Chikwenya Camp in the Mana Pools National Park

Chikwenya Camp in the Mana Pools National Park lies in the heart of the Lower Zambezi Valley, where the Zambezi River meanders for 300 km on its way to the Mozambican border. It is a remote, wildlife-rich trove offering spectacular views of the river, floodplains, the tree canopy and the mountains of the Rift Valley escarpment across the border in Zambia.

WILDLIFE: Mana Pools National Park lies at the heart of the Zambezi Valley, a remote, beautiful place with spectacular views. The area offers large concentrations of buffalo and elephant, while predators such as lion, wild dog, leopard and cheetah are often sighted. Greater kudu, Burchell’s zebra, impala, warthog and common waterbuck can be seen on the surrounding plains and the grunting of hippo can be heard all day. Birdlife is superb, with numerous local specials like collared palm-thrush and racket-tailed roller.

ACTIVITIES

• Day and night drives in 03 x 7-seater open Toyota Hilux and 01 x 7-seater Land Cruiser. During cooler weather conditions, hot water bottles, blankets and lined ponchos are provided on game drives.
• Private activities available on request (subject to availability. Additional costs applicable).
• Water-based activities in 02 x 8-seater pontoons and 05 x 2-seater canoes.
• Whilst not predominantly a fishing camp, fishing is possible on a catch and release basis from the bank or by boat.
• Birding.
• Guided nature walks.
• Stargazing with a laser pointer.

CAMP DESIGN AND FACILITIES

• Lounge, dining and bar areas on raised decks, with raised wooden walkways leading to the guest tents.
• Pool in the main area with partially shaded deck and loungers.
• Swing seat.
• Camp fire pit overlooking the Zambezi River.
• Guest toilets in main area.

ACCOMMODATION: The seven-tented 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’s guest tents stand on low wooden decks with pine walkways linking them to the raised main area. The lounge, dining and bar area are places of hospitality and relaxation, and a pool, deck and fireplace offer alternate spaces to enjoy the scenery and passing wildlife.

NUMBER OF TENTS: This camp can accommodate 14 guests and 04 children plus 02 guide/pilot/tour leaders sharing, subject to concession numbers and/or concession availability.

• 07 x tents in total comprising:
• 05 x twin-bedded canvas tents each with two three quarter beds.
• 02 x family rooms, canvas tented accommodation consisting of two tents with a shared deck.

Plus guide/pilot/tour leader accommodation comprising:

• 01 x twin-bedded tented accommodation with two three quarter beds and shared en-suite facilities (not of the same standard as guest tent).

TENT DESCRIPTION

• Canvas tented accommodation on low wooden decks with raised wooden walkways linking the tents to the main area.
• Each tent comprises en-suite facilities with indoor shower, outdoor shower, indoor bath, separate toilet and single vanity basin, canvas roll down blinds for all weather conditions, electronic safe, luggage rack, indoor lounge area, mosquito net, tea and coffee making facilities (hot water will be provided in the mornings), charging station, indoor lounge area and small veranda with an outdoor sunken seating area.
• No air-conditioning, however, a ceiling fan is installed in each of the tents.
• Amenities include bathrobes, liquid soap, shampoo and conditioner, body lotion, insect repellent, shower caps, vanity kit with two cotton tipped swabs and cotton balls, tissue dispenser, washing powder (for smalls), umbrella, room spray and a mosquito coil are supplied in each tent.

ELECTRICITY AND WATER

• Camp operates on solar power with a 220V generator.
• 220V multi-plug adaptor charging facilities for mobile devices. Additional charging facilities (available on request) for the use of sleep apnoea machines (guests to provide own device, spare batteries, charging unit and adaptors).
• Water for showers are heated by solar geysers.

EXAMPLE OF A TYPICAL DAY: Morning wake-up and activity times vary according to the seasons, activities on offer and wildlife sightings.

• Early morning wake-up call.
• Light breakfast before departing on the morning activity.
• Return to camp for a meal and rest period.
• Meet for afternoon tea before departing on the activity.
• Return to camp – freshen up or meet for drinks, followed by dinner and thereafter, perhaps a nightcap.

CHILD POLICY

• Children aged 06 years and older are accommodated.
• For families travelling with children between 06 and 12 years of age, private activities need to be booked and paid for.
• Children under 16 years of age must share with an adult/s in the same tent.
• The minimum age for walking activities is 13 and for canoe activities it is 16.
• The minimum age for boating activities is 06 years.

LAUNDRY FACILITIES: Laundry services are provided on a daily basis (weather permitting) and included on the FI rate basis. However, as the laundry is done by hand, the camps do not wash any ‘smalls’. Washing detergent is supplied in the tent or available on request, for you to wash your own underwear.