put up an amazing fight, landing at least one vigorous kick on the lead dog.

The scene became a stalemate for a while as the kudu kept safe in the deep water, but eventually the brave alpha male swam in and it was a victory for the dogs that day, and the hyenas judging by their excited calls.

An incredible spectacle to witness, even more so as there were no other vehicles in sight which is one of the best parts of a Hwange safari - the exclusivity! And when it’s a sighting as good as this was - you don’t want to be stuck behind several vehicles and miss a second of nature’s circle of life playing out in the deep wilderness! Safari magic!

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11/07/2023

I can’t think of a better way to spend an afternoon than relaxing by your private plunge pool, watching these gentle giants play, cool off and splash about right in front of you with the mighty Zambezi River stretching out as far as the eye can see! Exclusive game viewing experience from your own villa, that’s safari bucket list!

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04/07/2023

Happy 4th July to all our US friends and colleagues! Enjoy the celebrations and we hope to see you in Africa again soon! And even better would be saying cheers together on the Elephant Express in Hwange! 🥂🎉

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08/06/2023

And what an extraordinary gem it is!

Out of millions of reviews, the top 1% of hotels and lodges worldwide are gifted the ‘best of the best’ status and Victoria Falls River Lodge, has received this well earned badge of excellence.

Thankyou to every guest who has left a thoughtful and heartfelt review that has showcased how unique and memorable a stay at this exquisite lodge is!

It is the cherry on top of any safari or Victoria Falls itinerary and brings the wow factor with its stunning location, smorgasbord of accommodation options and most importantly an extremely dedicated team who want to ensure every guest leaves having experienced a trip of a lifetime!

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10/05/2023

In ten days, I will be roving on a Botswana safari in some of the most pristine wilderness areas on earth! I cannot wait to sitting under these beautiful skies, surrounded by all nature has to offer.

roving camp provides all the luxury you would expect from a fixed camp while travelling in an exclusive eco-friendly safari bubble, which makes this trip even more purposeful and exciting!

Keep following along as the safari unfolds to see all the epic activities and places we are going to experience!

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22/03/2023

Meet the Stranger - not tall and dark, but definitely handsome!

Nehimba camp, part of has had a change in territorial male lion. During Vin and Diesel’s reign they had fleeting glimpses of a mysterious younger male who showed himself briefly and then would disappear again. He became known as the Stranger by the team at camp.

Vin and Diesel who had very much been in charge for several years have moved on to a different territory - and now the Stranger is making his presence known. He has taken up the northern part of the Nehimba concession and another lion a little darker maned has taken up the south who goes by the name Mr Wu. Incredible sightings are being enjoyed of these beautiful males and it’s exciting times ahead so watch this space or even better enjoy the great high season specials on offer and come try spot the Stranger!

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28/02/2023

Secret season spoiler alert! This is an epic time to come on safari with

Celebrity cheetah mom, Cindy was recently spotted with her 3rd litter of cubs on the Bomani concession.

About 5 years ago she was photographed with a wire snare around her neck and Imvelo’s team sprang into action, darting her, removing the snare and treating the wound. Three litters of cubs later and she continues to thrive!

The green season is incredible in Hwange National Park, particularly near Bomani because of the famed Ngamo Plains - it’s lush, baby season and has a lot of predator action! It’s not to late to miss the super specials on offer for guests to enjoy. Stay pays, Kids travel FOC and no single supplements!

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26/01/2023

The Ngamo pride, stronger and stronger!
Guests at Bomani Tented Lodge, part of Imvelo Safari Lodges experiential camps in Hwange have been enjoying epic sightings of a 20 strong pride of lion on the Bomani concession! With lots of ‘play ambushing’ - these spectacular animals have been so wonderful to spend time with and photograph! The Bomani concession is the perfect green season safari destination and a real gem to experience - with lush scenery, locking eyes with predators almost daily and some great secret season specials. This is an exclusive safari paradise!
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20/01/2023

In a first for Zimbabwe, Giraffe Conservation Foundation recently undertook a giraffe tagging exercise in Hwange National Park, supported by Imvelo and other operators. In Hwange, GCF fitted 14 giraffes with ear tags in collaboration with ZimParks.

