“Soar & Roar” – new Imvelo air & rail package to Hwange

Back in mid-2023, the lovely and reliable Mack Air started year-round flights into and around Hwange making travel seamless for Imvelo Safari Lodges guests and they haven’t looked back. Now, Imvelo has worked to put together a special transfer package – called Soar & Roar – with Mack Air and the Elephant Express railcar that is not only easy, it’s enjoyable! It’s a little ‘planes, trains and automobiles,’ (not exactly in that order) but in a fun and very scenic way.

July was the first time I took one of Mack Air’s flights into Hwange and I did not miss the road transfer! Instead, we headed to the Vic Falls airport, enjoyed (yes, really!) a relatively brief wait in the well-appointed Mack Air lounge with its comfy couches, blissful quiet and extensive beverage selection, then headed off to Hwange. A Mack Air representative transferred our luggage to and through security and then all the way out to the plane. We climbed into what felt like a brand-new Cessna Caravan (actually manufactured in 2018) and ended up being the only passengers on this leg, so enjoyed a private flight to Hwange National Airport, located not far from Main Camp and the Dete railway station. The short 35-minute flight was scenic with views of Victoria Falls, the escarpment and eventually the edge of the park.

Landing at Hwange National gives a glimpse into the past with its late 1960’s architecture, but its ease of navigation is firmly rooted in the present. We were greeted by our driver who transferred us to Iganyana, a camp that Imvelo has an agreement with for passengers transferring to the Elephant Express open-air safari train who have a little bit of time on their hands between landing and the departure of the train.

After a short, 10-minute drive, we arrived at the camp and were greeted by staff and encouraged to find somewhere in the main, open-air lodge to relax. We chose a shady set of chairs by the pool overlooking a waterhole just beyond. We were brought an array of delicious snacks and enjoyed soft drinks – all of which was included.

We spent perhaps 45 minutes relaxing at the camp watching a smattering of plains game slake their thirst at the waterhole before being called by our driver for the short onward journey to Dete Railway Station and the Elephant Express. After a quick drive, we were boarding the train for our scenic journey to the Ngamo Plains and our home for the next two nights – Camelthorn Lodge.

A few notes about this easy and fun day:

• The Soar and Roar is not possible on the day guests arrive to VFA on an international flight (likely from JNB) as there is not enough time to make the connection to the Mack Air flight to Hwange National. Therefore, guests must stay at least one night in Vic Falls prior to going to Hwange.
• Imvelo highly recommends booking this Flight + Rail package to Bomani or Camelthorn instead of the long road transfer from Victoria Falls. The cost isn’t that much more than a 5-hour road transfer all the way to camp or a road + rail combo (ie a road transfer from VF to Dete to catch the EE – that road is increasingly poor and therefore much more uncomfortable). Your guests will thank you!
• Because of the nature of Mack Air’s scheduling, there is not a guarantee that guests can do a tour of Victoria Falls or other short morning activity on the day of departure to Hwange, however it will most often be possible. Our group was able to schedule a sunrise tour of the Falls, which delighted everyone with its lack of crowds and beautiful light.
• Not that anyone has ever gone hungry on safari, but not only do guests receive snacks at Iganyana, they will enjoy lunch once they board the Elephant Express.
• Not all guests will stop at Iganyana to relax and enjoy a cool (or hot!) drink and a snack. Oftentimes the flight will arrive at a time that enables an immediate transfer to the Elephant Express.
• Here is a rough idea of the the day’s schedule. It’s a full day of activity and the most unique and fun way to arrive to Hwange!
  • Early morning activity (pending departure time of flight) or leisurely morning at VF accommodation.
  • Mid-morning, transfer to VFA. If there’s time prior to the Mack Air flight to Hwange National, the Mack Air lounge is lovely and very comfortable with free coffee/tea, sodas, beer/wine and snacks on offer.
  • Depart from VFA on Mack Air (departure time TBC 24-48 in advance but will be sometime in the mid to late morning)
  • Arrive Hwange National around mid-day and either transfer directly to the Dete railway station to meet the Elephant Express or if there’s extra time, to Iganyana Camp to relax and enjoy a cool (or hot!) drink and a snack for 30-60 minutes and then to Dete.
  • Enjoy lunch on the Elephant Express before the 2pm (ish) departure
  • Elephant Express leaves Dete around 2pm and the trip to Bomani or Camelthorn takes approx. 3 hours depending on any other train traffic on the tracks and/or what is spotted along the way! The train tracks were laid by Cecil Rhodes in the early 1900s and mark the eastern border of Hwange National Park, so the game viewing can be very productive. The EE can stop to allow guests to take photos. Snacks and drinks are served along the way and at least one of Imvelo’s guides will be on board for wildlife spotting and interpretation.
  • Arrive to the Ngamo plains near Bomani and Camelthorn around 5pm and then either head directly to the lodge or board Imvelo’s game viewing vehicles for an sundowner game drive before going to the lodge to freshen up before dinner.

Soar and Roar special details:

• When two or more of your guests stay at Bomani Tented Lodge or Camelthorn Lodge for 3 nights or more they qualify for our Soar and Roar special.
• Soar and Roar special is valid for travel 1st April to 31st December 2026.
• The special must be booked with Imvelo directly, and the rate is $430 per person (min. 2 pax), which is net and non-commissionable.

Download the fact sheet about Imvelo’s special Soar & Roar transfer package that includes the Mack Air flight from Victoria Falls to Hwange National, the Dete shuttle and the Elephant Express. Your travelers will love this journey into Hwange!