Chikwenya Camp | Zimbabwe

Situated on a private concession at the eastern boundary of Mana Pools National Park, Chikwenya Camp is a photographer’s paradise as it looks out over an open floodplain and the broad Zambezi River, with a backdrop provided by the mountains of the Rift Valley escarpment.

The camp is surrounded by a dense forest of albida and Natal mahogany trees, which provide deep shade in the heat of the day. The albidas shed their protein-rich pods during the dry season, providing vital sustenance for many species, particularly elephant.

Chikwenya is a seven-tented camp which includes two-family units.  All stand on low wooden decks and pine walkways link them to the raised main area.

The lounge, dining, and bar area are places of hospitality and relaxation, and a pool and deck offer alternate spaces to enjoy the scenery and passing wildlife.

The camp offers guests exclusive access to the lower reaches and mouth of the Sapi River as well as Chikwenya Island in the middle of the Zambezi. The varied habitat, from verdant riverine forest to floodplain grasslands, attracts a range of wildlife in considerable numbers. Key mammals seen include buffalo, elephant, kudu, zebra, waterbuck, hippo, lion, wild dog, leopard, eland and occasionally nyala, while species such as black-throated wattle-eye, red-necked falcon, eastern nicator, Narina trogon, and Livingstone flycatcher make this a birder’s paradise.

All safari activities at Chikwenya are led by highly skilled guides, and include interpretive day and night game drives, guided nature walks, boating, catch-and-release fishing  and canoeing.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Lies on one of the most beautiful stretches of the lower Zambezi.
• Remote, yet rich in both wildlife and experiences.
• Protein-rich albida pods attract many species, particularly elephant, during the dry season

ACTIVITIES:

• Day and night game drives in 03 x 07-seater open Toyota Hiluxes and 01 x 07-seater Land Cruiser. During winter months hot water bottles (on early morning game drives only), blankets and lined ponchos are provided.
• A pair of Olympus binoculars is available in each of the game drive vehicles for guests to share amongst themselves whilst game viewing and may be requested from our guides.
• Private activities on offer (subject to vehicle availability which needs to be booked and paid for) may be requested in advance.
• There is no option to book a private vehicle from another camp in the same concession when staying at Chikwenya.
• Water-based activities in 02 x 08-seater pontoons and 05 x 02-seater canoes (water levels permitting).
• Whilst not predominantly a fishing camp, fishing is possible on a catch and release basis from the bank or by boat for leisurely interests.
• Guided nature walks.
• Birding.
• Stargazing with a laser pointer.