Mkwaina keeps getting better

Jul 02, 2026

Mkwaina Campsite at Gwango Heritage Resort has been part of Gwango's story from the very beginning. Even before any of the lodges were built, camping was how visitors first experienced Gwango. Over the years it has become one of Hwange’s most popular camping destinations, attracting everyone from self drive travellers and overlanders to families and seasoned campers looking for a place that is still wild.

We are always paying attention and taking note of where guests naturally gather, what works well and what could work even better. Sometimes, guests also mention little things and all these observations and feedback usually turn into small ideas that later turn into practical improvements.

Recently, a few more of these improvements have been added to make that experience even more comfortable. Additional bathroom facilities have been built at Mkwaina, making the campsite more convenient during busier periods. A separate wash up area has also been added, giving multiple groups of campers separate space for cleaning dishes and taking care of the everyday tasks that come with preparing meals outdoors. These are simple additions, but they make a noticeable difference when spending several days at camp. More shaded areas have been introduced around the campsite as well. In Hwange, especially during certain times of the year, shade is never something taken for granted and visitors have appreciated these additional spaces. They have been used for enjoying a morning coffee, for escaping the afternoon heat (and at times rain) or for sitting with a good book between game drives. Having more comfortable outdoor spaces has made it easier to slow down and enjoy being at camp.

What we have noticed and appreciate most is that these minor updates have not changed Mkwaina’s original appeal, which is its raw, untouched, and off-the-grid character. It still retains its original magic and the land remains wild, open, and blissfully undeveloped. It is still a campsite surrounded by teak forest. Wildlife still wanders through the area. Campfires are still the centre of the evening as stories are shared beneath an enormous African sky. Guests can still enjoy the splash pool at the lodge nearby, they can visit Gobelo Mtoa Restaurant for a meal if they don't feel like cooking, and head into Hwange National Park during the day before returning to camp in the evening. The difference is simply that the experience has become a little more comfortable without losing the character that people have always enjoyed. 

If you have been thinking about experiencing Mkwaina for yourself, there has never been a better time to pitch a tent, park your camper and spend a few days surrounded by the sounds of the bush. Email reservations@gwango.com to let us know when you will be joining us for your next camping trip.