Adventure

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.

Ingwe Pan Camp

Ingwe Pan Camp lies within the remote wilderness of Mana Pools National Park. The camp itself is within a private concession, offering guests an exclusive and personal safari experience. 8 Meru style tents overlook the pan’s southern side, guarded by towering jackalberry and nyala berry trees that offer an escape from the hot African sunshine. The tents are designed with neutral colours and made with natural materials, meaning that they can blend into the landscape without disrupting the sweeping views. Guests can enjoy watching elephants, impala and warthog playing and drinking from the water during the daytime, and most evenings you will be treated to the rare sight of a wild dog pack who visit the pan with their pups.

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.

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.

Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge

Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge lies on the edge of the Gonarexhou National Park, surrounding by lush vegetation and towering trees and overlooking the tranquil waters of the Save River. From the comfort of the lodge’s spacious patio, guests will be able to spot lounging hippos, basking crocodiles and herds of elephants as they rest on the riverbanks. The lodge is light and airy, with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Guests can enjoy the natural beauty of the area while escaping to the cooling shade and interacting with fellow travellers. Chilo Gorge also features luxuries such as a refreshing swimming pool, library, lounge, dining room and bar, which all offer views of the lodge’s manicured gardens. Enjoy a relaxing stay in a comfortable setting that incorporates tradition with modern design, located in heart of the African wilderness.

Old Mondoro Camp

Old Mondoro is set in a grove of Acacia trees that tower above the massive elephant bulls that seem to be constantly feeding on them. On the banks of the Zambezi River in the Lower Zambezi National Park some 35 km downstream from Chiawa Camp this is a beautiful and remote site overlooking a maze of hippo-inhabited islands and channels. With only 5 rooms, 10 beds, Old Mondoro is the Lower Zambezi’s most intimate and private safari camp. Old Mondoro’s setting is exquisite, one of the few safari camps with views in all directions, from one’s chair – to the south the spectacular Zambezi river and its islands sprinkled with wildlife, swivel around to face north and see beautiful woodland full of towering trees dwarfing the impalas, waterbuck, buffalo and elephants. A fun addition is Old Mondoro’s outdoor “loo with a view” overlooking the Zambezi and its wildlife. If you wish to be truly immersed in nature but with all the comforts then look no further than Old Mondoro.

Island Bush Camp

Island Bush Camp is owned and operated by Ron & Anke Cowan, along with sister property Kafunta River Lodge located in the main Mfuwe area. Island Bush Camp is 2 1/2 hours drive south of Kafunta River Lodge (so about 3 1/2 hours from Mfuwe airport) in a very remote yet extremely game-rich area of the southern section of the South Luangwa National Park, Zambia. It is in this complete solitude, far away from other crowds, that walking safaris are taking place in the mornings and afternoons. This seasonal, intimate camp lies under a grove of Mahogany trees, right on the banks of the Luangwa River. Island Bush Camp offers authentic bush accommodation in five elevated reed huts, with bucket showers and running water. The huts are open sided with a private verandah overlooking the Luangwa River. The camp runs on solar and paraffin lights, charging facilities are offered via inverters.

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