Goliath Camp
Goliath Camp is a seasonal tented bush camp set on the banks of the Zambezi River in the heart of Mana Pools National Park.
Goliath Camp is operated by Stretch Ferreira Safaris, an established Zimbabwean safari company owned and run by professional safari guide Andrew ‘Stretch’ Ferreira. It offers a genuine ‘owner guided’ experience which will appeal to travellers who would enjoy spending time in the bush with a very experienced and charismatic safari host. Stretch has operated in the Mana Pools region of Zimbabwe since the mid 1980s and was one of the early pioneers of canoe trails and tented safaris through this World Heritage site. His camp is well run, with very good food and service (all meals are taken communally), but the seasonal style of the camp is still fairly simple, offering a true bush experience. One of the highlights of a stay is approaching big game on foot with Stretch, who is familiar with a few relaxed elephant bulls and also comfortable approaching predators on foot.
Rooms
Set under a grove of albida and mahogany trees and overlooking the mighty Zambezi River, the secluded camp has just seven comfortable walk-in tents, each furnished with proper beds, luggage racks and dresser. To the rear of each tent is a private open air bathroom with a flush loo, plumbed shower and basin. The tents are set in a row through the bush, facing the river, but are not too far apart from each other.
Central Areas
The communal camp areas consist of simple canvas covered lounge and dining areas overlooking the Zambezi, and a riverside campfire.
Facilities
Wi-Fi – No
Power for Charging – Yes
Swimming Pool – No
Habitat & Wildlife
Mana Pools National Park, a World Heritage Site, is a beautiful wilderness area, in northern Zimbabwe where the floodplains of the mighty Zambezi, wooded with acacia and mahogany trees, stretch out on either side of the river.
During the dry season, the floodplains teem with a wide variety of wildlife and birdlife. Herds of elephant, buffalo, kudu, eland, and waterbuck graze the sweet grasses or browse on the tasty albida pods. Lion and sable rest in the shade of the giant figs. Fringing the floodplains, the thick ‘Jesse’ bush shelters the shy creatures such as leopard, honey badger, nyala and bushbuck. Wild dog roam through the area, and crocodiles bask in the shallows, awaiting their chance of a meal when the animals report to quench their thirst. Hippo are everywhere. There are also plenty of big elephant bulls, a couple of which are very relaxed and can be approached on foot. The birding is superb, with both woodland and floodplain habitats to explore. During the late season (late August onwards), both white fronted and carmine bee-eaters nest in the banks of the rivers providing a colourful spectacle complete the impressive list of birds to be seen.
Activities
There are no set routines at Goliath Safaris, and game-viewing activities are planned around local game movements and guest requirements by their expert safari guides. A mix of game drives (day only), walks and canoeing** are available, taken either on morning or afternoon excursions, or indeed to cover the whole day. Walking up to big game (the Mana elephant bulls, wild dogs and lion) is a particular activity which Stretch offers. **Please note that we do not recommend canoeing along the Mana Pools shoreline due to safety concerns, as hippo and crocs have been known to be aggressive towards canoes.
Seasons
Goliath Camp is open from May to mid-November, though game viewing conditions will be best from July to October.
Goliath Safaris could be brilliant for adventurous families with older teenage children, but is not suitable for families with younger children.
Stretch Ferreira Safaris have a long history in Mana Pools and have given much support to conservation in Mana Pools. The camp’s location in the National Park also means that guest contribute to ongoing wildlife and habitat conservation measures through the payment of national park and conservation fees which are charged per night of stay.
