River

Royal Chundu Zambezi Island Lodge

Royal Chundu Zambezi Island Lodge is private and exclusive, located on Katombora Island, surrounded by the flowing rapids of the Zambezi River. The lodge is authentic and luxury, and with only four lodge suites the lodge always feels quiet. Rooms have traditional thatch roofs, and floor to ceiling doors which allow bright light to fill the space and afford exceptional views of the Zambezi from the comfort of the king size bed. Authentic touches have been added through the wooden furniture and blue feature textiles, which have been created by local seamstresses. The location of the lodge is ideal, guests will be immersed in wild nature however a short trip will take them to the magnificent Victoria Falls. With no shortage of activities to choose from, guests can spend time on a boat safari, canoe down the river, day trip around the falls or explore Katombora Island on foot; this is the perfect place for adventure seekers and laid-back travellers alike.

Nyamatusi Mahogany

Nyamatusi Mahogany is a small and intimate camp, perfect for families who are looking for a personal and authentic safari experience in a comfortable, child-friendly setting. The Ngwana Club provides a range of fun and educational activities for children, and the family suites are positioned closest to the main area so that younger guests can easily reach it without having to walk through the wilderness. The camp is made up of just four suites, two of which are family suites, which all overlook the tranquil waters of the Zambezi River from the pleasant shade of towering and ancient mahogany trees, from which the camp takes its name. Nyamatusi Mahogany has a natural design and is powered by solar energy, causing minimal disruption to the environment. Mana Pools is known as one of the last pioneer parks, and is a haven for explorers and nature-lovers due to its diverse landscape and rich wildlife population. Take a canoe along the river and view wildlife from a whole new perspective, or embark on a game drive to find the best spots for viewing wildlife alongside the camp’s knowledgable guides.

Zambezi Expeditions

Zambezi Expeditions is a semi-mobile camp that offers guests stunning views over the floodplains of the Zambezi River and the diverse landscape of Mana Pools National Park. The camp consists of six Meru style tents that lie along the riverside. The open plains present incredible wildlife viewing opportunities as herds of elephants and impala wander across the sweeping grasslands to drink from the riverbank. Zambezi Expeditions gives guests the opportunity to explore the World Heritage site, Mana Pools National Park, and enjoy activities such as fishing, canoeing and bird watching against the backdrop of the park’s verdant floodplains and the distant escarpment across the river’s flowing waters. The semi-mobile camp is small and intimate, meaning that guests can enjoy a private and authentic safari experience in peaceful surroundings. While the camp usually tailors for up to 12 guests at any one time, a 6-bedded camp of three tents can be set up for a single group on special request. Due to its riverside location, Zambezi Expeditions closes over the rainy season and is open from April 1st until November 30th.

Chikwenya Camp

Chikwenya overlooks a beautiful stretch of the Zambezi River in the eastern section of Mana Pools National Park, one of the most remote and beautiful areas in Zimbabwe. Views extend over open floodplains down to the legendary river and across to the mountains of the Rift Valley escarpment, while stretching inland behind Chikwenya are the dense woodlands so characteristic of the area. The canvas tents are set on low wooden decks and linked to the raised main area by pine walkways. A lounge, dining and bar area offer a sanctuary of hospitality and relaxation, while a pool deck and fire place offer alternate spaces to take in the scenery and passing wildlife. The area is renowned for its large numbers of elephant, buffalo, hippo and eland, especially in winter when they concentrate along the river – these and a variety of predators can be seen from camp.

Sindabezi Island Lodge

Exclusive, private and authentic are three words which describe the feeling of Sindabezi Island Lodge. Located on an island of the same name in the flowing Zambezi River, the lodge has huts made out of natural materials and thatch roofs which make the camp feel traditional and conscious of nature, and it is this consciousness that has earned the lodge the title of one of the top 10 eco-lodges in Africa. With only five chalets, this lodge is perfect for couples wanting a romantic stay or the whole island can be booked for groups of friends to enjoy. Chalets are luxurious with large, comfy beds and features that make them unique, from toilets with a view, outdoor bathtubs, hammocks and private deckings. Enjoy dinners al fresco style, under the wide starry sky and drinks around the Boma where you can share stories of your day. Spend days exploring the other islands and the magnificent Victoria Falls or enjoy more relaxed days birdwatching, with picnics and a dip in the plunge pool.
 

