Hideaways recently announced the official opening of the new Mtoa Gate from its Elephant’s Eye lodge, directly into Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe.

Marguerite Engelbrecht, Copywriter and Content Producer for Hideaways, says: “The new gate gives visitors easy access to a new, slightly off-the-beaten-track area, with excellent wildlife spotting recorded. It also significantly reduces the time spent on a tar road driving to Main Camp from the Elephant’s Eye, Hwange lodge.”

The new gate allows guests heading off on a full-day game drive in the park to save an hour’s journey in each direction as they can now simply cross the road from the entrance to the lodge, drive through the wild outskirts of the park and, after a short distance, reach Mtoa gate.

The gate, named after the nearby Mtoa ruins, which date from 1450-1700, had previously been inaccessible to all but the most determined visitors, according to Hideaways. Mtoa Gate adds a convenient inclusion to guests’ experience in the already celebrated park.

Along the way, several natural water pans and a big solar-pumped pan allow for prime game viewing. The usual highlights include Nyamandlovu, Kennedy 2, and Ngweshla, all of which continue to be part of the game-drive options, however, with the new gate, guests are afforded more time in Hwange National Park itself. In addition, this route provides access to Sibaya, a new area to be explored that is known for its Painted Dog packs as well as a resident pride of lions.

The gate will be manned by Park officials and has been in operation since September 18.

“The building and manning of the gate have also contributed to employment in the community,” concludes Engelbrecht.