SINAMATELLA CAMP

The particularity of Sinamatella camp is that it is perched on top of a small basalt hill overlooking a huge plain covered with grassy and shrubby savannah. While the Main Camp area is characterized by its flatness, Sinamatella and its surroundings are rounded in hills and boulders, from which curious aloes appear. In this northern part of the protected area, the vegetation is thicker and lower (mostly bushes and shrubs - mostly mopane), although mounds and rocky outcrops occasionally give way to open grasslands and artificial lakes, such as Mandavu, 12 km from Sinamatella camp, which boasts the largest artificial water body in the park. It is equipped with a large observation platform and a picnic site. The largest waterhole in the whole of Hwange Park, it is open to fishing (obtain a license from the national parks offices) and is teeming (in addition to fish!) with hippos and crocodiles. The presence of this lake, as well as the Lukosi River (one of the many tributaries of the Zambezi), does not, however, result in a higher concentration of wildlife than in the area around Main Camp. The area is nevertheless well frequented by pachyderms, buffalo and other large predators. It was also known to be home to a few black rhinos. Lake Masuma, located a few kilometers away, is worth a visit. Adjacent to his camp, an observatory overlooks the water. This one, lined with scattered palm trees, attracts numerous birds as well as herds of elephants and antelopes. It also hosts some hippos. Shumba Lake is worth seeing for the grasslands surrounding it, which are popular with herbivores. The hills of Sinamatella, because of their rocky nature, host a particular fauna: damans, oréotragues, eagles... It is inconceivable to treat the area of Sinamatella without evoking the coal mine, exploited by a Chinese company, which adjoins this sector of the park and which risks to affect it.

The only way to discover this area is to be part of a mobile safari or to have your own vehicle. However, national park guides organize half-day and full-day walks in the vicinity of Sinamatella (book at the camp office). They also offer overnight excursions and multi-day hikes for up to six people.