GCF is trialing new tagging technology using lightweight solar-powered satellite tracking ear tags which are easily and quickly fitted, minimizing risk to the animal during the procedure. This will reveal more about giraffe movements within the larger Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, assisting in conservation efforts.

A month after this tagging op, veterinarian Dr. Richard H***e (who helped with the original darting exercise) was fortuitously staying at Bomani Tented Lodge with conservation guests when Imvelo guides reported a snared giraffe! Imvelo guide Phethile "Pete" Ndlovu brought it to his attention straight away. Luckily it happened to be a tagged giraffe! So a team was quickly coordinated with ZimParks vet Dr Mupondi and his team, and the GCF research team, also luckily present in HNP at the time. So with some additional assistance from Conservation & Wildlife Fund (CWF), the giraffe was successfully located, darted and the snare thankfully removed. The value of teamwork here, clearly contributing to a great result.

Well done Imvelo Safari Lodges - always on the forefront of conservation efforts in Hwange and one of the many reasons they are extraordinary camps to visit and support!

📸 Imvelo Safari Lodges

21/11/2022

Nehimba is known for being able to see an incredible amount of elephant in the dry season - and Imvelo Safari Lodges, ensure there are plenty of diverse ways to experience these epic sightings and enjoy the photography that can be achieved being so close to these spectacular animals - from lots of different drives ( Nehimba has the largest concession in Hwange), to walks, to time at the seeps to arm chair safaris right in camp - but some of the most fun ways is atop Imvelo's innovative signature hard roofed game drive vehicles that provide the perfect vantage point from which to silhouette an elephant against water turned golden by the setting sun!

📸 Imvelo Safari Lodges

16/11/2022

I cannot wait to see the iconic and spectacular Victoria Falls next week again! To feel the spray on my face and walk through the lush rainforest, looking upon the powerful falls. It is nature at its best, its mesmerizing and beautiful at any of time of the year and is a must to be experienced while staying at .

📸 Shaun Mcminn Photography

10/11/2022

Untamed opulence in an unforgettable setting. This hidden gem has just won, for the second year running the Conde Nast Johansens award for 'Best waterside hotel in all of Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Oceania.'

So well deserved with perfect river views, and a truly unique offering on the banks of the mighty Zambezi - a definite must to move to the top of the bucket list!

We are thrilled for the Victoria Falls River Lodge team. Congratulations!

📸 Victoria Falls River Lodge

08/11/2022

Last month Imvelo hosted travel writer Douglas Rogers, the well-known Zimbabwean author of 'The Last Resort' and 'Two Weeks in November', and he was amazed and enthralled by Jozibanini, its remoteness and its incredible elephants.

At Jozi late in the dry season, you will be surrounded by elephant on your drives, your walks, your bush dining experiences, your bike rides and the underground blind is every wildlife photographer’s paradise.

Elephants slick with mud, mirrored reflections on the water, elephant calves copying mums and aunts, young bulls jostling and jousting, swimming and mud bathing and dusting, grey elephants black with water and red with dust.

“Jozibanini is Africa at its most raw and wild - buckets for showers, tents lit by stars, elephants close enough to touch. With a bit of luck, you’ll get to hear your guides recount hilarious campfire bush tales while hyenas and jackals gather close to laugh. Magic and with total exclusivity.”
- Douglas Rogers, author & travel writer

📸 Imvelo Safari Lodges

02/11/2022

Victoria Falls River Lodge is set in a truly unforgettable location along the mighty Zambezi. Choose to unwind and relax surrounded by hippos and river views or seek out adventure - they offer both in perfect balance from their slice of paradise.

Their new private villa is aptly named Hippo creek and as a recent guest commented " I cannot recommend the experience enough for anyone looking to enjoy the very best."

Find our more about their stand out experiences and green season specials online at https://africahiddengems.com/unique-destinations/zambezi-national-park-zimbabwe/

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Home to Africa Hidden Gems, a carefully curated portfolio of lodges and camps that are ‘best kept’ secrets with vibrant people committed to Africa’s future.

01/11/2022

Congratulations to Imvelo Safari Lodges and the CRCI team on being chosen as a finalist for the prestigious BGTW International Tourism Awards 2022 (British Guild Travel Writers) in the category of "Best Wider World Tourism Project".

