Set in one of the wildest and most remote parts of Africa on the banks of the Zambezi, this is a luxury safari camp consisting of 6 luxury tented suites with uninterrupted views of the river and escarpment beyond ... Very special.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mana Pools National Park in northern Zimbabwe is one of the most remote and least developed safari parks in the country and is known for its exceptional walking and canoeing safaris. Mana Pools access is limited during the wet months from November to March. The best time to visit is during the dry season months of late April through to November. Many people come to Mana Pools National Park hoping to see the grand old elephant named Boswell who stands up on his hind legs to reach into the canopy to feed ... a cult he has developed with a following of younger bulls who are adapting to his specialist survival skills....amazing!
This private concession is set away from the crowds in a remote part of the legendary Mana pools where a private safari experience is the focus, and tracking wildlife on foot is a specialty. A 12 bedded seasonal camp built around a water hole, which acts as the main attraction for wildlife in the area as it is the only source of permanent water in the location. Walking and game-drive activities in the area can be complimented with trips to the Zambezi flood plain experience. Water based activities such as fishing and canoeing can be arranged in advance and on special request. Camp opens between May to October inclusive. This location is a true 'armchair safari' as you really do not need to leave camp given the constant stream of wildlife coming to quench their thirst....pure bliss...
Disclaimer: When we undertook this activity we were told that all funds went into research and conservation of lions. We had no idea that this was not true and that these poor animals are all destined for the canned hunting industry - please do not be tempted - as amazing as it may look - this is NOT ethical.
Our return to Victoria Falls was because we really wanted to share this wonderful place with the girls and it did not disappoint. Victoria Falls Hotel is as colonial and wonderful as ever - love falling asleep to the sound of bullfrogs. Te on the verandah with the smoke that thunders in the background is always a highlight.
This visit to the 'smoke that thunders' was very special as we were invited to our friends' (that we had met on our around the world trip) wedding. Trent was to be ring bearer and Charlotte Bridesmaid - a magical African wedding.... years later we are their three children's Godparents...
Once a British colony known as Rhodesia in honour of empire builder Cecil John Rhodes, it won independence to become Zimbabwe and build a seemingly unassailable reputation as ‘the bread basket of Africa’. Its fertile soil and balmy climate is perfect for agriculture - it’s still the centre of Africa’s lucrative raw tobacco trade - but then came political turmoil once again as the government launched land reform programmes. The great draws are Victoria Falls, Mana Pools, Lake Kariba all offering a fantastic safari experience.
Victoria Falls is a waterfall on the Zambezi River in southern Africa, which provides habitat for several unique species of plants and animals. It is located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe and is one of the world's largest waterfalls, with a width of 1,708 m. There is a wide range of activities on offer including the 'flight of the angels' to provide a bird's eye view of the spectacular 'smoke that thunders'.
