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Deteema Springs Camp was opened in 2019, after the founders of Machaba Safaris saw an opportunity to create an intimate safari camp, in an incredible wildlife area, on a site which is hard to describe. Guests have the opportunity to travel on foot or in game vehicles to view this amazing area and also to view from the camp, Africa in its wildest form.
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From the time we arrived to the time we left, we had the most wonderful stay. Our Guides - Robert and Nthando- were very knowledgable, Camp Managers Nono and Robert ensured everything was perfect and barman/waiter Lui made sure we had everything we needed all the time but didn't feel like he was hanging around. The Chef delighted us with great meals. Our sightings were brilliant and the bush walks very exciting. We saw Lion on one bush walk and sat and watched Elephant close up on another bush walk. The rooms are very well appointed and the behind the scenes staff (housekeeping/maintenance) are clearly doing their job well. The morning campfire, coffee and freshly baked biscuits before a game drive or bush walk were very very welcome.
We were grateful to have WiFi in our room as during Covid times were wanted to keep in touch with family and there is no cell signal. Also, being business owners we needed to ping the office occasionally and would not like to have done this from the restaurant or fireside areas and disturb other guests.
We love that everything is included - it just makes the day flow without having to book anything or decide if you want to do it. We would LOVE to return as soon as we can. It was exceptionally memorable.
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Date of stay: July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Marketing Coordinator, Owner at Deteema Springs Camp - Machaba Safaris
Responded 27 Jul 2021
Dear Traveller, Thank you for taking the time to write that lovely review and give us feedback. I am very happy to know you had an amazing experience at Deteema Springs. We are absolutely thrilled to hear that you loved our staff as much as we do! Robert and Nthando sure are fantastic their enthusiasm and passion exudes through everything they do. Thank you for choosing Machaba Safari's for your Zimbabwe adventure and really look forward to welcoming you back at one of our Machaba Camps in the near future.
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Hwange in October is truly remarkable. The leafless trees and the oppressively hot air seem a contrast to the plethora of life that fills the park. At one point, we sat in disbelief as over two hundred elephants were drinking from a watering hole. There is nothing that vibrates in your core like the rumblings of elephants communicating with one another; I can’t begin to describe what it was like to be surrounded by so many of these incredible animals as we sat in awe and watched. Hwange National Park is a massive park. To put its size into perspective, the National Park is half the size of Belgium. Located on the border with Botswana with no fences, the animals move freely between the countries. We were nestled at a beautiful camp by the name of Deteema Springs. Deteema has a natural spring line that brings life-giving water to the surface. Gigantic bull elephants, lions, buffalo, and kudu live close by and survive by drinking from this mineral-rich water. Although we loved our game drives, just from the balcony of our room, we saw three of the big five and a magnitude of different birds. There is no need to chase down the game; the wildlife surrounds the camp. A camp is an empty shell without its staff, and Deteema has won the lottery in terms of their team. Sasa, Mack, David, Lue, and Able took good care of us as we soaked in the African wilderness. On our first morning in camp, David took us on a lovely walk through the bush. We stumbled upon ancient ruins where we learned how communities lived and thrived in this region. David was extraordinarily knowledgeable in the area. Walking with someone we felt safe with while exploring was a pleasure! The camp is situated among a rocky outcrop, and each tented room is on decking above the ground. This allows for vast views, and we watched the sunrise from our beds each morning. The main areas and rooms are simply yet tastefully done, and the camp is intimate enough that guests feel as though small details are thought of, such as Lue remembering our favorite drinks or the camp surprising G with a belated birthday cake! All in all, we saw almost 150 species of birds, the game viewing was fantastic, and we were lucky enough to catch a pride of lion on a kill. The camp and staff were excellent, and we genuinely feel we have made memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you, Deteema; we will be back!
