John’s Camp
John’s Camp is set on the banks of the Zambezi River, in Mana Pools National Park, overlooking the floodplains and river beyond.
John’s Camp is a wonderful, owner-managed tented camp providing a classic safari experience. Named after the renowned professional guide John Stevens, John’s Camp is owned and operated by his daughter Sarah and son in law Milo. The camp is relatively simple, but comfortable and superbly operated. While not set right on the edge of the river, this has an advantage in that the views across the floodplains in front of camp are often busy with wildlife which makes for interesting viewing from camp, and the view of the river and escarpment still provides a beautiful backdrop behind. There is a relaxed authentic atmosphere in camp with a very happy team of experienced staff who have been working together for years. With fantastic guiding and superb hospitality, hosted by professional guides, a stay at John’s Camp harks back to safari experiences of yesteryear.
Rooms
The six classic meru style tents are simply furnished with large gauze windows and twin or double beds, behind which is a spacious changing area and vanity unit with running cold water (hot water is provided in a flask in the evening). Zipped doors at the rear of the tent lead to open air en suite facilities consisting of flush toilet and traditional safari ‘bucket’ shower. To the front of each tent is a shaded ground sheet with safari chairs. The tents are spread out either side of the central areas, along the shoreline, with wonderful views of the floodplain and Zambezi Escarpment in the distance.
Central Areas
The main mess tent is a simple set up with a dining table, chairs, a bar and comfortable sofas. Meals are taken communally, either under the mess tent or al fresco and the camp has a very intimate feel to it. There is also a campfire area in front of the mess tent. At the eastern end of the camp is a lookout deck which also operates as a sleep out deck.
Facilities
Wi-Fi – Yes
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
Activities from John’s Camp revolve around game drives (by day) and walking safaris and bush breakfasts and lunches can be arranged. Fishing from the river bank is also possible as is a sleep out on the star deck (subject to availability and booked in camp).
Seasons
John’s Camp is open from May through to 15 November, but game viewing conditions will be best from July to October.
John’s Camp accepts children from the age of 12 years. However, the camp is very much immersed in nature, with wildlife walking through camp and with no specific family accommodation, the camp will naturally suit those travelling with older children and looking for an adventurous experience.
John’s Camp is a big supporter of the Zambezi Elephant Fund and the majority of its conservation and community support work is effectively placed here. Set up in 2015 by John Stevens and a group of like-minded individuals, the Zambezi Elephant Fund was formed as a collaborative, supportive initiative to specifically to create awareness of and address the alarming rise of poaching and habitat loss in the Zambezi Valley of Zimbabwe. Now, the focus of elephant conservation is shifting, and, with it, Zambezi Elephant Fund’s impact is widening to ensure lasting and scalable change across the Zambezi Valley’s rangelands. Specific goals actively address the preservation of threatened wildlife and habitat and tackle head-on the systemic issues that adversely affect the future of elephants. The Fund supports anti-poaching activities habitat restoration and is assisting with the rollout of a range of innovative projects that will benefit communities living on the periphery of the protected Zambezi landscape.
The Fund supports organisations with a common goal, which include: The Zambezi Society which provides anti-poaching logistical support in Mana Pools and the Charara Safari Area, including the contribution of a patrol boat, vehicles and ranger equipment); Flying For Wildlife which provides conservation stakeholders throughout Zimbabwe with regular aerial surveillance); Kariva Animal Welfare Fund Trust whose mission is to protect, care for and rehabilitate wildlife that is affected by poaching, working alongside the national park authorities); My Trees Trust which works to reduce the rate of natural woodland loss in Zimbabwe; and the Tashinga Initiative which aims to restore biodiversity to the Mid-Lower Zambezi Valley through providing infrastructure, communications and training for rangers, as well as playing a key role in managing ranger welfare.
John’s Camp is owned, operated and run by 100% Zimbabweans, including a good complement of female staff.
