Kavinga Safari Camp
Kavinga Safari Camp sits on a wide bend in the Ruckomechi River on the southern edge of Mana Pools National Park.
Unlike the majority of camps in Mana Pools, Kavinga Safari Camp is located far from the Zambezi River, in a remote and exclusive wilderness area. The camp is set against the backdrop of the Zambezi Escarpment and overlooks the dry Ruckomechi riverbed. Whilst game drives and walking safaris are possible from camp, the real highlight of the camp is a pumped waterhole which is the only source of water for many miles around and attracts huge quantities of game and birdlife during the dry season. The camp is set on cliffs overlooking the water hole, whilst a sunken hide disguised as a termite mound overlooks the waterhole at eye level and offers superb close encounters with both big game and birds. Towards the end of the dry season, it is not uncommon to see lion, leopard, wild dogs, buffalo and elephant visiting the water hole on a daily basis. Visiting Kavinga is ideal for those looking for a more relaxed couple of days with a focus on the water hole experience, and it makes a good combination with a camp on the river.
Rooms
The camp is built on high cliffs overlooking the water hole. There are seven accommodation tents, each built onto raised decks. Each tent has an en suite bathroom at the rear (plumbed toilet and shower), and open viewing deck at the front. The tents are simple but very comfortable and spacious and have standing fans and also a small fan attached to the headboard of each bed for keeping cool.
Central Areas
The central lounge and dining area has a deck above, with superb views, and camp fire area in front. There is also a small plunge pool below the main area overlooking the riverbed which makes a lovely place to cool off with a drink and watch the wildlife coming to the water.
Facilities
Wi-Fi – Yes
Power for Charging – Yes
Swimming Pool – Yes
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. 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.
Mana Pools is known for its high game concentrations which include a healthy number of elephant, buffalo and lion. Leopard and wild dog are regularly seen, though cheetah, rhino and giraffe are absent.
Activities
Activities include game drives, night drives, bushwalks and birding. There is no set routine, and activities tend to follow the movements of wildlife and guest preferences. There are two hides at the property – the first built adjacent to the main area and so easily accessible during the day or evening, while the second is a sunken hide on the edge of the waterhole which provides superb photographic opportunities.
Seasons
Kavinga Safari Camp is open for from April to early November, though game viewing and wildlife at the waterhole will be at its peak from August to early November.
Children aged 10 years are welcome (younger children are accepted if the camp is booked exclusively; note 14 years is the minimum age for walking), but with no dedicated family tent and with the wild nature of the camp, it would be more suited to those travelling with older children looking for an adventurous safari.
Kavinga Safari Camp offers logistical and practical support to Zimbabwe Parks’ anti-poaching units and was instrumental in constructing their Zuvaru rangers’ camp.
They are proud supporters and contributors to the Tashinga Initiative, Zimbabwe Elephant Fund and the Zambezi Society in terms of donations, logistical support where requested, staff accommodation, water supply, as well as fuel and supplies storage. They also work closely with the Tsetse Research Station and provide mechanical support by fixing their vehicles, providing water when required and grading their roads, so that they can access their fly traps at all times and continue their valuable research.
