Wilderness Safaris’ Little Makalolo, situated on a private concession within Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe, has reopened following a rebuild of its main guest area due to flooding, and an extensive refurbishment of its six traditional-style safari tents.

Little Makalolo’s new look was achieved in a way to ensure that the camp retained the authentic bush feel of the original camp, which first opened in Hwange in 1998. Focusing on its wilderness location overlooking a waterhole, the new bar/breakfast area, pool deck and circular infinity pool have been raised to offer uninterrupted views of the waterhole and the variety of wildlife that congregates in the vicinity.

“We also kept the main area open on both sides and pulled the camp back to enhance the view of the waterhole and the magnificent false mopane tree in the centre of the camp, which now also forms a canopy over the main area”, commented Dean Morton, Wilderness Safaris Zambezi Operations Manager.

The refurbished tents feature new floors, roofs, cladding at the back of the tents and locally sourced interiors. According to lead interior designer, Caline Williams-Wynn from Artichoke: “Our inspiration for the interiors was drawn from the significant local culture, with the cosy feel of the rooms and the red-clay colour used throughout simulating the homes found in the villages surrounding Hwange.”

Handmade baskets have been used to create a feature on the panelled wall behind the bed. Each wall feature includes five different baskets, all made by local members of the Lupane Women’s Centre, a non-profit organisation with 3 200 members from the Lupane District.

“We also used the pattern of the basket weave, which is prolific in Zimbabwe, in the curtains and the scatter cushions, not only emphasising the homely village feel but also highlighting our commitment to Culture – one of the 4Cs of Wilderness Safaris’ sustainability ethos,” Williams-Wynn added. Luxurious touches include copper basins and new copper hanging lights.

Other elements in the new camp include table napkins, placemats sourced from the neighbouring community, and new woven bistro chairs on the deck. The main area also features new leather sofas, large tree-trunk tables, big grass rugs and new pool loungers.

“Little Makalolo has been one of our guests’ favourite bush camps for over 20 years and we are thrilled to have made this investment to rebuild the camp, not only to ensure that we remain on the cutting-edge of pioneering sustainable and authentic ecotourism in Hwange but also to showcase our ongoing commitment to Zimbabwe as a whole”, said Morton, adding: “Our life-changing journeys truly offer our guests the opportunity to travel with purpose and we hope that the new camp will remain a firm favourite of our repeat guests, as well as encourage more travellers to visit Hwange.”