Gwango Heritage Resort

What a wonderful place to stay. The staff were super friendly and service excellence was shown at all times. Only remark I want to leave is that a kettle in the lodge would be nice.

November is the rainy season means animals are more difficult to observe. Specially when the park is bushy like Hwange NP. Still the lodge has no low season prices. The 4x4 for game drives is in very poor condition, turning off every time we slowed down (we had to open the bonnet a couple of times to fix idling without real success), the roof does not block from sun burning because of its tree branches pattern cover. We paid for a full day game drive in Hwange NP and were supposed to end by 6/6.30pm til gate closure according to their brochure description but we had to really insist to extend after 4pm when the guide was simply running to the exit without even asking if we would like more. 4pm is when animals start being more active, no sense to stop at this time! Even the lodge called him at 4pm to know what he was doing. The guide was a young man with only 5months experience in this park. Seems he always goes the same route. We expected a guide who knows the park maybe better to be able to spot animals in this period. At the end we saw "only" some birds and a hyena the entire day except after 4pm a couple of Zebras and Buffalos. Moreover, the guide stopped for lunch at 10.30 at his usual place without asking?! We should have adapt to the poor game. Very disappointing for a 310 USD game drive for two people. We understood when going back at the lodge that the employees all knew the current conditions in the park for game drives and were not really surprised of the poor game drive quality. I don't understand why we had not been informed before going?! Not even a "sorry" from the team when we explained our feelings when going back. + the transport way and back from Victoria = 300 USD. At the end, including the room, a 800 USD trip for two people, for a poor quality game guided by the youngest guide of the park, in a too old-sun burning vehicule, with no low season prices and an empty camp (very large area with no customer except us - looked like a dead place really). We did many safaris before ; Gwango was the worst experience.

Gwango Heritage sits about 5 minutes drive from the Hwange Main Gate and is within easy reach from Victoria Falls/Airport. Drive about 150km in a straight line passed beautiful Zimbabwean countryside, take a right, then drive circa another 15 minutes and your there Seriously, that easy!! The hotel is much, much better than the two stars it may have. This is a countryside paradise with beautifully presented accommodation in the mist tranquil of settings. The main hotel area has an elevated pool overlooking a waterhole which is visited by herds of elephants. Sun loungers with a lounge area with elegant furniture and comfy sofas. Great WiFi in this area, the main reception and restaurants. Some rooms may pick up WiFi (but I doubt it). Seriously not an issue though. Ate at the hotel for breakfast and dinner. Really enjoyed the food (I'm veggie). Seemed to be enough on the menu for regular dietary considerations too. No need to 'rush out' to the park too early. Gate opens at 7 and you'll virtually drive straight in. No queues like Kruger (just a point worth noting). There are multiple options for game drives that the hotel can organise seamlessly. Rather than a long day from Victoria Falls, stay overnight and do 2 days in Hwange (just a thought). Finally, rooms are very cosy, comfy beds and plenty of hot water. No TV (thankfully) and internet is limited to common areas Not unusual in places that are not 'mainstream'. I would stay here again in a minute and wish I stayed a couple of more days. Thanks to all the really kind and friendly staff who effortlessly made our stay a truly excellent one.

This is a gem of a safari lodge. The rooms are beautiful, and so are the facilities. The only thing they have left to update is the dining room and it was 90% ready. The location is perfect right outside Hwange. We actually enjoyed their private concession more and they offer a night drive there as well. The only bad thing was the quality of their safari trucks. Our truck broke down in Hwange once but we were shifted to another lodges truck. It didn’t affect our drive since we were at a viewing platform when it happened. Could have been much worse with no cell service in the park. However, other guest mentioned it broke down three times!

The resort is an amazing place. The staff were more than helpful and very friendly. I will be back again. The experience of sitting in the pool whilst an elephant drinks from it is something i wont forget.

Had the most fantastic 3 days at Gwango in January. We were blown away by the subtle beauty of the lodge, attentive and friendly staff and the great value for money- every aspect of our stay was fantastic. We arrived late by public transport, but Thulani was patiently waiting and transferred us to the lodge. Ashley at the front desk was warm, welcoming and ever so helpful. Our guide Fortune gave us excellent game drives and a really interesting cultural tour. Food was delicious and beautifully presented. I would highly recommend Gwango to anyone looking for an authentic and reasonably priced safari experience.