Launched over 40 years ago as the Silver Otter Award, the BGTW International Tourism Awards scheme recognizes excellence in tourism projects and the CRCI initiative which brought white rhino back to Hwange is certainly one of the greatest conservation projects in Africa today.

Well done to the communities and the team on the ground who worked tirelessly to make this project a reality and one that has exceeded all our wildest expectations and to Sue Watt for the nomination.

📸 Imvelo Safari Lodges

19/10/2022

A flair for out-of-the-ordinary experiences and rewarding community experiences!

Africa Hidden Gems are thrilled that our partners in Hwange, Imvelo Safari Lodges have received some fantastic press coverage - Sue Watt's safari experience was featured in the JRNY magazine and the article is definitely worth a read here as she so aptly captures the heart and soul of Imvelo's ethos.

Imvelo move at the pace their guests want and they tailor safaris to when the best game experiences will be enjoyed - they don't run by set times and neither does the Elephant Express! When you board, its best to turn your watch off and settle in for the ride and the excitement of what may lay ahead over the coming hours as you trundle down to camp as Sue writes about with their encounter with Cecil’s pride.

Most of the community and conservation work one can see and the immersive experiences one can have while staying at the Imvelo camps, that she witnessed first-hand are covered, along with some wonderful safari stories from close up moments with an elephant bull, she could " see the wiry hairs on his trunk and scratches on his milky white tusks” to “finding Cindy, the supermum cheetah while her five frisky cubs played around her ". It’s a captivating illustration of an Imvelo safari!

As JRNY summarizes - Why go?
"Safaris here are exceptional, with prolific wildlife, world-class camps and lodges, excellent projects by committed conservationists, and some of the best guides in Africa."

Thank you to Sue Watt and JRNY Magazine Find out more at www.jrnymag.com
📸 Image credit: Will Whitford

16/10/2022

Epic Botswana Safari curated by my partners there Golden Africa Safaris! The below was the first night which kicked off on the Western side of Chobe and then the following day we hopped over to Savuti where the real safari magic began!

Africa Hidden Gems shared a post on Instagram: "Here we go! Epic Botswana safari curated by my partners there - kicked off on the western side of Chobe with vistas for days and then we hopped over to Savuti ( still part of Chobe) where the real safari magic began!". Follow their...

12/10/2022

Green season safaris are extra special, with lush vegetation providing great scenery, nature thriving with game giving birth, and picturesque moments at every turn. It’s also a magnificent time to view the mighty Victoria Falls and immerse in the abundant birdlife in the Zambezi National Park. Being immersed in nature helps recharge those batteries and our hidden gem – the exclusive Riverside villa, tucked away offering you complete privacy is the perfect hideaway for some well-deserved rest and rejuvenation and even better news, there is an incredible special running to allow you to spend more time enjoying this piece of paradise!

Boasting supreme views of the surrounding natural landscape, the Riverside villa comprises of two King/Twin Suites and one Family Suite, each offering a host of indulgent amenities and accommodating up to six adults and two children – designed especially for multi-generational families, friends and smaller groups looking for a more private experience and is bookable for both sole or shared use.

Book and stay 2 nights between the 1st of November 2022 & 28th February 2023, and receive an additional 15% DISCOUNT!
Ts & Cs:
* New bookings that book and stay from 1 November – 28 February 2023.
* Minimum 2-night stay
* Excludes the festive period 15 December – 15 January 2023.
* Open to guests staying at the Luxury Villa only
* This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotional offer
Visit www.victoriafallsriverlodge.com/villa/ for more information and to secure your reservation.

Explore more exceptional offerings - 👉 https://africahiddengems.com/
📸 Image credits:

22/09/2022

The two very handsome rhino, Thuza and Kusasa have been in their new home at the Imvelo Ngamo sanctuary in southern Hwange for 4 months now and are doing so well. But this is just the beginning!

This world rhino day – we wanted to share footage of our guests and communities interacting with the first 2 rhino living on community land, on the border of the national park – it has exceeded our wildest expectations and is a must to watch, it showcases everything this project stands for – bringing community and wildlife together and giving guests the opportunity for close up interaction with rhino again in Hwange!