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Date of stay: October 2022
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Marketing Coordinator, Owner at Deteema Springs Camp - Machaba Safaris
Responded 23 Oct 2022
Dear JessicaOnSafari, What and amazing review!!! What more can I say but thank you! It appears that Deteema Springs has stolen your heart as it does to all who visit the area. Hwange is a truly remarkable reserve with so many unique characteristics. The elephant herds are breathtaking, we are delighted that you were able to experience their numbers at our camp. We know that these experiences will stay life-long memories. Thank you for mentioning our staff specifically, as you said, a camp is an empty shell without staff and our staff are the heart of Deteema Springs. We will pass on your appreciation to them. We look forward to welcoming you back to Deteema Springs or one of our other Machaba Safaris camps in the near future.
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Deteema Springs. What a special place ! My brother and I stayed for three nights and from arrival to departure, this place topped all our expectations. We were welcomed like family and hosted to perfection.
The eight “glamping” tents are large and feel very private, set far apart from each other, with private decks, offering supreme comfort. All tents overlook a set of natural springs with probably the most beautiful views in Hwange National Park. We really did not need to leave camp for our safari to begin. Elephants parade by all afternoon, drinking, playing and rolling in mud. One afternoon, we even had two cheetahs just in front of our room.
The main area is designed in style, blending perfectly with the surrounding environment. The dining room, bar, lounge, pool area, including a library with Wi-Fi, are all ideally located with views over the springs.
The Deteema staff were all wonderful – always smiling, friendly, professional and experts at attending our needs. Our guides, Nthando and Robert were incredibly knowledgable, easy-going and conscientious.
The smell of camp fires, coffee and freshly baked biscuits made our morning wake up calls easy. Sightings were great and bush walks from camp (huge bonus) allowed us to leave the roads and have a more authentic feel for life in the bush.
Food at camp was delicious and varied, whether it be breakfast, lunch, high tea or our three course dinners served under the stars.
We felt extremely blessed to spend some time here and highly recommend this little piece of heaven for a perfect Hwange experience - especially for the Elephant Lovers out there.
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Date of stay: August 2021
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Best views - Room 6, 7 and 8
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Marketing Coordinator, Owner at Deteema Springs Camp - Machaba Safaris
Responded 8 Oct 2021
What an absolute treat reading such a wonderfully written review, I can feel the passion and happiness in your writing. We are so excited to hear that the the wildlife gave you such a warm welcome as this is such a special spot in Hwange. Thank you for choosing us for your Zimbabwe adventure, we really look forward to welcoming you back in the near future at one of our Machaba Camps.
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Deteema Springs is amazing! It was our first time in Africa altogether and we are so glad we had the opportunity to stay here. The location is excellent and the property is beautiful. It is a small camp of 8 tents, so the safari experience felt personalized, private, and tailored just for us. Clean facilities, spectacular views, fantastic game drives, experienced guides, extremely attentive staff and service, and excellent food!
The staff is absolutely perfect and operate like a big family. Sasa, Mak, Lou, Tony, Chef Simisu and his sous chef (I didn’t catch his name unfortunately) made sure my husband and I had the best experience. Other guides Ntandoe and David (I believe that’s his name) as well as Chris (based at a different camp I think) were welcoming and friendly as well. They packed a “tea” basket (snacks and drinks) for a quick picnic during game drives, too! Each time you return from a game drive staff would be waving at you and welcoming you back with a cold or hot towel depending on the time of day. I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the housekeeping and maintenance crew.
If you go during the winter time, keep in mind that it gets really cold morning and nights — so pack accordingly! They provided a fleece poncho or blanket to use during the game drives, too. We were totally spoiled here and I’m not sure we will ever find another camp like it! The best part and pleasant surprise was to find a couple of hot water bottles warming up our bed each night.
Also, some reviewers say tents 6, 7, and 8 are the best because you will have a better view of the elephants. We stayed in tent 4 and it was the best location in our opinion as it is central to the common areas and you don’t need an escort at night. We will request tent 4 when we return.
If you want an intimate and personalized experience, Deteema Springs is for you!
Thank you Deteema Springs for being part of our dream honeymoon! We love you!