John’s Camp

John’s Camp is a semi-permanent safari camp that lies on the banks of the Zambezi River, nestled into the pleasant shade of towering Trichelia and Mahogany trees. The camp opens in May of each year, and guests can visit until November 15th, when the camp closes for the rainy season. 6 Meru style tents overlook the river’s tranquil waters and the rolling landscape beyond. Guests can gather by an evening campfire and enjoy interacting and sharing exciting safari stories over a meal. John’s Camp is situated within Mana Pools National Park, where guests can walk across the floodplains and get up close to the incredible wildlife that roams the diverse landscape. Watch the silhouettes of passing African Bull Elephant herds as you see off the end of another day with a refreshing sundowner, as trails of blazing pink and orange streak through the clear skies.

Kavinga Safari Camp

Kavinga Safari Camp is located in a private concession within the southern boundary of Mana Pools National Park. The camp overlooks the dry Ruckomechi riverbed and is set against the extraordinary backdrop of the Zambezi Escarpment. The camp has 7 comfortable raised tents built on the edge of a cliff, with a view of the rising sun above the magnificent Zambezi Valley floor. The herds of buffalo that drink at the neighbouring Chitake spring are frequent visitors to the area, as they traverse the valley in search of grazing. Most evenings, herds of elephant gather in the riverbed, providing a wonderful wildlife spectacle. Shyer species, like leopard, civet and genet, visit the pan right below the camp under the cover of darkness.

Little Vundu Camp

Little Vundu is a private and intimate camp that rests on the banks of the Zambezi River in the private Vundu Concession. The semi-permanent camp consists of 5 Meru style tents which are set up at the beginning of May and taken down on the last day of November when the rainy season causes the river to rise and the floodplains become too wet. This small and exclusive camp offers guests the chance to enjoy an authentic and rustic safari experience in the tranquil setting of the private concession. Guests will rarely see another safari vehicle, meaning that they can focus on the incredible wildlife of Mana Pools, the stunning birdlife, and the breathtaking scenery.
Little Vundu is owned by Nick and Desiree Murray, who are both qualified guides with nearly 60 years of experience between them. Nick Murray was the lead guide in the Painted Wolf episode of BBC’s Earth series, where he worked alongside Sir David Attenborough, and guests will be able to see these incredible creatures (also known as African Wild Dogs) while staying at Little Vundu Camp.

Little Ruckomechi

Little Ruckomechi offers an intimate Mana Pools experience, in the style of the bygone days of safari, without detracting in any way from the wildlife experience. The shady ana trees and views of the Zambezi River and the Zambian foothills beyond are some of the hallmarks of this region, and Little Ruckomechi provides all of them. This seasonal camp (winter/dry season only) offers an authentic safari experience through a mix of game drives, boating and guided nature walks, adding to the sense of exploring an untouched wilderness area.

Vundu Camp

Vundu Camp stands along the banks of the Zambezi River, half-hidden amongst a cluster of ebony and tamarind trees that offer both shade and a sense of privacy. Due to its riverside location, Vundu Camp is closed over the rainy season (December to April) when the riverbanks flood. The camp lies within a private concession within Mana Pools National Park, giving guests exclusive front row seats to exciting wildlife viewing from the comfort of the camp itself. The eight thatched chalets provide a luxurious setting for relaxing and waiting for the incredible local wildlife to come to you. Each room has a lounge area and outdoor seating that overlooks the tranquil waters of the Zambezi River, where guests can look out for hippos and crocodiles. Vundu Camp is also home to a number of wild dogs (also known as painted wolves) and the camp’s owners, Nick and Desiree Murray, worked alongside Sir David Attenborough for BBC’s Earth Dynasties painted wolf episode – shot at Vundu Camp.

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