CHIKWENYA CAMP – MANA POOLS NATIONAL PARK

Chikwenya is a luxurious and remote camp set on a private concession adjoining the eastern boundary of Mana Pools National Park.  The camp and looks out over an open floodplain and the broad Zambezi River, with a backdrop provided by the mountains of the Rift Valley escarpment.

The newly-built seven-tented camp which has two family tents is surrounded by a dense forest of albida and Natal mahogany trees which provide deep shade in the heat of the day. The tents perch on low wooden decks and pine walkways link them to the raised main area. The lounge, dining and bar area are places to relax and there is a pool, deck and fireplace.  Protein-rich albida pods attract many species, particularly elephant, during the dry season.

As a private-access area neighbouring Mana Pools National Park, Chikwenya plays an important role in protecting wildlife and in preserving a feel of real wilderness – a function that is recognised in its World Heritage Site status.

LOCATION

Chikwenya Camp is located in a private concession adjoining the eastern boundary of Mana Pools National Park in Zambia.  Access is by light aircraft from Hwange, Victoria Falls or Harare.

CAMP

The camp has just 5 ensuite tented suites with both indoor and outdoor showers, an indoor bath, single basin vanity and separate toilet.   The sides of the suites have canvas blinds that roll up and down for all weather conditions and inside the suites are comfortable beds with mosquito netting, luggage racks, an electronic safe, ceiling fans, charging facilities and an indoor lounge area with tea and coffee making facilities.   Outside there is a private veranda with an outdoor sunken deck/seating area.

There are 2 tented Family Suites with private plunge pool.  Each suite comprises one king size and one twin-bedded room with ensuite facilities as above.

The main area is linked to the suites by a wooden walkway where there is a lounge, dining area, bar and a swimming pool.

WILDLIFE AND ACTIVITIES

Mana Pools National Park lies at the heart of the Zambezi Valley – a remote and beautiful place with spectacular views. The area offers large concentrations of buffalo and elephant, and 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.

Walking – is all about experiencing Africa on foot. Mana Pools is superb for walking and has many habitats including along the Zambezi River, through riverine vegetation and under the shady trees.

Canoeing – for the adventurous, canoeing down one of Africa’s largest rivers is a must.

Boating – is a wonderful way of seeing large numbers of waterbirds and wildlife attracted to the river and seasonal pans. You can also try your hand at catching a tiger fish on a catch-and-release basis.

Game Drives – day and night game drives provide exclusive access to a spectacular stretch of the Zambezi River with typical Mana Pools woodlands, the Sapi River and fertile floodplains.

GIVING BACK

The camp’s partnership – both financially and logistically – with renowned NGO Painted Dog Conservation (PDC) helps to drive the conservation of this Endangered species in the Mana Pools National Park and surrounds. As part of the initiative Chikwenya has built bomas to host wild dogs that have been relocated from Hwange National Park in order to boost the population in Mana Pools.

CHIKWENYA IS CLOSED FROM 16TH NOVEMBER THROUGH TO MAY EVERY YEAR

THE CAMP WELCOMES FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AGED OR OLDER