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Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:It gets very cold morning and nights so pack accordingly! Keep in mind that the tents are not...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Marketing Coordinator, Owner at Deteema Springs Camp - Machaba Safaris
Responded 4 Aug 2022
Dear vcp322, Your amazing review put a smile on all our faces when we read it, thank you!!! We love your review as much as you love our special Deteema Springs. Thank you for taking the time to write such a delightful, detailed, and descriptive review. We feel privileged to have been part of your first time in Africa and most importantly your dream honeymoon. Your review describes our property so expertly, we appreciate every word, that you mentioned so many staff by name makes us so happy. We will make sure to let the whole team know how much they positively impacted your honeymoon, game drives, meals, and overall stay. Your recommendation is hugely appreciated! Thank you for choosing Deteema Springs for your Hwange honeymoon experience, we look forward to welcoming you back in the near future.
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Wow, wow, wow. What a very special place. First class hosts (Sasa and Mak), amazing and the most knowledgeable guide (David) and incredible beautiful place to stay. An oasis in the bush, surrounded by elephants, lions and teeming wildlife.
Morning sunrise drives, walking safaris spying elephants, gin and tonic fuelled sunsets, wonderful 5 star hospitality at the camp, a camp fire under a star filled sky. It doesn’t get any better.
And what Murray and his team have created with Machaba Safaris is very, very special. Beautifully furnished, wonderfully generous, and eco friendly, great to see their investment in a country I love so much.
So very fortunate to have had time with our family enjoying the very best safari experience, not only in Zim but in Southern Africa. I can’t rate our stay at Deteema highly enough. Already planning on a return next year.
I’ve travelled extensively in SA, Zambia and Zim and this is the best I’ve experienced in 50 years. The stability and safety of Zim coupled with the incredible value of such a high bar experience and the profliferation of game makes this the country of choice for anyone wanting the trip of a lifetime.
Thanks Deteema Springs Team, you are awesome!
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:We found August great, the reduced water brings the game to the water pan next to the camp. Game...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Marketing Coordinator, Owner at Deteema Springs Camp - Machaba Safaris
Responded 16 Sept 2022
Dear Robdg, Thank you! It sounds like the Deteema Springs Team did a wonderful job looking after you during your stay with us! Thank you for taking the time to leave these wonderfully kind words and naming our fantastic staff member individually. Hwange National Park is a remarkable place to visit, the wildlife experience is unforgettable, and it is a truly unique reserve. We look forward to welcoming you and your family back to Deteema Springs in the near future.
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From the minute you walk into Deteema Springs you are treated like royalty. The tents are beautifully decorated and have the most wonderful view over the dam and natural spring. You don't have to venture anywhere to see herds of elephant drinking and bathing right in front of you. There was a herd of at least 200 buffalo that would come past the camp every evening. On one evenings drinks at the dam we saw lion, elephant and buffalo together. We were treated to standing in a protected enclave and watching elephants walk past a few metres away. The food is out of this world. I can't wait to return.
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Date of stay: July 2021
Rooms
Location
Service
Room Tip:All the rooms are amazing. I think 6 and 7 are the best because they look over the spring.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Marketing Coordinator, Owner at Deteema Springs Camp - Machaba Safaris
Responded 18 Nov 2021
Thank you for the amazing feedback, I'm delighted that you had such a phenomenal stay with us. I'm so happy you had great sightings during your stay - definitely one for the memory book We are thrilled you loved your stay with us and really look forward to welcoming you back at one of our Machaba Camps in the near future.
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Deteema Springs is simply the most amazing Safari camp. My family, partners and I spent two days in August and from arrival, we were blown away. The camp itself is utterly stunning and is designed to ensure you're not looking into the Bush, but you are part of it and the location is superb, with elephants, baboons and even lions wondering right by it. The accommodation itself is luxurious and the hosting team is spectacular. Sasa, Mac and the team made us feel immediately at home and were great company throughout our stay - it was a real joy getting to know them all.
A big thank you must also go to the Hotel's co-owner Murray, who personally spent time with us at both Deteema and Robin's Camp to help ensure we have the best stay we possibly could.
The Safari experience itself was tremendous fun, made all the more special by our amazing guide David. David clearly loved what he did, which shone through in his immense knowledge for the wildlife and environment. The Sundowner experiences each evening were tremendous, in which we got up close and personal to a large elephant herd on more than one occasion.
I certainly hope this isn't the last I see of Deteema, and they've made it a very easy decision to go back in the future!
