Mana Pools: Unveiling the Magic of a Safari in Zimbabwe

Imagine this: the sun paints the sky in fiery hues as your bush plane from Harare International Airport dips into the emerald embrace of Mana Pools National Park. You land like a feather at Kanga Camp, greeted by the warm smiles of your guide and the symphony of birdsong.

Kanga Camp isn't just a place to stay. It's an experience, the home of the "armchair safari". Refreshing welcome towels and sustainable water bottles in hand, guests bounce along the Savannah in a game drive. Then, a long-awaited arrival at the luxurious Meru-style tents, cozy havens nestled amid untamed beauty.

The heat of the day melts away in the camp pool, while the afternoon explodes with adrenaline on game drives and guided walks. Elephants trumpeting, lions basking in the sun and a kaleidoscope of birds painting the wilderness in unforgettable strokes.

As the sun dips below the horizon, Kanga Pan transforms into a stage for nature's nightly drama. Imagine lions prowling close to camp, sending shivers down the spine as elephants trumpet warnings. But the thrill doesn't end there. Huddle under the starlit sky, listening to captivating Shona stories as the wild surroundings unfold.

And then, the pièce de résistance: a gourmet feast under the Milky Way, the canvas of the night filled with serenading calls of antelopes and the playful chatter of monkeys. Every day at Kanga Camp is a symphony of the senses, a lullaby sung by the wild.

Bidding farewell to Kanga Camp, embark on a short drive to Zambezi Expeditions, a rustic sanctuary along the mighty Zambezi — a different kind of safari in Zimbabwe. Forget fancy showers. Here, bucket showers become a refreshing ritual under the open sky.

Then, engines are silenced as guests allow the Zambezi to cradle them in its ancient embrace. Glide along the water in a traditional mokoro canoe, spotting hippos basking on the banks, crocodiles lazily watching their reflections and a symphony of birds soaring overhead. Cast a line for tigerfish and bream, feeling the thrill of catch-and-release dance through your rod.

Unwind by the river side, where sunsets unfold like fiery tapestries across the vastness of the Zambezi. Gather with fellow adventurers and share hushed whispers as a pack of wild dogs prepare for their evening hunt, a primal ballet unfolding in real time.

As night blankets the camp, savor fresh river fish and seasonal delights in the bush kitchen. Ask for a peek behind the scenes and join the chef in a conversation about his culture while whipping up some cupcakes. At bedtime, nature weaves a lullaby — the snap of twigs under elephant feet, the hippos' playful shuffle, the yelping of the wild dogs and the lion's distant roar. Intimidating? Yes. Thrilling? Absolutely.

Leaving Zambezi Expeditions is bittersweet. The entire team gathers, singing a beautiful Shona song as a tearful goodbye. It is a moment to carry forever.

Deeper into Mana Pools, Nyamatusi Camp awaits: an intimate haven nestled on the banks of the Zambezi.

Participate in exhilarating walking safaris, immersing yourself in tracking wildlife and unraveling the secrets of the park's rich ecosystem. Board open-air vehicles for game drives, a quest for iconic African predators and herbivores.

As the day unfolds, witness the canvas of the Zambezi painted with breathtaking sunsets from a private veranda or the camp's elevated viewing deck.

Savor gourmet meals, a culinary journey featuring locally sourced ingredients and captivating river views. On special occasions, dine on the riverbed, sharing the space with tuskers, creating a truly magical safari in Zimbabwe.

Just a heads-up — the Tsetse flies are enthusiastic greeters here. But a little repellent is a small price to pay for the enchantment of Nyamatusi. Wildlife might even wander through camp, a constant reminder of the untamed world just beyond your doorstep.

Bid farewell to Mana Pools and soar above the landscape in a bush plane, landing at Bumi Hills, a refined sanctuary perched above the shimmering expanse of Lake Kariba. Here, a thrilling game drive in Matusadona National Park reveals a pair of male lions stealthily approaching a buffalo herd, a dramatic dance of predator and prey. Once the buffaloes sense the lions, there is a dusty display of strength.

Bumi Hills isn't just about another safari in Zimbabwe. It's an experience that indulges all your senses. Opulent villas, with sweeping lake vistas, become a guest's haven. Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of local culture with excursions to nearby villages, meeting artisans and visiting schools supported by the African Bush Camps Foundation.

Guests love to couple adventure with luxury at the award-winning spa, where rejuvenating treatments inspired by African rituals melt away travel weariness. Gourmet dining takes center stage, blending Zimbabwean flavors with international flair — each meal a masterpiece for your palate.

The sun dips below the horizon, casting long shadows across Lake Kariba. A mesmerizing sunset cruise serves as the grand finale. As the stars begin to twinkle, raise a toast to Zimbabwe, the land that stole your heart with its untamed beauty, vibrant culture and luxurious touches.