It's not really the jungle, but to a Californian it will do. The rooms were large and elegant; the grounds easy to navigate and tempting; the lounge chairs looking out on a large dry Ice Age river frequented by all manner of exotic creatures were irresistible. The staff were young and eager, and any sense of being out in an unfriendly environment was trounced by the ambience of the lodge and the warmth of the staff. The bar was the perfect place for a nightcap and conversation about the day's adventures. Definitely a good place to stay.

Originally planned to stay for two nights but ended up just staying one. On arrival there were minimal people around. Reception staff were very slow to checkin and only one out of our two rooms was ready on arrival. The rooms were very nice; however, the safe, phone and TV did not work. When I mentioned this at reception they agreed but gave no alternative. There are very nice grounds around the hotel. All rooms face onto the Hwange Park, where the animals pass to a watering hole. The pool area was very nice, and staff pass regularly to serve drinks/food.
The game drive was a great experience where a wide range of animals were seen. This was booked at reception on arrival. Dinner was served either in the restuarant, or outside by a log fire. The food was nice, but nothing special.

We made reservations through a travel agent, and prepaid for two nights with breakfast included.

We knew we were in trouble when we drove up and there was only one car in the parking lot. We began the check-in process and they showed us what they wanted to be our room. It was tiny and terrible -- no way it could sleep a normal family of four. We asked for an upgrade. After consulting multiple levels of management, they gave us a prime spot upstairs. The new room was large and had a decent view. That is about it. Decor was outdated, bathroom was clean but not well maintained, and the carpeting and bedspreads had probably not been updated since this hotel peaked around 1970.

We decided to walk around the grounds. There were lots of game in view just beyond the hotel property. They had an electric fence, as well as a broken-down wooden fence. The playground, while our little ones love any playground, is terribly old and outdated.

We peeked in the bar, restaurant and lounge. Very outdated. Especially the lounge. Just totally ratty, with carpet circa 1965 ripped and worn. We asked what activities there were to do. They told us the only thing they could do for us was a 6:00 a.m. game drive. We ended up not doing that because our 4-year old was still recovering from the stomach flu and we just couldn't get her up early enough for the drive. Anyway -- we had already eaten lunch on the way, so our first experience with the restaurant was at dinner time. I ordered the roasted chicken, and my husband ordered the T-Bone. I don't recall what we ordered for the kids (some side dish, as they could just share with us). The food was terrible. Chicken seemed both overcooked and pink at the same time. T-Bone was just not good.

The only thing that made us sleep decently was the fact that we brought our own pillows, and the bed was a king size, so we could maneuver around to find a comfortable spot eventually.

We were already thinking about not staying a second night, but then something happened that we hoped would redeem the hotel. Someone called our room and told us the lions were out. I ran down to where other guests where viewing the field, as a herd of buffalo was settling in for the night. Apparently they were being stalked by two lions. We thought that the terrible hotel would be worth it if we got to see a lion kill. But it was not to be. The lions had eaten too recently, and so they were only stalking the herd until it would be time to hunt in a day or two.

In the morning we headed down to breakfast. There was a smaller continental spread than at most hotels we have been to in the area. Then we could also custom-order hot food, which we did. After we were all finished with breakfast, the waiter decided that it was now the right time to tell us we had to pay for the childrens' breakfast. We basically launched a hissy fit as we had already prepaid for a room and breakfast, and they should have told us BEFORE we ordered if there was to be an additional charge. They ended up not charging us, but it really convinced us to pack up. We packed up and drove down the road to the Ivory Lodge.

All in all, if you are traveling on a budget, you may have to stay at the Hwange Safari Lodge. Do NOT expect a wonderful safari experience, and expect terrible food that is way overpriced. Bring your own food and make arrangements separately for a tour of the Hwange park.

This is a fantastic hotel!! After an 8 hour drive from Harare we were welcomed brilliantly at this hotel. The rooms are beautiful and spot less. The view from our room was of the waterhole so we got to see so many animals. The staff are so helpful and made us feel very welcome. I wouldnt hesitate to go back to this hotel tmrw!!