Bomani Tented Lodge

Our Review

Bomani Tented Lodge is an absolute delight from the moment you arrive, thanks to its warm, attentive staff who immediately make you feel at home. Their genuine hospitality creates such a welcoming atmosphere, and nothing is ever too much trouble. The rooms themselves are wonderfully comfortable tented accommodations, beautifully blending the charm of an authentic safari with the convenience of modern comforts. Each roomy tent features solid-walled bathrooms with excellent hot-water pressure in the showers, an in-room safe, and high-quality mosquito nets that are both practical and reassuring. Ceiling fans keep the tents pleasantly cool at night, although it can remain quite warm in the day, and the thoughtful addition of seating areas both inside and out allows you to relax while taking in the peaceful surroundings. During the day, a small but inviting swimming pool offers the perfect place to cool down, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot wildlife wandering past as you float or lounge nearby.

Sarah and Sue visited in March, and the overall experience was nothing short of phenomenal. The wildlife around Bomani during green season is simply extraordinary. One morning, a cheetah was seen right outside the lodge, a thrilling and unforgettable moment that perfectly captures the magic of this area. Out on game drives, they encountered a remarkable lion pride: a beautiful, powerful male, three lionesses, and three different sets of cubs, all at varying ages and full of playful energy. We were also treated to sightings of unusually large herds of eland, something quite special in Hwange, along with an abundance of elephants, giraffes, zebra, and a wonderfully varied array of birdlife.

The guiding at Bomani was deeply knowledgeable, passionate, and attentive, transforming every game drive into a rich learning experience. Our guides had an exceptional ability to read the landscape, interpret animal behaviour, and share fascinating insights, all while maintaining a sense of excitement and adventure. Their skill and enthusiasm elevated every outing, making the wildlife encounters not only memorable but truly meaningful.

The community village visit was one of the most impressive and uplifting community experiences of anywhere we’ve in Africa. It was remarkable to see firsthand how community levies, funds generated through responsible tourism, have been channelled into projects that genuinely enhance the lives of local families. New clinics now provide essential healthcare to remote communities, significantly improving access to medical support. Schools have been expanded and developed, giving children safe, well-equipped learning environments and brighter educational prospects. The creation of sporting grounds has also brought huge benefits, offering young people space to play, train, and participate in activities that strengthen community pride and cohesion. Walking through these areas and hearing the stories behind them showcased just how transformative tourism can be when it directly empowers the people it touches.

The rhino conservation efforts were equally inspiring. Meeting the dedicated rangers who protect the rhinos around the clock offered a powerful and humbling insight into the immense commitment required to safeguard these critically important animals. Their professionalism, passion, and unwavering vigilance were extraordinary, and learning about the intensive monitoring and protection measures underscored just how vital this work is for the long-term survival of rhinos in the region. It was a privilege to witness conservation at this level. It was serious, heartfelt, and making a real, measurable difference.

And of course, no stay at Bomani would be complete without the iconic Elephant Express. This unique rail journey is an unforgettable way to travel to/from camp. They even let both Sarah and Sue drive the train, which was a moment of pure excitement and joy for both of them. Bomani Lodge seamlessly blends warm hospitality, outstanding wildlife, and deeply meaningful conservation and community engagement, creating a safari experience that is both enriching and utterly memorable.