Zimbabwe Victoria Falls Hotel Victoria Falls Falls View 031 logo-zimbabwe
Back to Listing

Deteema Springs
Hwange National Park

Deteema Springs is part of the Machaba group which have five camps across Zimbabwe and Botswana, including Gomoti Plains Camp, Machaba Camp and Verney’s Camp, offering safari on the more affordable end. Deteema was opened in 2019 in the north western reaches of Hwange National Park and it is a fantastic camp for families (6-years and above) and safari goers who value exclusivity, as it is rare to see any other vehicles here. A 4-hour drive (or a 1-hour flight) from Victoria Falls, this camp is a great place to begin your Zimbabwe safari.

The camp presides over a Jurassic Park-esque plain; the landscape is punctured by large termite mounts and mopane trees, large bull elephants stride across the horizon, baboons scamper down the banks of the river to play with the young elephants, all watched by the characterful Marabou Storks, known fondly as the ‘undertaker birds’ due to their carrion diet and white and grey feathers. Tents one to four look out over the enormous plain, whereas tents five to eight have close-up views of the elephants drinking from the river, making for rather easy game viewing!

The tents themselves are compact but stunning: wooden floors, bright white linen with splashes of colour in a modern African safari vibe and open outside decking. When the team first arrived to build the camp, they found a pangolin curled up in what is now the entrance. This unique and special creature has now become the emblem of Deteema Springs, so pangolin adorned soft furnishings are subtly placed throughout camp as a reminder of this rare animal. The camp has a wonderfully comfortable vibe, making guests feel as if this was their own home. Breakfast is a glorious affair with fresh fruit, homemade granola, warm porridge and Amurala coffee on offer for the brave.

Walking safaris and night game drives are on offer at Deteema Springs and the guides in Zimbabwe are often cited to be the best in Southern Africa. Sightings of large herds of elephant, hippos and prides of lion are not uncommon, and the birding is also wonderful – one can expect to be woken by a barking hornbill making its presence known.

Deteema Springs is an Ampersand favourite and the combination of the camp itself, the team and the exclusive game viewing that Zimbabwe offers, makes this a must visit.

Deteema Springs, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe (22).jpg Deteema Springs, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe (22).jpg
Deteema Springs, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe (21).jpg Deteema Springs, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe (21).jpg
Deteema Springs, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe (3).jpg Deteema Springs, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe (3).jpg
Deteema Springs, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe (6).jpg Deteema Springs, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe (6).jpg
Deteema Springs, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe (15).jpg Deteema Springs, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe (15).jpg
Deteema Springs, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe (16).jpg Deteema Springs, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe (16).jpg
Deteema Springs, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe (5).jpg Deteema Springs, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe (5).jpg
Deteema Springs, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe (23).jpg Deteema Springs, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe (23).jpg
Deteema Springs, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe (2).jpg Deteema Springs, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe (2).jpg
Deteema Springs, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe (19).jpg Deteema Springs, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe (19).jpg
Deteema Springs, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe (4).jpg Deteema Springs, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe (4).jpg
Deteema Springs, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe (1).jpg Deteema Springs, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe (1).jpg
Deteema Springs, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe (8).jpg Deteema Springs, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe (8).jpg
Deteema Springs, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe (18).jpg Deteema Springs, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe (18).jpg
Deteema Springs, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe (20).jpg Deteema Springs, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe (20).jpg
Deteema Springs, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe (10).jpg Deteema Springs, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe (10).jpg
Deteema Springs, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe (11).jpg Deteema Springs, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe (11).jpg
Deteema Springs, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe (12).jpg Deteema Springs, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe (12).jpg
Deteema Springs, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe (13).jpg Deteema Springs, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe (13).jpg
Deteema Springs, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe (14).jpg Deteema Springs, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe (14).jpg
Deteema Springs, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe (7).jpg Deteema Springs, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe (7).jpg
Deteema Springs, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe (9).jpg Deteema Springs, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe (9).jpg
Deteema Springs, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe (17).jpg Deteema Springs, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe (17).jpg
A journey is like marriage. The certain way to be wrong is to think you control it.
John Steinbeck

Client Testimonials

I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
- Mr Wyburd, Ireland
We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket
Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India

Let us keep you up to date

Sign up to our newsletter and never miss out on unmissable exclusive luxury experiences