Deka Camp

OVERVIEW:

Owned and run by Machaba Safaris, Deka Camp is one of the latest properties to be added to the company’s impressive portfolio. In common with sister camp Deteema Springs, it offers authentic accommodation and blends beautifully with its surroundings. Accommodation is booked on a full-board basis, including all meals, a selection of alcoholic and soft drinks, all activities, transfers between the camp and Robins Camp’s airstrip, and a laundry service. The camp is open throughout the year.

ACCESS & LOCATION:

The camp is accessed via 40 minutes’ game drive transfer from Robins Camp’s airstrip. It has a fabulous location, on top of a low hill in the remote north-western region of Hwange National Park!

ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT DEKA CAMP:

There are just six guest units. These are made out of canvas, local rock, and thatch. At the front, there’s a private veranda, where you can relax and enjoy breathtaking vistas over the sprawling floodplains known as the Deka Seeps! Entering a unit, you’ll find a double bed or twin beds, made up with high-quality linen. If need be, up to two beds for children can be added, on request. The en-suite washroom contains a flush toilet, washbasin, and shower with hot/cold running water.

The communal facilities at Deka Camp are housed in another canvas, local rock, and thatch structure, also with spectacular views over the seeps. In the library, there’s comfortable seating, coffee tables, and plenty of interesting reading material. The dining area provides a friendly setting for the camp’s delicious meals! And there’s a plunge pool too, which is fantastic for anyone in need of a refreshing dip.

ACTIVITIES AT DEKA CAMP:

Deka Camp provides some superb safari activities, as follows:

• Expertly guided game drives

  - Hwange National Park’s north-western region features rugged terrain, granite boulders, and characterful mopane trees. Guests of Deka can head out on morning and afternoon drives to explore this fascinating landscape and enjoy a wide variety of wildlife sightings. Among the highlights here are all Big Five – lion, rhino, leopard, elephant, and buffalo – and elephant concentrations are especially impressive. Smaller mammals in residence include cheetah, hyena, jackal, wild dog, giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, a thrilling assortment of antelopes, and hippo. And there are more than 450 bird species!

• Night drives

  - As the camp is situated in a private concession, vehicle safaris by night are also possible. Starting after dinner, and also enjoyed in the presence of a knowledgeable and experienced guide, this activity showcases the nocturnal species in the area, such as serval, aardvark, porcupine, and the charming pangolin!

• Walking safaris

  - Please note, there’s a minimum age requirement of 12 years for walks, and they’re only available when a specialist guide is in camp. Walks are great for getting to know the smaller lives of Hwange, for example the park’s plants, insects, and birdlife. Just a few birding species include Goliath heron, greater flamingo, Egyptian vulture, and the gorgeous golden oriole!

*This property is unfenced and located in a wildlife area, so large and potentially dangerous animals do pass through. If you opt to stay here, always be alert when walking around the camp and request for a member of staff to escort you if you have any concerns. Any guest is escorted after dark as a matter of course.