The reason CRCI is so unique is because of the people: the people living on communal land that have willingly allocated part of their grazing land to rhino and their conservation; the people who come from the local villages that have trained hard to become Cobra scouts; the people who have trusted the potential for tourism and conservation to provide them and their children with socio-economic opportunities.

We are so proud to continue to be part of this journey and today we celebrate Thuza and Kusasa and all rhino, an incredible species that we need to do all we can to protect and cherish to ensure they remain with us forever! I guarantee this video will make your day – this is a momentous achievement for Hwange and for our guests to have a meaningful impact on the communities who have taken the leap to be part of this ground-breaking conservation initiative.

Visit https://www.hwangecommunityrhino.com/ for more information on all the exciting future plans for CRCI.

📸 Video credit: Imvelo Safari Lodges and editing Duncan Watson

20/09/2022

The Hwange night skies are the perfect place to enjoy the surrounding mystical beauty! After dinner, your starbed will be rolled out onto the deck, where you will fall asleep under a canopy of millions of stars…Truly wild!’ Jozibanini Camp, part of Imvelo Safari Lodges deep in the South Western part of Hwange, takes these overworked words to a whole new level. Guests of Jozi have hundreds of square kilometers to themselves and the star beds here are just another way Imvelo love to offer guests the opportunity to really connect with nature on safari and provides the perfect backdrop for some unforgettable memories.

Victoria Falls Island treehouse suites, also offer two magnificent double storey starbed treehouses. The open air decks with bedroom and sitting area are suspended above the treetops offering expansive views and and a thrilling experience.

These open-air ‘bedrooms’ in which you can be lulled to sleep by the sounds of the African bush under a boundless galaxy, with just a mosquito net between you and the Milky Way provide an even more soul-stirring experience.
Explore Africa's Hidden Gems https://africahiddengems.com/

📸 Image credit: Victoria Falls River Lodge Imvelo Safari Lodges

15/09/2022

The gem finder has been on the look out for something far from the norm – and I am thrilled to introduce you to our latest hidden gem – a luxury roving tented camp, owned by Golden Africa Safaris in Botswana.

There are many reasons we love the roving nature of this camp! But here’s a few for starters:
They can roam deeper into many of the thrilling wilderness areas of one of the most magical safari locations on earth.

They have decades of experience – meaning their safaris are true journeys of distinction – they will curate your safari to include a diversity of habitats and experiences. They bring the surprise and delight in spades!

They have a close and respectful relationship with Botswana’s indigenous people that they share with guests in totally unique ways made possible because of the roving nature of their camp – they offer the opportunity to immerse deeper into the culture and lives of the oldest bloodline on the planet.

Their offering is low eco footprint due to the nature of the roving camp – they provide pure luxury and magic in the bush but leave nothing behind ensuring the areas they traverse remain pristine.

They are one for the bucket list!
Explore more of their exceptional offering - 👉 https://africahiddengems.com/unique-destination/golden-africa-safaris/
📸 Image credit: Golden Africa Safaris

13/09/2022

We all have our own ways of dealing with stress. Hippocrates prescribed a dose of greenery.

Nature, he said ‘is the greatest physician’ and his words still ring true today and many have discovered this great secret – the art of healing through a safari. A safari is a cathartic experience, with lions and elephants playing the role of therapists, prowling their way deep into the psyche!

Read Aaron Gekoski experience as he headed to Zimbabwe and on safari with Imvelo Safari Lodges – and the solace he found in spending time in nature, the savannah after a rainstorm and the brilliant, dense night skies. As he says "a trip to Africa experiencing its raw realities and overwhelming biodiversity brings a true sense of perspective and a renewed energy and appreciation for our natural world. " https://africageographic.com/stories/healing-in-hwange/

For a humbling, thrilling and off the beaten track safari experience, head to the Imvelo camps in Hwange!

Thank you to Africa Geographicand Aaron Gekoski for this moving article and image 📸

Read more about this hidden gem - https://africahiddengems.com/unique-experiences/hwange-national-park/

Can an African safari bring healing? Aaron Gekoski heads to Zimbabwe to explore Hwange and Matobo National Parks to find out