Luxury Zimbabwe Family Safari Lodge | Somalisa Acacia

The place

We relax in the lounge and dining area, keeping one eye on the waterhole in front of camp and the other on the kids, who are busy frolicking in the private splash pool. In the balmy heat of the day, it’s tempting to join them, but we’re pleasantly lethargic, and prefer to sip on our mocktails and enjoy the breathtaking views of the savannah plains. Built under the dappled canopy of an acacia grove on the edge of a seasonal floodplain, Somalisa Acacia feels like an oasis amid all this rugged wilderness. We catch each other’s eyes and smile as the shrieks of our happy children gain momentum, reading each other’s mutual thoughts that this will surely chase any thirsty animals away. Luckily, the noise doesn’t chase away our new friends, who come to join us under the shaded boma. They have kids of their own (now running to the pool to join their playmates), so they’re totally unfazed.

We relax in the lounge and dining area, keeping one eye on the waterhole in front of camp and the other on the kids, who are busy frolicking in the private splash pool. In the balmy heat of the day, it’s tempting to join them, but we’re pleasantly lethargic, and prefer to sip on our mocktails and enjoy the breathtaking views of the savannah plains.

Built under the dappled canopy of an acacia grove on the edge of a seasonal floodplain, Somalisa Acacia feels like an oasis amid all this rugged wilderness. We catch each other’s eyes and smile as the shrieks of our happy children gain momentum, reading each other’s mutual thoughts that this will surely chase any thirsty animals away. Luckily, the noise doesn’t chase away our new friends, who come to join us under the shaded boma. They have kids of their own (now running to the pool to join their playmates), so they’re totally unfazed.

The rooms

Calling our kids a little later, we wander back to our safari home to freshen up before dinner. We still feel incredulous each time we return to it, with its gauze sliding doors open to 180-degree views of the surrounding bush. Our room is connected to the kids’ room with an interleading walkway, so we’re nearby if they need us, yet we can still steal some much-appreciated couple’s time. Best of all, each room has its own en-suite bathroom, so while the kids are playing in their tub we have the luxury of both indoor and outdoor showers and a copper bathtub to choose from. After showering, we help the children dress, chatting over their heads about how much we like the light, airy and outdoorsy feel of our canvas sail tent, which billows gently with the breeze. There’s even a fireplace for the colder nights, but it’s still wonderfully warm. Soon, we’ll be meeting the others at the boma, where we can watch for the elephant coming down to drink and bathe.

Calling our kids a little later, we wander back to our safari home to freshen up before dinner. We still feel incredulous each time we return to it, with its gauze sliding doors open to 180-degree views of the surrounding bush. Our room is connected to the kids’ room with an interleading walkway, so we’re nearby if they need us, yet we can still steal some much-appreciated couple’s time.

Best of all, each room has its own en-suite bathroom, so while the kids are playing in their tub we have the luxury of both indoor and outdoor showers and a copper bathtub to choose from.

After showering, we help the children dress, chatting over their heads about how much we like the light, airy and outdoorsy feel of our canvas sail tent, which billows gently with the breeze. There’s even a fireplace for the colder nights, but it’s still wonderfully warm. Soon, we’ll be meeting the others at the boma, where we can watch for the elephant coming down to drink and bathe.

What sets it apart

A family tent at Somalisa Acacia offers the perfect family escape. Our kids adored visiting the tribal village, where they got to play with the local children, and they relished the nature walks with their friends. My partner and I enjoyed our own adult walking safaris, and some time alone as a couple, and the whole family loved the private game drives to see big game. Having a second family tent on site proved favourable; our kids had instant playmates (you’d have sworn they’d known each other since birth!) while we had extra eyes watching over our babies. That said, extra eyes were hardly an issue, as the staff were amazing – helping us out with special meals like scrambled eggs and toast for dinner, showing the children how to bead jewellery, and even letting them help prepare traditional meals. With its jaw-dropping views of the savannah and seasonal floodplains, and endless opportunities for close elephant encounters, Somalisa Acacia left us with a deeper awareness of animals and the environment and how we’re all connected … as well as two kids now determined to become guides!

A family tent at Somalisa Acacia offers the perfect family escape. Our kids adored visiting the tribal village, where they got to play with the local children, and they relished the nature walks with their friends. My partner and I enjoyed our own adult walking safaris, and some time alone as a couple, and the whole family loved the private game drives to see big game.

Having a second family tent on site proved favourable; our kids had instant playmates (you’d have sworn they’d known each other since birth!) while we had extra eyes watching over our babies.

That said, extra eyes were hardly an issue, as the staff were amazing – helping us out with special meals like scrambled eggs and toast for dinner, showing the children how to bead jewellery, and even letting them help prepare traditional meals.

With its jaw-dropping views of the savannah and seasonal floodplains, and endless opportunities for close elephant encounters, Somalisa Acacia left us with a deeper awareness of animals and the environment and how we’re all connected … as well as two kids now determined to become guides!

At a glance

Two family tents, sleeping four each, set on an acacia island with sweeping views over savannah and ancient floodplains. They’re located at a luxury safari camp, with a splash pool and outdoor lounge areas, and just two other guest tents.
Private concession, flexible schedules and private vehicle available (additional cost).
Game drives, night drives, walking safaris (minimum age 16), bird watching, swimming, waterhole and cultural visits (additional cost).
Children welcome. Two family tents, with two adjoining bedrooms each, are perfect for families. Short walking safaris close to the lodge available for younger children.

Two family tents, sleeping four each, set on an acacia island with sweeping views over savannah and ancient floodplains. They’re located at a luxury safari camp, with a splash pool and outdoor lounge areas, and just two other guest tents.
Private concession, flexible schedules and private vehicle available (additional cost).
Game drives, night drives, walking safaris (minimum age 16), bird watching, swimming, waterhole and cultural visits (additional cost).
Children welcome. Two family tents, with two adjoining bedrooms each, are perfect for families. Short walking safaris close to the lodge available for younger children.

Prices

Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you. Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.

Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you. Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.