Full Moon Game Count Safari
Spend three or more nights at one of Amalinda Safari Collection's Hwange properties and take part in a 24-hour game count during the full moon. Working alongside experienced guides, you'll help record wildlife visiting a designated waterhole, contributing to ongoing conservation efforts while enjoying a different kind of safari experience.
What is a Full Moon Game Count?
Once a month, around the full moon, wildlife is monitored for 24 hours at selected waterholes on Amalinda Safari Collection's private concession bordering Hwange National Park. Guests are invited to help identify and record the animals that visit throughout the day and night. The information collected contributes to ongoing wildlife monitoring and conservation initiatives.
Why take part?
Most safaris focus on finding wildlife. This experience gives you the opportunity to observe it differently. Spending extended periods overlooking a waterhole provides insights into animal behaviour, while the brighter conditions around the full moon often make it possible to continue observations well into the night. Rather than simply watching, you'll be contributing to a genuine conservation project.
Participating Lodges
Khulu Bush Camp
A small tented camp overlooking a busy waterhole on a private concession bordering Hwange National Park. Well suited to couples and travellers looking for a quieter safari experience with excellent game viewing.
Sable Valley
Overlooking the Dete Vlei, Sable Valley offers comfortable accommodation, an underground photographic hide and elevated viewing platforms. A good choice for photographers and anyone who enjoys spending time watching wildlife at a waterhole.
Ivory Lodge
Ivory Lodge offers spacious accommodation overlooking a productive waterhole. Family chalets and a fenced setting make it particularly suitable for families, small groups and first-time safari visitors.
How the Game Count Works
- Stay a minimum of three nights.
- Take part in a 24-hour wildlife count at a designated waterhole.
- The count runs from midday until midday the following day.
- Work alongside experienced guides while helping record wildlife observations.
What's Included
- Accommodation.
- All meals.
- Local drinks.
- Safari activities.
- Park entry fees.
- Laundry.
- Participation in the 24-hour Full Moon Game Count.
What's Not Included
- Transfers.
- Premium drinks.
- US$100 participation fee per person.
- International and regional flights.
- Travel insurance.
- Personal expenses and gratuities.
2026 Full Moon Dates
The Game Count takes place around the following full moons in 2026:
- 26 September
- 26 October
- 24 November (Supermoon)
- 24 December (Supermoon)
Pricing
Standard seasonal accommodation rates apply, plus a participation fee of US$100 per person for the Full Moon Game Count.
FAQs
No. The game count is guided by experienced staff, who explain the process and assist with identifying and recording wildlife.
No. The activity takes place around the full moon on selected dates throughout the year.
The experience is available at Khulu Bush Camp, Sable Valley and Ivory Lodge.
The additional moonlight makes it easier to continue observing wildlife after dark, extending the opportunity to record animals visiting the waterhole.