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Date of stay: August 2022
Value
Rooms
Service
Room Tip:All rooms give a great view of the Safari game and landscape.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Marketing Coordinator, Owner at Deteema Springs Camp - Machaba Safaris
Responded 8 Sept 2022
Dear Edward, Thank you for taking the time to send through your detailed feedback after your recent stay at Deteema Springs. We are thrilled that you and your family had such an amazing experience and that you were blown away! Your review is amazing, detailed and we loved reading every word. We especially enjoy hearing about how our team at the camp impacted your stay from the moment you arrived. Your special mention of the staff personally is truly appreciated, and we will make sure they receive a copy of this feedback, they do love what they do and are so passionate! Deteema Springs has a special place in the hearts of everyone at Machaba Safaris and it appears you have fallen in love with the lodge, area, and staff as well. We look forward to welcoming you back to Deteema Springs in the near future.
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I never expected to have 5* chef/cooks out into the bush. It was excellent; they did such a good job. It was just unbelievable. Thank you very much. I can absolut recommend this place. I felt safe, they have a great guide, he brings you to your tent in the evening/night, and explain to you what ever you like to know about the animals.
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Date of stay: December 2021Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Marketing Coordinator, Owner at Deteema Springs Camp - Machaba Safaris
Responded 17 Jan 2022
Thanks for sharing this great review of Deteema Springs with us. It's wonderful to hear you had such an enjoyable time with us! The camp is very quiet and serene with the only the sounds of the Africa bush - we are glad you loved it! :) Thank you for choosing us for your Zimbabwe Safari, we really look forward to welcoming you back in the near future at one of our other Machaba Camps.
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What a remarkable experience, being greeted with a cool scented towel on arrival, and gentle browsing elephants only 3 metres from our tent. Nothing was too much trouble for Nono and her team. We enjoyed outstanding hospitality and food, and watched game, especially elephant materialise out of the bush and enjoy the fresh clean water from the springs hardly 20 metres from our tent. A Marshall Eagle also took out a guinea fowl 20 metres from us. Simply outstanding!
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Date of stay: September 2021Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Marketing Coordinator, Owner at Deteema Springs Camp - Machaba Safaris
Responded 23 Sept 2021
Thank you for the amazing feedback, I'm delighted that you had such a phenomenal stay with us and got to experience the elephants just 3 metres away from your tent. Elephants are fascinating creatures. Being the largest of all land mammals on Earth, many aspects of their huge anatomy are a source of amazement themselves, whilst their high level of social development makes them an intriguing subject for observation. Thank you for choosing us for your Zimbabwe adventure, we really look forward to welcoming you back in the near future at one of our other Machaba Camps.
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Had an excellent 4 nights at Deteema. Knowing the area reasonably well, but prior to this lodge being developed, we all agreed that the overall design and particularly placement of rooms, is a job well done. Rooms very comfortable with a nice viewing deck. Unpretentious with hot water bottles and a good flask of hot water to wake up to! Main area spacious and comfortable. Good and drink - certainly well up to scratch and beyond expectations. Chef ‘Samoosa’ delivered quality food. Guiding and walking a bonus. Lion sightings daily including a couple of road blocks by them! Ntandoe (Gods Will) was informative and can tell a good story! Management led by Sasa was very slick allowing us freedom on timings for activities. All round a wonderful experience!
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Ask nicely and you will get
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Marketing Coordinator, Owner at Deteema Springs Camp - Machaba Safaris
Responded 2 Aug 2022
Dear KayBeeZim, Thank you for your detailed and informative review, we appreciate you taking the time to create it. It seems that you had a great experience at our special Deteema Springs camp in Hwange. Thank you for mentioning our amazing staff individually, (we are biased) but we love hearing about how they positively impacted our guests stays. We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the walking, about your amazing sightings, lion road blocks and that you were grateful for the activity flexibility. We hope you will return to Deteema Springs or one of our other Machaba Safaris Camps in the future.
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There are more places to choose from in the Hwange National Park area.
LOCATION
ZimbabweMatabeleland North ProvinceHwange National Park
NUMBER OF ROOMS
8
Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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