The Elephant Express - Journey into Hwange

Our experience on safari in Zimbabwe - specifically in Hwange National Park, was completely different than the one we had in South Africa at Kruger, which is definitely much more developed and more of an "industry".   That was part of the charm of Zimbabwe for me - the experience in Hwange and the lodge we stayed at had the perfect balance of off-the beaten track meets cozy luxury. Hwange is the largest natural reserve in Zimbabwe and its grass and woodlands are home to a wide variety of wildlife, including one of the world's largest population of elephants.

Our travel experience to Hwange was quite unique and a welcome change from driving.  We hopped aboard a quaint one-car safari train at Dete Rail Station near the entrance to the park and proceeded to take the "Elephant Express" for about 80 km down the straightest railway track I've ever seen - into the heart of the park to our lodge.  After many days of bumpy journeys on rough terrain, the train was a relaxing and welcome change of transportation.  The train is operated exclusively by Imvelo Lodges who have several amazing lodges and safari camps in and adjacent to the park and the train ride in was a fantastic way to kick off the trip.  As we got deeper into the park we saw baboons, impala and a pair of lion brothers chilling in the setting sun.  The train also goes past the spot where the now infamous Cecil the Lion was killed. 

I would highly recommend taking the train at least one way if you have the chance.  It is such a unique way to see the park and with a bottomless gin and tonic in hand and friendly guides and conductors aboard, it is the best possible introduction to your visit here.  The train runs back and forth once daily so we took it only on the way in, but had I known a bit more about the experience I would have booked it for the way out as well.  You save yourself and your backside 2+ hours of driving on sandy bumpy roads.

We arrived at our destination in time to witness the first of many spectacular sunsets on the magical Ngamo Plains.  Our safari jeep was waiting to take us to Camelthorn Lodge, located in the Ngamo private Concession in the southeastern part of Hwange.

A tribute to a fallen hero